City Archives Amsterdam
So many treasures!
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.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Amsterdam guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam
Order Sichuan – Ij-river view over Sichuan cuisine
"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!
By
Olya
Kartcheva
Slagerij Vet – The most famous sandwich of the city
"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...
By
Kristel
van der Burgh
Cafe de Tuin – Your typical cafe
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.
By
Isidore
van Westing
Pension Homeland – One of the city's own breweries
"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@
By
Kristel
van Pinxten
Marine Terrain – Amsterdam's best-kept secret
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!"
By
Kristel
van Pinxten
American Book Centre – Three-storey book heaven
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!
By
Ana
V. Martins
Latei – Coffee, vintage & rock'n'roll
"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...
By
Ana
V. Martins
Noorderlicht Café – Artistic escape in Noord
"Noorderlicht Café" is an artistic café and cultural spot in Amsterdam Noord that's in a greenhouse! I recommend the Brinjal...
By
Olya
Kartcheva
A. van Wees – Authentic vibes and jenever
"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!
By
Kristel
van Pinxten
Scandinavian Embassy – Coffee, coffee, COFFEE!!!
"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...
By
Kristel
van Pinxten
SUE – Bites bar
"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!
By
Kristel
van Pinxten
Carla Palermo – A living room store
"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...
By