The Best of Amsterdam: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Cruising along the Linge river dike is pure driving pleasure, with narrow, winding lanes flanked by apple orchards and thatched-roof cottages. Stop in Acquoy, a remarkably quiet village famous for its leaning medieval church tower, which dramatically defies gravity.

Wind down the epic evening in this low-lit, velvet-and-dark-wood sanctuary that feels like a sophisticated, design-forward tavern. Order a peat-forward single malt or a classic Old Fashioned and dissect the evening's performance in comfort.

Odette’s is an Amsterdam classic for a reason. Snag a table overlooking the Prinsengracht and order the truffle cheese omelette or their legendary vegetable-forward lunch plate. It is nourishing, beautifully plated food that makes you feel genuinely good without any health-food preachiness.

When the clock strikes midnight and you need something substantial, head to this dark, energetic joint on the canal. It’s loud, lively, and serves fantastic draft beers alongside arguably the best late-night burgers and ribs in Amsterdam.

Skip the crowded museum galleries and head straight to the Cuypers Library inside the Rijksmuseum. It is the oldest and largest art history library in the country, featuring multi-tiered iron spiral staircases and towering book-lined walls that feel wonderfully scholarly and cinematic.

Housed in a beautiful, high-ceilinged building, this studio feels more like a Scandinavian sanctuary than a fitness facility. Skip the aggressive spin classes and opt for a grounding morning flow to stretch out any travel stiffness. The instructors here are exceptionally warm, and the tea is always brewing post-savasana.

End your afternoon in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, a lush escape right in the center of the city. Wander through the three-climate greenhouse, breathe in the humid, oxygen-rich air among giant water lilies, and sit with a book in the elegant, historic Orangery.

Escape the highway early and follow the lazy curves of the Vecht river to Vreeland. Snag a table on the waterside terrace of this Michelin-starred inn for a morning espresso and a house-baked pastry while watching local boats drift by.

This private, historic estate has been run by the same family since 1734. Settle in for lunch at the estate's restaurant, De Stapelbakker, to enjoy organic dishes made with cheese, fruit, and venison sourced directly from the surrounding fields and forests.

Board a beautifully restored, electric wooden salon boat for a private cruise through the quieter canals. Sip low-intervention wines and sample local cheeses while enjoying the city’s architectural history from the water.

Located in the striking, minimalist Valley building in the Zuidas district, this is wellness for the design-obsessed. It is a high-tech playground featuring state-of-the-art Epsom salt float tanks, cryotherapy chambers, and infrared saunas. The entire space is wrapped in soothing, neutral tones that instantly quiet a busy mind.

Settle in for a long, relaxed lunch featuring highly creative, modern Dutch cuisine. The chefs here elevate humble, locally sourced ingredients into brilliant plates without any of the stuffy, white-tablecloth pretense.

Start your evening at this self-proclaimed 'fish bar' in De Pijp, where the vibe is incredibly relaxed but the kitchen takes seafood very seriously. Order the classic ceviche and a cold local white beer; it's light enough to keep you awake through the first act but sharp enough to wake up your palate.

Walk over to one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls for the main event. Watching Fellowship of the Ring with a live symphonic orchestra here is spectacular, surrounded by 19th-century grandeur and a crowd that’s genuinely thrilled to be there.

Take your seat in one of the world's finest acoustic halls to witness Peter Jackson's masterpiece projected in high definition, accompanied by a massive live orchestra and choir. Hearing Howard Shore's sweeping, legendary score performed live in this historic space is an experience that will give you goosebumps.

Slip into the nearby Conservatorium Hotel for a post-show debrief. The Piero Lissoni-designed bar is a masterclass in modern, dark-hued luxury, serving up some of the most inventive gin and tonics in the city without any stuffy hotel-lobby pretense.

Set in a sunken, historic 18th-century bakery inside The Dylan hotel, this double-Michelin-starred restaurant balances rustic brickwork with razor-sharp gastronomy. It is the ultimate pre-concert indulgence, offering a tailored tasting menu designed to get you to the show on time.

Finish your loop in this historic town where the Rhine and Lek rivers meet. Grab a table at 't Wapen van Wijk for a local craft beer or a late-afternoon coffee, looking out over the old town gate and the world's only windmill built directly on top of a medieval castle wall.