A little bit outside the centre, but really a lovely place at the water to sit for a drink on the terrace or to have diner. They have a large terrace with lots of sun (when the sun shines of course) in a very nice neighborhood. It is in directly located at the water next to a small harbour. There are all cozy apartments and houses with small bridges and a perfect view over the water. I really love it there!

The restaurant is very nicely established in a cozy basement, but with more than enough daylight. It has a natural look with wooden tables and chairs. In the back they have tables with bar stools.

The open kitchen is in the middle of the restaurant and is in charge of the owner. His wife is the host of the restaurant. She is a very pleasant woman with knowledge about the food and wines. They both are exited to work there every day; they really have heart for their business.

The food is great, some common things on the menu like spare ribs and sate, but also more uncommon things as stingray and rabbit. All dishes are created with care and creativity. Every dish is accompanied by a specifically sorted wine. A really must have are the desserts. Especially the ice truffles are delicious.

I would say a great place with lovely staff and tasty food!

Details about this spot
Bickers aan de Werf | Restaurants (French) | Main course € 14.00
Bickerswerf 2 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31203202951
Wed - Sun 12:00 - 22:30

Show full posting and map »

Onassis is a more sophisticated restaurant, with a modern, cosmopolitan interior.

The beautiful big terrace is great in summer, when you can look over the IJ and enjoy the sun. In winter they occasionally have live entertainment inside. At night, DJs play music to spice up the crowd after dinner.

Unfortunately Onassis is a bit far from the city centre, but for a great night out, on a special, original location, this is definitely where you should go!

Dinner at Onassis is not cheap, but they offer great quality, ambiance and service. If you want to spend even more money…they have some exquisite offers (wines, champagne) to help you do that. The great wine menu and popular cava’s / champagnes complete your meal perfectly. The dishes, always special, are suberb! Coming for lunch is also a possibility.

Details about this spot
Onassis | Restaurants (Italian & Fish) | Main dish from € 20.00
Westerdoksdijk 40 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31203300456
Mon - Thu & Sun 11:00 - 01:00 , Fri - Sat 11:00 - 03:00

Show full posting and map »

The big branch of the public library near the river IJ is still brand spanking new. It hasn’t been open for a year, yet it is breathing a pleasantly tranquil and homely atmosphere. If you are near Central Station or Stedelijk Museum CS, and you feel like taking a break from all the impulses that the city is constantly shooting off at you, take some time to explore this building. Apart from the literary riches it has to offer, it inhibits some perfect spots to relax in, and enjoy Amsterdam in absolute peace.

The front of the building is turned towards the city-centre, the opposite side faces the passing trains, and the whole of it is surrounded by water. The architect has created a lot of intimate spaces in its interior, filled with designer chairs that will sooth your aching back and legs; nevertheless it feels spacious everywhere, and as there is a lot of light coming through the big windows, you are constantly aware of the surroundings.

At a little distance from it, you will be able to observe the city in all its glory, without being absorbed by all its tumultuousness. For the best view of Amsterdam you need to make your way to the balcony of the restaurant on the top floor.

There are plenty of computers with an Internet connection that you can use, you can read a newspaper or a magazine, and you can have a very tasty lunch in the restaurant, but visit the library especially if you feel the need to dip yourself into total tranquility. The building contains so many little corners and hidden spaces that it would take you hours to explore them all. I myself find something new, every time I go there.

If your feet happen to lead you to the library, you will surely have to leave eventually. When you do make your way back to the centre, and when it is late in the afternoon or early in the evening, be sure to notice how Central Station is radiating in the sunset. I find that the light is absolutely stunning in this area. Made up of elements of the old city and the groundwork of the new buildings arising on the construction site, the area has an almost utopian glow in the golden sunlight, and I find it one of the most magical places in Amsterdam.

Details about this spot
Public library | Art & culture | Free
Oosterdokskade 143 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31205230900
10:00 - 22:00 daily

Show full posting and map »

Restaurant Open has just opened its doors (the outside is not fully finished as you have to make your way through the sand to get to the stairs…), and is already a popular place to be…and eat! The location is special, at the Westerdokkade, with a nice view.

The menu is simple, but of great quality and diversity. The steak tartare with toast is exquisite, and the pasta of the day is mostly always a good choice. Unfortunately, the dishes are not that big, but if you come here for the quality of the food and the special location…this shouldn’t be a problem!

The visiting crowd varies from young and fashionable to get-togethers after business events.

Due to it’s popularity, Open is always packed with people: make sure you make reservations in advance (if you come with more than 8 persons, make reservations per email, 2 days in advance), and prepare for some drinks at the bar, while waiting for your table to be ready. If this is a problem, don’t worry. You can also go here for lunch!

In the later hours, lounge and house music will be played to spice up the night.

Great location, good service, delicious food.

Details about this spot
Restaurant Open | Restaurants (International) | Small dish € 7.00
Westerdoksplein 20 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31206201010
Sun - Thu 10:00 - 01:00, Fri - Sat 10:00 - 03:00

Show full posting and map »

“Here you buy a kitchencloth, trousers or a nice roll”, says Maaike, one of the saleswoman of Sissy-Boy Homeland.

The furniture is partly new and partly ‘brocante’. The department ‘Daily’ has fresh biological bread and cheeses. There is Brandmeester coffee (famous old Dutch brand) and various olive oils of Amsterdam known olive oil supplier Meeuwig. Last but not least you find clothing of Sissy Boy. I love the shop and her attitude to todays lifestyle.

It is a visit worthwhile, also to see the this rapidly developing area of Amsterdam with modern architecture on the watershores of Amsterdam.

Details about this spot
Sissy-Boy Homeland | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Espressso € 1.70
KNSM-laan 19 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31204181559
Mon - Sat 08:00 - 19:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00

Show full posting and map »