You can now do a virtual tour of Amsterdam from your home
- 04 May 2020
Amsterdam is usually top of the list when it comes to city break destinations, and offers a plethora of things to do and see.
While currently cut off from the city’s charms — from its famed canals and gabled houses to its smorgasbord of museums and galleries — those craving a slice of the Netherlands can still get their kicks, albeit remotely.
Here’s the ultimate armchair travellers’ guide to Amsterdam.
What to do
Anne Frank House
The famous Secret Annex where Anne Frank hid and wrote her diary during the Nazi occupation usually attracts 1.3 million visitors a year.
Even though it’s closed its doors temporarily, the museum is giving people all over the world the chance to get an idea of what life must have been like for Anne and her family by releasing a series of videos that re-imagine the teen diarist as a modern-day vlogger.
The daily films retell Anne’s story for the YouTube generation 75 years after the liberation of Holland.
Rijksmuseum
Stuffed with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions.
It’s closed until at least June 1, but has just launched a new interactive experience, Rijksmuseum From Home, that allows you to virtually visit the home of Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
In a collaboration with Google, there’s also the chance to explore 11 “exhibits,” where you can interact with various works from the museum, read about their history and see close-ups.
Boat tour
Hopping on a canal cruise to explore Amsterdam’s famous waterways is one of the city’s most popular activities.
Take a virtual tour with Starboard, which has put together 360-degree photos from its cruises, allowing you to “travel” along the canals.
To give the true touring experience, there are also information points to click on that tell you more about the landmarks along the way, from the creation of the Prinsengracht 70 Street art to the history of the Westerkerk church in the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood.
Local flavours
Featuring 35 different restaurants from the Dutch capital, the "Amsterdam Cook Book" compiles recipes from local favourites and beloved chains.
As well as the recipes themselves, the book also tells the stories of the local chefs and eateries, and pays homage to the neighbourhoods they call home.
Featured restaurants include The Chippy, the Bao Buns Amsterdam pop-up, Blauw, The Butcher Social Club and zero-food-waste concept Instock.
Setting the scene
If you want to combine a visit to Amsterdam with a good cry, look no further than Young Adult smash hit "The Fault in Our Stars."
The book tells the tale of two teenagers with terminal illnesses falling for each other, their feelings coming to fruition on a trip to Amsterdam.
They even share a first kiss in the Anne Frank House.
Jessie Burton’s bestseller "The Miniaturist" is set in 17th-century Amsterdam — the perfect way to immerse yourself from afar.
The BBC television adaptation also perfectly captures the city during the Dutch Golden Age; the series is currently available to buy on Amazon Prime.
Given what a gorgeous city it is, it’s surprising Amsterdam hasn’t been used more frequently as a backdrop in cinema.
But there are still options: pick your poison — heist or spy flick? "Ocean’s Twelve" and Bond classic "Diamonds are Forever" both feature the Dutch capital.
Bring it home
You can’t get much more Amsterdam than watch brand Vondel, whose designs all feature a vertical line of three “x”s in a subtle nod to the city’s coat of arms.
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Other than that, the timepieces are the epitome of Dutch design: simple, contemporary and chic. You can buy online, with watches starting from around £80 (Dhs366) .
If you have a craving for Dutch cuisine, Netherlands producer of fine cheeses Henri Willig has an online shop for all your Gouda, fig bread and honey mustard needs.
Anything else?
Amsterdam is all about the bike culture. To truly embrace the city at a distance, hop on two wheels for your mandated daily exercise — whether it’s a Santander cycle, a Jump electric-powered number, or your very own tweewieler (bicycle).
