The Netherlands’ capital city is known not only for its extensive network of canals (which are a UNESCO World Heritage site) and art and cultural museums and sites, but it is regarded also as the commercial center of the country and one of the top financial hubs in Europe. No matter the time of year, the city comes alive with festivities and nightlife as well as buzzing ports and waterways.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the country’s main international gateway, serves many major North American airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines. The airport lies just 20 minutes from the city via the Nederlandse Spporwegen, operating 24 hours a day into Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam. While the city is connected by a network of tram, metro, rail and bus routes, the most popular (and best) way to experience and get around the city is by bike. As one of the most bike- friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam boasts unparalleled facilities including bike paths, bike storage and bike racks.

LODGING
The Hendrick’s Hotel
Across from the IJ waterway, this property offers elegant and unique rooms and suites within a 17th-century canal house. Accommodation themes range from travel to nautical. A warm dining room and lounge with fireplace add to the authenticity of the building.

Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace
For a modern, contemporary stay, opt for this hotel. While it lies in a historic building, interiors are sleek and polished across its guestrooms, suites with bathtubs, restaurant, bar, fitness room with sauna and casual dining venue.

Pulitzer Amsterdam
Feel like a true Amsterdam local at this luxury hotel, occupying 25 17th- and 18th-century canal houses, with each guestroom and suite featuring a different style. Enjoy the on-site elevated restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, 1920s-style salon boat and gym.

DINING
De Kas
Indulge in a fine-dining experience at this restaurant within a garden conservatory, offering Mediterranean dishes using organic ingredients grown on site. Its menu changes with the season and harvests from the garden, reflecting Amsterdam’s vibrant and ever-changing atmosphere.

The Pantry
True Dutch cuisine awaits at this homey restaurant, complete with a terrace. Highlight dishes include Dutch steak, pea soup and various sausage platters. And be sure to get a Pantry beer with your meal!

Pesca Seafood Restaurant Amsterdam
This unique dining experience welcomes guests with its Theatre of Fish, displaying all the fresh offerings of the day. Select what you want and how you would like it prepared, then head to the wine market to choose your drink. Standouts include the Hamachi, scallops, clams and soft-shelled crab.

ATTRACTIONS
Anne Frank House
Step inside the house where the Frank family hid during World War II. The house today is a museum dedicated to Anne Frank and her family and friends, complete with exhibitions and the preserved annex.

Museum Square
This square consists of Rijksmuseum, the national museum dedicated to Dutch history and art; Van Gogh Museum, a Dutch art museum displaying works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries; and Stedelijk Museum, featuring contemporary and modern art and design.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The 17th-century palace often used by the monarch for state visits and other functions also opens to the public, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of royal guests through its rooms and halls. Visitors must purchase tickets to access the palace.

GT PICKS
According to writer Katherine Parker-Magyar, The Pulitzer is one of the chicest hotels in the world, and each room proves unique and charming.

Meanwhile, contributor Carley Thornell recommends Hoxton, liking its easy early check-in policy, and Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengract, boasting a serene secret garden.

Journalist Irene Rawlings describes Amsterdam as walkable and wonderfully compact. Don’t miss Rembrandt-filled Rijksmuseum or charming Mouse Mansion Studio. Browse 200-plus independent shops at De Negen Straatjes, then cycle to Zaanse Schans for cheese, smoked- herring sandwiches and Dutch pancakes.