Amsterdam has a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s foremost cities of entertainment. The nightlife is legendary and the fun-loving vibe attracts large groups of revellers, especially bachelor parties. Of course, a city with such historical and cultural importance has lot more going on than this. With famed high-brow entertainment from ballet to opera, glamorous celebrity lounge bars, luxury shopping, and decadent dining, Amsterdam is most definitely a city to splurge on enjoying the finer things in life.
You can go the luxurious route in any number of ways, from a private canal boat charter with lavish food, to a grand gala concert of classical music performed by a world-class orchestra. While some of these classic experiences never go out of fashion, Amsterdam is ever-changing, with A-list celebrities quickly gravitating to the latest hotspot. Luckily our expert local guides are in-the-know and can help you find that luxury experience you crave, such as the best waterfront fine dining restaurant for a romantic dinner. They will also assist with planning a luxury Amsterdam tour and activities.
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s iconic canals are the beating heart of city life. It is the quintessential touring activity for virtually every visitor in the Dutch capital, and is by far the most relaxing and rewarding way to see the key sights. There are numerous tour options to explore the city by water, including luxury services to quite literally push the boat out.
Splash out by renting a private antique saloon riverboat, complete with period mahogany panelled interiors featuring red velvet sofas. Indulge with a three-course a la carte champagne dinner while cruising the canals. The intimate atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening, or you can enjoy a more informal experience with an open bar, canopies, and music. With a private charter including a skipper and cruise guide, the route and timetable is fully customisable to suit your needs.
Concertgebouw
Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife is legendary, yet the city is also a hotbed of more refined entertainment. A grand late 19th century building houses the famed Concertgebouw, a magnet for opera and classical music lovers. Not only is the setting stunning with magnificent architecture, it is also one the finest concert halls in the world for its acoustics.
Featuring a grand concert hall and smaller recital hall, it puts on show-stopping orchestral and operatic performances by the world’s best, as well as intimate shows. There is something for everyone. Concertgebouw has even hosted legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd during their 1970s heyday.
There are over 600 concerts each year, which also includes genres such as jazz, pop, and world music. The resident Dutch Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is one of the world’s best orchestras, and performs regularly with top guest conductors and opera singers. The Concertgebouw also offers ‘all-access’ tours with a guide, showing the soloist rooms, choir practice room, and backstage area.
Jordaan Food Tour
If you were to visit only one local district in the Dutch capital, it would have to be Jordaan. It is a residential district like no other. The picturesque streets have a quaint country town ambience, yet it is only minutes from the centre. The canal banks are lined with colorful flowers, and it is home to a wealth of luxury independent boutiques, cafes, and artisanal studios. It is also a popular pit stop for gourmet food lovers.
Jordaan dates back to the early 17th century and combines rich history with a hip, contemporary vibe. This is also true of Jordaan’s eclectic food scene; cafes and cheese shops in the same family for generations share streets with trendy new eateries.
Jordaan is the top foodie hangout with foreign visitors keen to dive into Dutch cuisine for the first-time. There are several luxury Jordaan food tours lasting three to four hours that take in multiple tastings of local delicacies, sit-down meals, and hands-on cooking. You will discover foodie highlights such as Amsterdam’s best apple pie, Gouda cheese dishes, sausages, herring, Bitterballen, and of course traditional stroopwafel.
Fancy spicing it up? Jordaan is also home to several eateries specialising in authentic food originating from the former colonies of Indonesia and Suriname. One place absolutely not to be missed is Café Papeneiland. It dates back nearly 400 years and is world famous for its apple pie.
Stay in a Windmill
What is the most uniquely Dutch thing you could possibly do during a trip to Amsterdam? Sleep in a windmill of course. Just a short drive into the countryside, you can do just that.
Surrounded by rolling green pastures, the 19th century Mondriaanmolen windmill in Abcoude is only a 15 minute drive away from the capital. The windmill is still semi-operational with all the inner workings of the machinery, although it is now primarily a unique vacation rental. The living area is surprisingly spacious with three bedrooms, a lounge, and fully equipped country-style kitchen. It has a real old-world ambience with broad wooden beams and shelves filled with blue Delft pottery.
There is also a quaint dining area and a terrace with river views. It offers pretty much everything you’d expect at a conventional boutique hotel, including a TV with international channels and free Wi-Fi.
Abcoude is a charming historic town with plenty of opportunities for easy hiking, cycling tours, fishing. and you can also cruise on the River Amstel back to Amsterdam. Other windmill rentals dotted around the Netherlands countryside include the De Koffie Molen windmill near the sand dunes on the northern coast, and the De Ouden Molen in Valkenburg which is still a working mill.
Conclusion
You will quickly notice the luxurious allure of Amsterdam, which is tied to its culturally rich history and art heritage. Yet, Amsterdam also exudes pure contemporary style, especially in fashion and art. It is certainly a discerning shoppers’ paradise. Explore the city in fine style with one of our tour guides for the ultimate luxury experience. You can also feel like a celebrity with a fully customisable private tour designed just for you.
