TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

Architect, hotelier and collector Jacu Strauss shares the places and spaces that most inspire him in postcard-pretty Amsterdam ~ from "mind-blowing" museums and cozy bars on the canal, to a two-bedroom hidden gem of a hotel where you'll feel like a local and a unique farm-to-table dining experience in a beautiful greenhouse.  

BY JACU STRAUSS | CABANA TRAVEL | 9 MAY 2025

My Favorite Places to Stay

The Pulitzer: One of Amsterdam’s most elegant unique and charming hotels. Set across a row of 25 interconnected canal houses, it captures the essence of the city's historic charm. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the soft golden light filtering through the grand windows, the sound of bicycles passing by on the cobbled streets, and the gentle lapping of water in the canal below. Staying here is about experiencing 400 years of golden age history with some modern touches throughout.

Soho House: Then there’s Soho House Amsterdam, housed in a stunning Art Deco era building with its glazed brick construction and intricate leaded windows. The rooftop pool is an energetic oasis in summer with views across the city.

Maison Rika: For a more intimate experience, Maison Rika is a hidden gem. A boutique two-bedroom hotel above a beautifully curated fashion and homeware store, it feels more like staying in the stylish apartment of a well-travelled friend than in a traditional hotel. You feel like an Amsterdam local staying here.

My Favorite Restaurants

Jansz: For an effortlessly chic dining experience nestled in the 9 street district and on the Keizersgracht grand canal, head to Jansz. Set within the Pulitzer Hotel, it has soft lighting, refined yet relaxed interiors, and a menu that focuses on classic European flavours.

Café Celia: This restaurant offers a bit of west coast US sunshine with its California inspired menu and bright interiors. It is a great place for a group brunch and located near many attractions and the train station.

Restaurant De Kas: For a more unique dining experience, Restaurant De Kas is a true standout. Housed in a converted greenhouse, this farm-to-table concept delivers an ever-changing menu based on what’s fresh that day. There’s something magical about dining amid the lush greenery, knowing that most of what’s on your plate was harvested just hours earlier.

Cradam: And then there’s Cradam—a place that, to me, embodies the true Dutch spirit. Understated, yet effortlessly cool, it’s set in a former power station.

My Favourite Museums

The Rijksmuseum: This might be an obvious choice, but there’s a reason—it’s simply mind-blowing. The collection is unparalleled, and no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Apart from the well known showstoppers, there are many other magical items in the collection, including miniature silverware and intricate ship models.

Rembrandt Museum: For something more intimate, the Rembrandt Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of the master himself. There’s something profoundly moving about standing in the very space where he lived and worked, imagining not just the creative process but also the manufacturing processes and cultural drives behind some of history’s most celebrated paintings.

My Favorite Shop: Anouk Beerentz 

There’s something mesmerising about Anouk Beerentz, a gallery dedicated to antique mirrors. The way she restores and displays them—often by candlelight—feels almost theatrical, transporting you to another time. Each mirror holds a story, a glimpse into the past, and visiting her space is an experience in itself.

My Favorite Coffee Shop: Café de Pels

There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about Café de Pels. It’s small, charming, and the kind of place where regulars are known by name. When I lived in Amsterdam, this was my local haunt—after just a few visits, the staff knew my order before I even sat down. It’s that kind of place.

My Favorite Atmospheric Bars

Pulitzer’s Bar: This is a real Amsterdam institution and the perfect spot for a cocktail along the Grand Canal.

Super Lyan: For something a little more contemporary and surprising, Super Lyan is a must. Created by award-winning bartender Mr. Lyan, it’s playful, innovative, and effortlessly cool. The cocktails here are a work of art. Expect unexpected flavour combinations that somehow work perfectly.

Tales and Spirits: I also have a soft spot for Tales and Spirits, a speakeasy-style bar where the bartenders take their craft seriously but never lose their sense of fun. And when summer rolls around, De Waterkant is the place to be. It’s part of a car park and overlooking the canal.

My Favorite Places of Architectural Interest

Tuschinski Theatre: This theatre was built in Art Deco, Jugendstil style. It’s an opulent, almost cinematic masterpiece that transports you to another era.

The Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House): The Scheepvaarthuis is now home to the Grand Hotel Amrâth. It’s another striking example of the Amsterdam School of architecture, with its intricate brickwork, dramatic curves, and maritime motifs woven into every detail.

My Favorite Garden or Green Space: The Pulitzer Garden

One of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets—a lush, tranquil oasis hidden in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a guest , it’s the perfect place to escape the bustle of the Nine Streets and soak in a moment of calm.

My Favourite Thing to Do: Boating & Cycling

Nothing quite compares to being on the water on a clear day. Whether it’s aboard Pulitzer’s boat, the TOURIST, or a rented one, gliding through the canals offers a completely different perspective on the city. Amsterdam was built to be seen from the water, and it’s the most magical way to experience it. Cycling here is also a joy—something I rarely feel in other cities. There’s an ease to it. And sometimes, the best plan is to have no plan at all—just walk, wander, and let the city unfold before you.

My Favorite 'Insider Tip'

One of my favourite things to do in the summer is to cycle or take a boat up the Amstel River and go for a swim. And if you ever get the chance, don’t miss the Prinsengracht Concert. Once a year, the canal transforms into an open-air concert hall, with musicians performing on a floating stage as locals gather in boats to listen. Everything feels utterly perfect and you could hear a pin drop.