Centrum, Amsterdam guide

There’s a tapestry of history hiding in Centrum. The Anne Frank House is a powerful account of World War II — bookings are encouraged and open six weeks in advance. Begijnhof is a concealed 14th-century courtyard with a once-secret Catholic church. And don’t miss the Our Lord in the Attic Museum, a hidden 17th-century Catholic church built into an attic.

Dutch merchant history looms large in the Old City Centre’s tilting townhouses. Built along the canal belt in the 17th century, these narrow structures originally functioned as waterfront businesses, storehouses and family homes — sometimes all in one. Wander along Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht to see some of the best canal house examples.

One of the best ways to soak in Amsterdam’s modern charm is by spending time canalside. Boat tours depart from docks across Centrum. Another option is to join a walking tour or create your own self-guided one, hopping between inner city pockets of Jordaan, De Negen Straatjes and Rembrandtplein. You’ll find waterfront cafes and cute terraces at every turn.

Designed to look like a ship, the NEMO Science Museum has four levels of interactive fun for kids. If the weather’s good, picnic on the sloped roof overlooking the harbour. If you’re feeling really ambitious, order a scavenger hunt package from Amsterdam Old Town before your trip. With clues in hand, you and the kids will pick your way through the hidden gems of Centrum.

Amsterdam’s historic centre is full of modern culture. Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography is a spectacular museum set within two 17th-century canal houses. Matching the city’s rebellious streak is W139, a contemporary gallery known for its radical programming. Film buffs can catch a screening at the neighbourhood’s two historic cinemas, Filmtheater De Uitkijk and Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski.

You’re spoiled for choice in Centrum with decades-old apple pie joints, ready-to-go ‘automats’ (heated vending machines), Dutch cheese shops and trendy cafes. You’ll find lots of affordable options in De Negen Straatjes, Jordaan and around Utrechtsestraat. For special occasions, book ahead at top tables like d’Vijff Vlieghen, Jansz and De Plantage.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find there’s more to Centrum’s nightlife than its famous Red Light District. There are distilleries worth sampling, well-stocked wine haunts along the outer canals and swanky hotel bars mixing the perfect martini. If you’re itching for live music, check the rotating lineup at Paradiso, a former church converted into a music venue.

The beating heart of the capital has no shortage of popular high street stores. But the real retail magic sits in the streets of De Negen Straatjes, Haarlemmerdijk and Utrechtsestraat. Here, you’ll find a mix of design shops, vintage clothes sellers and top European labels. Don’t miss X Bank for edgy threads and homewares made by emerging Dutch designers or cookbook retailer De Kookboekhandel.

The entire city turns orange on 27 April for King’s Day. Get ready for a raucous and enormous street party in Centrum. Come June, private canal house gardens open their gates to the public for Open Garden Days. If classical music is your jam, book for Grachtenfestival in August when more than 200 performances take place in churches, parks and on the canals.