"The city’s oldest botanical garden, Hortus, has teamed up with creative agency Moam to provide a platform for 15 young artists to share bespoke works in natural surroundings. Given a brief to respond to and be inspired by the centuries-old collection of plants at the garden, the multidisciplinary talents will have their work, which has been specially created for Hortus, displayed in its historic grounds. Expect to find everything from fashion items to film screenings and sculpture nestled among the garden beds and greenhouses."

"The Fizeaustraat branch, which opened in 2017, is Hotel V’s third location in the capital. It’s a little further afield, in the east’s developing district of Watergraafsmeer, but it’s only a 10-minute taxi ride from the canal ring and, in our opinion, is the standout of the trio. In-house designer Mirjam Espinosa has seamlessly blended a modish 1970s aesthetic into the boxy Piet Zanstra building and carefully chosen furnishings that echo the surrounding greenery."

"Odette Rigterink has had a clear vision ever since she started cooking food and selling it at a market in 1994: good meals made with good products, to be savoured and enjoyed. These days Buffet van Odette is an Amsterdam institution famous for its truffle-cheese omelette, Frank’s Smokehouse smoked salmon and sticky-toffee cake. Its French-bistro style makes it perfect for a long, relaxed lunch accompanied by natural wine but you can also pop in for breakfast or call ahead to try the seasonal harissa mussels at dinner."

"Inside the design-savvy Kas Bank building in Amsterdam’s centre, X Bank provides an engulfing space for those who appreciate great products and thoughtful design. Its abiding mission is to highlight design and fashion brands with distinctly Dutch roots. From cedar-infused gin made in Amsterdam to Jackie Villevoye’s hand-embroidered collection, there are plenty of Dutch goods here to fill your suitcase."

"What’s there to see at the Rijksmuseum? Oh, you know: sculptures from the Middle Ages; 18th-century decorative arts; a bit of everything from the 19th century; 20th-century minimalism and modernism; the zero movement; romanesques; the baroque; mannerism; gothic art; the renaissance; rococo; classicism; the Italianate; art nouveau; impressionism; Romanticism; bronzes; still lifes; Asian art; artefacts from 11th-century churches; Vermeer; Van Gogh; Rembrandt; silverware; Samurai helmets; ceremonial swords; Meissen porcelain; Delft pottery; a tiny potty; a lead-booted diving suit; models of ships; lighthouses. And shoes."

"These distinctive pretty houses, lining a long and narrow street in Noord, tell the history of a small village on the IJ river. They date back to the 16th century and are made of wood (unlike the typical Amsterdam stone canal houses) to ensure the dyke could hold their weight."

"During the warmer months, rent a boat, pack a picnic and float towards the harbour or Amstel river. No licence is required for rentals, just a sober captain over the age of 18 who can handle the intersections. Mokumboot hires out vessels from seven boarding locations across the city. For a snack, dock along the quays at Café Hesp, Hannekes Boom or Waterkant. Or head south to the widened section of the Amstel to swim in front of the tHuis aan de Amstel café."