Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

As one of Europe's largest public libraries, this big city landmark opened on 07-07-07. Designed by Jo Coenen, the building treats arriving visitors to a soaring view up to its seventh floor café-restaurant, which, in turn, offers a spectacular view over Amsterdam. With walnut floors and white walls and shelves, the interior is eminently low key; colour comes from the books and the mixed bag of people using the free Wi-Fi - or the polyester study 'pods' (which make an ideal spot for a nap). The place was much praised when it opened, though critics have posed pertinent questions such as 'Um, where exactly are all the books?'