Escort Oud-Zuid: grand avenues, great museums

The Rijksmuseum closes off one end of Museumplein, the Van Gogh and the Stedelijk line its edge, and the Concertgebouw faces them across the lawn. The Vondelpark, the city's best-loved park, stretches out just to the north-west. P.C. Hooftstraat is the address for luxury fashion, while Van Baerlestraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat add cafés, delis and neighbourhood restaurants. Further south, the Apollolaan and Beethovenstraat lead toward the office towers of the Zuidas.

Hotels in this part of town are used to guests who expect privacy, and their staff are practised at looking the other way. Your companion arrives looking like someone meeting a friend for a concert or a late dinner, which, on these streets, is exactly what most people are doing. If your hotel prefers visitors to wait in the lobby, just let us know.

A classic Oud-Zuid night pairs culture with comfort: an evening concert, a late dinner on Van Baerlestraat, a nightcap in the hotel bar. Danielle suits the quarter perfectly, magnetic and unhurried, happiest talking about old films and favourite museum rooms. Margo offers refined, slightly mysterious company and a genuine interest in contemporary art and piano. Violetta, elegant and confident, turns the walk through any lobby into an entrance. Thea, cheerful and down to earth, is the pick for a relaxed Japanese dinner before heading back.