Reducing Amsterdam to the sum of its coffee shops and red lit doors is to do a charming and sophisticated city a great disservice.
And in the last twenty or so years, the Netherlands capital has developed some of the chicest, and coolest establishments, from shopping, through to dining and beyond, perfect for those who favour a more luxury lifestyle.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
Visiting rock-stars and royalty (including the Rolling Stones, Bono, Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and no fewer than 53 crowned heads for Prince Willem and Princess Maxima's 2002 wedding) might have checked into the Amstel, but there are newer residences asserting themselves as fine competition.
One such hotel is the Kimpton De Witt, located at five minutes walk from Amsterdam Centraal.
A first European boutique hotel for the Kimpton brand, created out of the husk of an original 17th century building, the hotel oozes modish Dutch design, and as such, it feels modern, lush and spectacularly hip.
If all this wasn't enough to whet your appetite, the boutique hotel has added a couple of further features recently, to make stays feel more bespoke.
The Kimpton De Witt's 'stay human' rooms have been developed to engender human connection, taking anonymity out of the equation by putting you in touch with the suite's previous guests.
A wall by the bed is transformed into a pin board for 'hidden gem' recommendations, for example, and an alphabet rack allows you to spell out a message for future occupants. Even more lovely than this, you can select the room scent you'd prefer and there's even a little polaroid camera with two rolls of film for you to enjoy for as long as your stay.
Rooms start at approximately 180 euros. For more information CLICK HERE.
The Pinnacle Of Traditional Fine Dining In Amsterdam
Much like The Rainbow Room in New York or Le Meurice in Paris, every city has that one, totally legendary, but extremely hard to get into, fine dining establishment. And in Amsterdam, it's The White Room.
Set in the recesses of Amsterdam's Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, close to the Royal Palace, this is a place for special occasions, or particularly boujiee champagne-fuelled sessions with girlfriends. A glad-rags and clutch bags situation, if you catch the drift.
Within the creamy white and gold walls of this restaurant, Michelin Chef Jacob Jan Boerma creates tasteful magic, drawing from many of the natural ingredients and flavours that the Netherlands has to offer.
Choosing one of their many tasting menu and wine pairing options (because what else would you do?!), you'll be treated to such things as North Sea Crab with fois gras, plaice with three different beetroot reductions, sweet and succulent local roe deer, followed by goat milk dulce de leche.
And what's not to love about all that?
For more information or to book The White Room CLICK HERE.
The Best Shopping In Amsterdam
Avoid the hubbub of the tourist traps and global chains in Kalverpassage and de Bijenkorf, and head to De 9 Straatjes. As the name might indicate, this comprises of a little cluster of nine streets, in the classy neighbourhood of Jordaan, stacked with charming boutiques and vintage stores.
From designer threads at Van Ravenstein and Onemanshow, through to the incredible vintage treasure trove that is Laura Dols, this place honestly has everything you need to have 'it's a one off' bragging rights to everyone who asks about your outfits in the weeks following your trip.
The Very Best Modern Dining In Amsterdam
In complete contrast to 17th century grandeur, Amsterdam is a city in constant evolution and some of the more recently founded establishments are really worth checking out.
The A'DAM Toren in Amsterdam Noord is a relatively new attraction. Although the tower itself was built in the 70s, it was privately owned by a multinational oil company until about ten years ago. Since then, however, it has been developed into one of Amsterdam's plushest attractions.
As well as the A'DAM lookout, with 360 views of the capital, and Ma'Dam, serving cocktails against a spectacular backdrop, there is also Moon, the fine dining restaurant with a special twist.
The twist? The restaurant revolves, offering you at least one total revolution, in which you can achieve complete perspective on the 'Dam, per meal.
The rotation theme doesn't stop at the views, as the restaurant also puts guest chefs in rotation too, in order to further inspire the menu, with a new hypey chef-du-jour joining every two months, to 'remix' a dish in conjunction with resident Jaimie van Heije.
Example fare comes in the form of an oyster duo - one served classic and the other with an oriental citrus ponzu - mouth-watering duck with dashi stock and local beetroot variations, some of the best beef shoulder you'll ever taste, all followed by a surprising, moon-inspired dessert.
Truly, an exceptional experience.
For more information or to book Moon restaurant CLICK HERE.
Amsterdam's Beauty SOS
When Paris Hilton was in town, she entrusted her locks to Rob Peetoom on Elandsgracht, a famous hair salon where the city's beautiful people head for pampering, while Salon B, Willemsparkweg are the creative team behind the model's manes at Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Viktor & Rolf during Amsterdam International Fashion Week.
For a natural facial in zen surroundings, Zuiver (Dutch for 'pure') at the heart of the Amsterdam Forest is the perfect escape.
