Known for its heritage, intricate canal system, narrow houses, museums, coffee shops and windmills, Amsterdam is truly one of the greatest small cities of the world. The city’s 17th century architecture, glorious parks and gentle canals give it a picturesque backdrop while the infamous Red Light District is also a must-visit — if only to say you’ve been there. In this city packed full of exciting places to visit, things to do and events to experience, Luxurylaunches and the Conservatorium Hotel bring you an agenda showcasing the very best the city has to offer.
Top Day Trip : Take a Ferry to the North Side
Discover a vibrant, inspiring and spacious side of Amsterdam, just across the River IJ. The area of Amsterdam North and Waterfront offers the best of both worlds: vast green expanses & charming little villages plus some of the city’s most cutting-edge architecture, experimental festivals, flea markets artist ateliers, design shops and stylish water-side eateries, among which restaurant Hotel The Goudfazant, situated in an old warehouse, is an all-time local favorite.
Hire a Private Salon Boat
With 165 canals and amazingly beautiful bridges and canal houses, Amsterdam’s canal ring is one big open air museum and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. Floating down Amsterdam’s historical canals is one of the most memorable ways to (re)discover the city. However, forget the popular canal cruises and hire a private salon boat with an experienced captain who can guide you through all those stunning narrow water ways in the oldest part of town – there where the typical canal cruises are not able to sail.
Best Local Secret: Visit the Collection Six
Of course you will take in some of Rembrandt’s paintings in the Rijksmuseum, however for a real unique experience, visit the Collection Six. The astonishingly rich collection of art has been in the hands of the Six family for generations and is displayed in their sumptuous family home on the banks of the Amstel. The first Jan Six was painted by Rembrandt, and his portrait is the masterpiece at the heart of the collection. Collection Six is a little-known secret, only open for a few hours a day, for private tours by advance appointment only to be arranged by our Host.
Must Try Dish: Eat out in one of Amsterdam’s amazing restaurants
Looking for a quick bite, a memorable cocktail or an exclusive Michelin-starred dinner? Amsterdam has all of that to offer and more! Think of one of the finest dining experiences in the city at restaurant TAIKO in the Conservatorium Hotel, with its highly creative contemporary Asian cuisine. Or the superb modern Michelin starred kitchen at & Samhoud Places, with excellent service in a relaxed and trendy atmosphere and an amazing view over central old-Amsterdam. Or enjoy the daily changing menu of the one-of-a-kind restaurant The Kas, amazingly situated in a Green House. But beware: there is a lot more to discover and new restaurants are opening in Amsterdam every week!
Top Architecture: Be amazed by Amsterdam’s ’Hofjes’
Almshouses (or inner courtyards, in Dutch: hofjes) are collections of small apartments (usually 12 or 13 in number) around a central courtyard featuring a well-tended garden, tucked away behind the street facades and canals of Amsterdam’s inner city. Especially the Jordaan has a high concentration of hofjes. Most of them were built in the 17th century by wealthy Amsterdammers to shelter elderly widows in the last years of their life. Nowadays they are inhabited mostly by students and artists but still remain a serene oasis frozen in time. Still, you are free to enter and look at the beautiful historical gardens and entryways, as long as you don’t break the peace.
Best Place for Local Shopping: Discover Amsterdam’s exclusive shops
The Conservatorium Hotel is conveniently located in heart of the exclusive fashion district of Amsterdam, positioned around the corner of the boutiques of the P.C. Hooftstraat, featuring over 40 designer stores, including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada and Cartier. Moreover, Amsterdam offers more amazing shopping areas with local and international designers and boutiques, such as the Cornelis Schuytstraat, the ‘Nine Streets’ and the Utrechtsestraat. Do you want to take your shopping experience to the next level? Discover Amsterdam’s exclusive shops with a personal shopper, who will show you the best and most exclusive boutiques before- / after- closing hours including private car service, beverages & canapés.
