Hotel Lifehacks

One great tip for this hotel is having a reservation for a canal-view room. This is why you are staying here. The focal point at this B&B is that jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling window view of Brouwersgracht canal. Those first moments of awakening to the iconic Amsterdam cityscape, on the room’s rush viewing of passing boats and twinkling evening lights on bridges provide for a very magical experience for your entire trip. Without such a sight, a room would be missing the whole point.

Rent a bike if you want to live like a local. The Jordaan and the canal belt are the nicest parts of the city to discover on two wheels. Rent one at any of the numerous shops around and cycle along the canals for the day, go to Westerpark next door for most of that good sun, and have enough culture to break your heart then pop over to NDSM Wharf very near to Central Station, which I kid you not, is reached by a free ferry. It’s the best way to check out the city.

For an excellent local experience, visit the Noordermarkt on Saturday morning. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the hotel to one of the best markets in the city. Grab a coffee from one of the stalls, then try the famous freshly baked apple pie at the corner at Winkel 43; acclaimed to serve the best apple pie in Amsterdam, this is the best way to have a slice of local life sitting on their terrace on a busy market day.

Finally, wander around the ‘hofjes’ (inner courtyards) secreted away in the Jordaan. These pretty, peaceful gardens were constructed in the 17th century by prosperous residents to accommodate the poor and elderly-and they still do. Lurking behind unpretentious doors, they provide a surprising silent escape from the city. Ask the hotel host to show you to a few like the Karthuizerhof or the Claes Claeszoon Hofje that are open to the public free of charge (but be very quiet and respectful since people are still staying there).