Amsterdam for Lovers of Luxury

Once thought of as the drugs and diamond capital of Europe, Amsterdam has so much more to offer the traveler who does not want to skimp when it comes to enjoyment. So exclusive a destination has Amsterdam become that it is attracting epicures, culture vultures, and A-list celebrities from all over the globe. Amsterdam has become the place to be.

The old world

Amsterdam has a history that goes back a long way, but it is most famous for its seventeenth century architecture that has been awarded UNESCO status. Amsterdam is also immediately recognizable for its elegant canals offering romantic towpath walks and scenery. Some might argue that other European hotspots like Paris and London offer more in the way of romance and charm, but that would be the thinking of a decade or more so ago. And visitors will be able to indulge their desire for culture, for in Amsterdam are some of the most impressive art galleries and museums.

A luxury feel

Because Amsterdam has so much to offer the visitor, it has become a high-end, luxury holiday destination and nowhere is this more evident than in the abundance of Amsterdam luxury apartments available to choose from. Every need and desire can be catered for, whether visitors want premium one-bedroom apartments or roomy, multi-bedroom houses for families or large groups of friends. Visitors can choose which style of accommodation they favor too, whether that be ultra-modern apartments located in office towers, old-fashioned opulence in canal-side houses or luxury-appointed houseboats on the canals themselves. Whatever type of accommodation is chosen, these luxury places to stay all guarantee wonderful, interesting scenery because they are situated in prime locations at the city's hub and all come with various facilities that can be found in 5-star hotels.

Indulgent cultural attractions

While many visitors will want to enjoy their luxury accommodation, they will not want to stay indoors the whole time, not with so much to explore on their doorstep. Amsterdam has an impressive artistic and cultural heritage, and there are some places that simply must figure on every holiday itinerary. These include a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, which has on display some of the artist's most well known work along with that of some of his contemporaries. Modern art, such as the work of Picasso, Warhol and Matisse, can be found at the Stedelijk Museum, while the work of the world's finest portrait painter can be found at the Rembrandt House Museum. To avoid waiting in line for tickets and to feel like an A-lister, it is best to book tickets online. Those who want to take a little of the local art home with them can find truly unique artwork, antique jewelry and Delft pottery on Spiegelstraat. For more extravagant art buys, pop into a private art gallery.

Fine dining

Amsterdam is home to several Michelin-star restaurants. Fine-dining, contemporary cuisine and boutique surroundings can be experienced at Vinkeles located in The Dylan Amsterdam hotel. The cuisine here is typically high-end, with oysters, caviar and truffles featuring on the menu. For a fine-dining experience in less formal surroundings, visitors can spend an evening at Ron Blaauw; a restaurant awarded two Michelin stars. But if fusion food with an emphasis on seafood tickles the palate, then an evening spent at Vis aan de Schelde is not to be missed.

Shopping

Amsterdam may not be renowned for its fashion houses like Paris or Milan, but the PC Hoofstraat is an exclusive street with luxury stores, including Chanel, Armani, Cartier and Tiffany and Co. If these stores do not provide enough retail therapy, then a short walk to Cornelis Schuytstraat will provide more in the form of exclusive lingerie at Marlies Dekkers, designer handbags and shoes at Shoebaloo and luxurious knitwear at Repeat Cashmere.

Relax

After all the sightseeing and shopping, visitors will want to relax, if not in their own luxury accommodation, then at one of the indulgent spas dotted throughout the city. One such spot is the Akasha Wellbeing Center where visitors can have a watsu treatment, spend time in a sauna, swim in a pool and finish the day curled up in front of a fire in a bathrobe, sipping champagne.

There is so much more to Amsterdam than its outdated reputation. In fact, it has become one of the most chic and luxurious places to visit in Europe, having something for everyone from culture and fine dining to entertainment.

Photo credit: www.kimptonhotels.com