Fodor's Amsterdam

Book excerpt: Amsterdam's greatest charm may also be its greatest enigma: how can such a gracious, historical treasure house also multitask as the most offbeat metropolis in the world? From Rembrandts to rock and roll, the city has always been a mesmerizing mix of old and new. Now, as this new edition reveals, Amsterdam and the entire Netherlands is being dramatically revamped for the 21st century by artisanal trendmakers, designers, star chefs, and future-forward architects. Fodor's curated coverage includes the best of the country beyond Amsterdam, including Haarlem, the Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam. Expanded Coverage: The year 2013 will be a banner one for Amsterdam, as two top museums will unveil massive renovations: the Rijksmuseum (home of Rembrandt’s Nightwatch) and the Stedelijk (a modern-art collection). New write-ups showcase the city’s hip “outlier” neighborhoods: North Amsterdam, the Eastern Drydocks, and the gentrifying De Wallen “Red Light” district. The dining chapter dishes on the burgeoning school of Amsterdam cuisine (turbot on a bed of beetroot and sea nettles, anyone?), and a “Netherlands Today” section focuses on high-profile topics such as the changes for “vice visitors” (laws concerning sex and drugs), contemporary design, and immigration. Illustrated Features: Packed with gorgeous color photos, this new edition will add images of iconic recent Amsterdam buildings, such as the Nemo science center designed by Renzo Piano, the ARCAM center for architecture, and Delugan Meissl’s Eye Film Institute, along with new design-centric hotels such as the Conservatorium and the Andaz Amsterdam. A two-page feature presents top Dutch designers. Discerning Recommendations: This edition offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor's Choice designates our “best picks,” from hotels to nightlife and beyond. “Word of Mouth” quotes provide valuable insights from fellow travelers.