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.
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"Zuiderziel" in Amsterdam is a shop with a great selection of home decoration items, flowers, artistic jewelry and more. I can't resist buying something!
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"Cafe de Klepel" is a French bistro in Amsterdam that offers a large selection of wines by the glass. I love its front terrace on a small, vibrant street!
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"Yogaschool Noord" in Amsterdam feels like a place where everybody is welcome, never mind your age, gender, colour or physical condition. So positive!
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I know that sounds dramatic, but their pastries are irresistible! Everything is sourdough based, which means they make their own yeast for the bread.
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They have many choices when it comes to sandwiches and their toppings, but I always go for their famous sandwich called 'Broodje Boljeri'...
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Good beans belongs to the roastery of 'Fucking Strong Cofffee' and they make blends from beans all over the world. Their slogan: It's coffee, not caviar.
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This ice cream shop in the heart of the 'De Jordaan' neighborhood, is the absolute best! If you can't decide what you want, try the limoncello ice cream.
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There is also a greenhouse where locals can bring their compost. In the other garden, there are bees and apple trees, and they sell their honey as well.
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They serve lunch, dinner, and finger food. Their Burrata, which is optional all day, is my personal favorite. And my favorite beer is Saison Dupont.
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It's a gallery with art only made by (people who identify as) women and also a breakfast/lunch (try their pancakes) place where you can chat with a friend.
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The food here is amazing and that is really the reason locals go here. The menu has a lot of options but my favorites are the dim sum and the Peking duck.
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Zizou stole my heart right away. It is simple, yet you get exactly what you need: a good coffee, a chill moment, and a friendly face.
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173 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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