"Seeing an opera or a ballet in Amsterdam is—in a word—magical. Housed in the canal-side Stopera building, which is also home to Amsterdam's City Hall, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet took on its current name in early 2014 to reflect the official partnership of the Dutch National Ballet, The Amsterdam Music Theatre, and De Nederlandse Opera (also renamed to the Dutch National Opera). In 2016, the Dutch National Opera and the Dutch National Ballet will share the stage for the first time in a production of Hector Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette, directed by Sasha Waltz. The rest of the programming for 2016 and 2017 looks just as wonderful."

"The Rembrandt House Museum is a nice departure from Amsterdam's more conventional museums and the long lines you'll face at nearly every one. The museum building, which was the home and studio of artist Rembrandt van Rijn from 1606 to 1669, underwent extremely sophisticated restoration work in the 1990s so that would it could continue to look and feel like a house from the 17th-century. Here, you'll see many of Rembrandt's etchings, graphical pieces, and paintings. There are also demonstrations daily that are fun for the kids—either the etching printing process or a behind-the-scenes look at how paint was made in Rembrandt's day."

"Walking through the house where Anne Frank hid for more than two years—along with her family, the Van Pels family, and Fritz Pfeffer—is incredibly affecting. Although areas of the house have of course been refurbished, many original objects remain, as well as photographs, important historical documents, and handwritten notes and letters, including the diaries Anne wrote from 1942 to 1944. With great humanity, the museum's changing exhibitions portray different pieces of the Holocaust, Anne's life, the lives of the people who hid with her, and the people who helped keep the secret annex safe for two incredibly dangerous years. On a practical note: The wait to get into Anne Frank House can be long, but it's really a must-go (and captivating for school-age kids, too), so plan ahead if you can. The museum is trying a new entry system with the aim of making it easier for more people to visit. As of May 1, 2016, from 9am to 3:30pm, the museum will only be open to visitors who purchase an online ticket for a designated time slot. After 3:30pm, you'll be able to buy a ticket at the museum."

"The Rijksmuseum is the Louvre of the Netherlands—meaning you won't see it all in one go, and it's worth returning to again and again. The Rijks first opened in 1800 under a different name but it's been in its current building since 1855. It underwent a ten-year long rebuilding and renovation process, which was completed in 2013. The heart of the museum is Dutch art from the Middle Ages all the way through the 20th-century. Not surprisingly, it's best to buy a ticket online so you don't have to wait in line at the ticket office. And like other Amsterdam museums, the Rijks is generally more quiet before 10am and after 3pm. "

"Although the breadth of the Rijksmuseum is impressive, there's something pretty incredible about being able to see the work of a single artist curated in great depth in one place. You'll see many of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings (Sunflowers, Irises, The Potato Eaters) in the museum's permanent collection, as well as fascinating, lesser-known works in the evolving exhibition wing. There are also pieces by Van Gogh's contemporaries (e.g., Émile Bernard, Paul Gaugin, Maurice Denis) on display, which adds an interesting layer of context. All together, the museum tells a thorough story of Van Gogh's life and legacy, both of which are often shrouded in myth. Buy tickets online if you can. Also, depending on what time of year you're in Amsterdam, the museum may have extended hours, and the evenings tend to be less crowded times to visit."

"This meticulously manicured oasis in a quiet neighborhood also happens to be one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Here you’ll find countless flower species, a butterfly habitat (kids love this part), tropical hothouses, and gigantic, night-flowering water lilies. The grounds are not too vast, so you can see them in their entirety in a few hours. As is the case with most of Amsterdam’s best activities, there’s a lovely café on site. "

"This sweet soup-and-salad spot is set up right in the center of Amsterdam’s most notable sights and offers the kind of light-yet-nourishing breakfasts and lunches—including a robust salad bar where you can get heaps of fresh veggies for a good price—that fill you up without weighing you down. If staying late at the museums, the three-course dinner changes daily according to what’s in season. Weather-permitting, grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables."

"Everything about this farm-to-table restaurant is an experience: the slightly out-of-the-way location in a park in East Amsterdam, the almost entirely locally-sourced ingredients (all produce is grown on their own farm just outside the city) and most importantly, the fact that the dining room is actually a gigantic, glass-ceiling greenhouse. The multi-course lunch and dinner menus change according to the what’s in season and are set by the chef, allowing guests to sit back and not worry about ordering the right thing. What’s more, the staff will happily accommodate any and all dietary restrictions."

"When strolling the streets of Jordaan, this is where you want to go for a glass of local beer and a hyper-traditional Dutch pub meal in an authentic, low-key setting. The corner building dates all the way back to 1896, and still has some of the ornate, Art Deco flourishes to show for it. Though it’s the spare ribs that are its claim to fame, De Reiger is also known for serving up excellent organic veggie and fish dishes. Note: they don’t take reservations, so expect a wait at dinnertime. "

"People have been returning from Amsterdam with tales of life-changing meals at this teeny Jordaan spot since it opened back in 1995—and the three-course menus, which are set and tweaked weekly according to what’s in season by chefs Karin Gaasterland and Alain Parry really do live up to the hype: expect farm-fresh crudité, from-scratch risotto, and really incredible desserts. The open-kitchen, hand-written menus, and snug seating arrangement (in the summer months the staff sets up charming street-side tables) makes for a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Definitely call ahead for reservations. "

"Like so many of Amsterdam’s most impressive canal-side properties, the building currently occupied by this whimsical Marcel Wanders-designed hotel had a past life—in this case, as the city library. While one might be inclined to spend all their time in the dizzyingly beautiful lobby, the kitted out guestrooms—with their ample breathing room and generous views—offer a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle outside. While the knowledgeable concierge team can point you in the direction of many incredible restaurants, the on-site Bluespoon and its namesake bar both deserve a visit. Same goes for the spa and lovely gardens. "

"Breakfast and lunch at this cheery spot is the equivalent of a mini trip around the world: the menu is equal parts New Zealand and America—huevos rancheros, incredible fresh-baked pastry, and a ton of fresh juice options—while the bright interior (the living wall is definitely a focal point) is a nod to one of the owner’s Brazilian roots (the other is from New Zealand). In true Kiwi tradition, the flat whites are on point. There's a second location in Kadijksplein. "

"The Indonesian food scene has long been thriving in Amsterdam, and Kartika, which has been around for decades, is still the best of the best. The a la carte menu is a sure bet, but the specialty here is the rijsttafel (something like the Indonesian answer to dim sum). You can request the vegetarian version or opt for the meat, either way, each of the dozen or so lovingly prepared, incredibly flavorful dishes promises to be exceptional."

"Being that it’s the first Hoxton location outside of London, there’s an inherent polish to this cool, new hotel in the very walkable 9 Streets neighborhood. The 111 rooms are spread out over five historic canal houses and run the gamut from Shoebox (just teeny enough for one), to Concept (downright sprawling with meticulously restored original details) with rates to match—the WiFi, mini-fridge contents, and daily “breakfast bags,” however, are all 100% free. The true appeal here, though, is in the communal areas: There’s a cocktail den, lobby bar, and Lotti’s, an excellent Italian-inflected restaurant that just happens to be under Soho House supervision. "

"There’s something about the eclectic mix-and-match décor, dim lighting, and hipster staff that make this boutique hotel feel like a more intimate, Dutch equivalent of the Ace. The canal house set-up, residential location, and crazy-steep staircases lend any stay an extra authentic feel and the small-ish, well-priced rooms (there are larger options available, too) mean that it’s a great, non-corporate option for work trips or for those looking to spend the bulk of their time exploring. The on-site bar is actually frequented by locals and often plays host to local bands. We hear the Museumplein outpost is just as fun. "

"While it takes up prime real estate in a former music conservatory just a stone's throw from the Rijks and Museumplein, Conservatorium has a lot more going for it than location alone: Design-wise, the architecturally impressive lobby is both breathtakingly modern and traditional, all while keeping to an elevated, but not at all pretentious vibe (don’t let the bustling entrance fool you, this is a great place to stay with kids). Fittingly, the rooms are spacious, outfitted with the most state-of-the-art gadgets, and come with all the classic hotel comforts like plush beds and pristine bathrooms. Furthermore, there’s a world-class spa and gym and two refreshingly health-oriented but still somehow indulgent restaurants—all a testament to the city’s wellness-focused mindset."

"It’s refreshingly unexpected that such a hip and immaculately turned out restaurant would call the largely tourist-packed Centrum home—though you’ll be grateful it’s there come dinner after a day of doing touristy things. The French/Asian menu is heavy on street food—spring rolls, fish cakes, dim sum—and the piping hot, delightfully flavorful pho broth is heavenly in the colder months. There’s a bar on the ground level, but you can get your booze on at dinner, too: ask for the house-made iced tea spiked. Trust."

"What this bustling little café lacks in sitting room, it more than makes up for in delicious, locally sourced food and really good coffee. The homemade sandwiches, salads, and soups are especially great for a quickie lunch while exploring 9 Streets. And if you’re an early riser, the farm fresh juices and yogurt-and-granola bowls are a nice taste of home."

"Sure it’s a fairly touristy thing to do, but leaving Amsterdam without having the famous pancakes at least once is nothing short of culinary sin. This no-frills, canal-side pancake house is consistently packed, but the customizable poffertjes (teeny, quarter-sized flapjacks) and oversized Dutch pancakes (the savory variations on the classic, particularly the pizza-inspired one, are a game changer) are well worth braving the lines. Plus, the all-day hours mean you can come after the breakfast/lunch rush hour. "

"The first thing you’ll see upon entering this sprawling, bi-level Latin American restaurant is something roasting on an open-air spit—a sight hardcore carnivores, in particular, are sure to get a kick out of. While the menu is in fact very meat-heavy, there’s plenty for veggies and pescetarians, too: you can easily make a meal of the sides alone (the cheese-smothered corn is unreal) though the ceviche list deserves ample attention. Needless to say, the rich wine selection will be appreciated by all. "

"Tucked away in a narrow alley, Gartine may not look like much from the outside, but it’s actually something of an institution, serving traditional organic-egg-centric dishes for breakfast and high tea favorites at lunchtime. The produce all comes from the restaurant’s own garden and the desserts are all made by hand on site. It’s best to call ahead to reserve one of the ten tables."

"The couple behind this Jordaan bar (it's a family affair—the initials "J" and "D" stand for their sons, and William for one of their fathers) is obsessive about whisky, and it shows. Behind the bar, open shelves drilled into an exposed brick wall belie rows and rows of backlit whisky bottles, so the selection is endless. The decor is a mix, with warm brown leather in the bar area and white walls, pine floors, and teal booths in the back, where you can order fresh, Asian-inflected food."

"If you looked up "hipster" in the dictionary, it's likely there'd be a picture of Hiding in Plain Sight (or HPS, as locals call it)—and the clientele here would be the first to acknowledge it. Before you roll your eyes at the waiters in vests with waxed moustaches, take a sip of your cocktail; it's likely one of—if not the—best in the city. HPS is also a hangout for local musicians, so check the calendar in advance to find out if anyone's playing while you're in town. "

"This stop is an especially valuable recommendation if you're visiting Amsterdam in the cold winter, as the cozy interior is a pretty perfect place to warm up from the cold with a glass of wine. Stop by in the early evening to pick up a bottle of wine from their shop for dinner, or come after dinner for a more bar-like feel (they're open until midnight most nights)."

"Don’t let the creepy cannibal theme throw you off—it actually kind of works. As for the food, the charcuterie plates and simple salads are delicious and easy, and the long draft list features some of Europe’s best craft beers. They serve food late even on weeknights, making it a god-send after delayed trains and planes. There's a second location in De Pijp."

"This long, narrow park, which is easily accessible from most parts of the city, is one of the best places to get a feel for the city—you’ll find locals everywhere with strollers, dogs on leashes, and some drool-worthy picnics. From the gate entrance around the walking path loop and back is about 2.5 miles, so it’s also a nice option for runners."

"This is the first large-scale indoor food market in the Netherlands and it’s already proven to be a great idea. Here, you can choose between Vietnamese banh mi, gourmet grilled cheese (this is the birthplace of gouda, after all), brick-oven pizza, Swedish meatballs, and so much more. Kids—and grownups with a sweet tooth to quell—go especially nutty for the crêpe stand and the dress-your-own-waffle station. Fair warning: seating room is very much first-come, first-served, so there may be some awkward stalking involved. "

"Amsterdam's best Saturday farmers market is on the edge of the Jordaan neighborhood in Noordermarkt square. Head here in the morning for fresh, local fare—cheese (of course), mushrooms, fruits and veggies, homemade pastries—to see the flower stalls, and sample some pancakes."

"Within Amsterdam's picturesque canal-side shopping district, De 9 Straatjes ("The Nine Streets"), you'll find De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam, which has to be one of the world's most wonderful cheese shops. Obviously there's a lot of gouda, much of which is organic, along with ready-made food—homemade salads, sandwiches, and snacks—as well as specialty hams and wines. And should you be so inclined after visiting, they ship to more than 25 countries, including the U.S."

"While it’s not especially difficult to get your hands on a solid cup of coffee around these parts, the skilled staff at this teeny café really know their way around an almond milk latté, and coffee snobs will be especially impressed by their stellar pour-over technique. There's a second location in Haarlemmerbuurt."

"JuiceBrothers was founded by four friends, who decided in the summer of 2013, while on a canal boat, that Amsterdam needed a really good pressed juice place. Two years later, the first JuiceBrothers shop opened in De Pijp, followed by a second location in Amsterdam-West, and another in Centrum. (There's also a JuiceBrothers in the suburbs outside of Amsterdam, in the Amstelveen mall.) JuiceBrothers' main thing is still cold-pressed juice, using as many organic ingredients as possible. But they also make smoothies and serve a limited amount of breakfast (acai bowls, chia pudding, coconut yogurt) and lunch (a couple salads and a coconut wrap), along with some snacks and sweets (kale chips, oat bars, chocolate truffles)."

"Amsterdam is full of great hipster coffee shops, but Headfirst is a standout for a few key reasons. First, the coffee is so good—strong but not bitter, plus they have alternative milks like almond or soy. Their Helmersstraat location shares a space with an adorable interior shop, so you can test out some Scandinavian couches (both new and vintage) while you sip your latte. Bonus: Plenty of WiFi. "

"While you may stop in with the intention of quickly picking up some train or plane reading material, the selection of English-language books—which spans three floors and just about every genre—has been known to keep book lovers browsing for hours. Check the ABC site before your visit for special events like book signings, author readings, and their famously generous sales. "

"It’s hard to categorize Droog as any one thing since it’s actually a shop, design collective, gallery, café, garden, and micro-hotel (there’s only one guestroom) all spread out over three floors of a single historic house. The shop is stocked with design-y home décor, accessories, and furniture from notable Dutch makers, as well as an area devoted to under-the-radar fashion labels, and a “spa” for beauty products of European origin. Connected to the retail space you’ll find the Fairy Tale Garden—a real-life garden designed by Claude Pasquer and Corinne Détroyat to look like something out of a pop-up book. Set up right next to the garden is Roomservice—a truly special little nook for grabbing a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or something more substantial, like soup and salad. It’s a lot to take in, we suggest setting aside a good chunk of the day to exploring the space. "

"Situated right in the heart of the city center in Dam Square, the elaborate facade of De Bijenkorf’s flagship store is kind of impossible to miss. This is a traditional European department store, meaning you’ll find everything from fashion to home décor to skincare all in one place. There’s also a great café, a hair salon, and a very respectable art gallery. "

"Sprawling, stylized, and impeccably curated—this candy-colored boutique (it’s designed to resemble circa 1980's Miami) is exactly how we picture a Dutch concept store. The brand assortment includes men’s and women’s picks from Maison Kitsune, Norse Projects, and Won Hundred among others, so nothing too experimental but envelope-pushing nonetheless. In addition to a coffee-and-snack bar there’s a pop-up corner dedicated to showcasing individual lines for a month at a time. "

"While the location is slightly out of the way, this modern, dizzyingly beautiful interpretation of a gardening store is well worth the walk, whether you’re a green thumb or not. The goal here is to encourage city dwellers to try their hand at gardening by providing everything they need—from tools, to planters, to actual plants. While you’re here, grab a coffee and a slice of homemade cake and enjoy it under a canopy of hanging houseplants before perusing the selection of plant-inspired jewelry, art, and books. "

"Although the shop itself is rather small, it’s easy to burn an entire afternoon here. The walls are decked out from floor to ceiling with framed curiosities of all kinds, from brilliant blue butterflies to delicate beetles and stick bugs. And while we won’t pretend to know anything about bringing taxidermied goods through customs, there are plenty of other items worthy of suitcase space, like antique globes, unique cutlery, and stationery."

"This is Amsterdam’s grandest shopping street, where all the usual suspects—Chanel, Valentino, Cartier, Prada, and more—are well represented. "

"It’s likely you’ll get a whiff of Gerda’s freshly picked blooms while bumming around 9 Streets before you actually see it. Whether you’re looking to pick up a quick hostess bouquet or elaborate centerpiece (these guys provide florals for tons of fashion events all over the city), beautiful results are guaranteed—high praise considering flowers are serious business in Amsterdam. While they make really great use of wildflowers, the selection of orchids and other exotics is excellent, too. "

"Kröller-Müller is a couple hours outside of Amsterdam—you can get there by train/bus—and it is so worth it. The museum was a lifelong dream of a woman named Helene Kröller-Müller, who had one of the largest private collections of art the 20th-century has seen, acquiring close to 11,500 works of art with her husband between 1907 and 1922. The museum, which opened in 1938, is located in Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Kröller-Müller sculpture garden is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 160 sculptures on display from artists like Aristide Maillol, Marta Pan, and Pierre Huyghe. The museum is also home to the second-largest Van Gogh collection (after the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam), as well as works by Monet, Seurat, Picasso, Mondrian, and more."

"As the bricks-and-mortar outpost of graphic designer Sanne Dirkzwager’s online shop, this beautifully curated stationery store can be a major time-suck for anyone with a penchant for pretty paper things. Dirkzwager gathers the collectable journals, cards, calendars, prints, writing utensils, and everything in between from all over the world—mainly Japan, Korea, and Denmark."

"It’s virtually impossible for anyone—adult or child—to walk by this place without being drawn in by the neat rows of rubber ducks, which all make excellent Amsterdam keepsake alternatives to the ubiquitous windmill/clog/tulip magnets. There are rubber duckies of every possible size, profession (ninja, dentist, bag-piper), and theme (duck as Christmas ornament, punk duck)—though our favorites are the ones dressed up as other animals (cat-duck, sheep-duck, shark-duck, etc..). "

"Maison Rika is actually an adorable single-apartment guesthouse masquerading as an achingly chic boutique-slash-gallery. Former stylist Ulrika Lundgren applied the same edgy-yet-approachable aesthetic that makes her namesake line of accessories and separates so great to the two-bedroom, canal-facing space—if it’s authenticity you’re after, this is the way to go. The ground-floor shop is where you’ll find Ulrika’s famed leather bags and star-print tees, as well as jewelry from local designers and a selection of niche fragrances. "

"Though you can come to this De Pijp favorite to shop, eat cake, and peep some art while you’re at it, Cottoncake isn’t just another design-centric concept shop: There’s something decidedly feminine about the whitewashed brick interior, globally sourced accessories, clothing, and thoughtful jewelry offering. It doesn't hurt that the café serves a small but mighty menu of brunch-y dishes, excellent coffee, and as mentioned, really good homemade cake. "

"As gorgeous as the line of paraben-free skin care and bath product is, the true beauty of Marie-Stella-Maris is in its mission: Every purchase of an MSM product—be it a gentle body scrub or the deeply cleansing shampoo—provides 1 euro toward clean drinking water projects all over the world. The flagship boutique is an excellent place to get familiar with the offering and stock up (the line isn't widely available in the U.S. just yet). And if the name sounds familiar, it's because the Marie-Stella-Maris brand of natural mineral water is served at most local restaurants."

"The breathtaking Art Deco stained glass panels, gilded details, and winding wrought-iron staircase at this canal-side sauna were rescued from Au Bon Marché in Paris before it underwent a top-to-bottom renovation—the resulting space is a hybrid of immaculate Dutch craftsmanship and Parisian refinement. In addition to the various baths and relaxation rooms there are infrared saunas, a solarium, and the option to book a private massage. Fair warning: The unisex saunas and baths follow a strict no-swimsuits-allowed policy (towels are okay). "

"This teeny offshoot of The City Street Spa offers a slimmed down version of the treatment menu: manicures, pedicures, and brow shaping—that's it. The most brilliant part of all is that they're devoted to walk-ins, meaning you can pop in for a quickie mani/pedi on a whim while wandering around Nine Streets."

"The purpose of The City Street spa is to provide all the services one might look for in a traditional spa, but in an urban setting with busy schedules in mind. The treatment menu includes massages, facials, waxing, eyebrow shaping, and mani/pedis—all performed in a tranquil, minimalist environment. For the guys, there's face-mapping, manicures, and pedicures. There's a mini spa outpost a few blocks away that's really good about walk-ins. "

"Nestled in the luxe shopping corridor inside the Conservatorium hotel, Skins Cosmetics is a beauty junkie's dream come true. In addition to a far-reaching roster of skincare and cosmetics lines, many of which are clean (Rahua, Kjaer Weis, RMS), it holds one of the most comprehensive boutique fragrance assortments we've ever seen. The staff is helpful but not overbearing, so feel free to approach them if you're interested in a quickie makeup tutorial or guidance in picking out a new signature scent. The gleaming staircase at the center of the exposed brick space will take you directly to the Meraki hair salon, where you can schedule everything from cut to color to an emergency blowout. "