Marijn’s tips, where the locals go in Amsterdam
Food Scene
Another passionate food loving couple recently came to my street. They serve delicious Italian antipasta, pasta, secondi, dolci and Limoncella. Originally from Pistoia (West of Florence-Tuscany). Simple and simply the best (if you’ve visited one of their New York locations you’ll know why)!
Fiaschetteria “Pistoia”
85A UtrechtsedwarsstraatAnother passionate food loving couple recently came to my street. They serve delicious Italian antipasta, pasta, secondi, dolci and Limoncella. Originally from Pistoia (West of Florence-Tuscany). Simple and simply the best (if you’ve visited one of their New York locations you’ll know why)!
It's the friendliest couple you will meet who serve an honest meal in the best Savoy tradition.
13 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bistrot des Alpes
141 UtrechtsedwarsstraatIt's the friendliest couple you will meet who serve an honest meal in the best Savoy tradition.
Run by a sommelier this place is an acquired taste. Fabulous food and wine combinations presented by a lovely crew on white linen - just a few doors from the apartment. Update: since they’ve changed the chef I was a bit disappointed the last time I visited.
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Restaurant De Utrechtsedwarstafel
107-109 UtrechtsedwarsstraatRun by a sommelier this place is an acquired taste. Fabulous food and wine combinations presented by a lovely crew on white linen - just a few doors from the apartment. Update: since they’ve changed the chef I was a bit disappointed the last time I visited.
Van Soest Amsterdam
1a FrederikspleinBest ice cream in town. Hands down.
MUST GO FOR COFFEE.
Simply the best way to start your day. Efficient and quick. Perfect for coffee-to-go as well. Award winning baristas serve fabulous coffee and they usually have the New York Times lying around. Open from 7am till 7pm, 7 days a week.
80 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
de koffie salon centrum
130-BG UtrechtsestraatMUST GO FOR COFFEE.
Simply the best way to start your day. Efficient and quick. Perfect for coffee-to-go as well. Award winning baristas serve fabulous coffee and they usually have the New York Times lying around. Open from 7am till 7pm, 7 days a week.
Choose a table by the river bank and dine at the bistro. Or visit the terrace of the A Bar. Relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy the stunning scene on the Amstel
78 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
1 Professor TulppleinChoose a table by the river bank and dine at the bistro. Or visit the terrace of the A Bar. Relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy the stunning scene on the Amstel
This location has seen many great restaurants since I’ve lived in the neighborhood. Zoldering doesn’t disappoint. And usually flexible to fit you in late at night without a reservation, which is a plus ;-)
Update: they were recently awarded a Michelin star so make sure to book in advance !!
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Zoldering
141H UtrechtsestraatThis location has seen many great restaurants since I’ve lived in the neighborhood. Zoldering doesn’t disappoint. And usually flexible to fit you in late at night without a reservation, which is a plus ;-)
Update: they were recently awarded a Michelin star so make sure to book in advance !!
I used to ignore this place because De Koffiesalon was my preferred option. But I must say, since a wonderful South African couple recently took over Kaldi this has turned into a friendly alternative to enjoy a professionally brewed coffee. Recommend it!
Kaldi
129 UtrechtsestraatI used to ignore this place because De Koffiesalon was my preferred option. But I must say, since a wonderful South African couple recently took over Kaldi this has turned into a friendly alternative to enjoy a professionally brewed coffee. Recommend it!
This one wins all the local write ups. It’s the baby sister of De Juwelier, and (a bit) less pricy. Reservation is a must. The bar setting can be chilly in winter because of the opening door. I would certainly try your luck though if you haven’t booked.
Bistro de la Mer
57 UtrechtsestraatThis one wins all the local write ups. It’s the baby sister of De Juwelier, and (a bit) less pricy. Reservation is a must. The bar setting can be chilly in winter because of the opening door. I would certainly try your luck though if you haven’t booked.
Tucked away in a quiet street just off the Amstel (Weesperzijde) this fantastic restaurant is a hidden gem well known by locals. It’s a bit of a stroll from my apartment but after a great meal the walk will ensure a good night sleep ;-)
216 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rijsel
52 MarcusstraatTucked away in a quiet street just off the Amstel (Weesperzijde) this fantastic restaurant is a hidden gem well known by locals. It’s a bit of a stroll from my apartment but after a great meal the walk will ensure a good night sleep ;-)
Just opened and already receiving raving reviews in the local news paper. Authentic mexican food just around the corner of my apartment.
Colima
128 UtrechtsestraatJust opened and already receiving raving reviews in the local news paper. Authentic mexican food just around the corner of my apartment.
Very laid back atmosphere. Young vibe. Excellent small dishes to share. Great outdoor area in the lively Albert Cuyp market.
85 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
PILSVOGEL
14 Gerard DoupleinVery laid back atmosphere. Young vibe. Excellent small dishes to share. Great outdoor area in the lively Albert Cuyp market.
Arts & Culture
Amazing collection thanks to historical relation with St Petersburg.
605 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hermitage Amsterdam
51 AmstelAmazing collection thanks to historical relation with St Petersburg.
Just love the photo exhibitions here. Not too big, always inspiring.
794 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Foam
609 KeizersgrachtJust love the photo exhibitions here. Not too big, always inspiring.
Never knew fashionistas from around the world flock to this place for inspiration!
100 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Museo ng Mga Bag at Purse
573 HerengrachtNever knew fashionistas from around the world flock to this place for inspiration!
An insiders view into life during the Golden Century, the days way back in the 1600s, when the residents of historic Amsterdam started to make its fortunes.
42 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Museo ng Willet-Holthuysen
605 HerengrachtAn insiders view into life during the Golden Century, the days way back in the 1600s, when the residents of historic Amsterdam started to make its fortunes.
Museo ng Van Loon
672 KeizersgrachtBecause of the secret garden. Simply stunning.
Koninklijk Theater Carre
115 /125 AmstelStunning inside and outside.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cafe Slijterij Oosterling
140 UtrechtsestraatAuthentic local where you'll meet the locals.
Lively neighbourhood bar. Serves simple but nice lunch too.
43 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Café de Huyschkaemer
137 UtrechtsestraatLively neighbourhood bar. Serves simple but nice lunch too.
A typical Amsterdam brown café. Great at any time of day and night. And frequented by the locals. Opposite in the Kerkstraat is a simple Thai (Na Siam) and in Utrechtsestraat a family run Indonesian (Sawadee).
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Café Krom
76 UtrechtsestraatA typical Amsterdam brown café. Great at any time of day and night. And frequented by the locals. Opposite in the Kerkstraat is a simple Thai (Na Siam) and in Utrechtsestraat a family run Indonesian (Sawadee).
A winter favorite because of the fire place. Brown café nice for the evenings.
46 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Café de Wetering
37 WeteringstraatA winter favorite because of the fire place. Brown café nice for the evenings.
Marcella recently re-opened after extensive renovation. New owners, same amazing location with a big terrace by the canal where you can watch the world go by. They serve small bites in addition to an extensive drinks menu. Open from early till late. Drink an espresso on Monday morning after you’ve visited the (flower/vedge) market on Amstelveld (Monday’s) or go for an after dinner drink (open till midnight).
Café "Marcella"
Marcella recently re-opened after extensive renovation. New owners, same amazing location with a big terrace by the canal where you can watch the world go by. They serve small bites in addition to an extensive drinks menu. Open from early till late. Drink an espresso on Monday morning after you’ve visited the (flower/vedge) market on Amstelveld (Monday’s) or go for an after dinner drink (open till midnight).
Essentials
Albert Heijn is the largest Dutch quality supermarket chain, similar to Tesco’s in the UK or Carrerfour in France. You’ll find all your basic grocery needs here open all days till late.
Frederiksplein
3 FrederikspleinOpen till 10 pm Mo-Sa, till 8 pm Su.
Albert Cuyp Markt: Amsterdam's, if not Europe's biggest market sells everything under the sun. Everyday except Sundays till about 5 pm.
455 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Albert Cuypstraat
Albert CuypstraatAlbert Cuyp Markt: Amsterdam's, if not Europe's biggest market sells everything under the sun. Everyday except Sundays till about 5 pm.
Getting Around
Tram 4 stops on the bridge of the Prinsengracht. Take it north to Central Station. Take it south to Convention Centre RAI.
421 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Utrechtsestraat
UtrechtsestraatTram 4 stops on the bridge of the Prinsengracht. Take it north to Central Station. Take it south to Convention Centre RAI.
Behind Central Station you can find the public ferries (free).
Ride the ferry across the IJ and explore the EYE Film Museum or the ADAM tower. Both great for their views and sipping a glass of wine.
De Ruijterkade
De RuijterkadeBehind Central Station you can find the public ferries (free).
Ride the ferry across the IJ and explore the EYE Film Museum or the ADAM tower. Both great for their views and sipping a glass of wine.
Rent a bike from Geert and his crew. And meet Ziggi, the golden retriever who prefers to lie on the street like a sacred cow.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fiets Consult
105 UtrechtsedwarsstraatRent a bike from Geert and his crew. And meet Ziggi, the golden retriever who prefers to lie on the street like a sacred cow.
Used to be fav metro stop, until Vijzelgracht stop came along which is on the much faster Noord-Zuid lijn.
But why go underground, when there is so much to see above ground !
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Weesperplein station
Used to be fav metro stop, until Vijzelgracht stop came along which is on the much faster Noord-Zuid lijn.
But why go underground, when there is so much to see above ground !
The Noord Zuid Metro line (#52) has added a new way to travel to and from Central Bliss by public transportation.
It's one I particularly like when carrying not too much luggage because of the short walk from Vijzelgracht along the Prinsengracht I take to Central Bliss Apartment - feels even shorter due to the spectacular historic canal setting.
Schiphol to Central Bliss in less than 30 mins:
- 5 mins (1 stop) by train from Schiphol to Station Amsterdam Zuid.
- 6 mins (3 stops) onward journey by Metro 52 to Vijzelgracht Station (52 = Noord Zuid Line).
- 7 mins (via Prinsengracht) walk to Central Bliss Apartment.
Alternatively, you can of course take a taxi from Schiphol.
Station Vijzelgracht
19 VijzelgrachtThe Noord Zuid Metro line (#52) has added a new way to travel to and from Central Bliss by public transportation.
It's one I particularly like when carrying not too much luggage because of the short walk from Vijzelgracht along the Prinsengracht I take to Central Bliss Apartment - feels even shorter due to the spectacular historic canal setting.
Schiphol to Central Bliss in less than 30 mins:
- 5 mins (1 stop) by train from Schiphol to Station Amsterdam Zuid.
- 6 mins (3 stops) onward journey by Metro 52 to Vijzelgracht Station (52 = Noord Zuid Line).
- 7 mins (via Prinsengracht) walk to Central Bliss Apartment.
Alternatively, you can of course take a taxi from Schiphol.
Entertainment & Activities
Art Deco movie theatre. Stunning and dead central. Pick a movie that's showing in "Zaal 1" - the main cinema hall - which has been fully restored to its former glory.
340 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pathé Tuschinski
26-34 ReguliersbreestraatArt Deco movie theatre. Stunning and dead central. Pick a movie that's showing in "Zaal 1" - the main cinema hall - which has been fully restored to its former glory.
Not to be mistaken with the hotel bar next door (do not go there), Cafe Schiller has been around for many years and is favoured by locals - which is a real accomplishment given Rembrandtplein's many tourist traps.
36 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Schiller
24-A RembrandtpleinNot to be mistaken with the hotel bar next door (do not go there), Cafe Schiller has been around for many years and is favoured by locals - which is a real accomplishment given Rembrandtplein's many tourist traps.