Things to see in Amsterdam

Housed in the historic Amstelhof along the banks of the Amstel River, this majestic museum is a sibling of its namesake in St Petersburg. Amsterdam has had a close connection to the Russian city since Tsar Peter took residence here and the main permanent collection focuses on artistic and cultural links between Russia and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, holdings from St Petersburg form the basis for such scintillating temporary exhibitions as the tableware of the Tsars and treasures from the Silk Road. There is also a section on the heritage of the museum’s historic home, and the Hermitage hosts fun and innovative children’s art workshops.

Established in 1885, the museum showcases a collection of masterpieces with the seminal works of Dutch giants Rembrandt (‘The Night Watch’) and Johannes Vermeer (‘The Milk Maid’). The collection spanning over 8,000 works has been reorganised across three floors in chronological order with clever use of lighting and space, showcases made with non-reflecting glass and muted grey walls to minimise distraction from the galleries. Restored to its former glory with modern aesthetics, this ranks as one of the world's greatest museums.

Just a short walk from Leidseplein, the sprawling Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s ‘green lung’. Named after a celebrated 17th-century poet, Joost van den Vondel (whose statue stands at the east end), the 49-hectare (120 acre) park makes a splendid retreat with ponds, gardens, lakes, playgrounds, a skating rink and a resident colony of parakeets. Paths wind through the varied landscape, inviting you to stroll or cycle in endless loops. Visitors can take a break at the delightful Blue Teahouse, an octagonal structure built in the 1930s, with a brilliant top terrace. During summer, there are regular free concerts in the bandstand and palm readers and buskers sporadically provide entertainment. In good weather, the lawns are taken over by groups barbecuing.

A must for movie buffs, the Eye maintains an archive of 37,000 films and screens pristinely restored prints of cinematic classics at its various festivals. It includes four cinemas and exhibitions covering various aspects of film history, memorabilia and art. On the lower level is a permanent exhibit that incorporates clips from the collection and viewing ‘pods’ where you can curl up with a good flick. Perhaps the main draw, though, is the café with its fabulous views of the river and an endless procession of cruise boats, freighters and ferries. To get here, hop on a free Buiksloterweg ferry behind Central Station.

This formidable structure on the central Dam Square was built in 1648 as Amsterdam's city hall. When King Louis Napoleon arrived in 1808, he had it turned into a palace. The large collection of Empire-style furniture, chandeliers and clocks all date from this period. Although the palace is still the official royal residence, the royal family lives in The Hague. However, official functions are still hosted here and the interior has recently been brought back to its best. Paintings and sculptures dating from Holland’s Golden Age grace the halls and archways, with allegorical scenes and figures alluding to the values that underpin Dutch society. The admission price includes an audio tour.

‘The Ship’ is considered one of the leading works of the Amsterdam School, an architectural movement that had its heyday in the 1920s. Located in the Spaarndammerbuurt neighbourhood, immediately north of Westerpark, it houses a small museum and makes a good jumping-off point for a tour of the style. The building was designed by one of its pioneers, Michel de Klerk, as low-income housing and its undulating brick facade and fanciful dunce cap of a tower amply demonstrate his feverish imagination. Hourly tours focus on the development of the Amsterdam School with a visit to one of the building’s apartments. The nearby annex and café holds a display of street fixtures, all stylised by designers from the movement.

Despite its name, the original church that stood on this site was started in 1408, as the congregation had outgrown the Oude Kerk (Old Church). Of special interest is the 10m (32ft)-high pulpit, which took sculptor Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck almost 20 years to create. Located next door to the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk has been used for the inauguration of Dutch monarchs since 1815 (Queen Beatrix was crowned here in 1980, and King Willem-Alexander’s wedding to Máxima Zorriguieta Cerruti took place here in 2002). The church is also renowned for noteworthy exhibitions such as World Press Photo. Lunchtime organ concerts are performed here daily from July to mid-September.