Things to do in the Paleiskwartier (Royal Mile)

Absorb this year’s most powerful press photography

This 15th-century church is world-famous 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

The imposing Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) is brimming with history and dominates the city skyline. 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 all about the symbolism hidden in the architecture.

Shop for luxury brands at a high-end department store

For luxury shopping, there’s no better place to start than one of Amsterdam’s oldest and grandest department stores, which 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. 

Catch new music at an intimate gig venue

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.

Feel star-struck at Madame Tussauds

Sing on stage with the outrageous Lady Gaga, test your IQ with Einstein or have your picture taken with The Avengers at Madame Tussauds'. Hundreds of life-like wax models brought together in this world-renowned museum just off Dam Square have been delighting families for decades. The new interactive IamArt exhibit allows you to (literally) get inside the masterpieces of famous Dutch painters, including Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Just try not to get lost in one of Escher’s winding staircases!

Warm up with a jenever in a historic distillery

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 slurp different varieties of jenever from a traditional tulip-shaped glass.

Splurge on a shopping spree along the Kalverstraat

Kalverstraat is Amsterdam’s primary shopping street and is home to all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city, like H&M, Zara, Mango, Urban Outfitters, Pull & Bear and UNIQLO. Continue your retail adventures by crossing Dam Square and heading up Nieuwendijk, where you’ll find heaps more major brands. 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

The Nes is a backstreet concealing 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.