Embrace Some Serenity With These Amsterdam Hangout Spots

As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has a lot to live up to, and from the vast number of tourists that flock to this city every year, we can positively say that its reputation is nothing less than sterling.

With a population of just under one million, the locals are friendly and hospitable, and welcome people to share in their liberal beliefs and culture. Furthermore, as the financial and creative centre of Holland, it also offers all the commercial and consumer benefits of any big city, as well as displaying some of the finest architecture and historical monuments Europe has to offer.

Amsterdam, or 'the Venice of the North', is truly beautiful, and from the canal-laden streets and the vast parks to the energetic party scene, there's more than enough to keep you entertained here. Take the Old Centre for example – the medieval grounds and most visited place in the city. Here you'll find spectacular architecture mixed with traditional coffees shops, and shopping partnered with tasty restaurants. Some of the Old Centre even encompasses the red light district.

The Jewish Quarter is also another loved tourist hotspot, and there are a number of humbling Holocaust memorials to experience. Thousands of Jews came to Amsterdam in the 17th century looking to profit from the city's expanding trade business, and most settled creating their own part of the city.

The College Hotel

If you want to relax the proper way in Amsterdam, then there's nowhere better to stay than the College Hotel. This spectacular building has jazz roots, and it is themed as such throughout the corridors, walkways, restaurants and rooms. This hotel is an exception in Amsterdam, as most people like to go exploring the canals, waterways and clubs in the evening, however there's no doubt that you'll have a great night staying indoors at the College Hotel - the bar and evening entertainment is superb.

I Love Vintage

You wouldn't usually expect Amsterdam to be a good place to shop for the latest fashions, but when it comes to the old trends, it's always been top of its game. I Love Vintage is one of the best vintage stores, if not the best, in the city, and there's literally rows and rows of trendy and vintage garments to buy at very fair prices. If you're looking for that unique style, especially when holidaying in Amsterdam, then make sure you pay this shop a visit – it's collection of 50s, 60, 70s clothes will have designers in a twirl!

Panini

Good food is a must in Amsterdam, especially when you consider the amount of 'alternative' coffee shops around. Panini is a store that offers simple but amazing Panini's for those times where a quick fix is all that's needed, and you can even choose from a range of tasty fillings too!