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The cult pocket city guides and mobile apps for the busy, sophisticated traveler CITI PRESENTS LUXE CITY GUIDES www.luxecityguides.com

FLAT, COMPACT, AND At once formal yet liberal, the city beyond the city centre and you will be EASILY WALKABLE, THE beckons with its vibrant but laidback rewarded with lush parks and true Dutch STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL , dazzling Canal Ring, and hospitality. So saddle up and pedal hard! CITY OF AMSTERDAM arty, gentrified . It’s easy to get AMAZES WITH ITS lost along the labyrinthine canals, the METROPOLIS HEAD cycleways with their steady stream of AND VILLAGE HEART. bikes and pedestrians, and the artisanal boutiques and markets, but find yourself

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Blah blah

• Weather-wise, May-Sep is the best • Buy a 1-4 day pass for unlimited • A café is for coffee, a coffeeshop is time to visit, the glorious outdoors tram, bus and metro rides. Check for marijuana. is in full swing, though so are in and check out EVERY time the hordes. you board/exit.

• International code for Netherlands is +31; Amsterdam landlines begin • Winter can be chilly, grey and • Most shops close Sun and Mon am, with 020, most mobiles begin drizzly, but crowd-free. but open late Thu. with 06.

• AMS Airport to city 20 mins / €45 • Thu/Fri best nights out, Sat can be • In emergencies, call 112. by cab. Train 20 mins / €4. vile, quiet other days.

• Just about everyone speaks English • Service levels can be woeful and well, and often. tipping is not required. Though 5-10%, left as cash, is nice when it’s good.

• Best place to get a taxi is at stands but can be a lottery. Beware of scams, especially around • Most restaurants offer value set Centraal Station. menus on top of à la carte.

• Trams are easy, regular and cover • Several establishments don’t accept most of the city. Buy tickets on- credit cards, and some don’t even board or at ticket machines; trip except cash, though most take PIN/ planner at www.gvb.nl ATM cards.

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LUXE INSIDER

Esther Coppoolse / FASHION DIRECTOR

Esther Coppoolse is fashion director at ELLE Netherlands. Over the past decade she has brought style to the casual view of the Dutch, and also introduced the ELLE Style Awards as a stylist platform to Holland. Esther was also the brain behind pop-up concept store ‘little black boutique’ and the founder of ‘CLUB 14 A’, a small but charming creative community/label in Amsterdam.

www.elle.nl

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LUXE INSIDER

Esther Coppoolse / FASHION DIRECTOR

1) WHAT’S THE ONE They serve great tasting dishes where there’s a market brocantes THING EVERY VISITOR TO from local farmers (I love their and biological food every Monday AMSTERDAM MUST DO steaks) in a raw and industrial but morning and Saturday. Then you walk AND WHY? cosy atmosphere. over one of the canals to De Negen Straatjes, which is a very dynamic www.wildezwijnen.com s h o p p i n g a rea w i t h a c rea t i ve m i x Hire a bike or a boat. It is great to see of people and places. the city from the canals, or to bike

along like the locals. Amsterdam feels like a village. 4) PONT 13 7) WHAT ARE YOUR THREE Is a restaurant situated in an old FAVORITE SHOPS IN ferry. The view over the water and old AMSTERDAM? WHAT DO 2) WHERE CAN YOU BE harbor is beautiful and romantic. If FOUND ON A SATURDAY OR the weather is good you have to book YOU LOVE ABOUT THEM?

SUNDAY MORNING? a table outside. Their fish dishes are Lock, Stock and Barrel is a multi brand simple and good. boutique, mid segment labels, with a In the (Westergas fabriek). www.pont13.nl Scandinavian/French authentic style. This is the best park in Amsterdam – SPRMRKT for fashion, interior, books, full of nature, but also cultural events. Great coffee places like Bakker Baard music and art. This exciting concept store is a raw essential place in the and De Bakkerswinkel, and very nice 5) LE RESTAURANT Amsterdam scene. Azzuro Due is a restaurants like Proef and Rainarai, plus there is a lot of space to have deliciously decorated shop for fashion Is very charming and so perfect a picnic and for children and dogs lovers and great for high-end labels. that it’s difficult what to say. Please to run around. book a table as soon as you can www.lockstockbarrel.nl www.bakkerbaard.com and be surprised by the talented www.sprmrkt.nl www.debakkerswinkel.nl French style kitchen and elegant but www.azzurrofashiongroup.nl www.proefamsterdam.nl cool atmosphere. www.rainarai.nl www.lerestaurant.nl

3) WHAT ARE 3 OF YOUR 6) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAVORITE RESTAURANTS NEIGHBORHOOD TO VISIT IN AMSTERDAM AND WHY? FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING? WHAT DISHES DO YOU

ORDER AT THESE PLACES? You should start at Haarlemmerstraat, a great street for all different Wilde Zwijnen is a relaxed restaurant boutiques and independent shops. in the east of Amsterdam. Then you go to Noordermarkt,

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LUXE Loves

DE KAS Dining

Locavore lovers flock to this stunning nursery and glasshouse restaurant situated in the middle of Frankendael Park, which serves solely organic, locally sourced and homegrown fare. Leave the growing to the green- thumbed owner, and exchange that garden rake for a knife and fork.

RON BLAAUW DE KAS NEL Dining Dining Dining

Relocating closer to the heart of Locavore lovers flock to this stunning While the simple comfort food menu Amsterdam and winning his second nursery and glasshouse restaurant and service can be a tad hit or miss, Michelin star has placed Ron Blaauw at situated in the middle of Frankendael it’s all about Nel’s happening terrace the very forefront of neo-Dutch cuisine. Park, which serves solely organic, overlooking the canal. His molecular gastronomic delights are locally sourced and homegrown fare. Check ahead for the varied live jazz, stylistically presented in a procession Leave the growing to the green- music or dance performances that of bite-sized palate-pleasers. thumbed owner, and exchange that keep this pretty C.17th wooden garden rake for a knife and fork. ex-church busy and buzzy. Sophialaan 55 / Old South / +31 20 496 1943 Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3 / East / Amstelved 12 / Canal Ring / +31 20 462 4562 +31 20 626 1199 www.ronblaauw.nl www.restaurantdekas.nl www.nelamstelveld.nl

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LUXE Loves

DE BAKKERSWINKEL LION NOIR DOOR 74 Dining Dining Dining

Breads, cakes, flans, and tarts as far Movers and shakers flock to this kooky, The mysterious location that’s only as the eye can see. De Bakkerswinkel low-lit, curio-filled hotspot featuring divulged upon reservation definitely is an unmissable treat of freshly baked a delicious menu of French favorites. ups the ante of this exclusive lounge goods and homemade preserves. Eat Can’t get a reservation? No matter. for those in the know, but don’t worry, in or take out, but whatever you do, Console yourself at the bar, where the your concierge will get you in if you don’t miss the delectable homemade cocktails are classic and the small plates didn’t book ahead. The creative, jam and scones. range includes oysters seasonal cocktails are arguably and goose rillettes. the best in town. Zeedijk 37 / Centre / + branches / +31 20 489 8000 Reguliersdwarsstraat 28 / Centre / Canal Ring / www.debakkerswinkel.com +31 20 627 6603 +31 6 3404 5122 www.lionnior.nl www.door-74.nl

FROZEN FOUNTAIN Shopping THE OTHERIST VAN RAVENSTEIN Shopping Shopping Contemporary furniture and décor jackpot with top designers A wonderfully eclectic shop of curios, The last word in ‘it’ Low Lands fashion from Netherlands’ art academies botanics, mounted insects, ceramics designers, from Holland’s own Michael and beyond, featuring bespoke and artisanal knits, soaps, stationary, van der Ham to Belgium’s Walter Van commissioned pieces and permanent yarn and more. If you’ve ever yearned Beirendonck, as well as international collections from internationally for a ‘vegan’ cardboard human skull, favorites like Bernhard Willhelme. renowned talents like Piet Hein Eek or a porcelain skunk cranium with 16k Browse through the handy eCatalogue and Tom Dixon. gold teeth, now is your chance to get then pop in and model the designer your hands on it. garments yourself. Prinsengracht 645 / Canal Ring / +31 20 622 9375 Leliegracht 6 / Jordaan / Keizersgracht 359 / 9 Streets / www.frozenfountain.nl +31 20 320 0420 +31 20 639 0067 www.otherist.com www.van-ravenstein.nl

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LUXE Loves

HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM NOORDERMARKT THE DYLAN Activities Activities Accommodation

It was a charitable home for elderly Gourmands make a beeline for A range of contemporary room women for 324 years, but the Noordermarkt every Monday for designs, perfect canal position, beautiful C.17th Amstelhof now houses its organic farm fresh produce and sophisticated lounge, comely permanent and temporary exhibits welcoming vendors, and then again courtyard, Michelin-starred neo-Dutch from the incredible vaults of the St. for the Saturday flea market that Vinkeles, and can-do concierge to Petersburg mothership. abounds in handicrafts, vintage wares, orchestrate private airplane tours or and artisanal draws. culinary canal cruises make this Amstel 51 / Centre / a standout choice. +31 20 530 7488 Westerstraat / Jordaan / 9am-2pm Mon & 9am-4pm Sat Keizersgracht 384 / Canal Ring / www.hermitage.nl +31 20 530 2010

www.dylanamsterdam.com

SEVEN ONE SEVEN Accommodation

On one of the city’s prettiest canals lies this landmark C.19th house. Its nine luxurious suites are havens of comfort and convenience, with gorgeously opulent furnishings and attentive and friendly staff. Request one of two large executives suites at the front to enjoy stunning views of the canal.

Prinsengracht 717 / Canal Ring / +31 20 427 0717

www.717hotel.nl

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LUXE Loathes

TETCHY CYCLISTS RIP-OFF TAXI DRIVERS MEDIOCRE WINE LISTS/

Cyclists rage along the pathways with Fancy a delay, or a coerced scenic tour? WINES BY THE GLASS daredevil temperaments. Jump out Then hail these non-gezellig cabbies at Picky about your drink? Unluckily of the way before you’re driven into your peril. If in doubt, choose a cab from Amsterdam has a rather limited selection the canals. a designated taxi rank. of wines, however jenever, the local spirit, is definitely worth a shot.

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Fab vs. Drab

CANAL TOURING MUSEUM QUEUES RENT A BIKE

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete Instead of queuing and then paying Being a pedestrian in Amsterdam means without a sail down the city’s famous exorbitant entrance fees for the city’s you’re at the mercy of cyclists, so if you waterways, but rather than floating with myriad museums, skip the line and fare at can’t beat them, join them by hiring your the masses on the Canal Hopper’s hop-on, 32 of the best by purchasing a Museum own swish bike or tandem from MacBike. hop-off service, why not charter your own Pass or I amsterdam City Card, the latter www.macbike.nl private tour of the Venice of the North of which also includes unlimited travel on aboard a 100-year-old wooden saloon public transportation. boat with Classic Boat Tours. www.museumkaart.nl www.classicboattours.nl www.iamsterdamcard.com

GUIDED TOURS COOKING CLASSES

There’s no in sense taking a walk through While hearty Dutch classics brown bean the picturesque Old Town without fully soup and stamppot (hashed vegetables) appreciating its history and architecture, make for a tasty lunch, discovering Dutch so get the most out of your visit by vegetarian molecular gastronomy with a booking one of the various area-themed De Culinaire Werkplaats cooking lesson walking tours from I amsterdam, each of makes for one memorable experience. which comes with a full-color brochure www.deculinairewerkplaats.nl with removable city map.

www.iamsterdamcard.com

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LUXE ITINERARY Romance

The water lapping along the canals of at Marlies Dekkers in Berenstraat, and starlit or moon-drenched supper. Round Amsterdam isn’t the only reason the glamorous retro and vintage furnishings off your night at Suzy Wong, a gorgeous Dutch capital is called the Venice of the at Roerende Zaken in Oude Spiegelstraat. and sultry mix of Chinoiserie, excellent North – from fragrant blooms to starlit What better way to rest those weary feet cocktails and beautiful people, or stop meals, this city is awash in romance. than with a chartered private canal tour for a fireside nightcap atThe Dylan (see Start the day with a leisurely walk in via Classic Boat Tours (see Drab vs Fab), LUXE Loves), before retiring to your the foliage-fabulous garden of Hortus which will have you floating blissfully suite upstairs. Botanicus and delectable breakfast along the waterways aboard a 100-year- pastries at the terrace café. Next stop the old saloon boat. Once back on dry land, Westerkerk, this pretty C.17th church with enjoy some gallery time at the amazing its 85m landmark tower, the Westertoren, C. 17th Hermitage Amsterdam (see LUXE affords breathtaking vistas of Amsterdam, Loves), but plan ahead as it closes at 5pm but you’ll need plenty of puff to make most days. When the clock strikes and the ascent to the top! Come back down the guards glare, grab yourself a taxi at for a soup and salad lunch at canal-side a designated stand and head to your pre- Nel (see LUXE Loves), followed by a spot booked dinner table at Ron Blaauw (see of shopping in the antique, fashion, book LUXE Loves) for 2 Michelin-starred, avant- and accessory-filled Nine Streets area of garde taste sensations. The outdoor the Old Town. Look out for lovely lingerie terrace here is the perfect place for a

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LUXE ITINERARY Style

Neighboring style-centric Belgium may Marant, and a myriad of home-grown and at hand with a pre-booked negroni and have one fashion-forward foot slightly international brands. Don’t miss WRKSHP dinner stop at eclectic Lion Noir (see ahead of Amsterdam, but the Dutch have 13 for beautiful jewellery, clutches, bags LUXE Loves). Head straight to the terrace many reasons to catwalk along the canals and clothing by Johnny Ramli, plus alpaca for stargazing of both the celestial and too. Get runway-ready by beginning your and merino wool ponchos from Marie Y. celebrity kind, then stop for a nightcap at day with a glorious pamper session at Levi. Channel your inner interior designer Door 74 (see LUXE Loves), home to the the beautiful 1920’s Sauna Deco, where and pick up glam lifestyle objects for the best and most creative seasonal cocktail you’ll be massaged, moisturised, and home at nearby Antennae Interiors, then list in the city. Finally, amble towards freed of toxins courtesy of their fab if you’re feeling shopped out, recharge Canal House and enjoy a wonderfully Turkish steambath. Feeling refreshed? with a sinfully sweet handmade bonbon at deep beauty sleep in your luxurious suite. Then where better to see and be seen Puccini Bomboni. Next, make a beeline to Zoete dromen! than Café George, where Amsterdam’s the fabulous Tassenmuseum, also known socialites gather to enjoy scrumptious as the Museum of Bags and Purses. brasserie classics in an American-style With a staggering collection of 4000 setting. Following lunch, carry on to bags, purses, trunks, pouches, cases and shopping central Jordaan for a slew of en accessories on show, you’ll suddenly feel vogue Dutch styles at Kabinet, including like your own stash is seriously lacking! labels like youasme/measyou, Isabel Fret not, palate-pleasing consolation is

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LUXE ITINERARY Culture

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of modern lovely garden. Post-lunch, browse the throw from Chang-i, with the best Chinese and masterful art, from contemporary shops and galleries of the antiquarian’s fusion outside of Chinatown. If serendipity Falke Pisano to legendary Van Gogh. favorite Spiegel Quarter. Antiquariaat strikes, catch a concert by the famous Have your Museum Pass (see Drab vs Hoogkamp is heaven for cartography Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at Fab) at the ready, but first, fuel up with enthusiasts, so equip yourself with a map Concergebouw, and be aurally astounded some scrumptious appelgebak (apple of C.16th Amsterdam and make your way by the acoustics of one of the finest pie) at Villa Zeezicht, and don’t skimp to Delaive for collections of both up-and- concert halls in the world. Finally, head on the cinnamon scoop. Now that you’re coming and established contemporary home to The College Hotel for nightcaps energized and ready for the big one, artists ranging from Sam Francis to at the cosy open fire of theBar Lounge, head over to Rijksmuseum to browse the Picasso to Warhol. Shutterbugs will wish before slipping off to sleep in your suite. works of Dutch perennials Rembrandt and to continue to Huis Marseille for snaps Vermeer. Gaze upon the ‘Night Watch’ by Amsterdam’s hotshot photographers, and see all the famous names in one before pushing on to Parisian-chic handy wing, as renovations are underway patisserie Pompadour in Nine Streets for until 2013. Recover from the art analysis a delicious and equally artistic treat. Now with a light bite at Brasserie Van Baerle, backtrack to the Museum Quarter and and if the mood strikes and weather the Van Gogh Museum to spy ‘Sunflowers’ permits, enjoy a glass of wine from one and other works from the maestro, or if of the few decent lists in the city in the you’re feeling peckish, you’re a stone’s

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LUXE ITINERARY The Essentials

ROMANTIC ITINERARY STYLISH ITINERARY

• Hortus Botanicus / Plantage • Sauna Deco / Herengracht 117 / Canal • Lion Noir (see LUXE Loves) Middenlaan 2A / East / T: 9, 14 Ring / T: 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 Nieuwezijdse Plantage Kerklaan / +31 20 625 9021 / Kolk / +31 20 623 8215 / daily • Door 74 (see LUXE Loves) 9am-5pm daily, from 10am Sat-Sun / www.saunadeco.com www.keeclub.com www.dehortus.nl • George W.A.P. / Willemsparkweg 74 / • Canal House / Keizersgracht 148 / • Westerkerk / Prinsengracht 281 / South / T: 2 Jacob Obrechtstaat / Canal Ring / +31 20 622 5182 Jordaan / T: 13, 14, 17 Westermarkt / +31 20 470 2530 www.canalhouse.nl +31 20 689 2565 / 11am-3pm Mon-Sat / www.cafegeorge.com www.westerkerk.nl • or Chez George: Herenstraat 3 / • Nel (see LUXE Loves) +31 20 626 3332 / dinner Thu-Sat / book

• Roerende Zaken / 5 Oude • Kabinet / Herenstraat 13 / Spiegelstraat / Nine Streets / +31 6 +31 20 422 2479 5513 3522 / www.kabinet-amsterdam.nl www.roerende-zaken.nl • WRKSHP 13 / Prinsenstraat 13 / • Classic Boat Tours (see Drab vs Fab) +31 20 423 6675 www.roerende-zaken.nl www.johnnyramli.com

• Hermitage Amsterdam • Antennae Interiors / Herenstraat 12 / (see LUXE Loves) +31 20 626 9222

• Ron Blaauw (see LUXE Loves) • Puccini Bomboni / Staalstraat 17

• Suzy Wong / Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 45 • Canal Ring / T: 9, 14 / / Canal Ring / T: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10 / 6pm-1am Wed-Thu, 6pm-3am Fri-Sun / +31 20 626 5474 / till 6pm daily www.puccinibomboni.com +31 20 626 6769 www.tao-group.nl • Tassenmuseum / Herengracht 573 / • The Dylan (see LUXE Loves) Canal Ring / T: 9, 14 / +31 20 524 6452 / 10am-5pm daily www.tassenmuseum.nl

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LUXE ITINERARY The Essentials

CULTURE ITINERARY

• Museum Pass (see LUXE Loves) • Huis Marseille / Keizersgracht 401 / 1 / Old South / +31 20 571 1511 Canal Ring / T: 1, 2, 5 Keizersgracht www.thecollegehotel.com • Villa Zeezicht / Torensteeg 7 / Canal / +31 20 531 8989 / 11am-6pm Ring / T: 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 17 Dam / +31 20 Tues-Sun • Bar Lounge / The College Hotel / 626 7433 / 9am-9.30pm daily www.huismarseille.com/ Roelof Hartstraat 1 / Old South / Nel (see LUXE Loves) • Van Gogh Museum / Paulus • Rijksmuseum / Jan Luijkenstraat Potterstraat 7 / Museum Quarter / 1 / Museum Quarter / T: 2, 5 T: 2, 3, 5, 12 Van Baerlestraat / +31 Hobbemastraat / +31 20 674 7000 20 570 5200 / 10am-6pm daily, till / 9am-6pm daily 10pm Fri www.rijksmuseum.nl www.vangoghmuseum.nl

• Brasserie Van Baerle / Van • Chang-i / Jan Willem Brouwersstraat Baerlestraat 158 / Museum Quarter 7 / Museum Quarter / T: 3, 5, 12, 16, /T: 3, 5, 12, 24 Roelof Hartplein / 24, 25 / +31 20 470 +31 20 679 1532 / lunch Tues-Fri, Sun, 1700 / dinner daily dinner daily www.chang-i.nl www.brasserievanbaerle.nl • Concergebouw / Concertgebouwplein • Antiquariaat Hoogkamp / 10 / Museum Quarter / T: 3, 5, 7, 10, Spiegelgracht 27 / +31 20 625 8852 / 12, 14, 16, 24 Museumplein / +31 20 http://www.prenten.net 573 0573 / Delaive Spiegelgracht 23 / www.concertgebouw.nl +31 20 625 9087 www.delaive.com • The College Hotel / Roelof Hartstraat

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Your LUXE notes

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