Urbanaut

Klimmuur (Climbing Wall) Centraal

by Deepti Rao Just a stone’s throw away from the central station is the go-to spot for climbing and bouldering in the city. If the weather permits you can even climb the outside of the structure. Klimmuur Amsterdam is open to climbers at all levels of skill. You can take a lesson or get a day-pass.

by Urbanaut Haarlemmerdijk is a must-visit shopping street with indie boutiques, organic farmers' markets and a distinct sense of community. It’s an continuation of the more popular Haarlemmerstraat, and has a superbly eclectic collection of locally-run boutiques that sell everything from clothes to cheese, and then some. It’s also worth mentioning that the street has been dubbed Amsterdam’s food alley– you probably know now that you’ll find some lip-smacking street food to gorge on. Swing by the Haarlemmerplein on Wednesdays for the ever-popular street market.

Free walking tour Amsterdam

by Deepti Rao The best way to really see the old city is not by cycle but by foot. There are many free walking tour companies that tell you about the history, dirty secrets and marvels of the city. Free Walking Tour Amsterdam has local guides who can take you on a classic tour or an alternative tour of the city. Both are tip-based, 2-hours long and start every afternoon from Dam Square.

by Ksenija Burn some fat in club style spinning class with blasting music! Great start to any morning!

Mezrab Cultural Center

by Deepti Rao Mezrab is a special place dedicated to storytelling, improv, music and theatre. With a casual atmosphere you can settle into a floor cushion and listen to one of the professional storytellers as they take you on an adventure. All the events are in English and entrance is free but donations are welcome so be kind!

by Deepti Rao This is where you can shop till you drop. With all the big brands located along this one street, the Kalverstraat is the place to go to get your shopping fix. There are also some notable landmarks along this street such as the ornate ceiling of the Beurspassage, the Begijnhof, the oldest courtyard of the city and the Bloemenmarkt, or the flower market.

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

by Urbanaut This arcane street is a beautifully preserved holdover from the Netherlands’ past, lined with antique boutiques that stock the most bizarre collection of oddities. No one shop is like any other– in one, you’ll find relics of dental tools and dissection kits; head to another and it houses nautical instruments of all kinds. But it’s also worth visiting if you’re on the lookout for authentic Dutch antiques to take home, such as blue Delft tiles and gorgeous period furniture.

Alpacahoeve Klinkenberg

by Vibha Hirokawa If you have a free day and want to do something very different AND you’ve always wanted to pet/feed an alpaca (who hasn’t?), go here! This is a super cute small alpaca farm where you can pet, go for a hike and even do a yoga class with them!

Ten Kate Market

by Urbanaut Ten Katemarkt is a bustling street market tucked well away into a largely residential neighbourhood. If you’ve got a free afternoon, we’d recommend strolling through to see how Amsterdammers shop– the open air market has over 100 stalls selling a variety of must-haves and wants including fresh organic veggies, fabric, flowers, shoes and more. It leads up to the Kinkerstraat which just so happens to be one of this area’s busiest shopping streets, packed with indie cafés and greengrocers. The market itself is over 100 years old!

De Hallen Amsterdam

by Deepti Rao De Hallen is a hub for culture, art, design, food and film! Housed in an old tram station, this architectural landmark has lovely boutique stores, a monthly market of local designers, a bustling food hall, art galleries, dance lessons, film theatres and much more.

by Urbanaut This bar-slash-beach pavilion is a local favourite among surfers and foodies heading to Zandvoort for their daily dose of fun in the sun. As one of the area’s first permanent beach bars, Tijn sets high standards for great atmosphere, good food and chilled drinks. Their menu features organic and sustainable fare both local and international. They’ve also laid claim to a great patch of the beach, which is now decked out with sun beds and four volleyball courts that guests at the bar can freely use.

Salon de Thé (The Smallest House in Amsterdam)

by Urbanaut Salon de Thé is housed in the smallest house in Amsterdam, indeed in Europe, at only 6 feet wide. The 1600-era Dutch canal house is sandwiched between two regular-sized facades, and has taken on the role of a snug little teahouse run by kindly owners Kristen and Niels. Aside from the novelty factor, of course, Salon de Thé also receives brownie points from patrons for their delicious homemade cakes and high-quality tea in over 150 varieties. The private tea rooms on the second floor comfortably seat up to 7 people per group.

by Urbanaut Picked in the morning and plated by the afternoon— that’s De Kas in a nutshell. The much-loved restaurant is housed in and around a chic garden conservatory and upholds a simple and organic farm-to-table ethos. All the richness you’ll see on your plate, when you order from their daily menu, comes straight from their garden, which has been sowed, nurtured and harvested by the team themselves. By day, the atmosphere is very like an escape from the city into a rustic farm; by night, it takes on a more romantic avatar. You’re also welcome to walk around the nursery after your meal– the staff will helpfully show you around.

by Deepti Rao A 15-minute free ferry ride from Amsterdam Centraal station takes you to NDSM werf, the graffiti-filled edgy neighborhood of Amsterdam Noord. Pllek is a great spot on the water with a sandy beach to dig your feet into. They’ve got a rage of beers on tap, cocktails and a menu with lots of vegetarian options.

Plastic Fishing with Plastic Whale

by Urbanaut Yes, this activity is exactly what the title sounds like. Sightseeing meets environmental activism in this Plastic Whale-led tour of Amsterdam’s canals. Everyone on board gets a fishing rod and, for the two hours you spend cruising through the canals, you pick up every piece of discarded plastic you find. You’ll find that the whole process turns into a bout of friendly competition, generating conversations you’ll remember with a smile. Plus, you get to see Amsterdam from a different perspective– how fun is that?

by Urbanaut A stone’s throw away from the Van Gogh Museum is Moco, home to surrealist and modern art by subversive artists from all over the world. Sure, you won’t find Rembrandt or Vermeer here, but you’ll come across quite a few ironical and humorous pieces by Banksy, Andy Warhol, KAWS and Yayoi Kusama, among others. The collection is a private one curated by Lionel and Kim Logchies on loan from an insider network of art collectors. We dare say you’ll find the experience immersive and not like any other you’ve been through in Amsterdam. Ironically, Moco is housed in a a quintessentially Dutch 19th-century manse, a national monument overlooking Museumplein.

Bookstore of Pampus

by Urbanaut Boekhandel Van Pampus, as it’s known to local bibliophiles, has but one philosophy— invite to stop. This means you’re more than welcome to stroll in, pick a book and lounge in their armchairs to read for a while. The alternative bookstore has your average top 10 books, but it’s much better known for special editions of literature, philosophy, architecture, even children’s books. You can also order a cup of coffee or tea to go with your lounging– it’s only fitting.

by Deepti Rao Monnickendam once boasted an illustrious fishing industry that put it on par with Amsterdam. The old town is well preserved with cobbled streets, old brick houses with intricate crests and a harbour filled with ornate sail boats. A walk through this town will take you back to the Dutch Golden Age.

Broek in Waterland

by Deepti Rao Broek in Waterland is the first stop on a day trip through the region of Waterland, that sounds and looks like it’s from a fairytale. The area is well connection with local buses from Amsterdam Noord metro station. On a walk around Broek in Waterland you will encounter a large lake with a little chalet for ducks, meandering streams and charming 16th and 17th century wooden houses.

by Vibha Hirokawa The thing with parks in the city is that it DOES tend to get crowded when the sun’s out. But I can’t think of anything better to do on a free sunny day than have a picnic by the lake in the park. Watch out for the ducks though. They’ll expect food from you so they won’t be afraid to come right to your face (but they are harmless)

by Deepti Rao Volkshotel is where quirky design meets an easy-going vibe. With a co-working space, restaurants and truly unique rooms, this hotel is more than just a place to sleep. Located in a former newspaper building, the hotel is a great option for an affordable distinctive stay.

Amsterdam Forest

by Urbanaut It is achingly hard to believe that such a lush retreat exists slap-bang in the heart of Amsterdam, but it’s the truth. The Amsterdamse Bos is three times the size of New York’s Central Park, covering a whopping 1000 hectares. It’s no wonder you’ll need a bike to get around – you can rent one at the gate or bring your own. Entering the Forest is quite like stepping into a quaint fairytale– it’s got lakes, woods, meadows, even a goat farm. We’d recommend spending an entire day here because there’s so much to do, from horse-riding and kayaking to climbing trees or staying put on your picnic blanket. It’s a great way to experience what Dutch families get up to during the summers.

by Deepti Rao If you’ve seen a picture of the quintessential Amsterdam streets along the canals, lined with buildings that are all slightly tilting, it’s probably taken here in the Nine Streets! Think designer boutiques, vintage shops, hidden cafes, gourmet restaurants and a view that will make you whip your camera out around every corner.

by Deepti Rao This modern building that looks straight out of a sci-fi film sits on the water across the Amsterdam Central station and is a must for film and architecture buffs. Apart from a permanent free exhibition, the museum screens art-house films, has a café with a breathtaking view and the most fun museum shop!

by Urbanaut If you’ve ever wanted to work in a coffee shop without feeling distracted by everyone else not working, we think you’ll find the perfect balance in Venu. The tastefully decorated co-working space features group rooms, communal tables and solo desks for distancing yourself from other hustlers in the vicinity. It’s a very design-forward space, with carefully curated decor pieces and Scandinavian furniture that are easy on the eye and oh-so-comfortable to work out of. The atmosphere is bursting with warmth and creativity– exactly what you need in a co-working space (aside from great coffee, of course).

The Playing Circle

by Urbanaut We’re fully head over heels for the inspiring and design-forward meeting spaces that The Playing Circle curates. Whether you’re looking for a change of space, or need to impress a potential client, you’ll find exactly what you need in The Playing Circle’s list of locations across Amsterdam. The unique setups are ideal for people from all walks of life in any job role from mailroom to boardroom. Aside from being stylishly put together and super-clean, these meeting spaces also come with all the trappings of a good workspace– fresh air, sunlight, strong WiFi, comfortable seats and limitless inspiration.

Albert Cuypmarkt

by Deepti Rao The Albert Cuyp Market started in 1905 and is still as bustling and lively as ever. There’s nothing like a warm freshly made stroopwafel from Rudi’s original Stroopwafel stall followed by a frothy cappuccino at Darras Café. This market has a lot to offer – fresh fruit, veggies and fish, a variety of food stalls from fried chicken to Turkish Gözleme, vintage and souvenir shopping – it’s all here!

by Urbanaut This art house is the ‘it’ place for cinephiles to immerse themselves in Dutch and European-origin films of all calibre, from commercial feature films to documentaries and short films. They’re also pioneers in screening films that didn’t pass strict distribution standards, meaning you’ll find a broader horizon of film pickings here. It’s also where to go to engage in friendly debate and critique about all things film. The art house is located in a lovely stone bungalow in Westerpark.

@droog amsterdam

by Ksenija It’s all in one place: gallery, shop, restaurant, and hotel (for one couple only). They’ve got a new terrace and a little fairy tale garden as well. Swing by for your dose of design and coffee.

by Deepti Rao Another spot to visit in the region of Waterland is the little village island of Marken. The village is famous for their unique green wooden houses built on stilts alongside the harbour. If you’ve got the time, walk up to a secluded lighthouse which stands majestically at the end of a narrow stretch of land surrounded by water.

Boerejongens Coffeeshop Center Amsterdam

by Deepti Rao Amsterdam has become synonymous with w**d and here’s where you’ll find the best stuff. Boerenjongens (pronounced Boor-a-young-an’s, meaning Farmer Boys in Dutch) is a reliable and surprisingly chic ‘coffee shop’ selling the best quality greens. There are a lot of options and the smartly dressed attendants are always willing you guide you to a high that suits you.

by Urbanaut Ever fancied partying on a ship with stunning views of an expansive water body? We think Veronicaschip fits the bill. Formerly Radio Veronica, a 1960s pirate radio ship, Veronicaschip today is a fully-functional event and party space moored off the famous NDSM wharf. Head between decks to have a sit-down lunch with great views of Amsterdam and the river. The attached terrace comes with fire pits to warm up against on cooler nights. The belly of the ship is a full-blown nightclub, and the party sometimes spills above-deck.

Explore the canals of Amsterdam

by Deepti Rao There are many ways to see the famous canals of Amsterdam. The most popular is booking on a ticket on one of the long tourist boats that take you through the highlights while you sip on some wine and stock up on Instagram worthy pictures. But if you’re more adventurous try renting out a boat and exploring the canals yourself! The best companies to rent from are Mokum Boot Huren Amsterdam and Boaty Rent a Boat Amsterdam. If you’re looking to combine it with a bit of a workout, try SUPing!

by Ksenija A lovely way to spend a day in the noord of Amsterdam. Take a ferry from central station and make your way to this former shipwharf - now creative hotspot. It’s a chance to enjoy the feeling of being away from the city - but still close! There are tons of art spaces and cafes to enjoy there. And a great view!

by Ksenija The A’DAM Tower stands 22-stories tall, overlooking the historical city center of Amsterdam. There’s a LOT going on at this multi-purpose building including a dance club, hotel, music school and some fantastic restaurants and bars. Get to the top (A’DAM lookout) to see the gorgeous view over Amsterdam 🥰

by Deepti Rao Just a 15-minute train ride away from Amsterdam is Haarlem, a town that many consider to be the cuter, smaller sibling of its neighbour. But don’t be fooled because this medieval city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, art, history and gastronomy. Ever wanted to drink a beer in a church? One of the highlights is De Jopenkerk (The Jopen Church), which is a microbrewery of the famous Jopen beer housed in a renovated church.

by Deepti Rao This exclusive neighborhood is home to three of the most famous museums in the city – the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk museum and the Van Gogh Museum. The impressive buildings are located around a huge grassy field where you can take a break between museum hopping.

Amersterdam Light Festival

by Deepti Rao If you missed summer in the city don’t worry because the Amsterdam Light Festival is definitely worth a trip to the city in winter. Since its conception in 2012, the festival has realized more than 250 artworks by artists, designers and architects from all over the world. The whole festival is free with artworks displayed in public spaces turning the winter night sky into a spectacle.

Café de Ceuvel

by Deepti Rao De Ceuvel is where old, abandoned houseboats find a purpose. The café is located on a former industrial terrain now turned into a sustainable hub for artists and entrepreneurs. Serving organic, locally sourced food and drinks, this café has a unique DIY-esque vibe to it and if you do make it here, don’t forget to take a walk on the path around this special place.

Serres Séparées and Mediamatic

by Deepti Rao In the wake of the pandemic, Mediamatic, an arts center in Amsterdam, went viral for their ingenious corona-proof dinners that manage to keep the romance more than alive! Their restaurant Serres Séparées serves a 4-course vegan, sustainable dinners for two or four, with ingredients harvested from their own aquaponics systems.