What to do in Amsterdam

Advice on what to do in Amsterdam, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Amsterdam
There are a number of world-class museums to enjoy in Amsterdam, including the Rijksmuseum or National Museum, the modern art collection of the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum.

The Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk are both currently undergoing extensive restoration but the most famous masterpieces of each collection are still on display - in the Philips Wing of the Rijksmuseum and in an appropriately modern high-rise building just to the east of Centraal Station for the Stedelijk.

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most creative capitals and tens of thousands of classical and contemporary music, jazz, dance and theatre performances are held in this vibrant city every year.

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw is a world-class concert hall standing at the south-west end of Museumplein. Home to one of the world's finest orchestras, the Royal Concertgebouw, you will find the best in music, opera and ballet here.

Amsterdam is home to what is probably the world's most well-known sex museum, including an extensive international collection of historical, erotic and pornographic art, literature and "artefacts".

Titillating tableaux of dress mannequins, modern and antique fetish wear, devotional items from Greek temples and carved erotic ivories from Japan keep the visitors amused.

A moving few hours can be spent at the Anne Frankhuis, exploring the sad story of the Frank family and their friends who hid in the secret annex during the Second World War.

The NDSM-pier is a former shipyard on the north bank of the IJ waterfront, which has been transformed into a hotspot for young European artistic activity. A group called Kinetisch Noord (Kinetic North) runs a growing number of attractions, festivals, clubbing venues and cafes.

The largest and busiest market in Amsterdam is Albert Cuypmarkt in the De Pijp district, which specialises in multi-cultural food, as well as clothes and other goods.

Relaxation in Amsterdam
An afternoon lying on the grass in the Vondelpark is a great way to take time out from the city and watch the locals relaxing. There are ponds and winding footpaths where lovers stroll and children feed the ducks. Open-air theatre troupes sometimes perform in summer.

The main shopping street is busy Nieuwendijk, while more up-market shops are to be found on Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. For chic boutiques walk along PC Hooftstraat and the Negen Straatjes in the western canal belt area. For galleries and funky shops, head for the Jordaan and the Spiegel Quarter in the southern canal belt.

You can't talk about relaxation in Amsterdam without mentioning the ubiquitous 'coffeeshop' (as distinct from a koffiehuis where you buy espresso). Thanks to the liberal laws you can buy and smoke a range of cannabis products, including the locally grown nederwiet. Try Abraxas on Jonge Roelensteeg or Dutch Flowers on Singel.

Nightlife in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous for its brown cafes, which have been described as the Dutch equivalent of the British pub. These are dimly lit, comfortable, friendly places for a drink and a convivial chat. One of Amsterdam's oldest is Cafe Papeneiland, on the southwest corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, which opened in 1642.

A mega-venue famed for its top acts and legendary dance evenings is Paradiso, in a large former church on Weteringschans.

In summertime don't miss the parties on specially-made beaches along the waterways of Amsterdam, where flamboyant clubbers party the night away all over town. Blijburg, Amsterdam Plage, Strand West and Strand Zuid and Bloemendaal Beach are all popular.

Recommended restaurants in Amsterdam
For traditional Dutch dishes such as stamppot (potato mashed with kale or endives and served with smoked sausage) or thick pea soup, try the De Keuken van 1870 on Spuistraat.

The colonial history of the Netherlands means delicious food from Indonesia or Surinam can be found in Amsterdam. For a great satay, a tasty gado-gado or the full rijsttafel, Cilubang in the western canal belt has become an institution.

You shouldn't leave Amsterdam without visiting a pannenkoekenhuis, or pancake restaurant. The Dutch version is huge and they are quite creative with the toppings, both sweet and savoury. Try the Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs on Grimburgwal.

Another sweet Dutch treat is a plate of profitjes. Traditionally served with melted butter and a generous dusting of icing sugar, these tiny pancakes are a favourite and the best place to try them is at the Carousel on Wetteringschans, near the Heineken Factory Museum.

Sport in Amsterdam
Football is the national game and the most famous Amsterdam sports team is football club Ajax. Ajax plays at the super-modern ArenA in Amsterdam Zuid-Ooost, which seats 51,300 fans and has a retractable roof. There is a museum dedicated to the club, which was founded in 1883.