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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2014 38 TRAVEL Going Dutch Amsterdam Although the seat of Netherlands government is in The Hague, Am- sterdam is the nominal capital. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of more than 750,000, and the most visited, with over 3.5 million foreign visitors a year. Why go? Despite its notoriety, Amsterdam is not only about legal marijuana and prostitution, though this does attract a large number of tourists. Amsterdam is home to some in- credible art museums with works from Van Gogh to Cezanne, Picasso and Matisse. With the tulips in full bloom, there is no better time to vis- it Amsterdam than in spring. What to do? The Stedekijk Museum has an amazing collection of 20th century artists. It holds pre-war works by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall, plus a selection of paint- ings and drawings by Malevich. Post-1945 artists include De Koon- ing, Judd, Lichtenstein, Nauman, Stella and Warhol. Its Museumplein venue is closed for renovation until the end of 2009, so it's organising temporary shows in town. Another highlight is the Van Gogh Mu- seum, which holds 200 paintings and 500 drawings produced by the troubled genius, as well as Japanese paints and works by his one-time collaborator Gauguin. It is housed in a Rietveld building, which has recently been enlarged with a new wing by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Contemplate the tragic history of the Jewish community with a visit to the home of the diarist Anne Frank. Prinsengracht 263 was the canal-side house where the young Jewish girl Anne Frank and her fam- ily hid for two years during the Sec- ond World War, having f led from persecution in Germany in 1933. A bookcase marks the entrance to the unfurnished rooms of the annex in which they lived, sustained by the efforts of friends. In the new wing, there's a good exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the War, and displays charting racism, neo-Fascism and anti-Semitism. Known as the 'Venice of the North' Amsterdam has more than 100km of canals with about 90 is- lands and 1,500 bridges. Hire a pedal boat or a canoe, or if you're feeling less active hop on one of the cruise boats for a different take on Amsterdam from the water. Biking in Amsterdam is a quin- tessentially Dutch experience and by far the most popular, and most efficient, form of getting around. But Amsterdam's frenzied f low of traffic and confusing streets can intimidate visitors on two wheels. Before you hop on your cruiser, fa- miliarise yourself with road safety rules. Beer lovers will be delighted to discover that Amsterdam produc- es as many delicious beverages as their neighbouring Belgium. Try the organic beers brewed on site in the former boathouse at the foot of a windmill Brouwerij 't IJ. De Prael, located in a historical build- ing downtown, also cooks up Dutch specialties for lunch and dinner. De 7 Deugden is Amsterdam's newest microbrewery. They offer a variety of activities for groups, from beer and cheese tasting to brewing your own custom beer. Though Amsterdam is not all about marijuana and prostitution a trip to Amsterdam is not com- plete without a walk along the Red Light District, where nothing is left to the imagination and every- thing you've heard about the place is true. Cheesy sex shops sell blow up dolls, massive dildos and other outrageous sex toys while women lure you in from red-tinged win- dow. Along its streets, prostitutes, junkies, clerics, carpenters and cops freely intermingle, exhibiting a strange kind of social cosiness. Where to stay? Tucked behind a historical façade right along the canals of the city's charming centre, luxury hotel The Dylan Amsterdam, www.dylan- amsterdam.com, provides an ex- clusive gateway to uncovering the hidden treasures of Amsterdam's past and present. Comprised of the Keizersgracht canal houses with a manicured courtyard nestled at its heart, the Dylan Hotel Amsterdam is recognized for its contemporary meets classic design, dedicated service and as a beloved location of those who appreciate quality. Five-storey canal house of the NL Hotel, www.nl-hotle.com, has caused a stir in a hotel circles with its Zen elegance and clever use of space. Award-winning Dutch de- signer Edward van Vliet has an eye for detail, while orange (the national colour of Holland) and tulip motifs are recurring themes. There's also a hint of the East. Throughout are beautiful wooden lacquered f loors, striped cream and dark brown – reminiscent of barges. In the quiet residential area at the 'Vondelpark' the Borgmann Villa Hotel Amsterdam, a historic villa characterised by large windows and a tasteful interior with light colours. Some of the rooms offer a view of the 'Vondelpark' and some have their own balcony. The break- fast room overlooks the green 'Von- delpark' and a small canal. There is a small outside terrace in the gar- den at the rear of the hotel. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome. The adjacent 'Vondelpark' is pop- ular with locals as well as tourists for activities such as skating, jog- ging or cycling or for a romantic picnic in the grass, and leads on to restaurants, cafes, clubs and muse- ums. Where to eat? If you're up for more than just meal, spend an evening at the Sup- perclub, www.supperclub.com. Their philosophy is that nothing is obligatory but everything is possi- ble, dine in bed on new seasonings, new combinations and new tastes and wash it all down with equally innovative drinks like oyster-spiked shooters. After dinner lie down, relax and enjoy the entertainment that is different every night and ranges from theatre perfromances, musicians and singer or DJs. The small and cosy Restaurant De Struisvogel, www.restaurantde- struisvogel.nl, in the basement of an old building is ideal for intimate gatherings. The menu is French leaning with dishes such as wild duck, ostrich fillet and veal stew though this changes regularly to ac- commodate organic and free-range ingredients available depending on the season. Plunge into a world of sensitiv- ity by dining in the dark at Ctaste, www.ctaste.nl. At Ctaste you sit in a pitch-black dining room where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired individu- als that have been specially trained to serve meals in the dark, casually and comfortably offering guidance and reassurance for sighted guests. How to get there? Air Malta offer regular f lights to Amsterdam. Flights departing from Malta on 7 March and returning on 14 March were priced at €256.04 in- cluding taxes. Ryanair offer f lights to Einhoven, approximately 100km away from Amsterdam. Flights de- parting from Malta on 8 March and returning on 15 March were priced at €185.98 including taxes. Known as the 'Venice of the North' Amsterdam has more than 100km of canals with about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges Do it like the Dutch and experience Holland from the two wheels of a bicycle The Van Gogh Museum is home to over 200 paintings and 500 drawings produced by the troubled genius The bookcase that hid the entrance to the attic that Anne Frank and her family hid in for two years during the Second World War