This one could very well be added to our list of 7 Essential Stops in Amsterdam if one of our long-time favorites ever closes. Brasserie Witteveen was a popular restaurant in the 70s and 80s and after a recent reopening it should attract a legion of new fans. The new space is quite contemporary, and is open throughout the day, starting with a breakfast menu that changes regularly. The other meals offer daily specials together with a variety of choices, from pastas and salads, to sandwiches, all at reasonable (average) prices. The big surprise is the wine list, offering dozens of choices, mostly from Europe. That, and the opening times make Witteveen a place to meet even if only for a drink.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and there are different sitting areas — a wine bar, a “living room,” and the brasserie space:

-See the complete Amsterdam city guide.
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If you’re a shoe fanatic, you’ve probably already heard of United Nude, the brand behind some of the most conceptual, iconic shoes since 2003. It has just opened its first flagship store in Amsterdam and this new year it will have other shops in New York and Shanghai. One of the founders of the project is Rem D. Koolhaas, who places that middle D initial to note that he is not the world-famous architect but his nephew. He has worked with his uncle before venturing into shoe design, and is now based in China where he works with Galahad JD Clark (from England) in creating authentic works of art for the feet. They’ve been sold around the world for some time now, but this is the first stand-alone store, looking very much like a spacious gallery showcasing sculptures for the feet. It includes a “Wall of Light,” so called because the entire space is dark except for the LED-lit wall highlighting the shoe designs.
You can find it at Spuitstraat 125A in Amsterdam or know more about the brand at www.unitednude.com

-See the complete Amsterdam city guide.
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TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN THE WORLD

Travelers from around the world have voted in the last few months and have finally decided which are the ultimate urban creations of all time:

GRACHTENGORDEL CANALS, AMSTERDAM
The monumental result of 17th century urban planning that created one of the most pleasant and beautiful cities in the world.

PASSEIG DE GRACIA, BARCELONA
With a concentration of the most unconventional architecture and remarkable designs in the world, this is arguably the world’s most stunning boulevard.

BRASILIA
An entire city completely designed in innovative contemporary architecture where buildings are sculptures, most of them created by one single architect. A unique, monumentally modernist city.

STRØGET, COPENHAGEN
The longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe is the perfect example of how a city’s better quality of life is in part thanks to its pedestrianized centers.

BAIXA, LISBON
Before Haussmann’s Paris there was Pombal’s Lisbon, a grid of broad streets lined with earthquake-resistant buildings that was the world’s first prefabricated and anti-seismic system for large-scale construction, and Europe’s first great example of neoclassical design and urban planning.

THE WHITE CITY, TEL AVIV
Home to the largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings in the world, this is an outstanding example of 20th century town planning and architecture. It is an unique urban center unlike any other in the world, where planners carefully considered residential, environmental, commercial, and cultural needs to assure a high quality of life.

OLD TOWN, WARSAW
An extraordinary example of restoring centuries of history, culture, and heritage, brick by brick.

-See all the nominees and get more details here: 7 Urban Wonders of the World.
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State Hermitage Museum St Petersburg, Amsterdam
© Hans van Heeswijk

We just highlighted the seven essential stops in Amsterdam, but starting on June 20th, you can add an eighth stop to that list. The new Hermitage Museum Amsterdam is opening its doors with a special inaugural exhibition, the first one in its official new home. Small exhibitions and educational activities by the Hermitage have been taking place in the Dutch capital since 2004, but now, following a €40 million renovation, a 17th century building has been converted to become the permanent home of the Russian collection in Amsterdam. It’s found in the historic center of the city, and the first exhibition is called “At the Russian Court”, showcasing more than 1800 treasures from the St. Petersburg museum.

The richness and grandeur of the pieces date mostly from the 19th century and will remain on display until January 31st, 2010. They include a 60-part royal table service and the Romanoff throne, as well as royal portraits, ball gowns, and court furniture. After that, Hermitage Amsterdam will host two large-scale exhibitions every year, allowing a larger number of people to see the unparalleled collection of Russia’s famous museum which has over 3 million works of art to showcase around the world. In Amsterdam you’ll be able to see the most massive objects thanks to a glass roof, through which Catherine the Great’s 18th century carriage will be delivered for a planned 2010 exhibition called “Alexander the Great: The Road to the East.”

The luminous exhibition space preserves some of the late-17th century Dutch classicism elements, including an original kitchen and church hall. Modern features include interactive digital displays, light-sensitive window panes, and a well-designed restaurant.

-See the complete Amsterdam city guide.
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1. PRINSENGRACHT

Strolling down this canal/street is walking past Amsterdam’s most attractive buildings. These flawlessly-preserved houses are high-ceilinged apartments with minimal decor, home to the professionals and hipsters who can afford them. At number 267 is the most famous house of all, the Ann Frank House. It’s a museum telling the young Jewish girl’s famous story though videos and objects left behind (including the original diary), and there’s also a related shop in a well-executed 1999 extension.

2. PC HOOFTSTRAAT AND CORNELIS SCHUYTSTRAAT

Shopping in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most enjoyable attractions, especially at its Bloemenmarkt flower market and Albert Cuypmarket. After that, it’s OK to skip the chain stores and crowds down the Kalverstraat shopping street and instead head to PC Hooftstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat. They’re found not far from the city’s main museums, and offer the best window-shopping and boutiques. On PC Hooftstraat you’ll find the international luxury brands together with other less-known names, while at Cornelis Schuytstraat nearby you’ll see the more interesting Dutch brands and a number of one-of-a-kind boutiques (we also love the Boekhandel Mulder book shop which has been at this address since 1931).

3. Van Gogh Museum

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum starts with a tour of the permanent collection’s masterpieces and ends with temporary exhibitions in a separate building. That second wing is accessed through the interior of the main museum, and was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. It opened in 1999 and has become a much-photographed building between a visit to the exhibitions inside and the Rijksmuseum nearby.

4. Rijksmuseum

The Dutch Golden Age treasures are on display in a 19th century building that is currently going through a decade-long renovation period. Among the many masterpieces is Rembrandt’s famous “The Night Watch”, while outside is the IAmsterdam sign that’s become quite a crowd-pleaser and one of the most photographed icons in the city.

5. NEMO

This Renzo Piano building is one of Amsterdam’s main modern landmarks. It’s a science museum resembling a ship that’s especially popular in the summer months when its roof becomes a beach. Sure there’s no ocean to swim in, but lounging on the colorful deckchairs under a parasol while sipping a smoothie here is one of the best ways to get a tan in this city. The building opened in 1997 and also offers a good city view at any time of the year, so finding NEMO is a must every time you’re in town.

6. WALEM

If you only have time for one meal in Amsterdam, this is the place to go. It’s a cafe that’s been serving some excellent light meals since 1984 and remains one of the hippest hangouts today! The tables by the canal are quite tempting, but just as attractive are the backyard seats (open only when weather permits) as well as the spacious interior. It has a cool laid-back yet stylish atmosphere, and we find ourselves returning at any time of the day, from brunch to dinner. We especially love the sandwiches, washed down with delicious smoothies. If you pass by at night you’ll also find a good selection of cocktails and drinks.

7. Morlang

Even if the sun is not out, sit at one of the outdoor tables at this canalside cafe. It’s right next door to Walem mentioned above, in the city’s most attractive canal (see above). The number of beverages to accompany your light meals during the day is not very big, but the post-dinner alcoholic drinks are quite varied. Don’t be disappointed if the tables outside are all taken because you’ll also enjoy the pleasant interior. Even if you choose to dine elsewhere, pass by at night for drinks among the attractive crowds.

-See the complete Amsterdam city guide.
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1. Amstel
   - The royal 3 U_Star treatment.
2. The Dylan
   - The sophisticated and elegant boutique choice.
3. The College
   - A 19th century school renovated into a casual-luxurious hotel.
4. Hotel Pulitzer
   - A canalside landmark hotel.
5. Seven One Seven
   - An intimate and romantic home away from home.
6. Hotel Vondel
   - An attractive space in a convenient central location.
7. Lute Suites
   - Stylishly-designed 18th century cottages.
8. Arena Hotel
   - The choice of young design-savvy travelers.
9. Amrâth Amsterdam
   - Canal views from spacious rooms and a central location.
10. St. Christopher’s Inn – The Winston
    - Especially designed by local artists for budget travelers.

See the Amsterdam hotels page for complete information and other recommendations, and check out the ultimate Amsterdam city guide.

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1. New York – It defines the urban lifestyle and the ultimate cosmopolitan destination. You’ll be tempted into shopping more than you wished, paying high admissions to some of the world’s best museum collections, and find yourself having to make tough choices when it comes to dining out. New York is the city of cities, a place where you can’t help it but give in to hedonistic pleasures.
2. Paris – The world’s most beautiful metropolis is unbeatable when it comes to offering the utmost sophistication. Its boulevards invite aimless strolling, window-shopping, and café breaks, while admiring the most elegant fashions and sampling the most refined food as you go. It’s the one city that doesn’t leave anyone disappointed, as its romantic images are proven to actually be true time and time again.
3. London – The world’s best shopping experience is not always cheap, but combine a London shopping spree with sampling its outstanding restaurants and you’ll know you can’t possibly have a better time in any other city. It’s also above all a city to be experienced outdoors, an ironic fact considering its usually grey and rainy skies. But that just shows the power of London’s streets with their constant flow of creativity, edginess, and cosmopolitan spirit.
4. Rome – It’s an ancient city that has managed to survive to the present without being just a museum city. Sure its timeless landmarks can give it the feel of a huge open-air gallery, but experiencing Rome is really about experiencing la dolce vita, the feeling of living life at a slower and more laid-back pace, where stops for a glass of wine or a gelato are daily necessities. And while Milan may be the country’s shopping mecca, as the capital of Italy the city is also the place for great shopping which inevitable takes you through elegant piazzas and streets forcing you to slow down even more. There aren’t and never will be many more pleasing destinations than the eternal city.
5. Barcelona – This is an example of how cities can constantly evolve, reinvent themselves, and become an enviable metropolis. Singular architecture, some of the world’s top chefs and restaurants, cool design, and hip bars and clubs give Barcelona all the ingredients to make it one of the most fantastic cities on the planet. Add the Mediterranean beaches and an always-welcoming atmosphere and you can actually argue that this is the perfect city.
6. Madrid – Home to some of the world’s best art and nightlife, this city manages to be one of the planet’s must-do destinations without having one single instantly-recognizable monument or landmark. That’s because in addition to the outstanding art collections it’s the city’s streetlife that’s the major attraction. Its movida movement of the 80s lives on every weekend and you haven’t been to Madrid until you stay out until breakfast before you finally go to sleep on Sunday.
7. Amsterdam – It’s a symbol of freedom and tolerance, a place where everyone feels free to just be. That welcoming spirit is what makes Amsterdam a must-see city, although its art galleries and elegant canals would be enough to attract visitors to this irreverent city. Many destinations can claim that there is no other place like it, but in Amsterdam’s case you’ll discover that there’s no arguing with that.
8. Berlin – This city dares to be different. It’s an edgy 24-hour party city offering an incredible variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife options thanks to its mixture of cultures and styles. In between its renovated old buildings and contemporary architecture are major international exhibitions and cultural events, meaning there is always something interesting going on, whether it’s a film festival, a fashion fair, or a design expo attracting international attention and cosmopolitan travelers.
9. Lisbon – It’s the world’s most underrated city and that’s because it doesn’t flash its shambolic beauty. Still, Lisbon is quietly seducing its way into the top of the European travel itinerary now that you not only get to see the continent’s most scenic capital but also its growing number of modern attractions complementing its ancient charms. See the best of modern art next to a 16th century World Heritage monument, and dine at a stylish restaurant reached through a street of potted plants and hanging laundry. It’s the birthplace of the world’s explorers and now a place to be discovered.
10. Istanbul – This city is so grand that it’s located in two continents. And by grand we’re not just talking size, but history, monumental wonders, and fascinating streets. It’s European and it’s Asian, it’s ancient but also very much in the 21st century. Watch it all from one of the many rooftop bars or restaurants and you won’t be able to resist falling for its almost mystical spirit.

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