On my third visit to the great city of Amsterdam I did something I had never done before... I got up early and set out with my camera on a morning stroll! It was an unbelievable experience to walk around Amsterdam's deserted streets early in the morning with only remnants of the many exploits of the previous evening. To see the red light district and the plazas. It was quiet, the streets were almost empty, and the canals were so calm (no boat traffic) that there were crystal clear reflections of the landscape that defines Amsterdam. It is still easy to get coffee and a pastry and even the brown bars are serving herb and hash early in the morning (yes, you could say that I "waked and baked"). I will never forget this experience and the amazing photographs I captured on my last day in the Dutch city I love so much for so many reasons, so if you can manage it, I would recommend waking up early to stroll the streets of Amsterdam. I'll leave the getting baked part up to you.
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The American Book Center
We woke up on day two, intending to wander around, grab lunch and then spend the rest of the day in the park. However, our host suggested a book market only open on Fridays. Within minutes of the suggestion, we were out the door, armed with raincoats, a patchy mental map and a deep determination to find at least of the books any self respecting Literature student should own. When we arrived at the Spui book market, we were faced with dozens of stalls, each selling different genres and languages of books. We had no trouble finding stalls selling English books, and the deadly combination of old classics and low prices made it almost impossible to settle for just one or two. Realizing that realistically, it would be unlikely for us to fit any more books in our luggage on the return journey, this time we left empty handed, but with a few ideas for dinner that night. A near perfect day spent wandering through heaps of books was rounded out in the apartment's hammock with a cup of tea, stroopwaffle and a little blue book, new to me, but clearly read (and loved) many times before.
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Amsterdam
The fact that there is a special-occasion restaurant like the Wilde Zwijnen (which means Wild Boar) is a sign of wealth in the neighborhood. I like the interiors: stylish but natural. The boar dishes are good, but they also do nice ravioli filled with kale and sausage. —Maartje Van Den Noort Javaplein 23, 31/(0) 20-463-3043. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Tropenmuseum
The interiors of this museum and its library are really beautiful—a mosaic of polished wood and marble surfaces. And its contents are very timely, about the history of immigration and former Dutch colonies and slavery. The library is a bit of an insider secret—a quiet hideaway. —Maartje Van Den Noort Linnaeusstraat 2, 31/(0) 20-568-8200. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Java Bookshop
by Maartje Van Den Noort, As Told To Gisela Williams “I buy my books for my book club here. You can sit and order a coffee and page through books. They also have a good children’s section and a little corner for children to play.” Javastraat 145, 31/(0) 20-463-4993, javabookshop.nl. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Flevopark
The Flevopark is not a typical city park, because it’s on the outskirts of Amsterdam and feels a bit wilder. I love to walk and picnic and jog here. —Maartje Van Den Noort This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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HipHipHip
by Maartje Van Den Noort, As Told To Gisela Williams “This DIY atelier and shop is new and the kind of place that I am happy is popping up in the neighborhood. It sells a mix of handmade furniture and knitted hats and sweaters. They offer crafting workshops here, too. Javaplein 29-31, 31/(0) 6-3482-4568, hiphiphip.nl. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Brouwerij ’t IJ
by Maartje Van Den Noort, As Told To Gisela Williams “Brouwerij ’t IJ is the only place in the city that brews its own organic beer. We like to come on summer evenings and sit on the terrace. Ruben, my husband, really enjoys the Zatte and Columbus beers.” Funenkade 7, 31/(0) 20-622-8325, brouwerijhetij.nl. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Dappermarkt
by Maartje Van Den Noort, As Told To Gisela Williams “I buy some of the fabrics I use in my lanterns at our neighborhood outdoor market. There’s a real Amsterdam atmosphere here, and you can buy anything from $1 underwear and shampoo to fruits and flowers.” Dapperstraat 279, 31/(0) 20-694-7495, dappermarkt.nl. Market hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Studio/K
by Maartje Van Den Noort, As Told To Gisela Williams “If I want to know what’s going on, I go to Studio/K, a cool cinema and café. It’s run by students from universities around the city who are really on top of what’s happening in terms of concerts and events. In the summer there is always sun on the terrace.” Timorplein 62, 31/(0) 20-692-0422, studio-k.nu. This story appeared in the May/June 2011 issue. Photo by Rene Mesman. See all of Maartje van den Noort’s favorite places in East Amsterdam.
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Andaz Amsterdam
Amsterdam-based designer Marcel Wanders transformed the city’s old public library into a hotel with a delft-pottery color scheme. Perks include Wanders-designed bikes. From $410. This appeared in the September, 2012 issue.
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Bakken met Passie
On our way to the Concertgebouw, we couldn't resist entering this tempting bakery. Inside? The moistest lemon cake I've ever tasted, along with unique muffins, cakes, and other sweet delights. Savory breads and sandwiches are available as well, making this place the perfect spot for lunch on your way to the Albert Cuyp Market or one of the many other nearby sights.
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Ondernemersvereniging "De9straatjes"
Tourists may throng through Amsterdam's busy city center on Kalverstraat, but travelers in the know saunter down "De Negen Straatjes" or "The Nine Streets." Trendy boutiques, designer fashions, and snug cafes line the cobblestone street grid to the west of the city's center.
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Spuistraat
Amsterdammers have tried to solve the city's housing shortage by squatting in abandoned spaces since the '80s. Like many alternative movements, the practice has spawned artist workplaces, stages for performing artists and great art like this extraordinary building-high beast on Spuistraat. Will Askar get eaten? Find out on NEW cultural/literary walking tours offered through The English Bookshop on Lauriergracht in the Jordaan: http://shop.englishbookshop.nl/
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St. Nicolaas Boat Club
I’ve done the big-boat canal tours, and they’re fun. But a canal tour on a small boat is even more fun. You can bring your own food and drinks (and smokes, if you’re so inclined), and navigate the smaller canals that the big boats can’t access. We went with the St. Nicolaas Boat Club, a non-profit that runs two restored boats, one from the 20s and one from the 30s; all proceeds go to the boats’ upkeep. Volunteer captains choose routes that strike their fancy, taking into account the clients’ interests. Pay is by donation, but they suggest 10 euros per person; sign up at the Boom Chicago comedy club on Leidseplein. If you prefer to go it alone, there are also plenty of companies that rent small motorboats, like Canal Motorboats or Boaty.nl. Expect to pay between 80 and 120 euros for three hours—not a bad deal if you’re sharing with a group of friends.
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't Arendsnest
The Arendsnest is a pub specializing in Dutch beer. There are many, as it turns out—the Belgians get all the glory, but the Dutch are also fine brewers. They also serve a really great variety of cheese, a reminder that nothing goes with cheese as well as beer.
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Bloemenmarkt
If you wish to see the best local flower market in Amsterdam, head to the block-long Bloemenmarkt on the Singel Canal. It is the most famous flower market in the Netherlands, and it is a floating market, dating back to 1862. While the flower market is mostly for locals, visitors enjoy shopping here as well. At the market you can find fresh flowers year round, and you can even purchase tulip bulbs to take home. They will assist you in selecting bulbs that can legally be taken back to your country. I enjoyed these very colorful wooden tulips on display at the market. I knew to expect wooden shoes in Amsterdam, but this was a novelty. I was also surprised here to see Cannabis Starter Kits for sale. While such a thing may be legal in Amsterdam, it would not be a recommended souvenir for most visitors. Makes for an interesting photo, however. If you are visiting Amsterdam, be sure to make a trip to the Bloemenmarkt. It is colorful, fun and a great place to wander. The market is located at 610-616 Singel, 1017 Binnenstad, NL and is open every day of the week except Sunday. Great place to meet the locals, and a wonderful place to take photos too!
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Amsterdã
In this dossier you'll know everything you ever wanted to ask and never had the courage or opportunity. These exclusive tips are guaranteed to know the best coffee shops in town! Article written by a Judge of World Cup in Cannabis there are over 700 cafes throughout the Netherlands, with most being spread through Amsterdam, and the first tip is to buy a " Smokers Guide, sold at newsstands, souvenir shops, coffee shops... The guide shall contain any information you want to know, both for "first-timers" like to "experts"! There are several different types and styles of coffee shops in the city. Some are pleasant and rustic, with internet and other modern facilities, others you can listen to good live music or DJs and even play pool. Of course, all decorated very interesting topic that characterize each visit. There are known for the quality of their "products" (typically producers) and the "tourist" and expensive. Some even have a restaurant with good sandwiches and a great option for breakfast with cost-effective. Since many hotels in the coffee is not included, typically cost "tubes". There's even a coffee shop that serves a good iced Dutch! Ahh! The vast majority has all the "toys" for you to enjoy. Bongs, Vaporizers, Pipes, Water Pipes ... We indicate some of the most interesting cafés in each region. Of course, there is no way to do this "marathon" in one day, so use the tips and do a little every day .... as do their shopping or sight sights.
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Bike4U
You know what's annoying? Biking around Amsterdam on a bike that screams I'M A TOURIST. Here at Bike4U, you can get classic black Gazelles. Prices are good, child seats are available, and the Bulgarian guys who run the place are super nice. Note that they don't take credit cards.
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't Arendsnest
Many of bars in Amsterdam serve the standard mass market beers, and those that serve craft beer predominantly sell Belgian beers. 't Arendsnest was recommended by our bed and breakfast hosts as a local bar that focuses on Dutch craft beers. How could we say no? The next night we visited this small bar facing Herengracht (one of the famous canals) and tried several interesting beers made in the Netherlands. All were good, but the highlight was the oak-aged La Trappe Quadrupel. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful, and the bar had a very cozy feel, so give this place a try even if you don't know anything about craft beer!
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Amsterdam
During our time in Amsterdam, we rented cruisers and it was the perfect way to see the city.
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Hotel The Exchange
Imagined by students and grads from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, the Exchange set out to "dress" each room like a fashion model. Avant-garde fabrics drape from ceilings, and everything from buttons and magazine clippings to a Marie Antoinette–style dress decorate the walls. Sewing machines are on hand in case you get inspired. From $150, 31/(0) 20-523-0080, photo by Mirjam Bleeker.
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de Kaaskelder Bloemenmarkt
After biking all around Amsterdam, you will work up an appetite. While perusing all the millions of flowers and bulbs, it was a nice surprise to find something to nibble on. After we sampled all the cheeses, we were full and it cost nothing! Great for a break when you get tired of looking at flowers and bulbs.
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Brouwerij 't IJ BV
Beer drinkers in Amsterdam have other options besides the Heineken brewery tour! There are several microbrews around the city around the city. My favorite: Brouwerij't IJ. Housed right under a windmill and outside the immediate city center, this warm brew pub serves a simple list of beers including pilsners, IPAs, and Belgian inspired brews. The menu is small, mostly meat, cheese, and bread, but more food isn't needed with these filling and flavorful beers.
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Amsterdam
The last night in Amsterdam we are walking near Dam Square. We have been to the Van Gogh Museum earlier and are still marveling at his brilliance. I take two photos nearby and then this one which somehow transforms into a Van Gogh styled image, by itself. All the other photos came out normal but somehow this one evokes van Gogh's spirit. I have no idea why or how.
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Stichting Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam
This is not a secret to locals, but off-the-beaten path (but still not too out of the way) is a place with a surprisingly tasty dinner for under ten euros. It's the library cafeteria. But seriously: That bowl of Thai noodle soup with cooked-to-order veggies was comforting, satisfying, filling, and in Amsterdam, a complete steal at 8 euros. Plus, it's all the way on the top floor of an already gorgeous library, with beautiful students to gawk at, and an even more beautiful view of the city.
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Pacific Parc BV
Just north of the Jordaan neighborhood sit the Western Islands, with their parks, drawbridges, and a former gasworks-cum-cultural center filled with art galleries and cool bars. I especially enjoyed biking through this area, taking in Het Schip, a seminal piece of Amsterdam School architecture, and having a beer at Pacific Parc in the Westergasfabriek.
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