Top 5 elevated experiences in Amsterdam
Indulge in the very best of Amsterdam’s culture, cuisine, and relaxation.
By Shayla Martin | June 4, 2025
Amsterdam’s timeless charm meets modern sophistication in a city where each canal and cobblestone tells a story. For the discerning traveler, the Dutch capital offers an array of exceptional experiences, from Michelin-starred dining to private art tours and serene spa retreats. Here’s how to experience an extraordinary stay.
Explore the city by water
Amsterdam is synonymous with iconic canals that majestically flow through the city, surrounded by picturesque row houses, historical sites, and museums such as the Anne Frank House and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. While you can explore the canals on foot or by bicycle, the most memorable way to experience them is from the water. Conveniently located along the Herengracht Canal, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is the perfect home base, where your concierge can arrange a private boat tour of the city’s most iconic canals. Pure Boats, a boutique canal cruise company, is a top choice. Board the sophisticated Lucy vessel, which seats up to six guests and launches just a short walk from the hotel. After your cruise, retreat to Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and recharge with views of the canal from your sophisticated room, loft, or suite to unwind in style.
Savor distinguished dining
Amsterdam deserves more credit for its incredible dining scene. You’ll find exquisite cuisine for every palate, from approachable treats like sweet stroopwaffles (a waffle-like cookie with caramel syrup) to multi-course menus at acclaimed restaurants. For a taste of the finest Dutch fare, indulge in the dynamic seven-course tasting menu at Spectrum, the two Michelin-starred restaurant within Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. Savor innovative dishes such as duck with pomegranate and black olives or langoustine with cacao, chipotle, and kaffir. Avant-garde cocktails and rare spirits are just steps away at the hotel’s Vault Bar, where unique design touches nod to the building’s former life as a banking institution.
Relax and rejuvenate
After traversing the quintessential cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, an afternoon of self-care will help you recharge for your next excursion. Settle into the elegant Guerlain Spa, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam's tranquil wellness sanctuary. The serene indoor pool is the perfect place to ease tired muscles as you unwind to the sounds of ever-flowing water. Immerse yourself in the Spa’s sauna and steam rooms for full body relaxation. By the time you’ve had a tension-soothing massage or customized facial, you’ll be ready to explore more of the city. For more calm moments, visit the hotel’s private garden to extend your Zen surrounded with beautiful blooms.
Craft your signature scent
Our sense of smell is most closely linked to memory, so why not leave a lasting impression everywhere you go by handcrafting your own signature perfume in Amsterdam? The Scents Design Studio is an artisan atelier that offers private perfume workshops, helping guests craft a personalized fragrance. You can also grab a memento from the studio’s city-inspired collection of perfumes like the ammbery Bridge Lights, which evokes the glow of Amsterdam’s canals, while the floral notes of Time Bike are an homage to Amsterdam’s flower-adorned bicycles. Bespoke scent experiences continue at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, where guests can choose one of five Cire Trudon fragrances to be sprayed in your suite during turndown service to help lull you into a restful night’s sleep.
Take a private tour
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a deep dive into the native son of the Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh. The sculptural Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works and life of the renowned artist, where his famed paintings “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom” currently reside. The concierge at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam can arrange a private, guided tour that allows you to skip the entrance line at various museums around town, including Amsterdam’s famous Rijksmuseum, which is just a 16-minute walk from your hotel and features an array of stunning exhibits dedicated to Dutch history.
Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
Visiting Amsterdam? Here’s what you need to know.
When to visit: Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October)
Don’t miss: Private canal tours, Michelin-starred dining, world-class museums, and historic architecture.
Stay for: Vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and sweet Dutch treats like stroopwafels and poffertjes (mini pancakes).
Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
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