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The best summer locations in A’dam

3. July 2018/in /by David

Throughout the whole year Amsterdam offers many kinds of attractions and activities – interesting museums, vibrant night-life in the red-light district and canals with the bridges covered in beautiful flowers and bicycles. What is special in the summer (what I didn’t even know when I first visited Amsterdam) is that you can experience something more summer like – urban beaches! During the summer these beaches provide festivals, parties, activities, drinks & food and just a little bit more vacation-like atmosphere to the city holiday!

1.Roest

When asking for recommendations for urban beaches, you probably will hear the name Roest mentioned often. Roest is in the east of Amsterdam near by the Brouwerij’t IJ – so if you cycle there you can pass one of the eight windmills in Amsterdam as well.

The concept of Roest is interesting, the venue is well used in the old industrial area – it is a café, bar and a restaurant (the food looks amazing), it also holds a lot of events and parties. For example, on the 14th of July you can participate in the Respect the 80’s party here!

2.Strand Zuid

Strand Zuid is located a bit more in the east, easy to get to with the metro line 50 from Sloterdijk. Alternatively cycling is also a nice option, since the area in the south is very scenic.

The first thing I noticed here when I arrived at Strand Zuid, was how charming the surroundings were. Cute little lanterns and a lot of green plants help make the place feel really cozy and fresh. Just a quick turn from the cycling path and you’re experiencing a totally different atmosphere. Strand Zuid offers nice terrace tables by the view to the Zuidpool and the Beatrix park behind it, but also tables and chairs on the beach where you can just take your shoes off and enjoy the day.

3.Dok

One of my favorite ones is definitely Dok. 13-minutes cycling from Teleport and you’re already there! At this place the view towards the water is actually outside of the beach, but when you get inside it doesn’t really matter anymore. At Dok you have almost everything else a beach would require – people walking bare foot, beach volleyball, sand and of course the palm trees! Literally you can just go there, take your shoes off and relax with a beer or a plate of nachos.

Dok also hosts a lot of events and on the 7th of July, you will find a Tapas Food Festival there!

4.Sloterplas

Interested in swimming, renting a kayak or a sailboat, having a picnic, running, yoga, exercising in an outdoor gym or just having a drink on a terrace? Well Sloterplas is a great place to visit then! I cycle pass this lake every day, but only recently found out about the beach (with seashells) where you can actually swim. Albert Heijn is not too far either (5 minutes away), so getting the picnic foods is not too much of a trouble. And if you don’t want to sit in the sand, on the other side of Sloterplas there are nice grass areas.

Sloterplas in very conveniently located from Teleport – only 9 minutes of cycling or 28 minutes of walking.

5.Het Stenen Hoofd

This small beach with more casual-like atmosphere is just 5 minutes from the central station. There is a little beach café, where you can order lemonades, soft drinks and snacks. I tried their lemon lemonade, which was really good – bubbly and sweet. You can have a drink at the café on its terrace or lay on the little beach left-side of the café with your own food.

From here you have a pretty nice view to the north – you can spot the A’dam tower and the NDSM for example.

On the 7th till the 8th of July you can find a beer festival here with live wrestling, tasty food and different craft beers!

Besides these five, there are other urban beaches in Amsterdam: Pllek in the north and Blijburg aan Zee in the east of Amsterdam. These two also host different events throughout the summer: open air movie nights at Pllek and different music events in the huge beach of Blijburg aan Zee.

As a non-local I definitely recommend these places for the people who are interested in doing something a bit different on their holiday to Amsterdam. After visiting some museums, I can’t think of anything better than relaxing on an urban beach with good music, tasty food and cold drinks or even enjoying a festival!

On this map you can check out all the places I mentioned and find the most convenient one![:]

Terrace hopping in Amsterdam

19. June 2018/in /by David

When the sun is shining it is really popular among the Dutch to pick up their cycle and go to the parks or go to have a drink on Amsterdam’s many terraces; rooftop, canal, waterside, historical or just a terrace by a restaurant who put some chairs outside for the summer. So when traveling to Amsterdam, between all the activities and attractions, to get a little extra piece of the lifestyle in the city, you definitely need to stop by a terrace – that’s what I did!

1.Pllek – an amazing place to end a tour around the Noord

This popular restaurant really ticks off quite a few boxes on my list of what makes a good place to spend a sunny summer day: spacious (seats by the beach, terrace, two floors inside!), great service (the waiter recommended me a beer and I must say it actually might be my favorite beer of all time now) and views (what could be better than having a drink by the water and watching the sunset). There are tons of things I could tell about this place but last but definitely not least the overall atmosphere was extraordinary; groups having drinks, couples eating dinner and also people alone just enjoying the day.

Address: Tt. Neveritaweg 59

Opening times: Sun – Thu; 9.30am – 01am, Fri – Sat; 9.30am – 3am

Busiest times: 7pm – 9.30pm

2. Hannekes Boom – just around the corner from central station

Like Pllek, Hannekes Boom also has a pretty nice view over the water. You can arrive easily from central station by bike or walking or alternatively with your boat! When arriving to the place, it felt kind of a brief getaway from the packed streets of Amsterdam. Instead of the rushing people, you would be spotting the slowly passing boats. Even though there wasn’t any place to sit at the tables when I was there, you could just find your seat by the water and enjoy the view while having a taste of beer for example from the local brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ.

Address: Dijksgeracht 4

Opening times: Mon – Thu; 10am – 01am, Fri – Sun; 10am – 3am

Busiest times: 5pm – 9pm

3. Café Zurich – exploring the West

By cycling only 13 minutes from Teleport, you’ll find Café Zurich! The terrace looks really inviting from outside – like a secret garden in the middle of Mercatoplein. While the terrace isn’t the biggest on this list, it didn’t seem as busy as some of the other bars in centrum. The stylish and fresh decoration of the place gives a cozy touch to it and at the same time the atmosphere is less touristic than some other places. Either having lunch, dinner, a draft beer or a gin tonic, you will definitely get enough sunshine here!

Address: Mercatoplein 2b

Opening times: Mon – Thu; 9am – 01am, Fri – Sun; 9am – 3am

Busiest times: 6pm – 8pm

4. Haven van Texel – canal view with the taste of an island

I was walking in the city and came across this spot. What could be better than having a drink or lunch and enjoying the Amsterdam’s architecture and the canals? The view is stunning from this place and even better, they offer a taste of beers from the island Texel, which is located 100km to the north from Amsterdam. Various of these beers from Texel have actually won national prizes! Overall Haven van Texel is a pleasant and convenient place to stop by between all the hectic sightseeing in Amsterdam.

Address: Sint Olofssteeg 11

Opening times: Mon – Thu; 4pm – 00, Fri – Sun; 2pm – 01pm

Busiest times: 7pm – 9pm

5. Schreierstoren – “From here women waved goodbye for the husbands who went overseas”

A friend of mine recommended this hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam. It can’t be found on the most popular “best terraces in Amsterdam” – lists, what makes it interesting place to visit. Schreierstoren has a significant role in Amsterdam’s history – it is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam and was once part of a medieval wall around Amsterdam. You can certainly feel the medieval atmosphere throughout the premises and you can have a beer at the same spot where the women waved to their husbands when they were going to the war.

Address: Prins Hendrikkade

Opening times: Mon-Thu; 10am – 01am, Fri-Sun; 10am – 03am

Busiest times: 6pm – 9pm

So where are they located?

To make your life a little easier I made a small map for you of Amsterdam with the terraces of this article. Just look up the number of your favorite terrace and you know how to get there!

So in conclusion Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone: good beer by the water at Pllek, boat spotting in Hannekes Boom, relaxed atmosphere away from the busy centrum in Café Zurich, canal views with special beers at Haven van Texel and a bit of Dutch history in Schreierstoren.

Besides these examples, there a lot of other places to choose from as well like: Nemo, A’dam Tower, Lion Noir… When walking on the streets of Amsterdam, you’ll see that almost every restaurant has built a terrace for the summer – just pick the one you like and have a taste of Dutch summer![:]

The coolest urban beaches of Amsterdam

21. July 2016/in /by David

These days when the temperatures are unusually high in Amsterdam, regular sightseeing might get more tiresome and maybe even somewhat boring. This nice sunny weather (that won’t last long by the way, since it’s the Netherlands!) make you want to spend some time chilling, catching a suntan and having a drink next to the water. If you’re still wondering how locals enjoy themselves during the summer in Amsterdam, then continue reading to discover cool hang out spots and urban beaches.

Of course, you might think that we will be recommending you the easiest ways to get to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal beaches, which are great for a swim in the Northern see or observing the Dutch turning red. And even though they are perfect for some sand and nature explorations, we will draw your attention to a different kind of beaches that Amsterdam has to offer even within a shorter distance.

Pllek

Hop on a free ferry behind the Central Station and find yourself at the NDSM wharf on the other side of the IJ that turn outs to be all cool and hip. Industrial Pllek will greet you with its creative vibe, live music or DJs playing and cold beers. Just relax on giant bean bags, try some good food and admire a spectacular view of Amsterdam on the other side.

Amsterdam Plage

In case you don’t fancy crossing the water and want to stick to the area next to the Central Station, no problem as a small city beach is only a 15 minute walk away. It’s known as the Stenen Hoofd, open for lively crowd till 15 August. The best part is that it features a free open-air film festival called Pluk de Nacht, which will be a great way to spend your evenings from 3 to 13 August.

Blijburg aan Zee

One of the biggest city beaches, this one is situated on Ijburg, which is a man-made island to the east of Amsterdam. It’s pretty much the only urban spot where you can swim and enjoy evening camp fires. Blijburg is even more alternative than other beaches and proud to have a hippie atmosphere with the feeling of freedom and bohemian spirit. Taste some of the delicious food here to the tunes of live music. If you’re lucky, you’re might be right on time for dance or music festivals that happen here quite often.

NEMO’s Rooftop Beach

For those of you who want to experience a very original beach type in Amsterdam, NEMO’s rooftop can be the right spot to spend a relaxed afternoon. This science museum in the shape of a cruise ship will surprise you with deckchairs, decking, an amazing cascade with 4 000 liters of water, olive trees and sand pits. Just have a break, eat your Amsterdam ice-cream and breath in the magnificent view across the city’s roofs. It’s the largest terrace in town, which is ideal for kids as they will have a great entertainment time at Splashing Water Wonder playground.

Strand Zuid

As the name suggests, this lovely beach is located in the south of Amsterdam very close to RAI Convention Centre. It attracts an upper class crowd that come to relax here, sipping their cocktails, having luxurious food and laying in hammocks or lounge chairs. The area of Strand Zuid is huge with about 2000m2 of property here, but don’t expect any swimming facilities. Play some volleyball and mingle with the richies instead.

Amsterdam Roest

With the opposite vibe from Strand Zuid, this beach is more for hipsters and trendy young people who like good music, post-industrial architecture, indoor and outdoor bars with an artsy vibe. Roest’s sandy waterside is great for sun tanning, while its alternative markets and film screenings can serve as an interesting entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Strand West

This beach is more of a modern lounge spot where locals come for afternoon tapas and a drink, beach volleyball and hammock lazing. Although swimming isn’t allowed here, you still have plenty of opportunities of having a nice beach day here all year round.

The Coffeeshop World of Amsterdam

11. May 2016/in /by David

If you think this blog post is about the best coffee in Amsterdam, then you need to adjust your thinking to a local definition of a coffee shop. The Dutch coffee shops might serve you coffee, but usually you would come there to buy or smoke some weed. And you might mistakenly think that having a joint is legal in Amsterdam, but the truth is that it’s just tolerated by local authorities. Yes, you are allowed to buy and use soft drugs here and coffeeshops are fine to sell them to you, but technically it’s illegal for them to buy cannabis from the growers. Let’s dive into the mysterious world of coffee shops and learn more about the whole culture around it.

So what is allowed?

As a tourist aged 18 and above you are more than welcome in any of Amsterdam coffeeshops and you can buy up to 5 grams of cannabis per day. You can peacefully smoke it inside the place where you got it or anywhere outside, as long as it doesn’t disturb other people and is not close to schools or playgrounds. As you see, the main rule of the city is “Your freedom ends where my freedom begins.” So even when you’re stoned and can’t walk any more, be respectful and polite.

Don’t expect to combine a joint with a beer in a coffeeshop, as all of them have “no alcohol” policy. If you a tobacco smoker or don’t like your weed pure, then you will have to smoke in a separate smoking area due to the tobacco smoking ban in Holland. One way or another, there is no better place to enjoy soft drugs than Amsterdam, and the proof of this is 35% of all Amsterdam tourists who end up in a coffeeshop.

Which coffeeshop to choose

The constant law changes and attempts to criminalize cannabis in the Netherlands has hugely affected the amount of coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Hopefully 155 of still existing ones will be enough for your nice stay in the city. Which one to choose, when the variety of coffeeshops is so overwhelming? As you imagine, some of them have cooler vibe, others -higher quality weed, awesome interior or even great food for your munchies. So here is our subjective top 3 coffeeshops in Amsterdam:

Abraxas

Down a narrow alley, Abraxas attracts lots of tourists by its large weed menu, friendly staff and unique dream-like interior. The atmosphere is quite laid back and chilled there, while the product is of a fine quality.

Dampkring

There are 2 Dampkrings in Amsterdam, so make sure to choose the original one with its unforgettable visual experience, great marijuana selection and cozy vibe. This coffeeshop design is worth a visit by itself.

420 Café

This coffeeshop welcomes you with its dark wooden interior and super friendly and knowledgeable personnel. Loved by locals, 420 Café shows nature documentaries, offers free vaporizers and serves good weed.

Get high but be smart

Whether you have smoked cannabis before or not, you have to keep in mind that the stuff is strong in Amsterdam and it can hit you hard. So don’t hesitate to ask questions in a coffeeshop, especially when it comes to the effect and strength of the weed you’re buying. And please, do follow the instructions given, as very often tourists underestimate the quality of the local product and smoke too much of it. In case you feel adventurous or don’t like smoking, but want to get high, be very careful with space cakes. Although they look cool and promising, and you don’t feel it for a long time after eating, be patient and don’t eat more than written on a tiny manual that comes with it. We don’t want to preach, but we want you to have a good time in Amsterdam, that’s why we recommend taking it easy with soft drugs here. You didn’t come to this marvelous city to have a bad trip, so don’t buy stuff from the street, get your weed from good coffeeshops, smoke it there and know your limits.

There is a big difference between a coffeeshop and a smartshop, as the last one sells magic truffles to you (what used to be magic mushrooms before). They are hallucinogenic and have a stronger and longer effect on you. But that’s a completely different story, so don’t rush and start with a visit to a coffeeshop instead. And if you’re really into weed and all the culture, then don’t forget about the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam in November! But no matter what, please don’t smoke in the hotel rooms!

Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces

14. March 2016/in /by David

Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces

These days higher temperatures create an even better image of Amsterdam: warmer, fresher, brighter and more appealing. When the sun is shining you get to see Dutch people popping up at bars and cafés terraces as beautiful spring flowers-fast and everywhere around the city. So why not follow their example and enjoy the long-awaited sunshine sipping your drink, trying local bites and admiring a gorgeous view.

In the park

You might be surprised with the amount of Dutchies already laying on the grass around all 30 parks of Amsterdam. Even if it’s still cold, but the sun is out, locals are ready to take their jackets off and catch some rays in the green spots of the city. Let’s share these fun places with them, herrons, ducks and large green parrots (yes, they are permanent residents of Amsterdam too!).

Pacific Parc

Located in Westerpark, this lively bar/restaurant is a part of Westergasfabriek complex that attracts alternative people coming here for cultural events and nice time at the huge terrace. Westergasfabriek is quite a unique venue worth seeing, as it’s a former gasworks that are recognized as monumental buildings now. Lots of creativity, recycled materials, lush green park and young folks bring in a very special easygoing atmosphere at Pacific Parc. Be ready for some rock n roll here in the evening!

Westergasfabriek, Westerpark

The Blauwe Teehuis

This Blue Teahouse serves way more than just tea on its ground floor garden terrace and a panoramic balcony patio in the heart of Vondelpark. The building itself is quite modern for Amsterdam, but the green park and blooming flowers add lots of charm to it. Keep your eyes open for the nests of those parrots right next to the terrace, and allow yourself some time to explore the park too. Vondelpark hides an original sculpture by Pablo Picasso, romantic spots by the water and even small fairytale like bridges.

Vondelpark, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid

Amazing waterside terraces

Who ordered an incredible view? It is almost impossible to choose the best waterside terrace in Amsterdam, as its 165 canals create a picturesque city landscape in all the directions. A week won’t be enough to enjoy yourself on all the attractive patios by canalside, but let’s start with a few.

Café de Jaren

One of the most central cafés with a nice terrace, Café de Jaren offers a stunning view of the Amstel River and passing by boats. Their quite large deck and buzzing vibe makes it into a nice lunch spot on a sunny day. The menu is casual and international here with highly ranked soups. If the weather is not suitable for the terrace, Café de Jaren has two storeys of light inside space too.

Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20

Amsterdam Roest

Amsterdam Roest is that cool industrial hangout spot with a more alternative crowd, hip concerts and authentic markets by the canalside city beach. Explore this sandy, groovy and fun bar/café terrace perfect for trying local beers. Maybe Roest looks a bit rusty for some people, but it definitely got the spirit!

Czaar Peterstraat 213

Waterkant

Colorful and arty, Waterkant has a tropical ambiance inspired by Suriname and enormous waterside terrace. If you stay long enough while trying their specialties, you might get lucky with a nice evening event and a DJ playing. There is a lot of Surinamese influence in Amsterdam adding more intercultural character to the city, because Suriname used to be one of the Dutch colonies.

Marnixstraat 246

EYE Bar

Make an exciting adventure out of your afternoon drink in the sun by taking a free ferry to Amsterdam North to find yourself at the terrace of the EYE Bar and Restaurant. Look at Amsterdam from another side of the IJ, explore the urban northern part of the city full of hipsters and maybe even decide to check out the Film Museum there. One of the trendiest places in the city, EYE is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam Noord

Historical terraces of Amsterdam

Café de Sluyswacht

A bit crooked yet delightful, this former cottage of a lockkeeper serves as a nice café with a wonderful canalside terrace. Built in 1695, it gives you a wrapping historical feel combined with a great opportunity for some relaxed people watching.

Jodenbreestraat 1

Restaurant-Café In de Waag

Even older (built in 1488!) In de Waag shares its historical secrets accompanied by nice drinks and snacks (and even better deserts!) at its charming terrace. Enjoy the view of this monumental architecture and always alive Nieuwmarkt square while trying Mediterranean cuisine or just sipping your coffee. A remarkable fact is that de Waag is the oldest building among non-religious ones in Amsterdam, and it can be seen on one of Rembrandt’s paintings!

Nieuwmarkt 4