Got a day to spare in the Dutch capital? Here’s what you need to do….

Crossing the North Sea has never been easier or more convenient, now that the Eurostar has a direct train connection from London to Amsterdam. Starting this week, you can cross The English Channel in less than four hours. The train goes directly from city centre to city centre – departing from St Pancras International and arriving in Amsterdam’s Central Station. (There are two direct connections per day and fares start at £35, one-way.) This new route is also better for the environment, as the train emits 80 per cent less greenhouse gas per passenger than the equivalent flight. So, now that Amsterdam is at your fingertips, what are the best things to see and do? This is how we’d spend 24 hours in the Dutch capital.

Hotel V in the theatre district

Let’s get rid of your luggage first. From Amsterdam’s Central Station, it's only a 15-minute walk to Hotel V on Nesplein. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of the red-light district, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The hotel is located in the theatre district, with plenty of restaurants and bars around. It's a family business, run by 12th-generation Amsterdammers whose history of hospitality dates back to the 1960s. It's not a stuffy place though, with contemporary Dutch design accents throughout, and nods to its location in the theatre district in the wallpaper collaging and vintage show posters. Rates start at £200 per night, and they throw in a free breakfast if you book directly via their website.

hotelvnesplein.nl

Bike around Vondelpark

Around Dam Square, you’ll find several bike rental shops. But the historic centre can be quite congested and even dangerous for people who are not used to biking – especially on the right side of the road. It's better to cycle 15 minutes to Vondelpark, a beautiful and well-known park that been the city’s backyard since 1865. Here you can ride without worrying about traffic (or being yelled at by locals). Stop for coffee at the Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) or sip some fine wine on VondelCS's large terrace. Or just bring your own food and picnic next to a pond.

blauwetheehuis.nl

Photography at Foam

Bike along to Foam on Keizersgracht for the best photography exhibits in town (open seven days a week). Since it's opening in 2001, Foam has become an internationally renowned art institution. They always showcase an interesting mix of young photographers and established artists, from the Netherlands and the rest of the world. The museum currently has works by the legendary Senegalese photographer Mr Seydou Keïta on display, till the beginning of June. This summer, French photographer Mr Samuel Gratacap will have his first solo exhibition in Foam, exploring the topics of refugees and migration.

foam.org

Vegan Junk Food Bar

You must be getting hungry by now. Time to get acquainted with Dutch delicacies like bitterballen, frikandellen and kroketten – meaty fried snacks, sold from a vending machine at FEBO. The Dutch company has a gazillion shops all over the country, but FEBO is named after one of its the first locations on Ferdinand Bolstraat (Fe-Bo), just a few minutes from Vondelpark and Foam. But for an upscale, modern (and meat-free) version of the Dutch snack experience, check out the Vegan Junk Food Bar across the street on Heinekenplein. No animals were hurt to satisfy your cravings, plus they serve booze.

veganjunkfoodbar.com

Cocktails at Madam

After a long day of sightseeing, you probably want to kick back with a good cocktail and a great view. Head to Madam, the panorama bar on top of the A’DAM Toren. The tower was designed in 1966 for oil company Shell; 2016 saw the 328-ft structure’s reopening after extensive renovation. A’DAM Toren now houses a hotel, a music school and a revolving restaurant. Madam is situated on top of the restaurant, on the 20th floor. To get to the tower, take a free ferry behind Central Station. It only takes five minutes to cross the river, and it’s a fun ride. Just like the rest of Amsterdam.

madamamsterdam.nl