A day in Amsterdam: exploring the hotspots of the Dutch capital

Joris Willems
NautaDutilh, Amsterdam
joris.willems@nautadutilh.com

Sarah Zadeh
NautaDutilh, Amsterdam
sarah.zadeh@nautadutilh.com

Inger van Dijkman
NautaDutilh, Amsterdam
inger.vandijkman@nautadutilh.com

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, is a place where history, culture, and modernity seamlessly come together. With its picturesque canals, charming architecture, world-class museums, and lively atmosphere, Amsterdam offers a unique experience to visitors from around the world.

As the IBA Annual Litigation Forum will be hosted in Amsterdam city centre, we have listed some favourite hotspots for you to visit. However, there are also nice places to visit outside the city centre, such as the Museum Square, where famous museums are located, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, but also areas such as de Pijp, which is a vibrant neighbourhood with many cafés and markets, and the NDSM area, which is an artistic neighbourhood with up-and-coming restaurants. Amsterdam also has beautiful local parks such as Westerpark and Vondelpark, which are ideal for a lovely morning walk or run.

Morning

Start your day by strolling along the canals in the city centre and admiring the architecture. In the city centre and in the neighbourhood the Jordaan, there are many nice coffee bars such as Wandu, Screaming Beans and Back to Black, where you can have your morning coffee and breakfast. For a typical Dutch breakfast, stop by Kaaskamer for one of the best cheese sandwiches in the city, or the Pancake Bakery, for a traditional Dutch pancake. While you enjoy your coffee, you can walk through the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) where you will find many boutique stores and art galleries. There are also museums, such as the Anne Frank House, which is a moving and captivating museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank. Close to the Anne Frank House is the Westerkerk, which you can enter free of charge.

If you want to do even more sightseeing, we recommend a canal cruise, which allows you to appreciate Amsterdam’s architectural beauty from a different perspective. You can either join a guided tour or rent your own boat.

Early afternoon

If you want to indulge in more cultural activities, you can visit the H’ART Museum (formerly known as ‘the Hermitage’), where famous art works and stories from around the world come together. On your way to the H’ART Museum, you will walk by the Amstel, the Royal Theatre Carré, the Amsterdam flower market, and the Magere Brug, which is an iconic and picturesque bridge. If you prefer to relax and dive into the world of diverse plant species, you can visit the Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden that has been enchanting visitors since its establishment in 1638.

After you have enjoyed these activities, it’s time to go for some lunch. Dignita Hoftuin is a unique and socially conscious restaurant, located in a beautiful garden setting, where you can enjoy delicious food. Due to the restaurant’s popularity, it is advisable to book in advance, but you can always try just turning up. Other nice lunch options include Singel 404, where you can have a lunch on the terrace next to the canals, Kessens, or Café-Restaurant de Plantage, with the latter being located around the corner from the Hortus Botanicus.

Late afternoon

If you are a photography enthusiast, then FOAM (Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam) is a must-visit destination. FOAM showcases a diverse range of contemporary photography exhibitions from both established and emerging artists. Nearby FOAM, you can find Patisserie Holtkamp, which is a renowned pastry shop, known for its exquisite handmade pastries, chocolates, and baked goods. One of their specialties is shrimp croquettes, a Dutch delicacy.

If you have some extra time and you are looking for something charming or perhaps a little more sophisticated, then consider indulging in high tea at the Waldorf Hotel, with an array of sweet and savoury treats.

Evening

Amsterdam offers a wide variety of great restaurants. From traditional Dutch cuisine to international flavours, the city offers a broad range of dining options. For a delightful Italian dining experience with both a lovely atmosphere and tasteful decor, we recommend La Fiorita and Toscanini. If you prefer to enjoy a culinary experience centred on seafood, then we suggest heading to Pesca, which is a restaurant that has an indoor fish market. If you are looking for a modern European cuisine, Café Verlan is also a great option.

After dinner, you can head to the many great cafés in Amsterdam. For a real local café experience (and a Dutch snack), we recommend Twee Prinsen, Café de Pels and Café Sonneveld. For a more upmarket experience, you can visit the Hoxton and the Dylan for a cocktail. If you want to finish the night with some karaoke, the Duke of Tokyo is the place to be.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Amsterdam.