Where To Visit In Amsterdam, According To This Local
The hidden gems you don’t want to miss out on
Amsterdam is also called the Venice of the north, and especially during Spring and Summertime the city really beams with life. Everyone’s outside, enjoying those much-needed sun hours they’ve been missing for months while the temperature usually remains pleasant. Over the years, Amsterdam has become more and more international, but it still has a distinct local flavour. Here are the places to visit when in the Netherlands’ capital for a day or two.
Staying at Pillows Maurits at the Park might feel like you are not in Amsterdam – in a good way, that is. Or kind of like you’re in the Dutch city in another century, times gone by, where tranquillity prevails, the walls are whispy grey and art-clad and overall, you’re immersed in quiet luxury. Situated in a grand and spacious former university building designed in 1909 by architect Jan Bernard Springer, the hotel also hosts a speakeasy, a small spa and two phenomenal restaurants. VanOost, a fine dining restaurant and Spring Café Brasserie, a low-key yet elegant restaurant. We could easily spend entire days here at this boutique hotel with bookcases doubling as honesty bars and a seemingly endless supply of macarons. The rooms are elegantly decorated, quite spacious and most of them are overlooking the expansive Oosterpark through large windows.
Mauritskade 61, 1092 AD Amsterdam
The Noordermarkt in the heart of Amsterdam, right on the canals, is just the place to be on a beautifully sunny Saturday morning. Not only is there a cute flea market where you can find a gem or two and many food stalls, it’s also where lots of Amsterdammers gather to hang around and meet up. Grab a drink at Café Twee Prinsen, have a local Dutch dish at Kikkie and don’t forget to also grab sabich (a pita filled with fried aubergine and egg) at Abu Salie who has a stall at the end of Noordermarkt.
Noordermarkt, 1015 NA, Amsterdam
The very best shopping in Amsterdam you will likely do at: Moise Store. Located in De Pijp, the charming owner called Monique de Ramdanie (with big bouncy curls and a warm smile) is usually in the shop and readily lends her style advice if you’re up for it. She’s also the one who curates the smart selection of designer pieces in the shop. From established to upcoming designers – such as Jacquemus to Lemaire, Christaseya and Toteme to Dutch design labels such as Kassl Editions, Wandler, Monique van Heist and Tol Eyewear. It’s near impossible to not find something to your liking here.
Ceintuurbaan 111, 1072 EZ Amsterdam
The name of this restaurant, Wilde Zwijnen, on Javaplein means ‘wild boar’ but this cozy restaurant also caters to those who stick to fish or veg. Most of all, the menu is inspired by Dutch fare done in a contemporary way with seasonal, locally sourced produce. When you book a table, they write your name on the wooden table with white chalk. Next door there’s Bar Bachrach by the same owners, serving slightly more middle-eastern style cuisine.
Restaurant Wilde Zwijnen, Javaplein 23, 1095 CJ Amsterdam
They don’t do reservations here, but you’ll score a spot if you’re only with a party of two. Otherwise, you can wait for a bit outside while you try one of their natural wines. Café Binnenvisser is a reinterpretation of the typically Dutch ‘bruine kroeg’ (brown bar) but in a modern way. The menu varies weekly, but – we promise – is always tasty. If you’re there during the day: there’s also a great bakery by the same owners next door.
Café Binnenvisser, Bilderdijkstraat 36, 1052 NB Amsterdam
Klaproos, set in an old warehouse, is a pop-up pizzeria and wine bar in Amsterdam Noord. From 5 pm the kitchen opens for pizzas, anti-pasti and special wines. After dinner, the tables are pushed to the side and there’s usually some party going on. Or just slide through another door to De Schietclub, a fun club next door. The North is the place to be if you’re up for dancing. Whether you’re into techno and hit Shelter or are more into funky sounds and decide on Skatecafé (including an indoor skate ramp).
Papaverweg 15A, 1032 KE Amsterdam
More of a brunch restaurant than anything else, Little Collins’ menu is just scrumptious for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Especially if you had a few glasses of wine too many the night before. This is a very easygoing place, popular amongst the locals, with Aussie-style food.
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F, 1073 CL Amsterdam
While the canals are usually swarming with tourists, De Prinseneiland nearby is just as quaint and sort of hidden in plain sight. Right at the heart of this scenic neighbourhood you’ll find restaurant De Gouden Real. It’s a French bistro-style restaurant by the family Caron, who also own a few other great restaurants in the city. The terrace by the water is situated on this corner with a 17th century canal bridge. Worth the visit.
Zandhoek 14, 1013 KT Amsterdam
Of course, there’s the obvious ones when it comes to art and culture: Rijksmuseum, who just hosted a large Vermeer exhibition, and Stedelijk Museum. Be sure to put those on your list, but really, there’s so much more to explore. A favorite: NXT Museum which is a new museum in the bustling North featuring large-scale and immersive installations fusing technology and creativity with psychedelic light and sound.
Asterweg 22, 1031 HP Amsterdam
If the sun is out most locals will be flooding the many lush green parks of Amsterdam. Vondelpark is a popular one, but don’t forget to visit some of the other ones too. There’s Oosterpark and nearby, Park Frankendael, or Westerpark near Central Station. Go for a picknick by the water or a longer stroll and visit this farmhouse, called Ons Genoegen, with a beautiful garden tucked away at the back of the park and only known by a few.
Haarlemmerweg 4, 1013 RW Amsterdam
Text: Kaira Van Wijk/Her World