When exploring Amsterdam's famous canal belt, make sure you take some time to visit the most extensive municipal archives in the world, right at the Vijzelstraat, a long street where three of the old main canals converge.
De Bazel, the edifice you're heading to, is named after its architect, Karel de Bazel, who designed, in the twenties of the last century, this monumental exemplary of Brick Expressionism. The former headquarters of the Dutch Trade Society is now home to the Stadsarchief - the City Archives -, as well as a conference center, a restaurant, and a library specializing in books about the city.
My favorite part of this building is the Schatkamer, or Treasure Room, located on floor -1, in a magnificent vault room in Art Nouveau. The exhibition inside showcases essential periods of the city's history through images by iconic Dutch photographers, maps, drawings, and other artifacts. There is even a movie theatre, in the very back of the gallery, where I like to sit on rainy days, watching documentaries on Amsterdam. And the cherry on top of the cake: it's all free of charge.
Find your way with 166 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Amid Amsterdam’s busy centre, the Rijksmuseum gardens offer a calm oasis with seasonal flowers, fountains, art exhibitions, and a peaceful spots to relax.
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One of the standout features of Canvas is its breathtaking views over Amsterdam. The restaurant is situated on the top floor of a creative hotel, offering panoramic views of the city.
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Mangiassai is this very lovely Italian place, where all of the pizza makers speak Italian. What do we recommend? Close your eyes and pick blindly.
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Bar Babar is a wine bar on the bright Utrechstsestraat in Amsterdam, serving natural wines and carefully selected bites (the bread they have is yummyyyy).
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Le Sud, a family-run vegetarian takeaway, serves Mediterranean-to-Middle Eastern flavours with quality, simplicity, and friendly service. Worth a try!
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"Uncommon" in Amsterdam is a café that's so aesthetically pleasing it hurts. 'Good coffee is for good people', they say...
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The old neighborhood of Transvaalbuurt in Amsterdam is full of impressive, massive street art murals. Makes you stop your bike to take a pic...
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"Local Dealer" in Amsterdam deals in addictive, authentic Mexican food! My favorite dishes? The tacos with fermented pineapple or the chicken stew...
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At "The Upside Down" in Amsterdam, your world is quite literally turned upside down! But here you can also learn a thing or two about the Dutch - win win!
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"Pompet" in Amsterdam Noord, with its bright furniture, jeu de boules area & outdoor bar with the the enormous croissant, gives new life to Floradorp...
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"Eiburgh Snacks" makes the best, extra-crispy fries in Amsterdam, hands down. What makes them so great? Just take a peek inside the next container!
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Het Fort van Sjakoo is Amsterdam’s radical bookshop — a hub for leftist politics, activism, and community since 1977. Discover, chat, and explore!
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166 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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