Amsterdam is sometimes overlooked as a destination worth visiting in Europe. When I tell people I am going to Amsterdam, I receive reactions ranging from “there’s no culinary scene there,” to “oh, are you going there to smoke?” I find both types of responses to be a bit out of touch with what is really going on there — I smell pot on New York City streets more often than I do on the streets of Amsterdam. And, in the two times I’ve visited the city in the last two years, I ate so well that I cannot wait to explore more. The city is also beautifully scenic, especially the city center, which is built around the canals. The architecture, interior spaces, and décor are inspiring – I get lots of ideas from just walking around and looking into the canal houses. The Rijksmuseum reopened in 2013, after a decade-long renovation, and it is one of my favorite museums, not just for the trove of Dutch Old Master works it houses, but also because it is actually a very manageable size for a museum, never overwhelming. Another favorite, the Van Gogh Museum, gives a comprehensive overview of the life struggles and astonishing work of this great artist. The Museum Quarter is also home to the Stedelijk Museum for modern and contemporary art. On this visit, Cyn and I also saw the Banksy “Laugh Now” exhibit at Moco Museum, and Ai Wei Wei’s #SafePassage exhibit at Foam Fotografiemuseum (in the City Centre district), both dealing with contemporary global issues, including political power struggles.

What I love about Amsterdam is that while it has deep-rooted history and culture, it is so modern and innovative at the same time. On the one hand, you have Rembrandt and Vermeer, Dutch Masters from the 17th Century who were both original in their masterful use of light to illuminate their lifelike paintings. And on the other hand, you have Van Gogh, who’s expressive brushstrokes made him one of the most influential Post-Impresssionist artists. The Dutch are constantly at the forefront of design and lifestyle — one example is the hotel we stayed at, Zoku Amsterdam. First of its kind, Zoku is defining its own specialty hotel category where work meets play — think hybrid of AirBnB and WeWork. The rooms are designed as home offices, and the division of space puts focus on worklife balance and sustainable living. Located in East Amsterdam in a 70’s-style office building, the property doesn’t even look like a hotel. On the top floor of the hotel is the green garden and “social spaces,” where residents come to eat, drink, work, hang out and interact. Though the restaurant and bar have set hours, the social spaces are open around the clock, so it has an authentically cozy, communal feel. In short, Zoku succeeds as more than just a lodging place; it’s where global travelers can find connection, creativity and comfort.

For first-time visitors to Amsterdam, I recommend staying in the Canal Ring around the Jordaan and Nine Streets neighborhoods, where the density of restaurants and boutiques along the canal street makes it fun to walk around. The Anne Frank House is in this area, and it’s an easy walk or tram ride to the Museum Quarter. Jordaan is tourist-friendly, like the West Village of Amsterdam. De Pijp and East Amsterdam, where Zoku is located, are hip and less touristy. Wherever you stay, Amsterdam is easy to get around, by bike, foot, tram, or Uber. Oh, and watch out for the bikes. Bikers have the right of way over pedestrians and they ride fast!