bmibaby - Destinations: Amsterdam

best place to see Old Amsterdam:
Museum van Loon
Be sure to visit this delightful museum for a fascinating insight into how the rich lived during Amsterdam's Golden Age. It's located in a double-size canal house that dates back to 1672 – its first resident was painter Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembandt's most famous pupils. Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 11am-5pm.
Where > Museum van Loon, 672 Keizersgracht, Amsterdam, Tel: +31 (0)20 624 5255. view map
Website > www.musvloon.box.nl

best authentic Amsterdam experience:
The 9 streets
Not far from Dam Square, the 9 Straatjes (9 Small Streets) provide for a wonderful opportunity to soak in a true Amsterdam experience. Narrow streets are lined with 16th and 17th century houses containing antique shops, local designer boutiques, cheese stores, cafés, art galleries and vintage clothing shops. There’s even a store that sells nothing but candles in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Where > Located between Singel and Prinsengracht, Amsterdam. view map
Website > www.theninestreets.com

best museum:
Amsterdam Historisch Museum
If you truly want to learn about all aspects of life in Amsterdam throughout the centuries in an original and beautifully restored building – and you want to avoid the long lines and crowds at the Van Gogh or Rijkmuseum! – pay a visit to the fascinating Amsterdam Historisch Museum in the heart of the old city centre.
Where > Amsterdam Historisch Museum, 357 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal or 92 Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, Tel: +31 (0)20 5231822. view map
Website > www.ahm.nl

best cheese shop:
De Kaaskamer (The Cheese Room)
Located in the 9 Streets shopping district, about a 15 minute walk south of Dam Square, De Kaaskamer (The Cheese Room) is the place to go if you’re interested in anything relating to... you guessed it, cheese! The extremely friendly staff will also allow you to taste before you buy, or prepare you a sandwich-to-go with all your favourite ingredients (including cheese, of course!), perfect for a picnic in nearby Vondelpark.
Where > De Kaaskamer, 7 Runstraat, Amsterdam, Tel: +31 (0)20 6233483. view map
Website > www.marketmanila.com

best outdoor market:
Noordermarkt
Amsterdam has several great outdoor markets that shouldn’t be missed – including the Albert Cuyp market in the De Pijp neighbourhood (with over 300 stalls selling everything from A to Z) and the Dapper market in the Oost-Watergraafsmeer neighbourhood (voted one of the Top 10 Shopping Streets by National Geographic Traveler). But don't miss the Noordermarkt. It’s a hive of activity, with locals out to buy everything from second-hand clothes to locally produced cheese, tulips and organic fruit and veg, and a plethora of cafés allows for a moment of relaxation after all the shopping. But plan well – it's only open on Saturdays from 9am until 4pm.
Where > Noordermarkt is located one block south of the intersection of the famous Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht canals – a 15 minute walk west of Centraal Station, Amsterdam. Look for the Noorderkerk (North Church) steeple.
Website > www.amsterdam.info

best day trip:
bike ride to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Rent a bicycle at any spot in the city (they’re everywhere!) and then get yourself a map of the city. Ride south along the banks of the River Amstel, which winds through the city and then snakes its way past high-rises and parks, and finally takes you through pastures and farmland. After about an hour, you’ll reach a small, quaint Dutch village called Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Several outdoor cafés and restaurants along the water’s edge provide the perfect setting for a splendid afternoon in the sun watching boats glide by while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a gourmet salad. Open every day from 9am-5.45pm
Where > Hire a bike from Mac Bike Rentals – this large company has many locations throughout the city, including Centraal Station and Leidseplein Square (2 Weteringschan, Amsterdam), Tel: +31 (0)20 620 0985. view map
Website > www.macbike.nl

best place to lounge:
Rain
If you’re planning a night out in Amsterdam and want to start the evening somewhere with a cosmopolitan feel, funky lounge music and great food, Rain is the place to go. Located in the party zone of the city, late at night Rain turns into a nightclub featuring live performances and visual art, so you won’t need to leave!
Where > Rain, 44 Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam, Tel: +31 (0)20 626 7078. view map
Website > www.rain-amsterdam.com