Tag Archives: Amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam

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 One does not need to experiment with the drugs on offer in Amsterdam to experience the feeling of exhilaration and ecstasy generated from being in this liberal and exciting city. There is a sense of happiness that exudes from the relaxed people, the independent shops and unique character of the place. Cycling beside the canals in the sunshine, I felt completely carefree… with the beautiful scenery surrounding you, it is not unlike a scene from the Truman Show, so deliciously cheerful, especially when the sun is shining. I was enchanted by the assortment of independent shops, cafes and restaurants and the intriguing culture that Amsterdam has on offer. There is so much to discover and I felt I only got a taste when visiting for the weekend…all the more reason to return soon.

Travel

Eurostar – Though a plane ride to Amsterdam only takes 45 minutes the new Eurostar service is reasonable, easy and comfortable without the lengthy airport checks and hassles.

Food

Best for lunch – American Hotel, sit in the sunshine and sip rose while enjoying the glorious surroundings at this elegant art deco hotel.

Best for high tea – Royal afternoon tea at Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam is extravagant and indulgent in equal measure. Pretty cakes, delicately infused teas and scrumptious sandwiches… the most civilised way to spend the afternoon.

Best for high wine – the Dylan Hotel offers a unique take on afternoon tea with a delicious selection of wine and canapés tasters all perfectly matched.

Drink

Best club – Jimmy Woo is the club of the moment, fun music and cheap beer with a psychedelic floor downstairs to dance the night away.

Best bar – the Butcher is without doubt the coolest cocktail bar in Amsterdam… so chic and exclusive you must excuse the locals for not being in the know. This secret bar can be accessed only with a reservation and password given at a surreptitious door through a restaurant kitchen. If you are lucky enough to be let in, you can experience insanely inventive concoctions and juicy mini burgers.

Best coffee – Smashing Bean, a groovy little coffee bar located among the trendy nine lanes in the Jordaan shopping area. A huge variety of freshly roasted coffees are on offer as well as an array of tempting cakes. Sit and mingle with the artists.

Shop

The 9 lanes – some of the most lovely specialist shops I have ever visited. Antiques, clothes, food and much more… each one of a kind.

Best sweet shop – Party Pills: the ultra new and super fun rainbow sweet shop that offers personalised products, perfect for presents.

Best clothes shop – There are too many to choose from, but I particularly loved Second Female which offers casual nonchalant garments at reasonable prices.

Best Nail Art! – A must try for next time. If you are a nail art addict like me visit the eccentric Trash and Ready for a mad and magical manicure.

For clothes and cake – visit The Darling where tea parties are held teaching you to personalise your clothes while munching on cupcakes. Downstairs a cute boutique sells clothes and jewellery.

See

Tuchinsky Cinema – the Netherlands’ most beautiful art deco cinema, walk past and observe this building in its full grandeur.

Flower market – Walk through this colourful bazaar, and pick up a bunch of blooming sunflowers. It smells and looks charming.

Red Light District – Look but don’t touch… a world of neon lights and crude shows. Worth seeing if only for a moment.

Van Gogh Museum – the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world… gives an insight into this troubled artist’s life and his exceptional output. Try to avoid visiting at weekends and definitely book ahead to avoid horrific queues.

Hermitage Gallery – this large minimalist venue is currently exhibiting an extensive Impressionist collection, and always has something interesting on offer.

Sleep

Grand luxury – Sofitel Legend is a heavenly place to sleep and relax, located centrally, a luxurious palace.

Boutique luxury – The Dylan is the quirkiest and coolest boutique hotel, combining character with 5 star elegance and indulgence.

Do

Canal boat tour – see the city by water on one of the many boat tours. I recommend an hour long trip so you can see all Amsterdam.

Hire bicycles for the day – there are more bikes than cars in Amsterdam which makes it the best and only way to travel. Ride in the idyllic sunshine over the canals and through the quaint streets.

I fell in love with this enchanting city, now I know how close it is to London, I will be sure to return again and again.

Lunch at The American Hotel, Amsterdam

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The American Hotel is a landmark in Amsterdam and deserves to be seen just for the striking Art Deco design. My grandfather recommended I visit this palatial building while visiting Holland so I was delighted to be offered lunch in the casual café.

The restaurant was buzzing when we arrived on a Saturday lunchtime, it was immediately obvious that this is a relaxed venue, no snootiness here despite the hotel’s long standing reputation. Busy locals drop in for a bite to eat before resuming their weekend activities. We were treated very well throughout our stay, the waiter confidently chose us an appropriate wine and chatted to us without intruding on our lunch.

The menu is simple and short, offering appealing International dishes. We ordered Caesar’s Salads to start followed by Steak Frites. It was an absolutely glorious day, despite the internet predicting heavy rain and we were extra smug sitting in the sunlight outside, sipping ice cold rose while watching the passers by. It felt like heaven, and I couldn’t have been more content.

When visiting the loo, I got a glimpse of the interior… inside the American has a decadent 1920s ambience but combined with convenient modern facilities. The décor is dated but sophisticated with large sunflowers adorning the grand rooms.

Feeling parched from the hot weather, the dry light rose was the perfect refreshing drink and accompanied our meal perfectly. I noted its origin, near my grandmother’s house in Provence, South of France. The salads were divine, well mixed selections of ingredients, crunchy iceberg lettuce, salty bacon lardons, chicken, olives, lightly toasted croutons and best of all, sunblush tomatoes which gave the salad a unique Mediterranean tang. My friend also had anchovies and poached egg on her salad which looked very pretty placed on top.

The steaks were very good value, 20 Euros each for a succulent fillet, very high quality and lean. The grilled meat arrived with frites and salad and was covered in a moreish salty sauce and delicious melting butter on top, I savoured every mouthful, but without the usual London rush I felt the luxury of time and this allowed me to enjoy the meal even more. Amsterdam is famous for their addictive chips and this is exactly what we experienced at the American, soft, crispy and lightly seasoned… dipped in mayonnaise, they were gone in a moment. The salad was a nice touch, complementary with the steak.

After a short interval we went with the waiter’s recommendation of Sorbet Sundae and Crème Brulee to share. Both were homemade, light and delicious, vibrantly flavoured and very refreshing. We were particularly recommended the delicious Mango Sorbet which tasted better than the fruit itself. The Crème Brulee was wonderful too, served in a very thin dish, cool inside with a crackling sugary warm layer on top… delicious with our short espresso coffees.

It was the perfect meal, on a perfect day in the perfect city. Next time I’d love to experience the bedrooms at the American Hotel, I’m sure they are magnificent.

More information here.

Sofitel Legend Le Grand Hotel, Amsterdam

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The Dutch people are humble and modest… luxury is not usually their thing… but when they do indulge they exceed all expectations… a fact proved at Legend Le Grand the spectacular Sofitel Hotel in the heart of Amsterdam.

Located between two quiet canals, Legend offers envious views of the picturesque city, while offering the guests discreet and relaxing accommodation. The venue is stylish and smart but certainly not showy or ostentatious. Walking in, I was amazed by the quirky, individual design, innovative artworks and impressive sculptures occupying every corner. Above the main reception desk, a stunning swarm of white butterflies provide light. The hotel was busy, the main hall a hub of excitement and chatter when we arrived early on Friday afternoon. We were kindly escorted up to our gorgeous and very spacious suite. A huge bright and airy living room, pristine with magnificent views of the canal and street below. Our room was supplied with a Nespresso coffee machine, mini macaroons, wine and water all there for our enjoyment.

Through a small corridor, we discovered the beautiful bathroom, bedroom and wardrobes… I was speechless. The classy bathroom was immaculately designed with a TV above the bath and a pillow on one side of the tub – a genius invention! I tried to act cool, but the smart green Hermes toiletries in the bathroom were just too thrilling, I couldn’t conceal my delight. As part of the prestigious French Sofitel brand, the designer toiletries were a fitting match. I proceeded by spending ten minutes trying each product and taking numerous photos, which I won’t bore you with. Sure enough these products were better than any I have tried in a hotel before, and both of us were amazed by the soft and silky shine it gave to our hair.

The bedroom was as plush and luxurious as imagined… a soft mattress to sink into and pillows that ensure a good night’s sleep. Despite the long itinerary for must see things in Amsterdam, we couldn’t resist spending some of the evening in our room, cherishing every moment with long hot baths, lazing on the sofas watching the huge TV and drinking our way through the rich roasted coffee.

And the luxury continued outside our room, champagne in the heavenly courtyard and breakfast in the elegant acclaimed Bridges Restaurant (which by night is one of the city’s most popular fish eateries). A vibrant display of fresh fruit and pastries greeted us on Saturday morning, choosing was quite a challenge: delicious food of the highest quality, the sweetest orange juice, buttery croissants and finest, smoothest coffee. Everything you need before a day out exploring.

The hotel has wonderful facilities, the intimate Marriage Chapel is a rare and special place to exchange vows while the SoSpa downstairs will relieve you of all your worries and stress, and we were particularly impressed by the beautiful and exotic pool.

Aside from the faultless facilities, it is the staff at Legend that make the hotel such a special place… they have a rare quality of professionalism paired with friendliness and an unrivalled knowledge of the city. Before we had even stepped inside our room, we had potential plans for the whole weekend, with bookings for the hottest club, newest cocktail bar and most important sights. All of which you will find mentioned in my later post, Things to Do in Amsterdam.

When staying at Le Grand expect to see celebrities, royals and diplomats… anyone who is anyone resides at this legendary building, a hotel whose history is just as remarkable as it’s bright and promising future. A landmark of Amsterdam and a palace of luxuries, I treasured every second of my stay there.

Visit the website here for more information.

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2783-sofitel-legend-the-grand-amsterdam/index.shtml