Canals Amsterdam – All our local tips

This church was built by D. Stalpaert between 1668 and 1670. It was supposed to be an emergency church (a preach barn), waiting for the definite church to be built from stone on the large square or field in front of it, however this has never happened. The church existed of unpainted redwood without any decoration. The nave was a construction of 12 wooden pillars connected to beams by korbels. In 1755 a new horizontal construction was made in a lighter colour.

In 1840-1843 the church was rebuilt by architect P.J. Hamer. The original wooden construction was hidden by Gothic curves. Interior and organ were replaced and in 1990 a complete restoration of the church found place. The entire 17th century wooden constructions and 19th century interior were restored and ever since it is part of the city regeneration.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Amstel Church | Art & culture | Free
Amstelveld 10 | Canals
24 hours daily

Struik is a typical relaxed, ‘easy going’ café. The audience is a mix of locals, old & young, varying from hip to old fashioned.

At Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays dj’s are playing their music: hiphop/soul/classics. Popular but original at the same time. Once in a while special events take place.

The graffiti on the brick wall changes every now and then, made by several artists. Struik has a small lunch and snack menu; and most days of the week you can enjoy a great dinner for a lousy €7.50! Check the website to see what’s on the menu! Every day another ‘theme’!

Great to start off your night, or to hang around all night. Guaranteed you meet some nice locals!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bar Struik | Bars, Music, Snacks | Beer € 2.00
Rozengracht 160 | Canals
Mon 17:00 – 01:00, Tue – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri 10:00 – 03:00, Sat 11:00 – 03:00, Sun 11:00 – 01:00

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam? Perhaps windmills, coffee shops or its famous Red Light District.

Well, Amsterdam is also home to one of the most renowned flower markets in the Netherlands and the only floating flower market in the world – Bloemenmarkt. This is a major tourist attraction in the city which is located on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein. It is an array of colours and smells, and is best visited if you are out for an early morning walk as there are less tourists.  Bloemenmarkt market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. except on Sunday when it opens from 11 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.

Only recently I have discovered how great this place is. I’ve cycled past it for years but never had the urge to go in. This is because the shop doesn’t look very exciting from the outside. It is on a corner and is very small. It is not the sort of place to go if you want a romantic meal; it looks more like a snack bar.

But after hearing several good stories about their food I decided to give it a shot. And I found it’s a great place for lunch, especially if you are suffering from a hangover. Famous is the Broodje Bert. And I must say it is my favourite. It is a large piece of Turkish bread with freshly grilled lamb meatballs. Besides the meat the bread is filled with lettuce, tomato, peppers, and lot of sauce. It takes a bit of work to get down. But I always feel very satisfied after.

Besides the Broodje Bert they also serve several different sandwiches, burgers, and omelets.

As I said the place is very small and it is not very cosy on the inside. Besides from that you will smell like a barbecue if you sit inside. They grill the meat freshly in front of you and this can get a bit smoky. Luckily they do have a very pleasant terrace so you can comfortably sit outside. Even when the weather isn’t that good they have a bit of the terrace which is covered.

So if you’ve had a rough night and you’re heading towards the city centre I would recommend you to give it a shot. There is no better way to start a (hung-over) day!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Broodje Bert | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich (cash only) € 6.50
Singel 321 | Canals | +31206230382
08:00 – 17:00 daily

This is really is the place to be for a great juicy burger, forget about Mcdonalds or Burger King. This type of ’slow fastfood’ is becoming more and more popular as this is not the only burgerbar of this kind in Amsterdam, but I do think its the best.

You get to choose between different sizes of burgers, different kinds of bread, and all the toppings you could want. This does get a bit pricey if you don’t know when to stop so choose your toppings wisely. If you really want to go for the best of the best get the Kobe Beef Burger. The farmers that used to produce this beef in Japan are known to have hired geisha’s to massage the animals. Or so I heard. So you should definetely give this one a try!

Don’t come here for the atmosphere, as its quite light and the music isn’t that great either. But…. The burgers really are to die for. I promise!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Burgerbar | Snacks, Restaurants (Snack bar) | Burger € 8.00
Reguliersbreestraat 9 | Canals | +310203305968
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 04:00

The cosy Café Proust is located on the charming Noordermarkt, right in the middle of the great atmosphere of the Jordaan and it’s many daily markets.

The interior can be described as no-nonsense, modern and cosy. In fact, Proust recently got a huge makeover! The greens are turned into cosy reds! 
Tourists, locals, students and market visitors drop by to have lunch, dinner, relax for a nice cup of coffee or some beers. On market days the café gets really packed, although the atmosphere remains laid-back.

The menu changes every now and then. The quality is definitely above the average café-level. The Proust Hamburger is a recommendation, and so is the salad/pasta/soup of the day. Something what also should not be forgotten: the quality-price ratio is great! The new chef offers you a superb variety of dishes…even cheese-fondue!

The absolute eye-catcher of Proust is the gigantic pistol-lamp (designed by Hans van Bentem ) above the bar. Madonna has one as well!

In summer you are lucky if you can find yourself a seat outside as the terrace is, unfortunately, quite small. On the other hand, this preserves the intimate atmosphere.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Proust | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (International) | Beer € 2.20
Noordermarkt 4 | Canals | +31206239145
Mon 09:00 – 01:00, Tue – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sun 12:00 – 03:00

Cafe Weber is a bar where most people in Amsterdam have been at least once. It is one of those places where you end up after a long evening for a final drink. The bar is open till three o’clock during the week and four o’clock in the weekend. This means it is usually one of the only options left after all the other bars are closed.

But if you think it is a dodgy bar in a strange little alley you are wrong. The bar is quite trendy and it is not only for the late hours, you can also go here a bit earlier (it opens at 20:00) for a drink, this is not a bad idea as it will be the only time when you will easily find a place to sit. The later it gets the more crowded it will be and you will have to squeeze yourself through the masses of people. But if you do spot an empty seat don’t hesitate to squeeze yourself in. People will  take advantage of any seat they can get even if that means sitting very close to your neighbours.

As I said the place is quite trendy and the interior is very nice. They change the colour of the walls and the other decorations every once in a while. Inside it used to be very smoky but with the new smoking policy this isn’t a problem anymore inside. Now everyone is crowded around on the street in front of the bar to smoke a cigarette. Sometimes it is as busy outside as it is inside.

The Weber bar is situated together with two other bars on the Marnixstraat. The bar next to it is called Lux and is almost identical to Weber. Choosing between the two bars is usually a matter of where there is the most space. A bit further on is the bar Kamer 401. This is slightly different than the other two. It is usually not as crowded and there are more places to sit. It also closes at the normal closing times. This bar is a good option if you like a bit more space around you but my favorite has to be Weber!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Weber | Bars | Beer € 2.20
Marnixstraat 397 | Canals
Sun – Thu 20:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 20:00 – 04:00

The history of Royal Theatre Carré is closely associated with the family Carré. The family Carré is a French/German dynasty of highly skilled riders and circus artists who performed in the Netherlands for the first time in September 1863. They did an horse-act on the annual fair of Amsterdam. From that day on, Carré became a circus. On the 6th of December 1963 Carré revealed something new, called the One Man Show. One man alone for a big audience. In history, it had never happened that a variety show artist dared to do this.

On the 1st of January 1977 Carré became a real theatre. The city council bought the theatre and brought back the circus into Carré. The next director took on something new; the own production of the musical ‘Cats’. Carré brought de Dutch showbiz on an international level, with the production of Cats.

Tours
Although Carré is a very old building with a great historical history, behind the scenes its an ultra modern theatre. During this tour you can experience the dynamic and daily live of top entertainment. You will wander the stage, the dressing-rooms and the foyers. Nice stories, architecture, history and the performances during the last 120 years are discussed. You will get the complete story and nothing will be a secret anymore!

The guided tours take place every Saturday at 11:00. Ticket price: € 8.00. To make a reservation, call +31 20 5249 452.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Carré | Art & culture, Theaters | Tickets from € 15.00
Amstel 115-125 | Canals
Open every day when the theatre starts

As a foreigner, going to the movies in Holland is fun because basically all the films are in English! Big movie-theaters like Pathe de Munt and Pathe Tuschinski can be easily found in the center but are commercial, enormous and lack intimate atmosphere. Although, I can’t deny that Pathe Tuschinski is beautifully ornamented on the inside (Reguliersbreestraat 26).

My personal favourite is Cinecenter, just near the Leidseplein. This theater mostly screens arthouse films. English, Spanisch, Italian, Scandinavian etc. films are part of the daily film programm. Unlike the large commercial cinemas, Cinecenter has short breaks in the film in order to get a drink or use the toilet. Great advantage!

Since the weather is not always great in Holland, going to the cinema is a great event! Cinecenter is cosy, intimate and screens film festivals prizewinners from for example Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Rotterdam. Besides, it’s affordable.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cinecenter | Cinemas | Entrance ticket € 8.50
Lijnbaansgracht 236 | Canals | +31206236615
Mon – Sat from 15:45, Sun from 10:30

Like lots of people I have to admit I’ve gotten so used to downloading music that I hardly ever buy a CD. But step one foot inside this shop and you will instantly feel the urge to listen to and buy lots of CD’s. It’s really kind of dangerous!

The shop actually consists of five shops stuck together. There are different areas specializes in pop music, classical music, jazz, world music, rock music, dance music. And they also have a DVD section. Once you get inside you can easily spend hours rummaging around the special offers, special editions, and CD’s of artists you forgot existed.

In the DVD section they’ve got complete selections of all the great TV series you can imagine. When I walk around there I always start getting greedy and I really don’t know where to start!

The shop has lots of different little corners where you can withdraw yourself from everything else and just listen to music. The people in the shop all know a lot about all the different sorts of music so they can always help you further when you don’t know how to make a choice between everything they’ve got to offer.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Concerto | Music, Shopping
Utrechtsestraat 52 – 60 | Canals | +31206235228
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00

De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, and an impressive art deco building with a rich and royal history. The building, named after its architect K.P.C. de Bazel (1869-1923), was built between 1919 en 1926 for the ‘Nederlandsche Handel Maatschappij‘ (Dutch Trading Company), a trading company and bank.

Karel de Bazel intended his architectural designs to be in harmony with their environment. His intention was to communicate a divine message through his creations. The rooms in the building were built in many styles. The more important you were, the darker the wood in the room was and the darker the colour green on the walls were. The hierarchical idea of the building was important too.

Currently De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, but also a conference centre. The large “King’s chamber”, as well as the six smaller adjacent rooms, have been restored to their original state. The banquet rooms with the lovely floors, ceilings with chandeliers, paintings, unique stained glass windows and chairs and tables designed by the architect himself, you feel as if you are back in the rich seventeenth century of the old Dutch traders. What is interesting is that De Bazel did not only designed the furniture, but also ash trays, pencils and a crockery set.

Maybe for tourists this is not the most interesting “museum” to see, but for the architecture you definitely have to go there. There still is a large treasury room from the time it was a bank, and worthwile seeing. I was really surprised and stunned about all the details.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Bazel | Art & culture | Exhibiton Adults € 4.00
Vijzelstraat 32 | Canals | +31202511800
Tue – Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

It was the first Catholic Parish Church in Amsterdam after the parish reclassification in 1857.

Architect T. Molkenboer designed the church in an Italian Baroque style. Inside the church you see a central and basilical construction. A short but wide nave is flanked by galeries and ends in an octagonal headroom with its sanctuary. In 1974 the last official service was held. People from the neighbourhood and parishioners were not amused and started to organize their own services.

The restaurant started in 1998, and was finished in 2002. The organ was restored in 2006. Now the church also functions as a cultural- and civil activity centre.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Duif | Art & culture | Free
Prinsengracht 756 | Canals
24 hours daily

I can’t repeat enough how much I like cheese. This is why visiting De Kaaskamer is a treat for me. Looking at (and smelling) all the different sorts of cheese makes my mouth water…

I usually go here to get a delicious baguette for lunch. You can pick any sort of cheese or meat and other toppings and the baguette will definitely fill your stomach for the rest of the day.

The shop is hard to miss, you can smell it meters away. When you go inside you won’t know where to start! Luckily the personel is really friendly and they let you taste different cheeses too.

My tip would be to get yourself a baguette, and to eat it somewhere beside one of the beautiful canals. Then on your last day in Amsterdam head to the shop again and fill your whole suitcase with CHEESE!!! Enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Kaaskamer | Shopping, Snacks | Baguette € 5.00
Runstraat 7 | Canals | +310206233483
Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

This is a Catholic Church in the centre of Amsterdam, on the Spui, made for the Catholic church service.

The church is officially known as the Roman Catholic Church of Sint Franciscus Xaverius. Since 1654 the members of the “church” then prayed and preached in a house named “The Crijtberg”. In 1881, they officially start building a church. The Neo-Gothic style was introduced by Alfred Tepe and the church was consecrated in 1883. The job for the architect was to build the church between the existing houses. That is why it has such high windows and the more you go to the back of the church, the broader it is.

Between 1979 and 2001 the renovation was accomplished. The foundation, the roof and the stained glass windows were renovated, after that the altar and the pulpit. At the end of the 20th century the paintings, the statues and the plaster were restored.

The organ is a huge one. It is called the organ of Adema and was used since 1905. After 1905, many registers were added to the organ and it was replaced twice in the meantime.

Personally I think this is one of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam, because of the many colors used and the detailed paintings on the ceiling and walls. It is an impressive church, that gives me a warm feeling when entering it. There is also so much light coming in, it is not a sober church, but really a pretty and pleasant one. I hope my photo will impress you and that you will visit this wonderful church.

The church is opened half an hour before the mass starts.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Krijtberg | Art & culture | Free
Singel 448 | Canals | +31206231923
Tue – Thu & Sun open for visitors from 13:30- 17:00

Envy is stylish and designed by the successful Concrete Design Group, like their baby sister the wine bar Vyne (check the bar Vyne article; Nice wordplay). It’s slick, elegant and the atmosphere is nice.

Whether you are here on a romantic trip or for business, this place fits everyone. Except those who like bright restaurants… they will moan that it is so dark… Like my father in law did (”I can not see what is on my plate……”). And that is definitely not true, because of the subtle and very effective light above the tables as well as above the long communal bar, where you have dinner as well.

The food is served in small and shareable portions, so you share and dare. The dishes are very original; however they do serve also quite a few classic dishes.

You can start of your evening with Envy bread and dipping and nice small plate with pata negra

. I would recommend ordering 3 or 4 plates per person to share. They change the menu quite often, which makes it a place that won’t bore you. Envy has been keeping up her performance for 3 years in a row; well done!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Envy | Restaurants (Fusion) | Dish € 7.00
Prinsengracht 381 | Canals | +31203446407
Dinner 18:00 – 01:00 daily | Lunch Fri – Sun 12:00 – 15:00

This home was one of the first buildings build in the Golden Bend in 1669. Most of the houses were build on two areas, but this one was build on one area only.

If you have read other articles of mine, your know I really love architecture. I mentioned it before, most of the buildings in Amsterdam were renovated in the Lodewijk XV style. It is a common home, a back- and front home, separated with a courtyard and a staircase. In 1890 a huge renovation was done to connect the old with the new Lodewijk VX part. The living room and the ball room in the back of the house were Neo-empiric style.

The nicest part of this home is the painting of Jacob de Wit. It is painted on the ceiling of the building, three stocks high. If you are standing in the middle of the house right beneath the stair case, and you look up, you will see the painting. It is the only place in the house where you can see it. The painting is called “The Witjes”, named after the painter.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Erfgoedhuis | Art & culture | Free
Herengracht 474 | Canals | +31207167350
On request

The words ‘typically Amsterdam’, ‘funny fashion’ and ‘Exota’ can easily be mentioned in the same sentence.

Their own vintage label ‘King Louie‘ is sold internationally and a great success. You’ll find people wearing this label all over the Netherlands as it’s really recognizable. With the first store opened in 1985 the concept of ‘first class second hand’ was presented.

Brands as for example Carhartt, Kookai, French Connection are part of the collection. Accessories like key gadgets, necklaces, body cremes, belts and bags decorate the place with their happy colors and designs.

Service is extremely friendly, fashionable and happy to help with any request or advice.

A visit to this shop puts a smile on your face!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Exota | Shopping | T-shirts from € 20.00
Hartenstraat 10 | Canals | +31206209102
Mon 11:00-18:00, Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 13:00 – 17:00

Photography Museum Amsterdam is located in a stately looking building on the Keizersgracht, close to the Vijzelstraat. The interior is quite modern, and it has the airiness and bland look that you need to facilitate different exhibitions. There are always people inside, but it rarely feels crowded. You will not feel pressured to rush through the three or four varying exhibitions.

Photography is a matter of taste, but I have found something I liked every time I went there. There is usually a good mix between the works of upcoming talents and established names such as Henri Cartier-Bresson or James Nachtwey, and the content of the photos ranges from celebrations of life, to testimonies of human decay and suffering. Sometimes you will find it all in one exhibition, or even in one picture.

I have been touched by what I have seen in Foam many times, in different ways. I find that Foam has a skillful pick, offering different esthetics and different stories, thereby appealing to different visitors or moods.

If you need to gather your thoughts after you have seen a intense exhibition, you can visit the small coffee bar, which has a pleasant atmosphere and sells excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

A small sidenote: Foam is one of the most dynamic museums in the city. They sell signed and limited prints in the attic and they regularly organize events. It might be worthwhile to ask what they have planned when you are there.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Foam | Art & culture | Entrance € 7.50
Keizersgracht 609 | Canals | +31205516500
Sat – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thu – Fri 10:00 – 21:00

Right at the canals on the Singel you will have to look carefully not to miss this lovely breakfast & lunch spot. You will recognize it by the little white tables and chairs that stand outside which give you a lovely view of one of the most beautiful parts of the city centre.

Greenwoods is a tiny place is and is owned by an English woman. This woman among other thins surely knows how to bake! The carrot cake, lemon meringue pie and cheesecake are absolutely delicious. I really couldn’t believe it. At one point my boyfriend got so addicted to the carrot cake that he got a slice almost daily. He went out of his way for it, you could say he was out of control!

If you’re not in a hurry you can also try the high tea. You will be spoiled with Great tea and lots of little sandwiches and scones with fresh cream and jam will keep you busy for hours.

Besides for the cakes this is also a great place for a savoury lunch or breakfast. The homemade soda bread is heavy but delicious. The club sandwiches are also a meal in itself. Accompany your food by a big cup of coffee and some fresh orange juice and there is no better way to start of your day.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Greenwoods | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (breakfast) | Sandwich € 6.00
Singel 103 | Canals | +31206237071
09:30 – 19:00 daily

In 1670 the house on the Herengracht 476, belonging to Francois de Vicq was finished. Due to the town-development in 1662, this house was build in the Golden Bend. It is a relatively big home, but counts only one floor. The facade is made of bricks and divided by pillars made of sandstone. It is the last building of the 17th century with such a unique facade.

In 1730 the house was modernised and the famous painter Jacob de Wit painted the ceiling of this house. The typical staircase is brightly lighted by an annex dome, also called the lantern.

Until 1881 this house was a home of several families. From 1881 until 1887 it was a girls’ school, known as the “Golden School” because of her location. Until 1974 this house was inhabited by the family Mirandolle. Only during the second World War, the Germans took over. Since 1974 the Prins Bernhard Culture Foundation is situated in this house.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Huis de Vicq | Art & culture | Free
Herengracht 476 | Canals
On request

This two area house was built in 1670, but what you see right now was done during a huge renovation in 1875 by the architect W. Hamer (1843-1913). During this renovation almost the entire facade was rebuilt and the neo-renaissance staircase was completely renovated.

Later on, the staircase was decorated with three tapestries from the 17th century with expositions from the history of Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra. The sidewalk came back in 1903 and in 1926 the house was bought by the company Goudstikker, the former largest art trader in the Netherlands.

After that a bank was situated here and at the moment it is getting restored.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Huis Goudstikker | Art & culture | Free
Herengracht 458 | Canals
On request

Opposite the landmark Hotel de L’Europe and the Munt Tower, on the first floor on the Amstel you can find this nice and cosy restaurant with a breathtaking view: Italian nouvelle cuisine, on the first floor in central Amsterdam.

The first time I had dinner at this place they were painting the surface: a disappointment. But the nice and friendly scenery made it a great experience.

No pizza´s, no pasta, but real Italian food, with antipasti, primi and secondi, served with contorno (known as vegetables or side dishes in general).

They have an interesting wine list with really famous & expensive wines like Amarone, but also unknown wines from small vineyards, where they have met the landlady (70 years old). After a sizzling glass of Prosecco, served with an amuse and great home made bread with olive oil, it is up to you.

They serve a tasting and inspirational menu daily. But also the daily changing risotto is extremely recommendable. The warm melting chocolate cake and the original Zabaglione as dessert, makes a dinner remarkable, and something to remember.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Incanto | Restaurants (Italian) | Fixed menu from € 41.00
Amstel 2 | Canals | +31204233681
11:00 – 23:00 daily

Segugio Italian restaurant is a hidden Gem for many.

The chef and his staff work only with the freshest ingredients, on a daily base. What at first seems te be very expensive, is after the first tasting and bites very worthwhile.

My favourite this time was the Seafood Rissotto and so very well prepared! The menu changes every month and the service staff is not only professional but also very nice and elegant. Worthwhile your visit!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Italian Restaurant Segugio | Restaurants (Italian) | 3 course menu € 48.50
Utrechtsestraat 96a | Canals | +310203301503
Mon – Sat 18:00 – 23:00

The Evangelic-Lutheran Community was grounded in 1588 and named after the reformer Maarten Luther.

This church was built in 1633 for Lutheran refugees from European cities and later on for Suriname people. At this moment the church is a centre for life orientation, religion and spirituality.

The building was not built in the particular Lutheran style. The church consist of seven houses in a row imitating the seven echelons. You still recognize them these days. There is the main church with on three sides balconies on two or three floors. This to make a free floor for the pulpit. It makes it possible to house several thousands of churchgoers.

Many renovations were done to this church. In 1774 the windows were replaced by wood and plain glass, whereby the lighting radically changed. The vaults were colored Berlin blue and the skeleton grew.

In 1885, next to the wedding chapel, the Tetterode Library was built. Architect K.P.C. de Bazel (the same architect of the city archive The Bazel, designed this room, it is an important Jugendstil Monument. In 1925 the foundation sank, and graves had to be replaced.

Since 1961 the Amsterdam University rents the church and the accompanying buildings for orations, doctoral degrees and congresses.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lutheran Church | Art & culture | Free
Singel 411 | Canals
Daily, worship Sun 10.30

The Museum is a 17th century House at the canal. It has several style rooms like: the Blue room, the Red room, the Chinese room and the Library.

The house has a beautiful garden and behind the garden there is the old “Koetshuis”. The staff lived here, and this is where the coaches were stalled. The house can be rented for private dinners, parties or even weddings.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis | Art & culture | Adult € 6.00
Keizersgracht 633 | Canals | +31206390747
Fri – Mon 11:00 – 17:00

This is a double-sized canal house which dates from 1672. The first resident was the painter Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembandt’s most famous pupils.

In the 19th century, the Van Loon family came to live in this house. The family’s history is closely intertwined with that of Amsterdam. Several Van Loons held important positions as city-mayors.

Here you will get a splendid impression how people lived in the 19th century. The house is modernized, but the kitchen is still from the 17th century, as is the bed. On the second floor, the later generation still has it’s own private bedrooms etc. Parties and private diners are held by the family and then the museum is closed.

I think it is nice that they keep the house in it’s original state, make a museum out of it, but still use it privately too.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Museum van Loon | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 6.00
Keizersgracht 672 | Canals | +31206245255
Fri – Mon 11:00 – 17:00

This house is a double one. It was built in 1685 and took two years before it was finished. The style rooms give you a look of how people lived in the 18th and 19th century.

The hall, stairs, dining room, ball room and the garden give an impression of the family Willet-Holthuysen. You can also see the sleeping room and the blue salon on the first floor. This canal house also has a great garden with an old “Koetshuis”.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Museum Willet-Holthuysen | Art & culture | Adult € 4.00
Herengracht 605 | Canals | +31205231822
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 17:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 17:00

This is a nice little shop, with beautiful, original and refreshing bijouterie and innovative gadgets, small stuff and other things.

They also have beautiful linen bedsheets, wool pleads and special lamps. A feast to wander around, however they have very little stock.

They currently have a great new collection of lamps and spotlights.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Outras Coisas | Shopping
Herenstraat 31 | Canals | +31206257281
Mon 12:00 – 8:30, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:30, Sat 10:00 – 17:30

P.King used to be a Chinese restaurant but as you walk by there is not much that will remind you of that except the name and the dinner menu. For the rest the style is quite different. It has a sixties style retro feel to it, especially the dining room upstairs which you should really take a look at if you get the chance.

The cafe is open the whole day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. No matter what time I go, I always enjoy the laid back chill vibe. The menu during the day is quite standard but with a couple of real good choices like for instance the typical Dutch bread with ‘kroketten’.

At dinnertime the menu is Cantonese with lots of different kinds of rice and noodles with chicken and meat to choose from. I really like the sweet and sour chicken. You can choose to have small portions so you can share and try different things.

I like to go here before or after I go to the cinema, for instance the Tuschinski Movie Theatre is really close.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
P.King | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Cantonese) | Main meal € 10,00
Herengracht 515 | Canals | +310203208175
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 09:00 – 03:00

Paradiso in the seventies: think flowerpower!

Paradiso is set in an old church, with 3 dance areas. The main room is huge and has a surrounding wooden balcony on the second floor to get a better view, which also gives you a majestic feeling.

In the basement you can go to chill and have some late night food (hamburgers, candy, chips etc.) The 3rd room, on the second floor, also has a bar but is usually only opened when it gets really crowded or on special events.

Before Paradiso opens its doors for regular clubnights, the pop temple is a concert hall. Famous artists from all over the world come here to perform their act. From Robbie Williams to The Roots and many more have entertained Paradiso’s visitors, leaving them happy and satisfied.

At night, Paradiso is one of the most popular places to go to. On Wednesdays and Thursdays you can go wild at ‘Noodlanding’ with music varying from pop/indie to hip hop/rock to electro/techno. These nights are most popular among students.

In weekends they usually have a mix of jazz/soul/funk/hip hop, but the program changes very often. Be sure to check out the website.
New is Zonde! at Sundays for those that feel that the weekend hasn’t end yet!

Tip: Tickets can be bought at the door (make sure you bring your ID, they can be really strict on student nights!), but in case it’s sold out you can check for last minute tickets at the Ticketshop at the Leidseplein during the day.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Paradiso | Music | Noodlanding € 7.00
Weteringschans 6-8 | Canals | +31206264521
(Usually) 20:00 – 04:00 daily

In my opinion this is one of the best and most authentic Spanish tapas places in Amsterdam.

They have have Boquerones (anchovies), Jambon Iberico Pata Negra, Albondigas, Croquetes, and Escalibad, and they are all delicious!

The atmosphere is simple: wooden tables, running waiters, sharing tables. In short a real eclectic, Spanish treat.

The service is quick and good. Last time I had to wait 15 minutes for my table, I was told by the waiter, but within 7 minutes my table was ready and I was ready to order. I love it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pata Negra | Restaurants (Tapas) | Tapas from € 4.00
Utrechtsestraat 124 | Canals | +31204226250
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat. 12:00 – 01:00

This is the ultimate place for lovers of excellent and fine patisserie. This price winning place is worth the détour. Fine strawberry tarts with creamy underlay is one of their best. A great selection of home baked cookies and chocolates is also part of their assortment.

It is an experience to have a cup of coffee or tea and to choose one of the nice tarts or cakes.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Patisserie Kuyt | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee or teatime from € 5.00
Utrechtsestraat 109a | Canals | +31206234833
Mon 08:00 – 17:00, Tue – Sat 08:00 – 17:30

The beautiful & delicious cakes invite you to be obeyed.

Pompadour has a great location on the corner with the famous Spiegelstraat. It is modern and clean and quite large: a good spot for lunch with delicious lunch dishes.

They became famous thanks to their chocolates & cake. They have great éclairs and lovely apple & apricot tarts. But the famous raspberry a la neige with white chocolate is also tasteworthy.

Pompadour also has a branch in the 9 streets (Huidenstraat 12), with a romantic and Marie Antoinette style.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pompadour | Coffee & tea | Cake & drinks p.p. € 12.00
Kerkstraat 148 | Canals | +31203300981
10:00 – 18:00 daily

THIS IS A SECRET, and you are not allowed to tell everybody!

You can have take away, but not order by phone; you have to go there yourself. You can sit on a small and simple table, where you get your own plates and glasses, and than when it is ready, you get your ultimate thin crusted pizza!!!!!!!

They are heaven and more, they are all good and delicious, simple choices with good and fresh ingredients, for the fish, veggie, meet and hot and spicy lover, this is really FINE DINING for little money!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Portare Via | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Pizza € 5.50
Leliegracht 34 | Canals
17:00 – 22:00 daily

The name is Italian, the food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: French, Italian, Greek and Spanish. The dishes are fresh, light and tasteful.

The restaurant is casual; the Prego lovers are mostly locals from the neighbourhood, which makes a nice mix & match of the guests.

Prego is one these places that is easily accessible when you are staying downtown, and every walk is a nice one. I love the great grilled lamb racks with nicely roasted vegetables and oven roast potatoes in rosemary and sea salt. MMMM, very tasty!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Prego | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | 3 course menu € 37.50
Herenstraat 25 | Canals | +31206380148
18:00 – 00:00 daily

A restaurant with a concept and therefore still going strong! With limited options, and chairs to stay in for a long, long time. The location is great. The restaurant is stylish and the food is good. RED, is one of those upcoming Amsterdam restaurants. After opening in 2007, it became an instant hit!

They serve just two dishes, no appetizers, a few desserts, and a great French cheese trolley. Lobster or Steak, or for the die hard, “surf & turf”, with great French fries, home made mayonnaise and a salad.

The wine list is entertaining and promising, but the staff is focused on selling champagne. Chilled and sizzling, looks nice, and fits RED. One of my monthly favourites!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
RED Tournedos en Kreeft | Restaurants (International) | Tournedos € 16.50
Keizersgracht 594 | Canals | +31203201824
18:00 – 00:00 daily

D’Antica, just newly renovated, with a modern twist, intimate & stylish. It’s a landmark Italian restaurant in Down Town Amsterdam, located in the gay district of Amsterdam, just a few steps away from the busy Rembrandtplein.

The restaurant serves classic Italian food, served with a smile and charm. The owner is the ultimately attractive Cami D’Antuono. He also owns the much more modest and less intimate Cinema Paradiso in the Westerstraat (Jordaan area). The staff is Italian, they speak Italian, and they behave Italian. You need a reservation! This is not a restaurant to go to spontaneously J.

On Friday night the restaurant is packed with regulars which gives the restaurant a bit of an intimate touch. The food is great, and one of my personal favorites is the “Pasta Parmigiano”, it’s a spinach spaghetti with tomato sauce and mushrooms, a veggie delight! As a starter, their Antipasto D’Antica is great and sumptuous. But one of the more subtle delights is the Sauté Vongolé. Vongolé is known as an Aphrodisiac, so be prepared J J J.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ristorante d’Antica | Restaurants (Italian) | Mains € 28.50
Reguliersdwarsstraat 80-82 | Canals | +31206233862
Mon – Thu 18:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 00:00

Singel 404 is an old time favorite of me and most of my friends. It’s a great place for breakfast or lunch mainly because you have loads of choice and in general everything on the menu is fresh and very affordable. They have lots of different kinds of bread and almost every filling you can think of.

Because there is so much to choose from I often get confused and just stick to my favorite: warm goat cheese and chicken. But obviously it is best to just try loads of different things!Besides sandwiches you can also order soups and salads. And of course a wide range of shakes, fruit juices, coffees, or even a glass of wine!

Because Singel 404 is very close to the University of Amsterdam it gets very busy, lots of (female) students take a long lunchbreak here and catch up with their friends. So be prepared to wait a while before you get your table.

It’s best to sit upstairs where it is a bit quieter and you don’t notice all the other hungry people waiting for you to finish! If you go early in the morning or a bit later in the afternoon you can enjoy your food in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Singel 404 | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich € 5.00
Singel 404 | Canals | +310204280154
10:30 – 18:00 daily

Sir Max has expanded – twice as big and three times more choice. I love it!

A jewel in shoes-land! It’s located in the 9 streets (check the 9 streets article).

This is the the ultimate for shoe fetisjhists. Brands of hand made shoes like Crockett & Jones, Santoni, Alden, Saint Crispin’s and Edward Green are here to be bought by willing customers.

Not cheap off course, so really for the freaks, dandies and lovers of good shoes!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Sir Max | Shopping
Hartenstraat 2 | Canals | +31207076588
Mon 13:00 – 18:30, Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 10:00 – 18:30, Thu 10:00 – 20:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Not the place for everybody, but a place for every Burgundian! What a selection of meat (Waguy), cold cuts, pâtés (home made), salads and sausages of all kind… They have professional and very friendly staff helps to make your choice(s). All the goodies and nice food is beautiful displayed, and brings the water in your mouth.

My choice is the Iberian pork and truffle sausages and the French Limoges Côte du Boeuf. This shop is a beauty for the eye and tongue.

They have the French and Italian fresh truffles, some as big as a tennis ball. Worth the detour.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Slagerij Fred de Leeuw | Shopping | From € 10.00
Utrechtsestraat 92 | Canals | +31206230235
Tue – Fri 08:00 – 18:00, Sat 08:00 – 17:00

If you want to go shopping you should pay a visit to Spoiled. You will definitely be spoilt for choice. I love shopping in the 9 streets and this shop is one of my favourites. I can’t say I always buy something (since it can be quite expensive) but I do definitely always see things I really want to buy. Sometimes I spoil myself and other times I just wait until the sale when lots of the clothes are very reasonably priced.

They have a really good collection of clothes for men, women and even children (very trendy little children). Lots of different known and less known designer brands will make it difficult for you to choose.

But the people who work in the shop know a lot about what they are selling so they will be a good help. especially if you are looking for a pair of jeans you’re in the right place here. They really specialize in jeans and have lots of different types. In the back of the shop you will find the ‘Denim Bar’ where you can sit down and choose your perfect pair of jeans (instead of for instance a cocktail!) I know it can be quite frustrating to find the perfect pair of jeans but I can almost guarantee you that you will succeed here.

Besides clothes you will also find Shoes bags and accessories. And you can even get a nice haircut since there is also a hairdresser available in the shop.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Spoiled | Shopping
Wolvenstraat 19 | Canals | +310206263818
Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 10:00 – 18:00 , Sun & Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 19:00

STOUT = Naughty! Because rules are there to be broken. Because risky business, the sin and sense go frequently nicely together. Giving meaning to enjoyment, is what restaurant STOUT does! Therefore every guest is a welcome challenge, every product, selected carefully by the Chef, prepared in a stimulating way, every wine a sunny holiday and every employee an individual with a refined feeling for your wishes. Thus it is the challenge, which seduces us and seduction, which we defy.

The kitchen staff is inspired by the international kitchens and trends and is very familiar with the metropolitan and most recent developments, tendencies and developments of high-quality food & beverage products, concepts and formulas. Purely to keep informed; Naughty! He does not obey to fashionable one day trends. We are naughty! , a little bit wrong, a source, to enjoy!
© Website Stout, free translation by author of this article.

Stout is one of my favourites for lunch and I love to go there for a coffee when I finished my shopping in the Haarlemmerstraat.

I like the ‘broodje ½ OM’ in particular, a nice roll with thinly sliced pastrami and cooked calfs liver slices: very Amsterdam! The fresh fruit juices are also very good. The focaccio STOUT, is a cheese melted tuna sandwich is also very good! Coffee’s and espresso’s are of very good quality and delicious.

The service I experienced as personal and friendly, and they changed chefs I will see what happens in the future?

They now have a menu for autum en winter!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Stout | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (international) | Broodje ½ OM € 7.00
Haarlemmerstraat 73 | Canals | +31206163664
11:00 – 01:00 daily

Between the canals bordering the Jordaan, you find an area with shops, restaurants, lunch bars and pubs called “Negen Straatjes”, which translates into Nine Streets. These nine streets are: Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oude Spiegelstraat and Wijde Heisteeg. They are all located in between the Singel and the Prinsengracht, running in a ninety degrees angle to the canals.

This little neighborhood is wellknown, nevertheless it is never really crowded. You have to be on guard for delivery trucks in the narrow streets, but you can walk from store to store in peace.

The little shops are very specialized and they sell the weirdest stuff. If you take your time, you just might find something beautiful.

When I am walking around here, looking at the little businesses, I get the feeling that they are run by people that have quit a boring job to focus on their passion. There might be a big turnover in shops that are so particular, but these streets are so widely known that a lot of them seem to be able to survive.

If you are tired of all the shops you will be sure to find a nice café or lunch bar where you can a coffee or a proper meal.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The 9 streets | Art & culture, Shopping | Free
9 straatjes | Canals
Daily

The Biblical Museum is housed in two historic buildings on the Herengracht and build in 1660-1662. The renowned architect Philips Vingboons built the houses for Amsterdam merchant Jacob Cromhout. Remarkable on this museum is that these are four completely different sized houses, but looking identical on the outside. The remarkable and atmospheric setting provides a home for the unique collection of one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.

The Museum tells the story of the Bible. Displays centered on a model of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem explaining the significance of this sacred place in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and all very understandable for children. They tell the fascinating story of how the Bible came into existence, and the influence it has had on Dutch society through the ages.

Furthermore, it houses a famous 19th-century model of the Tabernacle: a wonderful reconstruction of the sacred shrine housing the Ark of the Covenant, which the Israelites carried with them during their exile in the desert under the leadership of Moses. This to give visitors an impression of the religious life of the ancient Egyptians.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Biblical Museum | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 7.50
Herengracht 366-368 | Canals | +31206242436
Mon – Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun (& holidays) 11:00 – 17:00

At the end of the very lively Haarlemmerdijk you will find the oldest cinema in the Netherlands. The building of The Movies does not look very impressive from the outside, but when you enter it you find yourself in a different era.

The whole interior is in the original, well-preserved Art Deco style. In the café or in the film rooms you feel as if you stepped back into a time when cinema was young and exciting.

The bar inside the cinema is rather large, with a drinking and an eating area. The place feels more like a café than the bars in bigger cinemas, and you don’t feel pressured to go to your seat in the film room. The beer that they serve, from the south of the Netherlands, is one of my favorites.

A delicious, cold beer makes for a very pleasant cinematic experience, and The Movies is certainly a good place to watch a film. Their program usually consists of a mix of art films and more mainstream cinema, so you are likely to find something that suits you. If you are in the neighborhood but you don’t feel like settling in a dark room, you might just want to take a peek at the interior, or have a drink or a meal.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Movies | Bars, Cinemas | Movie € 9.00
Haarlemmerdijk 161 | Canals | +31206386016
Check the website for opening times

There are certain periods in your life, when you just fancy a restaurant!

A small Indonesian restaurant in the Utrechtsestraat (check the Utrechtsestraat article), it’s next door to the famous Tempo Doeloe, so actually, I walked by many, many times, and didn’t find it “appealing”. But after trying it on a credit crunch budget, I was lost!

Lost at Tujuh Maret, since I have visited the place almost every week, and try to eat as many different dishes as possible. The small eaters plate called Makanan Kecil is really a delight, (Martabak, Lumpia, Sateh, Lumpur and other small bites).

But the Gado Gado, and the Ikan Pepesan are also a delight!

It’s small, the staff is friendly, it’s an all in the family place, hot spot and really great food with exquisite taste for a friendly budget. Th simple red, rosé and white wine are a good deal and are going nice with the Indonesian dishes.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tujuh Maret, “Makanan Kencil” | Restaurants (Indonesian) | Soto Ajam € 4.50
Utrechtsestraat 73 | Canals | +31204279865
12:00 – 15:30 & 16:30 – 22:00 daily

Approximately 50 meters from the “Nederlandsche Bank” and the attractive “Utrechtsestraat” (check the Utrechtsestraat article) you will find the Weteringschans, where also the just newly opened Hotel V is located. This place is located in a bit of a deserted location, as far as you can talk about a deserted location in energetic Amsterdam…

Here you’ll find a very charming spot called Uliveto. It’s an Italian franchise concept, which is hardly known. Fresh ingredients & good looking food is the credo here. Recently two staff members took over the place from the first owner Conny. It is even better than before, opening times changed and longer.

For lunch I would recommend to ask her to make your choice: probably a great plate with antipasti and a nice salad, and maybe just a small warm dish on the side for mouth-watering moments. Served with nice wine or delicious water, a very healthy utterly light sparkling water from the Uliveto brand.

Her pasta with Ragu, is also not to miss. The place is nice, clean & in a way industrial. A real fat cat to accessorize and take care of the mice ? Enjoy Uliveto! Great place!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Uliveto | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Italian panini´s, meals and take away) | Italian panini € 5,00
Weteringschans 118 | Canals | +31204230099
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

The Utrechtstestraat starts at the Rembrandtplein and ends at the Frederiksplein. The street crosses all the canals and this is what makes it a very charming shopping street. You mustn’t forget to look up every once in a while or else you will miss the sight of the lovely houses above the shops.

Almost anything you can imagine you will find in this street. I especially love it for clothes shopping. The variety of clothes shops is overwhelming, you will find affordable as well as expensive shops and everything in between. There is a great variety of clothes, bags, shoes, music, books, and different delicatessen shops (check out the other Utrechtsestraat spots on this website.

Also if you are looking to get someone a present, this is the place to be.
Besides shopping the street is also full of bars and restaurants, again you will find a variety of cuisines suitable for any budget.

You should really have a look here if you like to go shopping but don’t like busy shopping streets full of shops you see everywhere, the choice of shops here is really different and I think you could easily spend a whole day here if you count in stops for coffee, lunch, a afternoon drink and dinner to finish it of!

The only thing that might me inconvenient is the fact that the street is very busy. On both sides are shops and in the middle is a very busy road. If you want to see all the shops you will be crossing over a lot so watch out for lots of cars and trams.

And as always in Amsterdam beware of irritated aggressive Amsterdam people on bikes! Keep this in mind and you will love this street.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Utrechtsestraat | Shopping
Utrechtsestraat | Canals
Mon – Wed & Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00

The 9 straatjes (see the 9 straatjes article) is like a labyrinth. You will always get lost if you want to find a place to eat. After 6 years I still have trouble finding the places I want to go to. Of course it is not a problem, because there are plenty of nice places to go for lunch and many are great.

One particular lunch room I like very much is Van Harte. They bake the bread themselves and the ingredients are all very fresh. I can recommend the omelet. The staff is nice and always willing to help.

It is a quiet place to eat where you can chat or reading a newspaper with having a great lunch at the same time.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Van Harte | Restaurants (Intern.) | Sandwich from € 6
Hartenstraat 24 | Canals | +31203206817
11:00 – 23:00 daily

This is still a relatively new wine bar in Amsterdam on the Prinsengracht. Next door they have a restaurant called Envy. In both establishments it is all about the wines. The combination wine and food is important, but the food comes with the wine instead of the other way around.

It is quite an expensive place, but all waiters are real trained professionals. They all have a sommelier certificate and they know all about the wines they sell (and that is a lot).

Personally I think that the nicest item on the card is the “flight”. This is to taste several different wines from the same grape or to taste similar wines from different grapes, for instance Chardonnay, Bourgogne or Champagne. The staff tells you everything about the wines, from which grapes they are made off, which year the wine is from, on which land it has grown and what the taste of the wine is. And of course all special items which are typical for a particular wine.

The entourage is also very nice. On the left, red wines all hanging on a wall of bricks, then you have the bar and on the right the entire wall is covered with one large refrigerator with all white wines, rosé and champagnes. The opposite is one large couch with small tables and bar stools. It is a very modern interior.

I really recommend this place for an appetizer or an after-dinner wine. It is a nice, upper-class wine bar with specialized staff who have fun at what they are doing!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Vyne | Bars | Flight of 3 wines € 11.00
Prinsengracht 411 | Canals | +31203446408
Mon – Thu 18:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 17:00 – 01:00, Sun 17:00 – 22:00

The last time I was on my way to Waldorf I was in a hurry. I was going for a drink with a friend but left my house later than planned. And as if that wasn’t bad enough it was very very cold and the rain was pouring down. By the time I got there I hoped my friend would be waiting for me inside, warm and dry. But she wasn’t. It turned out the cafe wasn’t open yet and she was waiting in front of the door just as soaked as me… So it turns out Waldorf doesn’t open until five! It used to be open for lunch but I guess it isn’t anymore. But you are still welcome for dinner, and it’s good!

The food Waldorf serves is mainly Italian and very tasty. The thing I like about the place is that you can eat Italian food without being in either a too tacky or too posh Italian restaurant. Simple pasta dishes are served, but you can also order meat or fish.

The restaurant has a very retro feel. All of the furniture looks as if it comes right from the fifties but at the same time it all looks nice and fresh. The carpets on the tables are typical old fashioned dutch style. You will still see those in other real old fashioned Amsterdam bars. I love the picture on the wall of a winter landscape, although looking at it makes me feel cold!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Waldorf | Bars, Restaurants (Italian ) | Pasta (main) € 12.00
Elandsgracht 2 | Canals | +310207787564
17:00 – 01:00 daily

Walem is the place to be, when you are in the mood for great drinks, sandwiches on the canalside with a great terrace. They serve smoothies, but also a good white house wine. The famous dutch bitterballs and the tuna sandwich are also good.

To kick off after a hangover, start the morning with their nice and tasting croques. But best of all is the location and the gorgeous staff. Cute waiters in black, serving with a smile.

In summertime they have a nice terrace next to the canal, so waiters have to cross the road and sometimes that causes a traffic …!

It’s next to the Famous Metz & Co on the corner of the Leidsestraat and the Keizersgracht: hard to miss!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Walem | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (International) | Lunch € 25.00
Keizersgracht 449 | Canals | +31206253544
10:00 – 17:00 & 18:00 – 22:30 daily

You all know Anne Frank. This is the Church which she overlooked when she was in hiding.

The Church is the most famous one of Amsterdam, as everyone knows the history of Anne Frank. Also Rembrandt, one of the world’s most famous painters, was buried in the church.

Hendrick de Keyser, the city architect, built the church in Dutch Renaissance style, which is characterized by a combination of brick and stone.

The Westerkerk was officially opened on Whitsunday in 1631. It is one of the oldest churches especially built for the Protestant services, and the largest as such Church in the Netherlands.

The tower, which occupies a unique place in the affections of the people of Amsterdam, bears the symbol of the imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria. He gave this gift to the city in gratitude for support given to the Austro-Burgundian princes. It has inspired many songs and poems and remains a symbol of the city for Amsterdammers abroad.

Nice to know is that the hour bell is the heaviest in Amsterdam and weighs more than 7.500 kilograms; its hammer weighs 200 kilograms. The carillon, or set of tuned bells, was cast by Francois Hemony and was extensively restored in 1959. It now consists of 50 bells. Every Tuesday from 12 to 1 o’clock the carillon is played.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Westerkerk | Art & culture | Free
Prinsengracht 281 | Canals | +31206247766
Apr – Oct Mon – Fri 11:00 – 15:00

You can find Wolvenstraat by the address because this bar basically has no name. Locals just refer to the bar as ‘Wolvenstraat 23′, but you won’t miss it as it’s located in the popular 9 street district.

Atmosphere is created by the laidback crowd, art on the walls, furry pillows and blankets, retro-styled interior and the friendly cat who sleeps undisturbed. Comfortable enough to stay lounging till cocktail hour starts or even longer..!

This may not be the place for an extensive diner, but for some high quality bites it’s definitely worth visiting. The Thai salad is suberb and so is the cheesecake.
Service is friendly and polite.

At night, the perfect place to go for a beer, wine or exciting cocktail! The mix of trendy young locals and expats make this bar an absolute ‘place to be’, but then with the lack a ’seen and want to be seen’ atmosphere. Think relaxed and cosy with suitable music.

A reliable place with delicious food and a great atmosphere!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Wolvenstraat | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants | 3 course menu € 17.00
Wolvenstraat 23 | Canals | +31203200843
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 01:00, Fri 08:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 01:00

Zipper sells secondhand and vintage clothing. Imagine American jeans, Westernshirts, glittery cocktail dresses, leather jackets and sweat pants gathered together in two great shops. Some are very rare so steal the show with your one of a kind item!

Besides this huge collection they also sell customized shirts, fun and funky sunglasses, and shoes from old sneakers and boots to vintage pumps. Think of 50, 60, 70, 80 years style.

Between all racks the store is packed with accessories like for example belts, scarf’s, buttons and hats.  Check the website to see what’s new in the store..or what will be coming soon. Be the first to get it!

The shop also sells tickets for cool parties, just ask them what’s on!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Zipper | Shopping | Shoes from € 30.00
Huidenstraat 7 | Canals | +31206237302
Mon 13:00 – 18:00, Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 13:00 – 17:00