Amsterdam, the stunning capital city of The Netherlands, is quickly becoming one of Europes premier destinations for the high end crowd. The Dutch city is able to cater to the most discerning visitors (as well as locals enjoying luxurious lifestyles) with a diverse, appealing and compelling offering of prestigious hotels, fine restaurants and of course, the endless charm of a timeless city. Even the surrounding countryside hides many stunning destinations, including farmhouses, high-end cottages and other structures on the world-famous Dutch plains.
Built upon a channel of canals and waterways, Amsterdam is often compared to other European cities such as Stockholm (the capital of Sweden is also built on the water; embedded within a network of waterways) or Venice, notorious for its charming canals and luxurious attire. With its classic central European elegance and great class, Amsterdam appeals to a diverse crowd of luxury visitors looking to make the most out of their experience and seize all the best offerings in town. Are you looking to organise the perfect luxury weekend in Amsterdam? Read our top 5 picks below!
1. Stay at the historic Amrath Grand Hotel in Amsterdam
The Amrath is a lot more than just a hotel: it is a local institution. This hotel is conveniently located near the central stations, a little way from the main tram lines in Amsterdam. Embedded within the settings of a beautiful historical building, the hotel was once the city’s oldest shipping house as a part of the famous “Compagnies des Indes”, an important piece of the city’s maritime heritage. This grand hotel is particularly famous for its luxurious suites and elegant rooms, sporting the latest comforts and timeless European aesthetics.
2. Visit the famous Rijks Museum
Holland is particularly famous for its wave of painters. Dutch painters truly revolutionised the industry of fine arts as we know it, leaving their mark and setting higher standards on a global level: their influence still lives on and it is passed on through different generations! The Rijks Museum is one of the world’s most important visual arts museums, as it features timeless paintings from iconic masters of the canvas, including Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many others. You can spend hours and hours browsing through the masterpieces, so you might also consider taking a short break to enjoy a delicious hot drink or a fine meal at the cafe within the museum itself.
3. Shop around and eat at de Bijenkorf department store
The Bijenkorf features a food court that has always been synonymous with excellence and great quality in Amsterdam. This is a place where some of the worlds best brands converge in a multitude of luxury shopping outlets that will cater to your preferences, needs and wants. The Bijenkorf is also a fantastic place where to enjoy a great meal. Whether you are looking for a tasty bite on the go while on a shopping break or you prefer to sit down and enjoy a fine dining experience, this is the place for you. The Bijenkorf carries nothing but the finest local produce, the best local imports and more. You can order succulent local meals, as well as foreign delicacies, not to mention the great selection of drinks and coffee!
4. Visit the Magna Plaza luxury shopping centre
The Magna Plaza is a dream come true for many shopping aficionados. This luxurious, elegant and iconic shopping centre is certainly one of the most famous in the whole of Europe for its beauty. This is a place that has offered quality shopping since 1932. For decades, the Magna Plaza has been recognised as a strong shopping outlet, catering to travellers and locals looking for their favourite brands. The Magna Plaza is a feast for your eyes, as the building boasts some incredible architectural touches, including the stunning artworks visible indoors, as well as the beautiful columns and arches that characterise the main structure of the building. This prestigious shopping experience is definitely not to be missed.
5. Discover more about Amsterdam at the city museum
Although Amsterdam is definitely a city that will make you want to spend many hours shopping and experiencing its many luxury and fine dining offering, the citys elegance is also expressed through its rich cultural and historical background. If you are keen on learning more about the beautiful capital of The Netherlands, you should definitely take some time to visit the city museum, which is one of the leading museums in Amsterdam and in the country as a whole. This exciting milestone of local culture blends in classic offerings with modern exhibitions, permanent installations, temporary showings, and a lot more. As you probably would expect, the museum features works from notable importance: dont miss masterpieces such as The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Deijman, the influential painting by seminal canvas master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn.
