Essential guide to Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam has, for centuries, been a major hub for art in Europe. The city has also been home to numerous famed and influential artists. For a look at some of their work visit world-class museums, including the recently renovated Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum. For a taste of contemporary and modern art, head to Stedelijk Museum.

Throughout Amsterdam, you will find stands offering soused herring, which is commonly served with onions and pickles. The nation is also known as cheese country, with many varieties such as gourmet gouda, maasdam, leyden and leerdammer on offer. Luckily, Alkmaar Cheese Market, about half an hour by train from the Dutch capital, is there to accommodate you. For dessert, pop into any food market and pick up a bag of delectable stroopwafels (caramel-filled cookies).

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For a bit of history and culture, head to the 13th-century Dam Square in the city centre and check out the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Royal Palace and National Monument. Built in 1270, the dam where the square stands formed the first connection between the settlements on the sides of the Amstel River, before it was widened to a square that would be filled with classic architecture.

Known for its picturesque and abundant canals, the capital city offers several options for canal cruises. The boats float through the historic, Unesco-protected waterways while acquainting you with Amsterdam’s big landmarks. The canals – the first of which was dug in the 17th century – are a critical part of the overall cityscape, prompting the construction of about 1,500 bridges citywide. Located in front of the Heineken Brewery, Amsterdam Canal Cruises (Stadhouderskade 78) offers hop-on-hop-off and dinner-cruise options, while other operators include Blue Boat Company and Holland International.

The Netherlands is famed for its beer, with brands such as Heineken and Amstel first bringing the market to life. But in recent years, Amsterdam has become home to a budding micro-brew scene. For some of the best, head to De Gooyer (Funenkade 5), where you can try an organic blonde and dark beer at the award-winning Brouwerij ’t Ij, a brewery next to one of the city’s few remaining historic windmills. It also offers a lovely short tour.

– TEXT BY PHILIP HEIJMANS

Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.

To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com. For updates and travel advisories, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. 
PHOTOS: JAN KEES STEENMAN (VAN GOGH MUSEUM), ERIK EN PETRA HESMERG (NIEUWE KERK), MAGPEYE PHOTOGRAPHY (BLUE BOAT COMPANY), SUPPLIED, BROUWERIJ’T IJ FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.