Hermitage Amsterdam

Nestling on the banks of the River Amstel in the very heart of the Dutch capital, The Hermitage Amsterdam is an offshoot of the famous Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. Based in the old Amstelhof building since June 2009, the cultural institution is able to borrow from the very rich collection of its Russian counterpart and organises major exhibitions which rival the most prestigious museums in Europe.

Address: Nieuwe Herengracht 14, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.hermitage.nl/en/

Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam

De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam one of the most appreciated monuments of the city. It is famous for its exhibitions around treasures from other countries, cultures and religions.

Address: National Foundation De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/

Pythonbrug

Pythonbrug: at 90 metres long, this bridge winds like a snake between the island of Borneo and the almost island of Sporenburg. A great walk along some exceptional architecture.

Address:

More information: http://www.iamsterdam.com

Van Gogh Museum

This museum is dedicated to the works of Van Gogh, who was born in Groot Zundert. The museum houses over 200 paintings and 500 sketches, as well as correspondence with his brother Theo. The various rooms in the Van Gogh Museum are arranged chronologically and are dedicated to the towns where the Dutch master stayed including Drenthe, Antwerp, Paris and Castres. Come and view the famous Sunflowers and Bedroom in Arles!

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp

Rubens, Van Dyck & Jordaens. Flemish Painters from the Hermitage.

From 17 September 2011 to 15 June 2012, the Hermitage Amsterdam presents a stunning selection from the Flemish art collection of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. With 75 paintings and approximately 20 drawings, this definitive survey includes numerous masterpieces by the three Masters of the Antwerp School – Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens – accompanied by the work of various well-known contemporaries. One of the highlights is Rubens’ famous Descent from the Cross. This will be the first exhibition of this superb collection in the Netherlands. Many of the paintings in the exhibition were acquired by Catherine the Great in the eighteenth century. They were part of several outstanding collections, such as those of Crozat and Brühl, which Catherine purchased in their entirety. Originally, many of the paintings were on display in churches and monasteries in Antwerp and other European cities. The exhibition will offer a close look at Flemish art and the history of the Flemish art collection at the St. Petersburg Hermitage. With the aid of an audio tour, a film and computer displays, the exhibition offers a close look at Flemish art and the history of the Flemish art collection at the St. Petersburg Hermitage. The vitality of seventeenth-century Antwerp comes to life on a special wall of the exhibition that shows painters' studios, churches and monuments in word and image.

Address: Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.hermitage.nl/en/tentoonstellingen/verwacht.htm

La Rive

In the sumptuous Hotel Intercontinental, La Rive welcomes you for an unforgettable visit. This restaurant is set apart by its two Michelin Guide stars. The cuisine, which is a balance of traditional French and creative gastronomy is both refined and pleasantly light and the setting reflects the impression of luxury and well-being. Careful though: Booking ahead is essential. Then you will be able to enjoy the fabulous private terrace which looks out over the Amstel! This prestigious address is the obvious choice for celebrating an event during your romantic break in Amsterdam.

Address: Professor Tulplein 1, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.restaurantlarive.nl/?lang=en

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs

Here you can taste the best pancakes in Amsterdam, served in every possible way! Located on the first floor, the tiny room, which can accommodate a maximum of 10 people, is well worth climbing up the city's steepest staircase. The decor at Upstairs is playful: dozens of teapots hang from the ceiling whilst photos of the royal family adorn the walls. You must try: the bacon, cheese and ginger pancake.

Address: Grimburgwal 2, Amsterdam

De Taart van m’n Tante

This café is a real treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Simon de Jong, both patissier and genius, proves his exuberant imagination in the preparation of his cakes. The multi-coloured decor is ultra kitsch for this tea room as demonstrated by the flamingos. Admire the colourful cakes from close up and perhaps you'll find some motifs that you wouldn't expect to see on cakes: girls with bare breasts or even an animal orgy.

Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 10, Amsterdam

More information: http://www.detaart.com/