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Image from Koen Smilde

Things to do in the Paleiskwartier (Royal Mile)

The Royal Mile (Paleiskwartier), named for the beautiful and imposing Royal Palace which presides over Dam Square, is also home to endless shopping, superb restaurants and a host of cultural attractions. The area extends from Centraal Station to include Damrak, Dam, Rokin, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk. You'll find a wide range of flagship stores, world-famous entertainment venues, notable museums and, of course, the Royal Palace.

Absorb this year’s most powerful press photography

World Press Photo at De Nieuwe Kerk
Image from De Nieuwe Kerk

This 15th-century church is world-renowned for its beautiful architecture, changing exhibitions and unique relationship with the Dutch royal family as a ceremonial function space. De Nieuwe Kerk is also the flagship home of World Press Photo, which runs annually from April to August. Within the monumental surroundings, visitors can absorb powerful, moving and influential images taken by the most talented press photographers working today.

Discover the secret symbols of the Royal Palace

People wandering through the Royal Palace at Dam Square. Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam
Image from Koen Smilde

Dominating the city skyline, the striking Royal Palace is brimming with history. The building has been used as a reception palace by the Dutch royal family for almost 200 years, and when it is not closed for state functions, visitors are invited to take a peek inside. Wandering through the marble galleries and lavish reception rooms, you’ll feel the grandeur of the 17th century come alive as you learn about the secret symbolism hidden within the neoclassical architecture.

Shop for luxury brands at a high-end department store

Bijkenkorf Amsterdam
Image from Bijenkorf Amsterdam

For luxury shopping, there’s no better place to start than one of Amsterdam’s oldest and grandest department stores. Opened in 1870, De Bijenkorf's flagship store towers over Dam Square and features 21,000 square metres of fashion and designer brands, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and luxury shop-in-shops. An afternoon of shopping at De Bijenkorf is a truly sumptuous dip into the past.

Catch new music at an intimate gig venue

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - February 17, 2016: concert of african band BKO Quintet at Paradiso Bitterzoet concert hall.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands - February 17, 2016: concert of african band BKO Quintet at Paradiso Bitterzoet concert hall.

Bitterzoet has established itself as one of Amsterdam's core music spaces and clubs, attracting a musically eclectic fan base: from rock lovers through punk, hip-hop, soul and funk to reggae – and everything in between. The venue, with its slick design and quirky stained glass windows, is a wonderfully intimate space to enjoy your favourite bands or perhaps discover something completely new.

Walk among the stars at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds women posing with Johnny Depp
Image from Madame Tussauds

Sing on stage with the legendary Lady Gaga, challenge your intellect with Einstein, or strike a pose with The Avengers at Madame Tussauds. This world-famous museum, just off Dam Square, has been captivating visitors for decades with its astonishingly life-like wax figures. Step into history, fame, and fantasy as you explore hundreds of meticulously crafted models. Don't miss the immersive IamArt exhibit, where you can quite literally step inside masterpieces by Dutch masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt for a one-of-a-kind art experience.

Warm up with a jenever in a historic distillery

Proeflokaal Wynand Fockink jenever genever distillery tasting room.
Image from Philipp Benedikt

Anyone with a strictly anthropological interest in Dutch drinking culture should head down to De Drie Fleschjes, the oldest proeflokaal (tasting room) in the city. Located at the base of the Nieuwe Kerk, this authentic tavern was established in 1650, serving up jenever, liqueurs and local beers to generations of patrons. Nearby, the Wynand Fockink distillery has been serving traditional fruit brandies and liqueurs since 1679 and is the perfect spot to try different varieties of jenever from a traditional tulip-shaped glass.

Shop along the Kalverstraat

People shopping at Kalverstraat. These pictures can be used by editors at amsterdam&partners at royalty free basis.
Image from Koen Smilde

The Kalverstraat is Amsterdam’s primary shopping street and is home to all the stores you would expect to find in along the high street of a large European city: H&M, Zara, Mango, Urban Outfitters, Pull & Bear, UNIQLO, and many more. Continue your retail adventures by crossing to Dam Square and heading up Nieuwendijk, where you’ll find a plethora of stores to satisfy all your shopping needs. To escape the throng, we’d recommend popping along Beurspassage - a covered arcade with an exquisite vaulted ceiling with coloured mosaic tiles and gilded chandeliers.

Culture hop around the Nes

Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond exhibition
Image from Sebastiaan ter Burg

The Nes is a backstreet that conceals a wealth of cultural surprises. Here you’ll find Vlaamse Cultuur House De Brakke Grond, an art space championing everything Flemish in the Netherlands; visual art, literature, dance, theatre, music, you name it. The varied schedule, quaint courtyard garden and atmospheric café make this unique space well worth checking out. Then, it’s all about innovative, dynamic performing arts at Frascati, a small independent theatre which welcomes international makers. 

Marvel at the Floating Flower Market

Keukenhof - which is both a tourist attraction and a showcase for the Dutch flower-growing industry - displays millions of blooms every year.
Image from Cris Toala Olivares

The flower market, known as the Bloemenmarkt, has been brightening the banks of the Singel canal for more than 150 years. Established in 1862, it remains the world’s only floating flower market, with stalls set up on houseboats. At this quintessentially Dutch market, visitors can browse a stunning array of fresh flowers, tulip bulbs and Dutch souvenirs.

Peruse the shelves of English-language bookstores

People strolling at the Spui Boekenmarkt
Image from Koen Smilde

Just off the Kalverstraat you'll find the beloved Spui street. With its many cafes and bars - like the iconic Cafe Hoppe - Spui is a popular place to grab a drink, but it's also a haven for book lovers. Home to a rare book market on Fridays, Spui offers plenty for bibliophiles to discover and enjoy throughout the week, with Athenaeum Boekenhandel, the American Book Centre and Waterstones all within a minute's walk.