Vrij Paleis is an art center in Amsterdam, driven by a local community of artists. It holds various small-scale events, the largest one being the ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET, which takes place on the first weekend of the month.
Here you can see different crafts and art (paintings, installations etc) exhibited, listen to some music (the organizers sometimes invite local bands and artists), and most importantly, purchase some art! The Vrij Paleis is located in the center of Amsterdam, close to Dam Square, which makes it easily accessible.
What I like about the Vrij Paleis is the underground feel of it, rough on the edges, combined with the eclectic art and the ability to talk directly to the selected artists. The space is relatively small, so you can visit it in an afternoon when an exhibition takes place and then head to grab a drink in one of the many bars on the Spuistraat, like for example the Schuim cafe, or have brunch at Metropolitain.
Find your way with 170 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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.
by
"Bar Botanique" in Amsterdam East makes you feel as if you've stepped inside a jungle! You should really see it from both the inside and out...
by
"Tolbar" is definitely one of Amsterdam's hidden gems. You can arrive at this terrace in the morning and have different things to do until you go to bed!
by
"Brasserie Nel" is definitely one of Amsterdam's best jazz jam sessions. Come here on any Monday evening and enjoy Daan Herweg doing what he does best...
by
At Kok Antiquariaat you can find beautifully aged maps of Amsterdam or nostalgic postcards as a thoughtful gift for someone who loves the city.
by
Are you ready to visit a Dutch vineyard? It's true! Just head over to "Amsteltuin" just outside Amsterdam proper and enjoy the goodies between the vines...
by
"Tenue de Nimes" in Amsterdam is mainly a jeans brand but it's here that I've bought my coolest jacket ever! They're super friendly & helfpul. ..
by
170 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 170 Insider Tips