Madelien Schippers (1985)

Friday Next is a lifestyle store, exposition room and café all in one, a concept which is not that common (yet) in Amsterdam. But this concept store has a great inspirational collection of design furniture, jewelry, great leather bags and more wannahaves.

The bright store feels like a very nice decorated apartment, where you will find the café in the midst of the store. Here you can enjoy a coffee or a lunch, prepared with the fresh products of Marqt next door (see the Marqt article). Given the amount of laptops I saw during the week, this spot lends itself perfectly to get some work done.

Every two to three months a designer or famous international brand is asked to expose their work here. Furthermore this store is an inspiration for everyone who likes to pimp their home with an unique item! Definitely worth a visit when you’re near the Overtoom.

If you don’t feel like going for some drinks to the city centre, try Zola in West. Here they serve some nice sandwiches for a good lunch when you drop by after checking out the shopping street ‘Kinkerstraat’ and the ‘Ten Kate market’.

When the weather allows it is very comfortable at the terrace which is conveniently situated to the waterside. The furniture inside looks fresh with the wood and typical light purple color on the walls.

Dinner is pure and simple, I like to go for one of the salads or the spicy Thai fish cakes. They serve some good cocktails at the bar and on Friday night you can enjoy yourself till late with the special night: Drink & Dance. It could get pretty busy on the Friday nights. 

When it gets busy the service can be a bit chaotic, but other than that this place is an all-rounder, its suitable for pre-dinner or after work drinks, lunch and dinner!

Laura Dols is the most famous vintage store in Amsterdam, situated in the trendy Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). Here you will find all kind of unique pieces, most of them originating from the 50s, like dresses, hats, clutches and pumps.

I like to go here for a special outfit for an event like Christmas or a ball/gala. In the basement they have a tremendous amount of the most beautiful glamour, ball and cocktail dresses, all nicely arranged by colour. The prices are very affordable and the staff is always willing to advise you or lend a hand to zip up your dress.

The staff is always busy ironing the new incoming clothes, since the collection is refreshed daily. Every piece is checked and cleaned, so no dirty or smelly clothes! Laura Dols only sells quality pieces, so it’s worth a visit to score your unique item to stand out of the crowd!

This place is one of my favourite squares in Amsterdam, due to the big green lawn and it being less busy in comparison with the Vondelpark. Nowhere in Amsterdam will you find a square of this size. Museumplein (“museum square”) is a place where youngsters, students, elderly and tourists all come together to enjoy the green, play sports or read a book on one of the many benches.

The museum square is surrounded by the three big museums, namely: the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum. And on the other side of the street you will find the beautiful Concert Building.

The lawn was recently renewed with a new grass-field. They say the grass is so strong that it will easily hold all the upcoming events on the square with thousands of people. Under the elevated shaped triangle lawn, also called the donkey ear, there is a supermarket where you can buy some refreshments.

You can also go to the Cobra café close to the Rijksmuseum, where they serve some great sandwiches and they have a big busy terrace! In the summer you will find a big pond which turns into a cool ice rink in the winter, next to this cafe.

So combine some culture and relaxation at the museum square, since they are just minutes away from each other!

This place was formerly known as Boom Chicago, named after the American comedy club that is housed here with edgy sketches on actual themes and a lot of funny improvisation.

Since March they changed their name from BC12 to Chicago Social Club. Besides comedy you will find a lot of good house/techno parties on the agenda! I like this place because it is not a massive club, rather intimate with only one dance floor that attracts a cool, mixed crowd of people looking for a good night out.

When you enter the venue you can first have a drink at the large bar, but if you can’t wait to party, walk a little further where the deep house, techno or sometimes hip hop will welcome you. Just check out the agenda on their site to see if there is a party of your taste. On weekdays the bar is open till late, and I can recommend the nice apple martini’s they serve here.

On Friday and Saturday you have to pay for entrance, the rest of the week the bar is free of charge. More in for a night full of American humor?, check their calendar.