Katrina Drew couldn’t wait to get stuck in on a weekend break in Amsterdam
City breaks can be a bit of a cliché; Bellinis and gondolas in Venice, tapas and Camp Nou in Barcelona, Ladurée and Pont des Art locks in Paris. And in Amsterdam… well you can imagine my scepticism having once encountered the budget airline onslaught.
Stepping out of Amsterdam Centraal, ready for a rare weekend free of life admin and home decoration, I was ashamed of my preconceptions.
From the bold Gothic architecture of the station and bustling Stationsplein to vibrant banners promoting Amsterdam Fringe and Noorderpark Festivals, it was clear there was much more to be embraced in this city.
Our home for the weekend was The Hoxton on Herengracht. Historically home to rich merchants and influential figureheads, this remains one of the most affluent areas in the city laden with chic boutiques and trendy hangouts – a honeypot for the cool set.
The Hoxton is the epitome of this. Open since July, its popularity was clear; throughout our stay, the bar and restaurant – Lotti’s – was packed with groups of stylish young things, relaxed families and global visitors.
The building’s Dutch roots are given a sensitive nod combined with vibrant contemporary design by local interior duo Nicemakers.
Attention to detail was unwavering. Every corner of the hotel was brimming with unique features, quirky decorative elements and witty notes – signs reading “Mind Your Noggin” on typical low beams on the upper floors.
CANAL VIEW
We were spoilt with a “Roomy” with canal view, an expansive bedroom with plenty of space for relaxation. I was struck with serious interior envy and we agreed that this was the kind of hotel you could quite happily move in to permanently… but there was exploring to do.
Eager to dispel misconceptions, we set off for an afternoon of discovery armed with Iamsterdam City Cards. Giving us unlimited travel on public transport and free access to a huge variety of attractions along with the famous canal trips, these cards are well worth snapping up for an action-packed weekend.
Our first stop was the Amsterdam Museum. Located on the Kalverstraat, the former orphanage was a veritable feast of Amsterdam’s history. Interactive elements and compact exhibits detail the city’s rise, and for those eager to learn but less keen to dwell, it’s a worthwhile visit.
The tram network in Amsterdam makes travel easy, however, the city is also a joy to explore on foot with every turn offering a visual treat. From old canal houses that vertiginously lean to historic sights such as the Nieuwe Kerk and Royal Palace and of course the 17th-century canals, a Unesco World Heritage site no less.
Finding something to see or do is effortless with more than 140 galleries, 40 museums and 60 theatres and concert halls all promising unique experiences.
RIJKSMUSEUM
One standout destination was the breathtaking Rijksmuseum. Having undergone an extensive 10-year renovation project, the museum reopened in 2013 showing no faltering in its global popularity.
The beautiful 19th-century building is home to an exceptional collection of artworks and artefacts spanning history from the 1100s to the present day.
With highlights including Rembrandt’s masterful Night Watch, and a trio of works by Vincent van Gogh, there is much to be marvelled. It is huge – but thankfully there are various cafes for a quick break, in our case a slice of traditional Dutch apple tart.
With tired feet and enriched minds, we returned to our hotel ready for a relaxed dinner at Lotti’s. After a warm reception, we perused the menu over divine cocktails. The restaurant has a lovely laid-back ambience and serves up simple dishes peppered with Italian influences and nods to Holland.
I started with buratta and heritage tomatoes; the creamy, salty cheese was among the best I’ve ever had, set off impeccably with tart, juicy tomatoes.
My fellow diner opted for steak tartare, a lesson in simplicity served with cornichons, a sliver of toast and a plump egg yolk. All was devoured in minutes.
There is a solid array of wine served by the glass at Lotti’s, so to accompany I sipped a crisp Picpoul de Pinet while my carnivorous other half went for a soft, velvety Merlot.
On to mains. My grilled tuna with sprouting broccoli was beautifully pink, with just the right level of seasoning so as to let the fish take centre stage.
MELTINGLY TENDER
Not straying from his love of red meat, my partner tucked into a generous rib-eye steak with classic béarnaise and fries on the side. Nabbing a bite, I can vouch for the meat being both perfectly charcoaled and meltingly tender.
As a final indulgence, we shared Lotti’s chocolate mousse, a rich concoction that again proved simple is often best.
Having clocked up the miles exploring the city, we skipped Amsterdam’s famous nightlife and settled for the evening in the buzzing bar. Feeling that we had just scratched the surface of the city’s cultural offerings, it was with reluctance that we left the next day but knowing all too well we would most definitely be back.
Katrina stayed at The Hoxton, Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam. Rooms start from 89euros. For more information or to book, visit www.thehoxton.com
Iamsterdam City Cards start from 49euros for 24 hours and are available from the Visitor Centres at Schiphol Airport or Centraal Station.
KLM fly from Aberdeen to Amsterdam daily; return flights start from £139.