B&B De Oude Pastorie

Things to do

• Anne Frank Huis

  Museum & Memorial

  Prepare for one of the most poignant and powerful experiences in Europe. The Anne Frank House is not a recreation, but the actual Secret Annex where Anne, her family, and four others hid from Nazi persecution for over two years. As you pass behind the famous swinging bookcase, a heavy silence descends, and you step into the cramped, dimly lit rooms where they lived in constant fear. The space is left deliberately bare, which only amplifies the sense of confinement and the weight of the history contained within its walls. Walking through the very rooms where Anne wrote her world-famous diary is an incredibly intimate and moving encounter with the past. Seeing the pencil marks on the wall tracking the children's height and the movie star pictures Anne pasted in her room makes her story profoundly real. This is not just a museum; it is a memorial that leaves you with a deep, quiet, and unforgettable understanding of the human cost of hatred and the enduring power of a young girl's voice.

• Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

  Historic Palace

  Step off the buzzing Dam Square and into the silent grandeur of the Royal Palace, a monument to the Dutch Golden Age's immense power. Originally built as a city hall, its Citizen's Hall was designed to be the secular heart of the republic, a breathtaking universe in miniature under a canopy of marble. You can feel the weight of history in the cool air, walking on floors inlaid with maps of the heavens and the earth, imagining the merchants and magistrates who once decided the fate of a global empire here. Now an official palace of the Dutch Royal House, it serves as a stage for state visits and glittering receptions. The lavish Empire-style furniture, a legacy of Napoleon's brother Louis, adds another layer to its complex history. This is not just a palace; it's a time capsule that captures the transition from civic might to royal prestige, offering a rare glimpse into the opulent halls where Dutch history is still being made.

• Oude Kerk

  Gothic Church

  The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the historic soul of Amsterdam, a breathtaking sanctuary of stone and wood that stands as the city's oldest building. As you step inside, the chaos of the surrounding Red Light District melts away, replaced by a profound sense of peace. Light filters through vast Gothic windows, illuminating the worn flagstones of the floor—which is actually a cemetery of over 10,000 Amsterdammers, including Rembrandt's wife Saskia. Tilting your head back to admire the magnificent vaulted wooden ceiling, you can almost hear the echoes of 700 years of history. This serene, sacred space now doubles as one of the city's most compelling contemporary art venues, with installations often designed to interact with the building's unique architecture and history. The juxtaposition is striking: a medieval church, a site of quiet contemplation, existing in perfect, deliberate harmony with the vibrant, worldly neighborhood outside its doors. It’s a paradox that is quintessentially Amsterdam.

• Begijnhof

  Historic Courtyard

  Tucked away behind an unassuming door on the busy Spui square lies the Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam's most beautiful and tranquil secrets. Stepping through the entrance is like entering another time. The noise of the city instantly vanishes, replaced by the hushed quiet of a perfectly manicured courtyard garden surrounded by some of the city's oldest and most beautiful gabled houses. This was once the exclusive domain of the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who lived here in a community of piety and charity. As you walk the cobbled path, you'll find two hidden churches and the Houten Huys, one of only two surviving wooden houses in Amsterdam, dating back to around 1528. The courtyard is still a private residence, and its air of peaceful seclusion is fiercely protected. A visit here is a rare chance to experience a moment of pure, contemplative calm and to touch a piece of Amsterdam's medieval past, hidden in plain sight.

Where to eat

• Moeders

  Traditional Dutch

  Moeders, meaning 'Mothers' in Dutch, is a heartwarming tribute to home cooking, nestled in the charming Jordaan district. The walls are famously adorned with hundreds of framed photographs of mothers, brought in by guests over the years, creating a wonderfully eclectic and personal atmosphere. The entire restaurant feels like a cozy, cluttered embrace. The menu is a comforting tour of Dutch tradition, serving generous portions of classics like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and suddervlees (slow-braised beef). Dining here, with its mismatched cutlery and nostalgic vibe, feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into a Dutch family's dining room for a lovingly prepared meal.

• Café de Klos

  Traditional Dutch

  Tucked away near the bustling Leidseplein, Café de Klos is an Amsterdam institution where the singular focus is on perfectly executed spareribs. Forget fancy decor; the atmosphere is thick with the smoky aroma of slow-cooked meat and the boisterous energy of locals who know they're in the right place. The portions are unapologetically enormous, served on simple platters with a side of coleslaw and sauce, demanding your full attention. Arrive early or be prepared to wait at the bar across the street, as this tiny, wood-paneled den operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a small price to pay for what are arguably the best ribs in the city, where the meat is so tender it falls from the bone at the slightest touch. It’s a primal, delicious, and utterly authentic Amsterdam experience.

• Haesje Claes

  Traditional Dutch

  Step back in time at Restaurant Haesje Claes, a classic Dutch establishment housed in a series of interconnected 17th-century buildings near the Spui. The ambiance is pure old-world Amsterdam, with dark wood interiors, beamed ceilings, and cozy, intimate dining rooms that whisper of history. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a historic tavern, perfect for a cold evening. While the menu offers a full range of traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot and pea soup, the real star is the 'rijsttafel' (rice table), a nod to the Netherlands' colonial history in Indonesia. Prepare for a feast for the senses as more than fifteen small, fragrant dishes arrive, offering a spectacular journey through the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of the Indonesian archipelago.

For a drink

• Café Papeneiland

  Brown Café

  Situated on one of the most photographed corners in Amsterdam, where the Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht meet, Café Papeneiland is a living piece of history. Dating back to 1642, this 'brown café' feels as if it has grown organically from the canal banks. Inside, the walls are covered in authentic Delft blue tiles, and a perilously steep staircase leads to what was once a secret Catholic church in its attic. While the history is palpable, many come for a more immediate pleasure: its legendary apple pie. Served in generous, cake-like slabs with a dollop of thick cream, it's a serious contender for the best in the city. Grabbing a slice and a coffee here is a quintessential Amsterdam ritual, connecting you to centuries of local life.

• Café 't Smalle

  Brown Café

  Step through the doors of Café 't Smalle and you’re stepping back to 1786. This classic 'brown café' on the Egelantiersgracht is a time capsule of dark wood panelling, stained-glass windows, and the faint, sweet scent of genever from its days as a distillery. The interior is impossibly cozy, a perfect refuge on a chilly day for a conversation over a local beer. But the real magic happens outside on its tiny, coveted terrace, perched directly on the canal. Securing a spot here at sunset is a quintessential Amsterdam experience, as you watch the boats glide by and the golden light dance on the water. It’s a moment of pure, tranquil beauty in the heart of the bustling Jordaan.