Antiquariaat Hoogkamp Amsterdam
The best souvenir
Strolling along the Spiegelgracht is a feast for the eyes -- shops, locals, bikes, tourists. Tucked between the Rijksmuseum and the Prinsengracht, this peculiar shop stands out, with its stripped canopy and wooden boxes at the entrance. There's nothing especially remarkable about it at first sight, until one sets their eyes on the contents of the boxes: hundreds of fine vintage prints of all sorts; birds, floral elements, a skeleton with a medical description of the bones, depictions of Amsterdam landscapes. Once one starts, there's no end to the digging. That led me to select a print – a dissection of the eyeballs – as my ophthalmologist friend was about to celebrate his birthday.
The gift, in turn, led me to converse with the owner of Antiquariaat Hoogkamp. I complimented his charming antique prints, and we talked Amsterdam and the challenges of small local businesses in times of massification. It was an actual interaction with a human being who's engaged with his trade and exudes love for his craft: I felt revived. Mr Hoogkamp takes care of the business all by himself – no marketing or social media, just a physical store and unique (affordable) goods you can't find anywhere else nor order via the internet. You have to go there.
All the while he drew my friend's name on a piece of paper, in a delightful old-school handwriting style, which he attached to the gift. A present with both a personal touch and an unexpected act of kindness. Long live Antiquariaat Hoogkamp.
Find your way with 153 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam
Robin Food, vegan
Let’s combat food waste
Dedicated and positive volunteers run Robin Food and offer a three-course menu at a fixed and affordable price every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
De neef van Fred
Water terrace perfection
They created a terrace that makes you feel like you are basically in the water, with a little bar next to it. Boats float by and get a quick drink to go...
by
Isidore
van Westing
Bar Oldenhof
Old-fashioned cocktail bar
Bar Oldenhof is an old-fashioned, hidden, intimate, high-end cocktail bar located right in the trendy Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Bar Parry
Tapas and wine
Bar Parry is a charming walk-in wine bar in Amsterdam’s Jordaan with a huge wine selection, small bites, and cozy vibes — perfect for spontaneous visits.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Noorderlicht Café
Artistic escape in Noord
Noorderlicht Café is a cozy, artistic greenhouse spot in Amsterdam Noord offering tasty seasonal dishes, events, and a countryside vibe near the city.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Café de Klos
Ribs... amazing ribs!
"Café de Klos" in Amsterdam makes amazing spareribs. In 10 years they have only changed the kitchen. Expect to queue up and to joke around with the staff!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Westergas - Gashouder
Techno temple Amsterdam
"Westergas - Gashouder" has always been one of my favorite techno temples in Amsterdam. The building is circular, huge, with really amazing acoustics!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Antiekbeurs 700
A visit to the past
"Antiekbeurs 700" in Amsterdam is a vintage/antique shop I found by complete coincidence. There's so much stuff you can discover here, like marbles!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Conservatorium Hotel
Amazing beautiful different
"Conservatorium Hotel" is the best hotel in Amsterdam. I've been here for drinks, dinner & to buy cigars. I love how it combines the modern with the old...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Westerpark
My beautiful backyard
"Westerpark" is fairly quiet for Amsterdam standards. I am here almost every day of the week, and I feel like I've explored all it has to offer...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
't Zonnetje
Coffee beans & tea leaves
"'t Zonnetje" in Amsterdam isn't just any coffee shop. I bought a percolator, some ground beans and I started really enjoying coffee again...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Heading to Amsterdam?
153 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 153 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Amsterdam
Our team loves Amsterdam
Get to know our other Spotters from Amsterdam
As featured on:
