Manhattan real estate broker Chris Kann tells KDHamptons that two destinations top his love list: “I love Bridgehampton and have rented a house there for the past 10 years. It’s such a charming Main Street hamlet, with close proximity to Sag Harbor and Ocean Road Beach. Amsterdam is my other favorite city, and no matter where I am in the world, my travels always lead me back there. The 17th century architecture, the sparkling canals with locals on their tiny boats, the hustle and bustle of the bicycles, the terrific food and charming people are all captivating.” Chris shares his personalized view of beautiful Amsterdam in his NEW KDHamptons Travel Diary below:

Chris shares: I always stay at The Dylan hotel, at 384 Keizersgracht, which was built in the mid 1600’s as a theater and consists of several canal houses – definitely my home away from home. The hotel is built around a leafy courtyard with many original details still intact including stone floors and wooden ceiling beams. The Dylan is centrally situated amongst the “nine streets” – a pristine residential village packed with wonderful cafes and terrific shopping on nine side streets.

I love dining out in Amsterdam. A few of my favorite restaurants are: Envy at 381 Prinsengracht which specializes in small plates and was awarded a Michelin prize for the 6th year; Bussia, a chic Italian restaurant at 32 Reestraat with mouth watering food owned and run by a charming husband and wife team; Red, a delectable corner restaurant at 594 Keizersgracht overlooking a picturesque canal serving phenomenal fillet and lobster. Although, after a long day exploring I highly recommend returning to the hotel lobby for one of the Dylan’s club sandwiches which I dream about!

Amsterdam is a walking and bicycling city and all museums and shops are a quick bike or walk away. The newly renovated 125 year old Rijksmuseum is a MUST see with compelling architecture and of course Rembrandt. Around the corner, The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for fans of the artist’s legendary work.

Bordering the museums is the Vondelpark, a smaller version of Central Park, and an irresistible bike ride. I could endlessly bike along the canal streets (Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Singel) admiring the intoxicating Dutch architecture with its steep and narrow staircases, polished clean windows and elegant lacquered Dutch doors.

The Dutch rarely use curtains or shades affording peeks into countless stylish spaces.
I’m thrilled to be returning this year for “King’s Day” in April which is a national holiday and citywide celebration when the canals are overflowing with tiny boats draped in orange. My only regret is the visit always flies by too quickly!

**Be sure to follow Chris on his next adventure on Instagram at: nychriskann