Robert Doornbos, a former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, has made Amsterdam his home since 2018. This is the Dutch speedster’s guide to enjoying the Dutch capital, during F1 and beyond. Boasting world-famous museums, nightlife, and a unique cityscape crisscrossed by 165 canals, Amsterdam truly has something for everyone. That’s why, after years of racing globally, Rotterdam-born Robert Doornbos settled in the city in 2018. In 2021, Doornbos attended the Dutch Grand Prix, held at the Zandvoort track, which is more than 40km west of Amsterdam. “You won’t believe your eyes when you get to the beach at Zandvoort on race weekend,” says Doornbos. “The Dutch are so passionate about Formula 1. The party is on!” Of course, it helps that the reigning Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, competes for the Netherlands. “Formula 1 exploded [here] thanks to Max. Especially in 2021,” says Doornbos. “We had six million viewers for the final race,” he adds. “I was awake for three days after celebrating.” There are plenty of other things to experience in Amsterdam besides the Grand Prix. “It’s such a great place to live,” says Doornbos. “There is so much history. There are great bars and restaurants that have new concepts.” Here are Doornbos’ recommendations for enjoying the Dutch capital. At just 165sq km, Amsterdam is considered tiny compared to other European capitals. But that just makes getting around infinitely easier – especially since Amsterdam is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, with nearly 402km worth of bike paths that take you straight to its main attractions. “You just need to take a bike and go through the city,” insists Doornbos. “You can cycle along the canals, over the bridges, take in all of the architecture and beautiful houses.” Doornbos especially recommends cycling through the historic De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) – a picturesque neighborhood made up of nine intersecting lanes and four canals – and the trendy Jordaan district, both of which teem with bars, cafes, shops, and galleries along their flower-lined streets. Doornbos loves to take visitors on boat rides down Amsterdam’s canals, in particular the picturesque Prinsengracht and the beautiful Brouwersgracht. Exploring Amsterdam can provide a real sense of the city, its history, and how much fun it offers, whether it’s the Red Light District or people smoking in coffee shops. Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is a must-visit cultural experience. The museum offers a unique bike path that runs through it, showcasing masterpieces by great Dutch painters and over 8,000 works of art. Doornbos recommends visiting the Anne Frank House, a special and historical place with always long queues. The Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel is a top choice for accommodation, being one of the oldest in the country and a favorite among celebrities. The hotel offers a luxurious stay and is located conveniently close to Amsterdam Central Station. September is the best time to visit Amsterdam, with pleasant weather perfect for cycling around the city. For a neighborhood base, Doornbos suggests the elegant Oud Zuid quarter, known for its proximity to the main city and a variety of attractions. Try traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen and indulge in dining experiences at top restaurants like Brasserie Van Dam in the city center. For an upscale Italian dining experience, his recommendation is Ferilli’s, a cafe-restaurant. If you’re willing to spend some money, he suggests visiting The Duchess at W Hotel, which serves Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes with an extensive wine list. Another recommendation is to visit Vondelpark for a break from the city life, where you can potentially see parakeets. If you’re in Amsterdam during the Dutch Grand Prix, prioritize heading to Zandvoort Beach, just a half-hour train ride away. For a vibrant nightlife experience, consider visiting the De Wallen Red Light District, Rembrandtplein plaza, and Leidseplein square. To experience a more local side of Amsterdam, check out Café Nol in the Jordaan area. BBC Travel’s The SpeciaList is a series of guides to popular destinations around the world, as seen through the eyes of local experts. I am confident that the project will be completed on time. Sure, I can help you with that! Just let me know what you need assistance with and I’ll do my best to provide you with the information you’re looking for. I am a big fan of traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. There is something exciting about immersing myself in a foreign environment and trying new foods. It gives me a sense of adventure and a break from my everyday routine.