This mini warehouse represents a true lifestyle concept: besides the sale of bright and fun clothes, also vintage furniture, biologic foods, and interesting fashion/art/food magazines and books are part of the deal. This makes the shopping experience not only fun for woman, but also pleasant for men: they can grab a bite in the food corner. 400 square meters full of fun!

This location used to be a spot where lots of people had the time of their lives in the famous nightclub Mazzo. The owners have tried to keep the space as it originally was left as much as possible. You can still feel the soul of the building so to say: industrial and raw.

10 feet is known as a Dutch creative brand; pure fashion with a funny twist. For young and older woman, who are not afraid of color and prints. They launch a new collection 4 times a year so you’ll always find new items. The owners would describe the store as “A real lifestyle concept: Fashion, Food, Furniture & Fun!

Note: Due to completion of this lifestyle store it may be closed from January till February 2009: just a few weeks!

Details about this spot
10 feet | Shopping | Basic t-shirts from € 20.00
Rozengracht 114 | Canals (area map) | +31206238192
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 18:00

Show full posting and map »

De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, and an impressive art deco building with a rich and royal history. The building, named after its architect K.P.C. de Bazel (1869-1923), was built between 1919 en 1926 for the ‘Nederlandsche Handel Maatschappij‘ (Dutch Trading Company), a trading company and bank.

Karel de Bazel intended his architectural designs to be in harmony with their environment. His intention was to communicate a divine message through his creations. The rooms in the building were built in many styles. The more important you were, the darker the wood in the room was and the darker the colour green on the walls were. The hierarchical idea of the building was important too.

Currently De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, but also a conference centre. The large “King’s chamber”, as well as the six smaller adjacent rooms, have been restored to their original state. The banquet rooms with the lovely floors, ceilings with chandeliers, paintings, unique stained glass windows and chairs and tables designed by the architect himself, you feel as if you are back in the rich seventeenth century of the old Dutch traders. What is interesting is that De Bazel did not only designed the furniture, but also ash trays, pencils and a crockery set.

The large treasury room from the time it was a bank, is still there, and really something interesting.

Maybe for tourists this is not the most interesting “museum” to see, but for the architecture you definitely have to go there. I was really surprised and stunned about all the details.

Details about this spot
De Bazel | Art & culture | Free
Vijzelstraat 32 | Canals (area map) | +31202511800
Tue - Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

This is a Catholic Church in the centre of Amsterdam, on the Spui, made for the Catholic church service.

The church is officially known as the Roman Catholic Church of Sint Franciscus Xaverius. Since 1654 the members of the “church” then prayed and preached in a house named “The Crijtberg”. In 1881, they officially start building a church. The Neo-Gothic style was introduced by Alfred Tepe and the church was consecrated in 1883. The job for the architect was to build the church between the existing houses. That is why it has such high windows and the more you go to the back of the church, the broader it is.

Between 1979 and 2001 the renovation was accomplished. The foundation, the roof and the stained glass windows were renovated, after that the altar and the pulpit. At the end of the 20th century the paintings, the statues and the plaster were restored.

The organ is a huge one. It is called the organ of Adema and was used since 1905. After 1905, many registers were added to the organ and it was replaced twice in the meantime.

Personally I think this is one of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam, because of the many colors used and the detailed paintings on the ceiling and walls. It is an impressive church, which gives me a warm feeling when entering it. There is also so much light coming in, it is not a sober church, but really a pretty and pleasant one. I hope my photo will impress you and that you will visit this wonderful church.

The church is opened half an hour before the mass starts.

Details about this spot
De Krijtberg | Art & culture | Free
Singel 448 | Canals (area map) | +31206231923
Tue - Thu & Sun open for visitors from 13:30- 17:00

Show full posting and map »

Envy is stylish and designed by the successful Concrete Design Group, like their baby sister the wine bar Vyne (see this article; Nice wordplay). It’s slick, elegant and the atmosphere is nice. Whether you are here on a romantic trip or for business, this place fits everyone.

Except for the ones, who like bright restaurants, they will moan that it is so dark… Like my father in law did (”I can not see what is on my plate……”. And that is definitely not true, because of the subtle and very effective light above the tables as well as above the long communal bar, where you have dinner as well.

The food is in small and shareable portions, and is also served in this matter, so you share and dare. The dishes are very original; however they do serve also quite a few classic dishes.

You can start of your evening with Envy bread and dipping and nice small plate with pata negra. I would recommend ordering 3 or 4 plates per person to share. They change the menu quite often, which makes it a place that won’t bore you.

Details about this spot
Envy | Restaurants (Fusion) | Dish € 7.00
Prinsengracht 381 | Canals (area map) | +31203446407
Dinner: 18:00 - 01:00 daily | Lunch: Fri - Sun 12:00 - 15:00

Show full posting and map »

The words ‘typically Amsterdam’, ‘funny fashion’ and ‘Exota’ can easily be mentioned in the same sentence.

Their own vintage label ‘King Louie’ is sold internationally and a great success. You’ll find people wearing this label all over the Netherlands as it’s really recognizable. With the first store opened in 1985 the concept of ‘first class second hand’ was presented.

Brands as for example Carhartt, Kookai, French Connection are part of the collection. Accessories like key gadgets, necklaces, bodycremes, belts and bags decorate the place with their happy colors and designs.

Service is extremely friendly, fashionable and happy to help with any request or advice.

A visit to this shop puts a smile on your face!

Details about this spot
Exota | Shopping | T-shirts from € 20.00
Hartenstraat 10 | Canals (area map) | +31206209102
Mon 11:00-18:00, Tue - Wed & Fri - Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00, Sun 13:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

Photography Museum Amsterdam is located in a stately looking building on the Keizersgracht, close to the Vijzelstraat. The interior is quite modern, and it has the airiness and bland look that you need to facilitate different exhibitions. There are always people inside, but it rarely feels crowded. You will not feel pressured to rush through the three or four varying exhibitions.

Photography is a matter of taste, but I have found something I liked every time I went there. There is usually a good mix between the works of upcoming talents and established names such as Henri Cartier-Bresson or James Nachtwey, and the content of the photos ranges from celebrations of life, to testimonies of human decay and suffering. Sometimes you will find it all in one exhibition, or even in one picture.

I have been touched by what I have seen in Foam many times, in different ways. I find that Foam has a skillful pick, offering different esthetics and different stories, thereby appealing to different visitors or moods.

If you need to gather your thoughts after you have seen a intense exhibition, you can visit the small coffee bar, which has a pleasant atmosphere and sells excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Details about this spot
Foam | Art & culture | Entrance € 7.00
Keizersgracht 609 | Canals (area map) | +31205516500
10:00 - 18:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

This incredibly urban-hip looking little boutique is located on the Vijzelstraat, halfway between Munt square and Weteringscircuit.

Most of the products sold are from the brand Aiko, created by the duo that owns the store, but there is a sizable collection of clothing from smaller brands from around the globe.

Everything looks cartoon-like: naive, witty and sometimes cynical. The fresh and fashionable wares come at a price. A t-shirt will set you back about € 35.00 and a sweater close to € 100.00.

The clothing and the gadgets are however highly original, smart and colorful. The Hana Zuki creative studio is involved in some international projects, but it is unlikely that you will run into one of its products in another country. Take some of their stuff home as proof for the Amsterdam fashion sense.

Details about this spot
Hana Zuki | Shopping | T-shirt € 35.00
Vijzelstraat 87 | Canals (area map) | +31204229563
Mon 13:00 - 18:30, Tue - Sat 11:30 - 18:30

Show full posting and map »

Opposite the landmark Hotel de L’Europe and the Munt Tower, on the first floor on the Amstel you can find this nice and cosy restaurant with a breathtaking view: Italian nouvelle cuisine, on the first floor in central Amsterdam.

The first time I had dinner at this place they were painting the surface: a disappointment. But the nice and friendly scenery made it a great experience.

No pizza´s, no pasta as main dish, but real Italian food, with antipasti, primi and secondi, served with contorno (known as vegetables or side dishes in general).

An interesting winelist with really famous & expensive wines like Amarone, but also unknown wines from small vineyards, where they have met the landlady (70 years old). After a sizzling glass of Prosecco, served with an amuse and great home made bread with olive oil, it is up to you.

They serve a tasting and inspirational menu daily. But also the daily changing risotto is extremely recommendable. The warm melting chocolate cake and the original Zabaglione as dessert, makes this dinner remarkable, and something to remember.

Details about this spot
Incanto | Restaurants (Italian new & modern) | Fixed menu from € 41.00
Amstel 2 | Canals (area map) | +31204233681
11:00 - 23:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

The food is not great, but to compensate that the pie, tea and coffee are perfect.

But the view is the reason you have to go here. It is on the 7th floor of a warehouse in the middle of the center, where you have a splendid view over Amsterdam.

Details about this spot
Metz & Co | Coffee & tea | Cappuchino € 3.00
Keizersgracht 455 | Canals (area map) | +31205207020
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

The Museum is a 17th century House at the canal. It has several style rooms like: the Blue room, the Red room, the Chinese room and the Library.

The house has a beautiful garden and behind the garden there is the old “Koetshuis”. Here lived the staff and were the coaches stalled. The house can be hired for private diners, parties or even weddings.

Details about this spot
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis | Art & culture | Adult € 6.00
Keizersgracht 633 | Canals (area map) | +31206390747
Fri - Mon 11:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

This house is a double one. It was built in 1685 and took 2 years before if was finished. The style rooms give you a look of how people lived in the 18th and 19th century.

The hall, stairs, dining room, ball room and the garden give an impression of the family Willet-Holthuysen. You can also see the sleeping room and the blue salon on the first floor. This canal house also has a great garden with an old “Koetshuis”.

Details about this spot
Museum Willet-Holthuysen | Art & culture | Adult € 4.00
Herengracht 605 | Canals (area map) | +31205231822
Mon - Fri 10:00 - 17:00, Sat - Sun 11:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

Saturday and Sunday you are standing in line, and get a number. You will be called when a table is ready. But stay put: No time to go to the Bijenkorf in the meantime.

Oriental City is one of my favorites in Chinese Food. Usually I go there on Sunday mornings for dim sum, and we just order every dim sum they have and extra the broccoli, which is delicious.

Pots of Jasmine tea accompany the spectacle of good food in great surroundings, on the first and second floor in the old heart of Amsterdam, corner Damstraat and Oude Hoogstraat.

It’s having lunch or dinner with a view. But also on Saturday for lunch you have to stand in line, actually the line is having fun, with all the Chinese fans.

Details about this spot
Oriental City | Restaurants (Chinese/Dim Sum) | Dim Sum from € 3.00
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 177 - 179 | Canals (area map) | +31206268352
12:00 - 24:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

Nice little shop in the Herenstraat (nine streets), with beautiful, original and refreshing bijouterie and innovating gadgets, small stuff an other things.

They also have beautiful linnen bedsheets and wollen pleads and special lights and lamps. A feast to wander around, however they have very little stock.

Details about this spot
Outras Coisas | Shopping
Herenstraat 31 | Canals (area map) | +31206257281
Mon 12:00 - 8:30, Tue - Fri 10:00 - 18:30, Sat 10:00 - 17:30

Show full posting and map »

Paradiso in the seventies: think flowerpower!

Paradiso is set in an old church, with 3 dance spaces. The main room is huge and has a surrounding wooden balcony on the second floor to get a better view, which also gives you a majestic feeling.

In the basement you can go to chill and have some late night food (hamburgers, candy, chips etc.) The 3rd room on the second floor, also has a bar but is usually only opened when it gets really crowded or on special events.

Paradiso Amsterdam Tilly on the Wall concert 01 (by Michell Zappa)

Paradiso Amsterdam Tilly on the Wall concert (by Michell Zappa)

Before Paradiso opens its doors for regular clubnights, the pop temple is also known as concert hall. Famous artists from all over the world come here to perform their act. From Robbie Williams to The Roots and many more have entertained Paradiso’s visitors, leaving them happy and satisfied.

At night, Paradiso is one of the most popular places to go to. On Wednesdays and Thursdays you can go wild at ‘Noodlanding’ with music varying from pop/indie to hip hop/rock to electro/techno. These nights are most popular among students.

In weekends they usually have a mix of jazz/soul/funk/hip hop (Paradisoul on Friday), but the program changes very often. Be sure to check out the website.

Tip: Tickets can be bought at the door (make sure you bring your ID, they can be really strict on student nights!), but in case it’s sold out you can provide yourself with last minute tickets at the Ticketshop at the Leidseplein during the day.

Details about this spot
Paradiso | Music | Noodlanding € 7.00
Weteringschans 6-8 | Canals (area map) | +31206264521
(Usually) 20:00 - 04:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

This is the ultimate place for lovers of excellent and fine patisserie. This price winning place is worth the détour. Fine strawberry tarts with creamy underlay is one of their best. A great selection of home baked cookies and chocolats is also part of their assortment.

It is a experience to have a cup of coffee or tea and to choose one of the nice tarts or cakes.

Details about this spot
Patisserie Kuyt | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee or teatime from € 5.00
Utrechtsestraat 109a | Canals (area map) | +31206234833
Mon 08:00 - 17:00, Tue - Sat 08:00 - 17:30

Show full posting and map »

The beautiful & delicious cakes invite you to be obeyed.

Pompadour has a great location on the corner with the famous Spiegelstraat. It is modern and clean and quite large: a good spot for lunch with delicious lunch dishes.

They became famous thanks to their chocolates & cake. They have great éclairs and lovely apple & apricot tarts. But the famous raspberry a la neige with white chocolate is also tasteworthy.

Pompadour also has a branch in the 9 streets (Huidenstraat 12), with a romantic and Marie Antoinette style.

Details about this spot
Pompadour | Coffee & tea | Cake & drinks p.p. € 12.00
Kerkstraat 148 | Canals (area map) | +3123300981
10:00 - 18:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

The name is Italian, the food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: French, Italian, Greek and Spanish. The dishes are fresh, light and tasteful.

Prego is in the Herenstraat, one of the so called 9 streets (see this article). The Herenstraat is one of the nicer streets, closer to the Haarlemmerstraat.

The restaurant is casual; the Prego lovers are mostly locals from the neighbourhood, which makes a nice mix & match of the guests.

Prego is one these places that is easily accessible when you are staying downtown, and every walk is a nice one. I love the great grilled lamb racks with nicely roasted vegetables and oven roast potatoes in rosemary and sea salt. MMMM, very tasty!

Details about this spot
Prego | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | 3 course menu € 37.50
Herenstraat 25 | Canals (area map) | +31206380148
18:00 - 00:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

A restaurant with a concept. With limited options, and chairs to stay in for a long, long time. The location is great. The restaurant is stylish and the food is good. RED, is one of those upcoming Amsterdam restaurants. After opening in 2007, it became an instant hit!

They serve just two dishes, no appetizers, a few desserts, and a great French cheese trolley. Lobster or Steak, or for the die hard, “surf & turf”, with great French fries, home made mayonnaise and a salad.

The wine list is entertaining and promising, but the staff is focussed on selling champagne. Chilled and sizzling, looks nice, and fits RED. One of my monthly favourites!

Details about this spot
RED Tournedos en Kreeft | Restaurants (International) | Tournedos € 14.50
Keizersgracht 594 | Canals (area map) | +31203201824
18:00 - 00:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

A jewel in shoes-land! It’s located in the 9 streets (see this article).

This is the the ultimate for shoe fetisjists. Brands of hand made shoes like Crockett & Jones, Santoni, Alden, Saint Crispin’s and Edward Green are here to be bought by willing customers.

Not cheap of course, so really for the freaks, dandies and lovers of good shoes.

Details about this spot
Sir Max | Shopping | Free
Hartenstraat 2 | Canals (area map) | +31207076588
Mon 13:00 - 18:30, Tue - Wed & Fri - Sat 10:00 - 18:30, Thu 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

The place for everybody, who calls himself a Burgundian! What a selection of meat, cold cuts, pâtés, salads and sausages of all kind. They have professional and very friendly staff helps to make your choice(s).

My choice is the Iberian pork and truffle sausages and the French Limoges Côte du Boeuf. This shop is a beauty for the eye and tongue.

They have the French and Italian fresh truffles, some as big as a tennis ball. Worth the detour.

Details about this spot
Slagerij De Leeuw | Shopping | From € 10.00
Utrechtsestraat 92 | Canals (area map) | +31206230235
Tue - Fri 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 08:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

STOUT = Naughty! Because rules are there to be broken. Because risky business, the sin and sense go frequently nicely together. Giving meaning to enjoyment, is what restaurant STOUT does! Therefore every guest is a welcome challenge, every product, selected carefully by the Chef, prepared in a stimulating way, every wine a sunny holiday and every employee an individual with a refined feeling for your wishes. Thus it is the challenge, which seduces us and seduction, which we defy. Chef Onno is inspired by the international kitchens and trends and is very familiar with the metropolitan and most recent developments, tendencies and developments of high-quality food & beverage products, concepts and formulas. Purely to keep informed; Naughty! He does not obey to fashionable one day trends. We are naughty! , a little bit wrong, a source, to enjoy!
© Website Stout, free translation by author of this article.

Stout is one of my favourites for lunch and I love to go there for a coffee when I finished my shopping in the Haarlemmerstraat.

I like the ‘broodje ½ OM’ in particular, a nice roll with thinly sliced pastrami and cooked calfs liver slices: very Amsterdam! The fresh fruit juices are also very good. The focaccio STOUT, is a cheese melted tuna sandwich is also very good! Coffee’s and espresso’s are of very good quality and delicious.

The service I experienced as personal and friendly.

Details about this spot
Stout | Bars, Restaurants (international) | Broodje ½ OM € 7.00
Haarlemmerstraat 73 | Canals (area map) | +31206163664
11:00 - 01:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

Between the canals bordering the Jordaan, you find an area with shops, restaurants, lunch bars and pubs called “Negen Straatjes”, which translates into Nine Streets. These nine streets are: Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oude Spiegelstraat and Wijde Heisteeg. They are all located in between the Singel and the Prinsengracht, running in a ninety degrees angle to the canals.

This little neighborhood is well known, nevertheless it is never really crowded. You have to be on guard for delivery trucks in the narrow streets, but you can walk from store to store in peace.

The little shops are very specialized and they sell the weirdest stuff. If you take your time, you just might find something beautiful.

When I am walking around here, looking at the little businesses, I get the feeling that they are run by people that have quit a boring job to focus on their passion. There might be a big turnover in shops that are so particular, but these streets are so widely known that a lot of them seem to be able to survive.

If you are tired of all the shops you will be sure to find a nice café or lunch bar where you can gather strength.

Details about this spot
The 9 streets | Art & culture, Shopping | Free
9 straatjes | Canals (area map)
depends

Show full posting and map »

The Biblical Museum is housed in two historic buildings on the Herengracht and build in 1660-1662. The renowned architect Philips Vingboons built the houses for Amsterdam merchant Jacob Cromhout. Remarkable on this museum is that these are four completely different sized houses, but looking identical on the outside. The remarkable and atmospheric setting provides a home for the unique collection of one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.

The Museum tells the story of the Bible. Displays centered on a model of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem explaining the significance of this sacred place in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and all very understandable for children. They Clay tablets, fragments of papyrus and archeological remains tell the fascinating story of how the Bible came into existence, and the influence it has had on Dutch society through the ages.

Furthermore, it houses a famous 19th-century model of the Tabernacle: a wonderful reconstruction of the sacred shrine housing the Ark of the Covenant, which the Israelites carried with them during their exile in the desert under the leadership of Moses. This to give visitors an impression of the religious life of the ancient Egyptians.

Details about this spot
The Biblical Museum | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 7.50
Herengracht 366-368 | Canals (area map) | +31206242436
Mon - Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun (& holidays) 11:00 - 17:00

Show full posting and map »

At the end of the very lively Haarlemmerdijk you will find the oldest cinema in the Netherlands. The building of The Movies does not look very impressive from the outside, but when you enter it you find yourself in a different era.

The whole interior is in the original, well-preserved Art Deco style. In the café or in the film rooms you feel as if you stepped back into a time when cinema was young and exciting.

The bar inside the cinema is rather large, with a drinking and an eating area. The place feels more like a café than the bars in bigger cinemas, and you don’t feel pressured to go to your seat in the film room. The beer that they serve, from the south of the Netherlands, is one of my favorites.

A delicious, cold beer makes for a very pleasant cinematic experience, and The Movies is certainly a good place to watch a film. Their program usually consists of a mix of art films and more mainstream cinema, so you are likely to find something that suits you. If you are in the neighborhood but you don’t feel like settling in a dark room, you might just want to take a peek at the interior, or have a drink or a meal.

Details about this spot
The Movies | Bars, Cinemas | Movie € 8.50
Haarlemmerdijk 161 | Canals (area map) | +31206386016
check on the website

Show full posting and map »

Approximately 50 meters from the “Nederlandsche Bank” and the attractive “Utrechtsestraat” you will find the Weteringschans, where also the just newly opened Hotel V is located. This place is located in a bit of a deserted location, as far as you can talk about a deserted location in energetic Amsterdam…

Here you’ll find a very charming spot called Uliveto. It’s an Italian franchise concept, which is hardly known. But in Amsterdam it is owned by a former abfab fashion girl: Conny Malinaric, who cooks like an angel. Fresh ingredients & good looking food is her credo.

For lunch I would recommend to ask her to make your choice: probably a great plate with antipasti and a nice salad, and maybe just a small warm dish on the side for mouth-watering moments. Served with nice wine or delicious water, a very healthy utterly light sparkling water from the Uliveto brand.

Her pasta with Ragu, is also not to miss. The place is nice & industrial with a great picture on the wall from Peter van der Velden from the Frescobaldi Italian Wine makers and a real fat cat to accessoirize and take care of the mice ? Enjoy Uliveto!

Details about this spot
Uliveto | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian homemade) | Antipasti plate € 12.50
Weteringschans 118 | Canals (area map) | +31204230099
Mon - Fri 11:00 - 20:00, Sat 12:00 - 18:00

Show full posting and map »

This is a new wine bar in Amsterdam on the Prinsengracht. Next door they have a restaurant called Envy. In both establishments it is all about the wines.

It is quite expensive, but all waiters are real trained professionals. They all have a sommelier certificate. They know all about the wines they have (and that is a lot).

The nicest item on the card is the flight. This is to taste several wines from the same grape or to taste different wines from different grapes, for instance Chardonnay, Bourgogne or Champagne. The staff tells you everything about the wines, from which grapes they are made, which year the wine is from, on which land it has grown and what the taste of the wine is. And of course all special items which are typical for a particular wine.

The entourage is also very nice. On the left, red wines all hanging on a wall of bricks, then you have the bar and on the right the entire wall is covered with one large refrigerator with all white wines, rosé and champagnes. The opposite is one large couch with small tables and bar stools. It is a very modern interior.

Details about this spot
Vyne | Bars | Flight of 3 wines € 11.00
Prinsengracht 411 | Canals (area map) | +31203446408
Mon/Thu/Sat 17:00 - 23:00, Fri 16:00 - 23:00, Sun 15:00 - 23:00

Show full posting and map »