Set deep in Amsterdam’s famed labyrinth of canals, The Grand has stood since 1411. Built as a convent (the halls are still double-wide, to allow two nuns in broad skirts to walk side-by-side), this icon has been welcoming illustrious guests such as the Stuarts and the Medicis, invited by the Dutch royal family since 1578.
The impressive stone building has served as the headquarters of the Netherlands navy in the 18th century, when Dutch ships sailed the seven seas and Manhattan was part of New Amsterdam. It’s been the city hall, and even hosted the wedding of Queen Beatrix in 1966.
