So you want to experience Dutch culture all the way. Then there's one thing you should consider: going to a sauna. If you're in Amsterdam and want to make this venture also an aesthetical one, Sauna Deco is your address. You might have guessed it: this is an art-deco experience. Around stained glass, wood paneling and a gold-plated interior you'll feel like you're back in the '20s.
I am a sauna enthusiast, a practice I've learned from the locals. It grants me with a precious feeling of relaxation, especially when I'm trying to make it through winter. The Dutch are not known for their puritanism and, historically, Amsterdam has been the place to break free. So, do not bring your swimming gear with you. Over here, it goes without saying that saunas are naked. No, no-one gives a monkey's. Try it; it's freeing.
This practice makes you steam out the toxins out of that carcass -- you just do absolutely nothing in that freekin' hot environment that smells like heaven. Once the heat reaches its peak, you go and stand under the cold showers - some of them are like waterfalls. If cold waters sound like a pain you'd never inflict yourself, trust me, you'll reconsider for the simple fact that you'll be feeling like a pressure cooker. You might choose to dive into the pool instead. I promise you that this recipe hot-cold-hot-cold is going to inject you with energy. Life won't seem all that grey anymore. You'll rejoice.
Find your way with 153 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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Parks in Amsterdam are packed with people, especially in summer. So my recommendation for a nice spot where you can also swim is "Marine Terrain!"
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"Pension Homeland" at Marine Terrain in Amsterdam is a great restaurant that also has its own brewery! It's also a vintage hotel. So cool@
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The "American Book Centre" in Amsterdam is a trustworthy bookstore to call home, with plenty of English books, a spiraling staircase and even a cozy cafe!
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"Latei" is the rare breed of neighborhood Amsterdam cafe that's so hard to find these days! It's in the touristy part but still has an authentic charm...
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"Scandinavian Embassy" in Amsterdam is a pretty small and cute coffee shop. You may have to queue up, but their coffee is 100% worth your while...
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"A. van Wees" in Amsterdam has its own jenever distillery, the Ooievaar, the only one left in the city. Come here for a jenever tasting under the stairs!
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"Carla Palermo" in Amsterdam is a living room that's been turned into a second-hand vintage clothing shop! The best store in the Jordaan if you ask me...
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"SUE" in Amsterdam is a vegan, sugar- and gluten-free pastry shop. Their specialty are their 'bites', square-shaped delights in about 20 different flavors!
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"Bar Botanique" in Amsterdam East makes you feel as if you've stepped inside a jungle! You should really see it from both the inside and out...
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"Yusu" in Amsterdam is what the perfect coffee company a-la twenty-first century should look like. Also, if you're a lover of matcha, it's the place to be.
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153 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 153 Insider Tips