48 hours in Amsterdam
Dine inside a giant greenhouse at Restaurant De Kas
One of Amsterdam’s finest restaurants, De Kas invites diners into its big glass structure for a culinary experience created from seasonal ingredients grown on-site. Housed in what was once the Amsterdam Municipal Nursery, the site dates back to 1926 and has been beautifully converted into a dining space, designed by Piet Boon, and housed an eight-metre-high, entirely glass structure. De Kas grows its own herbs and vegetables in the restaurant’s greenhouse and gardens and its chefs create their menus daily based on their harvest and that of other local farmers. This concept of a restaurant–nursery was dreamed up by Michelin-starred chef, Gert-Jan Hageman, who founded De Kas in 2001 and is now the head grower.
Get cultural in Amsterdam North
Once the industrial area on the city fringes, Amsterdam Noord has blossomed into an interesting cultural space with plenty to see and do. Accessible via a free, three-minute ferry ride across the IJ, once there, visit the white origami building of the EYE Film Museum. This iconic structure is a must-see for movie lovers and has an impressive film library, theatres, exhibition spaces, and a revolving line-up of events. There are more cultural happenings to be found at the Tolhuistuin. This free-spirited garden and pavilion centre features eclectic cultural programs and a popular sunny terrace fronting the River IJ. Another highlight is the cool, post-industrial NDSM Wharf (ndsm.nl), which was once a shipyard. Vibrant and arty, this enormous space is home to festivals, performances, and exhibitions and has a good variety of bars and restaurants. The creative dining scene this side of town includes Pllek, a waterside restaurant inside a shipping container, and Café de Ceuvel, a unique
eatery with a sustainable focus.
See the city sights on a bicycle
There are famously more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and cruising the cycle-friendly city streets on two wheels is a fantastic way to explore its neighbourhoods, canals and attractions. Riding a bike is a way of life for locals and there are plenty of bike paths, cycle routes and flat ground to cover. Cruise along the city’s pretty canals and over its photogenic bridges; get lost and enjoy the sights or take a guided bike tour.
Why not combine two of Amsterdam’s great loves, cycling and Vondelpark? This 47-hectare park has national heritage status and dates back to 1864 when a group of locals formed a committee to found a public park. Cycle the paths that meander through bright English-style rose gardens, across vibrant green lawns, and past its tree-lined waterways and ponds. Stop for a picnic or at one of the number of cafes and restaurants in the park. There’s also free live theatre and outdoor concerts during the summer to enjoy.
Shop ‘til you drop in charming Nine Streets
Wander the nine cobblestone streets that link the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat. These quaint laneways are brimming with history that dates back 400 years in what is now the lively neighbourhood Jordaan. De Negen Straatjes or ‘The Nine Streets’ were once home to the animal hide trade and indeed today you can still find plenty of leather. This old working-class area is now an enticing labyrinth of cafes, galleries, restaurants and more than 200 shops, the majority of which are independent retailers. It’s the place to go for renowned fashion labels and up-and-coming designers, as well as vintage fashion and furniture, interesting specialty shops and cool cafes.