I know that I say this a lot, but Amsterdam is the place that I could call home. This city is a life size version of the small village models that you used to play with when you were a child, where the lego men walked or rode in the park whilst people people walked along side them. The friendly people, idyllic architecture, robust cultural scene and great selection of cuisines is what I call 'my kinda city.' As we being our virtual tour around Amsterdam, all corners of Amsterdam will be covered.We begin the day by targeting a few of the shops in Amsterdam that deserve mentioning. De 9 straatjes (the 9 streets), filled with lively cafes, outlandish second hand shops as well as your externally fresh boutiques, this trendy area will steer you away from the extremely touristy streets of Amsterdam where it now seems to be quite difficult to avoid. First shop stop is SPRMKT, Rozengracht 191-193, is a supermarket-converted shop (hence the name) that sells clothing collections ranging from Acne to Raf with a touch of retro designer furniture pieces in the entrance. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to witness a photo shoot going on in this store, better yet; at Hartenstraat 36 you will find the SPRMKT outlet store you can find clothing at a more affordable price than that seen at SPRMKT. Still along the line of affordability and De 9 Straajes, Episode, Berenstraat 1 and Zipper, Huidenstraat 7 are just 2 of the many second hand boutiques that personifies the Amsterdam retro trend.
If you want to step out of ‘high-end’ fashion and move onto urban-modern, head down to Waterlooplein where 290 sq metres, Houtkopersdwarsstraat 3 is evidently a concept store that has worked in all ‘290 sq metres’ of space with clothing, accessories, artwork by Futura and even fixed-gear bikes. With 290 sq metres of space to play with and ongoing events, you might be able to bystander magazine launches, art exhibitions or even the international launch of NIKEiD, you are never too far away from ‘the happenings’ in this city.
Design that produce objects ranging from furniture and lighting to mops and birdhouses. This aesthetically appealing store is a little expensive but I find it more of an exhibition of impeccable design pieces that have provoked and influenced the ‘always changing’ trends in design. It is always pleasant to see how modern design tries to incorporate organic and recyclable materials into functionality and aesthetics.When feeling peckish:
Dutch cuisine is not exactly the most exciting or most innovative but one thing that is good is the pannenkoek met kaas en stroop (pancakes with cheese and syrup). It is not difficult to find a pancake joint in Amsty but Pancakes! Amsterdam, Berenstraat 38 is a personal favourite. This dainty café not only has great pancakes, but the friendly staff and cosy atmosphere will only heighten your pleasantry experience in Amsterdam. If you are after a quick afternoon bite after your long shopping expedition, Winkle, Noordermarkt 43 will provide you with the best Dutch apple pie in Amsterdam. If you simply ask them to serve you with their specialty, appletaart with a side of whip cream will be served to you pronto!
Other than these Dutch treats, the one and most important thing in Amsterdam is its multi-cultural balance of people, which can only lead to one thing, the abundance and goodness of different cuisines you can pick and choose from. Ranging from Moroccan, Surinamese, Indonesian, French and indie burger joints, you name it, it's there. For these choices, head down to De Pjip where all will be revealed.
What the guides don't tell you:
As Amsterd
am grows, the city space diminishes. It is not surprising to know that Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities for rental space, where design and art studios are now relocating to other areas. The NDSM island located at the back of central station, is a man made island to try and solve Amsterdam’s urban working space problem. Designers and artists are now residing to this island where they are now able to set up their studio at affordable prices. With an eco-friendly café noordenlicht café and IJ Kantin, a skate park and various art installations located around the island, this island is an example of how the Dutch have tried to utilise abandoned space into a form of public spacing incorporated to working space, which I believe has shown to be very effective. To top it off, the 5-minute ferry ride to NDSM will also allow you to see Dutch architects MVRDV signature ship container houses that everyone so readily talks about.
The Amsterdam Bibliotheek (city's public library) is another exquisite example of Dutch architecture that has baffled us all. It is located at the new-development area east to the central station, where this area houses most of Amsterdam's contemporary architecture samples. The relocation of the city library has only generated more interest and appeal for the public. This beautifully designed library is fully equipped with all forms of literature and audio as well as your choice to use a mac or pc to check your email. The bibliotheek is always a good pit stop before heading to the next destination.
To enjoy a more modern cultural experience, Westergasfabriek Pazzanistraat 41, will provide you with just that. Westergasfabriek is constructed from a cluster of old gas buildings that are now transformed into a creative factory. Westerpark hosts a variety of events ranging from science to fashion as well as exhibiting independent art work from local artists. This idyllic complex is also a host to a number of bars and cafes including Het Ketelhuis, a small cinema featuring Dutch or international indie films and documentaries, which can be easily enjoyed by everyone to end the perfect day in Amsterdam.
Last minute tips:
Amsterdam is the ‘bike city’ of Europe, so it is only obvious that the most convenient and enjoyable way to explore Amsterdam is by bike. I can’t express how much more enjoyable Amsterdam is when riding along the canals without a helmet in your best Sunday dress. If you don’t fancy the bike situation, then walking is your next best option. One advantage that walking does give you are the small alleyways that leads to a surprise around each corner. Don’t be afraid to get lost!
As for myself, it is obvious that I have a clear passion and love for the arts. Whether it is from the portrait posters by OBEY around the city, enjoying gigs at Paridiso or simply just enjoying well-deserved time in a coffee shop, the more I return to Amsterdam, the more I fall in love with this city. Its well-crafted architecture with a convergence of contemporary is one thing that is difficult to spot throughout Europe, yet Amsterdam is able to fuse these two concepts with coherence and flair. As for myself, the current vagabond, Amsterdam is definitely my favourite city to visit as well as a possible city I could settle in. To my convenience, it would have never been as exploratory without my partner in crime Ffonz.
Till next time in another destination around the world,
Viv signing out.
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