Alluring Amsterdam

For first-time visitors, a canal cruise is a must, since it’s easiest to understand the city’s fascinating layout from the deck of a boat.

Amsterdam's Hotel Pulitzer reopened in 2016 after a lengthy renovation and sports an elegant, feminine and intrinsically Dutch aesthetic. Not to mention the best hotel garden in the city.

A beautiful canal house, the defining feature of Amsterdam.

The Pulitzer Suite at the Hotel Pulitzer is one of the most spectacular rooms on property, and features a freestanding tub and beautiful courtyard views.

Comprised of 25 historic canal houses, the Hotel Pulitzer features many hidden courtyards. Designer Jacu Strauss designed this one with a particularly whimsical aesthetic.

Each of the four Collector's Suites at the Hotel Pulitzer has its own private entrance along the canal. The Book Collector's suite features unique touches like this artwork of tiny text, which can be read using the magnifying glass mounted on the wall beside it.

Prinsengracht canal is one of Amsterdam's most beautiful.

A lovely stop in the posh Nine Streets quarter, Pluk is a a healthful café (think fresh juices and açaí bowls) with a lovely selection of stationary and home accessories.

Fun interior designs at Moooi.

The second-floor café at high-design mecca Droog is one of the most stylish spots to grab a bite and coffee in the old part of the city.

Equal parts tropical paradise and retro-chic eatery, the recently opened Hangar is one of the hottest spots in the up-and-coming Noord area.

While it is a bit of a journey to get there (best done by ferry and with a bike), Hangar is open for lunch and dinner and serves delicious French- and Italian-inspired fare.

Along the IJ river, Hangar has a large alfresco lounge complete with beanbags and palm trees perfect for late afternoon imbibing.

The A'DAM Lookout tower is one of the main attractions that spurred the recent gentrification of Amsterdam North, which was previously just industrial land. The lookout features a swing that is currently the highest in Europe.

A casual dinner of polenta with anise sausage and caponata at the canal-side Buffet van Odette in the Canal belt.

After a meticulous 10-year renovation, the Rijksmuseum reopened in 2013. The museum, which covers 800 years of Dutch art, is most well-known for its Gallery of Honour, where Rembrandt's The Night Watch hangs. The design of the church-like gallery was structured so that the piece, hanging at the end of the hall, is framed like an altar.

Another of the most beautiful rooms at the Rijksmuseum is the library, the largest public art history research library in the Netherlands.

Café t’ Smalle, in the Jordaan neighborhood, is one of the oldest and most charming spots in the city for a beer and bitterballen (a Dutch drinking snack).

An Amsterdam scenic.

The high-design Conservatorium is located in the Museum District, and the glass-enclosed lobby lounge is worth a post-museum visit for a drink, as it is a fun and buzzy place to people watch.

Shopping for antique Delft tiles at M.C. Gasseling Antiques.

Shopping at X BANK, the concept store at the W hotel that opened in 2016 and is a treat to explore for fashion lovers.

The Bloemenmarkt—often billed as the world’s only floating flower market—takes place on moored barges near Muntplein. The displays are particularly glorious during tulip season, but the attraction is a bit touristy.

Beautiful tiles seen while exploring Utrechtsestraat, a pretty street on the Canal Belt.

Chocolate tasting at Urban Cacao, a lovely chocolate shop with a few locations around Amsterdam.

Shopping at Hutspot in De Pijp. The uber-cool concept store sells affordable fashions, accessories, home good, jewelry and this location boasts a lovely café on the second level.

The first floor of CT Coffee & Coconuts, one of the most popular coffeeshops in De Pijp. The three-story eatery is located in a former 1920s cinema and serves breakfast all day along with some savory options.

The Peacock Alley lounge at the Waldorf Astoria, where treats and light bites are served throughout the day.

The I Amsterdam sign in front of the Rijksmuseum.

Shopping at Sukha, a cozy store on Haarlemmerstraat, which is home to many cute boutiques.

Waterkant is a popular spot to drink and lounge on sunny days.

The bench features in John Green's popular young adult novel, The Fault in our Stars.

The dining room at Mos, a tasting-menu restaurant on the banks of the IJ river that boasts spectacular views of the EYE Film Institute in Amsterdam North.