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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.