With one of Europe's finest conservatories and a great number of musicians from all over the world, Amsterdam has a very interesting jazz scene. And just like in New York, Amsterdam's jazz musicians love to practice their 'chops' in front of an audience rather than in a hidden studio. So the city has a couple of good jam sessions but most of them come and go in a short time... because leading a session is an art! And Daan Herweg is the most dedicated leader that I know of. He started the Nel session in 2009 and he's hardly ever missed a Monday night, even when he was touring with international star Caro Emerald. He knows how to keep the perfect balance of giving everybody a chance while always holding the musical level at a high standard. Apart from that, he's an amazing pianist himself and has a huge worldwide network -- that's why on a lucky night you might as well hear some big American names that are passing by on tour.
Not that I'm such a frequent session player, but whenever I feel like joining in somewhere, Nel is always my first choice!
Find your way with 153 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Order Sichuan" in Amsterdam Noord is such an amazing discovery. It is a Chinese restaurant that offers authentic Sichuan food & wine right on the Ij!
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"Slagerij Vet" is a family-owned butcher that's been a household name for years, but what they're really famous for is the best sandwich in Amsterdam...
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Cafe de Tuin has such a nice atmosphere. The interior is classic and the customers are diverse, which makes it the perfect mix between modern and dated.
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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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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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"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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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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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