The luxurious side of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a tourists’ hotspot. Chic hotels, the classic Dutch flavors, magnificent art and historical architecture will leave you spoilt for choice in this appealing Dutch capital.

Amsterdam often referred to as the “Venice of the North", has numerous canals and bridges. A boat canal tour is essential for all the visitors exploring Amsterdam. A boat cruise can be relaxing and fascinating by day and romantic and enchanting by night as you pass through the pleasant Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Brouwersgracht, Bloemgracht and Singel canals. Sail through the vivid canals on a luxurious boat with dinner and drinks. Relish a freshly prepared 3-course food bon vivant with uniquely blended cocktails in an intimate ambience. The boat boards only 20 passengers at a time.

Don’t forget to check out Seven One Seven, a whimsical luxury bed and breakfast (B&B) located to the east, at Prinsengracht 717. This guesthouse was home to an art collector in the 19th-century. Art enthusiasts must visit the Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, the Hermitage, Anne Frank House and Stedelijk museums located within earshot of each other. Conservatorium is yet another attraction for the art and fashion buffs. It is a five-star hotel designed by Piero Lissoni. If you happen to pass by Amsterdam’s Central Station, you want to take the 5 minutes’ walk to the best rooftop views - the SkyLounge by Hilton Hotel located on the 11th floor of Double Tree and the 7th floor café atop the central OBA library.

The House of Bols is a sneak peek into the glamorous world of cocktails. You will get to know all about Lucas Bols (1575), the oldest distilled liqueur brand, bartending, liqueurs and Dutch spirit Genever. You can also spend your evening like a rock star at Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam which consists of rare and authentic music collectibles. Do try the Legendary Burger and Smokehouse items.

The night out in Amsterdam will be unforgettable. Stroll with the partygoers from across the globe and join the Europe’s largest pub crawl at Leidseplein. Enjoy a VIP treatment at various nightclubs including Jimmy Woo with an international allure, Paradiso featuring live music, Studio 80 dedicated to electronic live music and North Sea Jazz Club.

If you are interested in a luxurious shopping spree, there are various shopping destinations for you to stop by.

P.C. Hooftstraat, named after Pieter Cornelisz Hooft who was a famous poet in the 17th-century, has been an exclusive destination for shopping since the 70s. This street houses the big labels including Hugo Boss, Hermes, D&G, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Bvlgari, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. etc.

Amsterdam has two huge department stores with numerous luxurious items under one roof. De Bijenkorf which is located on the edge of Dam Square has everything from fashion, footwear and handbags to home appliances and electronics. There are various luxury ‘shop-in-shops’ like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermes on the ground floor.

Van Baerlestraat is the home to famous Dutch fashion designers like The People of the Labyrinths, Pauw, and Fred de la Bretonière. If you want to pamper yourself, take an appointment at the Soap Treatment Store for beauty treatment.

Willemsparkweg is yet another shopping street to check out with tailored suits at Suitsupply, designer sunglasses at Oog in Oog and elegant dresses at Thalian. If you are looking to add some elegant furniture to your house, check out Edha Interieur. If you have a pet and like to pamper him, do visit Vovnjau. Cornelis Schuytstraat is just ahead of Willemsparkweg where you can shop for a makeover. French Connection, Shoebaloo and many other brands have all it takes to assemble a new outfit along with jewelry.

Beethovenstraat houses popular Dutch fashion designers like Claudia Sträter and various specialty shops. Sterre & Tijl has toys and clothes for babies and infants along with elegant furniture. The English Hatter features all kinds of hats. Check out Huize van Wely for delectable chocolate bonbons or try the different cheese flavors at Tromp.

Utrechtsestraat is located in the heart of the city centre, starting at the Rembrandtplein and crossing the canals. There are various luxurious fashion stores like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zwartjes van 1883 selling good leather shoes.

Amsterdam is the Europe’s diamond capital and is ideal to shop for jewelry. You can buy loose diamonds as well as crafted jewelry.

After a long day of exploring the diverse culture of Amsterdam, sit down for a nice meal at the finest restaurants in Amsterdam which include La Rive, two Michelin starred Ciel Bleu, Vinkeles restaurant in the Dylan Hotel or Beddington for a blend of Japanese, French and English cuisines.

With magnificent museums, eccentric festivals, summer open air theater, illuminated canals and delightful restaurants; Amsterdam is the ultimate luxurious destination to explore, especially on bicycles.