4. OBA (Amsterdam Public Library)

WATERFRONT.   Although a trip to the library might not be high on the list of things to do when visiting Amsterdam, do make time for this; it's the city's most visited cultural institution and just five minutes walk from Centraal Station. Although the exterior of the building (which opened mid-2007), isn't the most attractive, its trend-setting interior is stunning – more like a modern art museum. Visitors can leaf through its vast range of international magazines and newspapers or check email on of one of its many Mac computers or check out its up-to-date CDs. Bibliophiles will adore the floors and floors of books which they can read in comfy chairs which are more like sculptures. There's a modest café on the ground floor but head to the seventh floor to the extensive buffet restaurant where you can help yourself to the freshest ciabattas, salads, soup, quiches, oven-baked pizzas and juices for breakfast, lunch or dinner (it's open late!). The outdoor terrace here affords fantastic views across Amsterdam and it's all completely wheelchair accessible.   (© 10Best)

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