CITY OF CANALS
Amsterdam isn't just red lights and smoking, it's a gorgeous little city full of style, sass and comely canals.
Eat & Drink
Order a koffie verkeerd (café au lait) among the locals at the Café de Jaren. This big, bright space has a full menu, free newspapers and overlooks the Amstel River.
Café de Jaren, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, Amsterdam, +31 (0)20-62 55 771, www.diningcity.nl/cafedejaren
See
The city is a European design capital. Hop on a speedy tram to visit the shops, restos, clubs and hotels featured in the Amsterdam Design 2007 guide. www.amsterdamdesign.info
Shop
Head to fashion–forward De Negen Straatjes (aka the 9 Streets). LockStock & Barrel carries original finds by Scandinavian designers like Filippa K and Baum und Pferdgarten. Or pick up some vintage silk blouses at Zipper.
LockStock & Barrel, Hartenstraat 26, Amsterdam, +31 (0)20-4123348
Zipper, Huidenstraat 7, Amsterdam, +31(0)20-6237302
Sleep
Give peace a chance in the John & Yoko Suite at the Hilton Amsterdam. The couple held a bed–in here in 1969 and the lady herself designed the room (in peaceful white, of course). Order the perfect head rest from the hotel's pillow menu (we like the Warm & Soft filled with kapok) or borrow a bike to explore the chic shops in the Zud neighborhood.
Rooms start at 215 Euros. Hilton Amsterdam, Apollolaan 138, Amsterdam, +31 (0)20-710 60 00, www.hilton.com