Amsterdam is renowned as the most important modern and experimental art center in the North of Europe. This reputation is based primarily upon a large number of remarkable art galleries, because the only important modern art museum in Amsterdam – De Stedelijk, (The Municipal museum) is since years under rebuilding, and should open only in 2009. Amsterdam art galleries present artists from all over the world, focussed on abstract and experimental art as well as photography. Interesting realistic paintings from so called New Dutch Realism movement, as well as realistic paintings from Italy, Spain, UK and the US are always on offer. Prices often are moderate, starting as low as € 150,- for a small painting or a print, but works of the well-known living artists tend to reach last years the record prices.
Like Paradiso, Panama and the Melkweg the multifunctional Hotel Arena hosts clubnights during the weekend, hosted by local and international DJ’s.
The club is situated in a beautiful church which is over 100 years old.
The venue has largely been left in its original state, with the odd designer touch here and there, which creates a distinctive atmosphere in this popular and upmarket hangout.
“from diamonds to leather shoes”
The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take the fashionista into some of the world’s most chic couture houses. 
From diamonds to leather shoes to designer handbags 
!!! , just don’t forget to take your credit card! Museum quarter also caters for children or even the child in us with its skateboard - park and wading pool, which in the winter doubles up as an ice rink.
Another attraction of the district is Vondelpark where relaxing is the order of the day unless it is Queens Day or Uitmarkt when the park is swarming with hoards of visitors.
Amsterdam has great department stores and shopping malls. They offer unique choice of products with imports from Asia, Latin America and Africa. The best choice is offered by De Bijenkorf (The Bee Hive) located directly at the Dam square. Except for one (Villa Arena), all department stores and shopping malls in Amsterdam are located within a short walking distance from the Dam square. You may compare their actual choice within couple of hours. Shopping in Amsterdam may save you time and effort. If you like your shopping indoors, or if it happens to be raining you can always visit one of the shopping malls in Amsterdam: Magna Plaza (on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, again near the Dam square) or the Kalvertoren (on the Kalverstraat).
Private Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Hiring a private boat and guide to cruise Amsterdam’s canals isn`t a cheap endeavour, but it`s much more romantic than sitting next to strangers and their three teenagers on a massive group boat. Aboard one of the quaint "saloon boats," you can enjoy a private dinner or just sip champagne as you float along Amsterdam’s waters.
This coffeeshop of the non-smoking kind is an attractive place to stop and relax, with an inventive list of breakfasts, sandwiches and drinks. However, the service starts to crumble if there are more than a couple of queens in attendance.
