INSIDER TIPS
ARTS & CULTURE
IJHALLEN
Ijhallen is located in the northern part of Amsterdam and is quickly reached via ferry from Central Station. It’s Europe’s largest flea market, and you can find anything from clothes to furniture here. Go early to catch the best stuff.
TROPENMUSEUM
Tropenmuseum is one of the largest museums in Amsterdam. It’s dedicated to world cultures and shares interesting stories throughout its extensive and regularly changing exhibitions about people.
DE UITKIJK
Filmtheater De Uitkijk is a movie theater close to Leidseplein, and it is the oldest in Amsterdam. They focus on screening arthouse and independent films but also host special movies such as all-time classics and international hits.
PLLEK
Amsterdam North is a breeding ground for new, young and experimental, and you get there by a free ferry. One of the best restaurants there is Pllek, and its menu is 75% vegetarian and 25% vegan. It also has a stage, and every genre takes the mic. During the summer, it becomes an outdoor cinema, a mini-festival venue, an art gallery and a yoga school. Check out their website for all their upcoming events.
DE CEUVEL
If you want to visit the future, go to De Ceuvel. The former shipyard in Amsterdam North has been converted into a scientific playground for those innovating sustainable technology. You’ll even see houseboats that have been brought on land and converted into offices. There’s also a sustainable café for when you need a bite.
FOAM
FOAM, located on the pituresque Keizersgracht, is a photography museum featuring national and international talent. The exhibitions vary from photography to visual installation to graphic works. The combination of the exciting exhibitions in the historic building is an experience in itself. Keep an eye on the website for updates on the current exhibition.
ONS’ LIEVE HEER OP SOLDER
Built in 1663, this immaculately preserved canal house in the middle of the city’s center has a little secret in the attic. In the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, Catholic masses were forbidden under Protestant rule. That didn’t stop a merchant from buying and combining three canal houses and building a hidden Catholic church on the top floor. It’s one of the most cherished museums in the city.
HUIS MARSEILLE
This stately canal house from 1665 has a little secret of its own. Walk inside and you’ll soon realize you’re in the city’s first photography museum and among some of the most world-renowned photographs in the world. The building’s historical architecture and design are worth the trip alone. Check out their website to see what exhibitions are currently on display.
PROEFLOKAAL A. VAN WEES
If you really want a taste of Dutch culture, go to this genever proeflokaal (tasting room). Genever is the Dutch precursor of gin, and its main ingredient is the juniper berry. Here, you can try 17 different genevers, and when you inevitably need some food with that, order their variety of Dutch cheeses and charcuterie. If you want to stay for dinner, the proeflokaal always offers old school Dutch dishes.
INSIDER TIPS
AMSTERDAM ON A DIME
THE BEGIJNHOF
On Spui, right in the middle of the buzzing city, there’s a door that leads you to an oasis of silence: The Begijnhof. It housed unmarried religious women between the 13th and 20th centuries, and today it’s still a women-only community. We definitely recommend a visit to experience the sacred feel and gorgeous architecture. Oh, and the entrance is free!
BUURTBOERDERIJ ONS GENOEGEN
Go here for the scenery and generous three-course meal for only €9.50, facilitated by the Rainbow Group, an organisation that supports people in social poverty. The farm is located in Westerpark, so after your meal, you can take a leisurely stroll.
CONCERTGEBOUW
Every week—with exception of the months of July and August—a Free Lunchtime Concert takes place in The Royal Concertgebouw located on the edge of Museum Square. The concerts range from public rehearsals by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to chamber music performances by young up-and-coming artists.
FREE GALLERIES
If you want to see some art but don’t want to pay an entrance fee for the bigger museums, stick to the smaller galleries. Besides the fact that you don’t have to pay to get in, owners are usually very excited to talk to you about the works. You can find loads of smaller galleries around Spiegelgracht, which is close to the Rijksmuseum.
LUNCH IN THE PARK
Depending on the weather, a lunch in the park is a good way to save some money. You can go to Albert Heijn, the famous dutch supermarket, to buy some lunch. If you come from the galleries, settle down on Museum Square. From there you have a good view on the beautiful Rijksmuseum. The most famous park, Vondelpark, is just around the corner from Museum Square as well. This park is huge, vibrant and filled with lush, green trees.
VINTAGE SHOPPING
Who says shopping has to cost a lot? If you don’t want to spend too much but still feel like going on a little shopping spree, go vintage. You not only pay a fraction of the retail price, but it’s also better for the environment. Here are some options:
IJhallen (every three weeks at NDSM-wharff)
Bij Ons Vintage (has several locations in Amsterdam)
The Zipper (has several locations in Amsterdam)
We Are Vintage (has several locations in Amsterdam)
INSIDER TIPS
AMSTERDAM’S INDULGENCES
DUKE OF TOKYO
Let the city carry you to a holiday within a holiday. The owner and designer of this karaoke bar created a Japanese wonderland. You’ll feel like a duke of underground Tokyo. Book one of the rooms and let loose.
TOKO BERSAMA
Toko Bersama might not look like much from the outside, but this place has the best Indonesian meals and snacks in Amsterdam. The portions are big and you can definitely enjoy leftovers the next day. We recommend that you do take out and enjoy it at your place.
CHEESYCAKES
Located close to De Pijp, this hidden gem has the best cheesecakes. Owned by a lovely Greek man named Spiros, you can really see the passion that goes into these cakes. The flavours switch with seasons and special holidays, and you can always count on being surprised by what Spiros has come up with. The best thing is that it is all handmade with high-quality ingredients so you will not feel nauseous after indulging.
TONI LOCO
If you’re looking for a glass of champagne and an elevated slice of pizza, look no further than TONI LOCO, the quick, casual Italian-American pizza spot right in Amsterdam’s buzzing De Pijp neighborhood and just down the street from famous Albert Cuyp Market. Get the exact giant slice you want by choosing your own toppings, and be prepared to lose your train of thought when you take a bite.
G’s A REALLY NICE PLACE
This is a really nice place for brunch after sleeping in one of Max Brown’s famous beds. G’s a Really Nice Place offers a range of lavish American dishes. If you want to feel like you’re in the South, go for the Dirty South—cheddar waffles with fried chicken, bacon, sour cream and topped off with hot sauce. And being the ultimate brunch spot, G’s has a separate Bloody Mary menu. While you’re at it, go for the Bloody Ridiculous, where “ridiculous” refers the toppings, which includes bacon, fried chicken, celery and much, much more.
THE BUTCHER
Feel like having the best burger in town? (Who doesn’t?) The Butcher is where to go. You can choose from one of four locations in Amsterdam. Each location, just like the food, has an easy-going vibe, and any dish you order is great. We strongly recommend the truffle burger accompanied by some sweet potato fries. If you have room for a milkshake, don’t hesitate to order a spiked one.
INSIDER TIPS
CONSCIOUS AMSTERDAM
INSTOCK
Instock is a concept that transform waste into food. They are passionate about reducing food waste and preparing delicious dishes out of food items that would have otherwise ended up in the bin. They now have a restaurant in Amsterdam, Den Hague and Utrecht.
MEATLESS DISTRICT
Meatless District now has two locations in Amsterdam, one on Bilderdijkstraat in West and the other on Van Woustraat in De Pijp. They prepare 100% vegan dishes and are open every day for lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks (and breakfast during the weekend). Their menu changes with the season.
VEGABOND
Vegabond sells plant-based food and advocates itself to be a place for everyone. The place itself is cozy and homey, nurturing a community where everyone can grow and develop themselves while enjoying vegan food and doing a good deed for the environment.
CHARLIE + MARIE
If you want to shop some sustainable fashion and lifestyle products, make sure to stop by Charlie + Mary in De Pijp on Gerard Doustraat. The employees of this finely curated store are always up for a little chat.
VEGAN JUNK FOOD BAR
If you’re in need of a hangover cure but want to avoid meat and cheese, a visit to Vegan Junk Food Bar is essential. This playful vegan chain has several locations in the city, and even better: they do home deliveries. Luxury!
MR. & MRS. WATSON
This cute restaurant is fully vegan, and their specialty is a cheese platter. Yes, they have an award-winning vegan cheese platter, because they understand that giving up cheese is a hard thing to do. Even if you’re not vegan, this restaurant in Amsterdam East is definitely worth a visit.
INSIDER TIPS
FANCY AMSTERDAM
MOMO Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
MOMO is culinary hotspot located next to Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam. Go for fancy dining with cocktails in a timeless, cosmopolitan and sparkling atmosphere. During weekends, you can find many locals getting together there for cocktails and bites.
CAFE PANACHE
Cafe Panache is in between fancy and casual. Here you’ll find some of the best cocktails and the nicest staff (insider tip: their host is famous). It’s perfect for dinner, and you can always move to their bar side afterwards.
MOMENTI
Momenti Italian Cuisine is a new place in the heart of Jordaan. Their sommeliers perfectly pair their amazing wines with their incredible pasta. Go here for a fancier four-course dinner—you won’t be shocked by the bill. Try their delicious Funghamisu, which is most likely the best tiramisu you will ever have.
ENTREPOT
If you want a locally-sourced, mesmerizing dinner experience, go to this restaurant located on a small dock and in a former warehouse space. For once, veggies are the stars of the show and meat takes a backseat. We recommend that you to go all out—order as much as you possibly can and get the wine pairing. It’s worth every penny.
THE DUCHESS
A former bank, now a magnificent restaurant. If you have something to celebrate or simply feel like having a fancy dinner, we highly recommend The Duchess. When you go, don’t miss the Spaghetti with Beluga Caviar. Fancy galore.
IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar
The words “Asian fusion” don’t do IZAKAYA justice. If you can get a reservation, the concept of this sleek Amsterdam hotspot is Japanese with a South American twist (think padron peppers with yuzu miso), and their cocktail menu will change the way you think of sake.
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