What do you mean there is no traditional Dutch food?? Let me introduce you to the deep-fried (raisin) buns, famously known as the oliebol (pronounce as: o-lee-bol) as one of the most popular traditional foods/snacks in the Netherlands. The history of the oliebol goes back hundreds of years and first appeared in a Dutch cooking book in…
The 9 little streets (in Dutch: 9 Straatjes) are very popular, both with locals, tourists and expats, and are located in the canal belt area right behind the Royal Palace on the Dam (click here to read my blog about the Royal Palace). It actually consists of 9 small picturesque shopping streets: the Gasthuismolensteeg, Hartensteeg,…
Picture this: a very high resolution photographic replica of Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch with real people and accessories in its original format (on a 4m x 5m canvas). This is for real! I visited the exhibition Rembrandt 360 in July but due to its mega success the exhibition is extended till the end of October. …
The Royal Palace Amsterdam on Dam square is often called the most prestigious monument from the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. This palace was originally built as a Town Hall and that probably explains why I was never really impressed by it’s exterior appearance. However, the moment you step inside you plunge into…
In summer it can be very hot in Amsterdam; this week it will be >35° C (>85° F). What is a better place to cool down then at a terrace by the water with a refreshing drink in your hand? So here is a list of my favorite, most beautiful terraces by the water in…
Time to relax? The beautiful hortus botanicus in Amsterdam is the best place to just relax during your stay in Amsterdam. There are plenty of places where you can sit quietly and smell the fragrant flowers in this beautiful garden. I prefer to take a coffee-to-go from the hortus cafe, the Orangery, along the curving…
Where are the best places for coffee in Amsterdam? Visitors, expats and even locals often ask me about the best places for coffee in Amsterdam. I am not a coffee expert, but I really appreciate a good espresso, cortado and occasionally a cappuccino. Equally important to me is the ambiance. So here is a list…
De Ateliers is an independent postgraduate art institution in Amsterdam, housing 20 young aspiring artists from all over the world. Once a year, for only 2 weeks, the final year resident artists of De Atelier showcase their work. Trust me if I say that this is a high standard art exhibition! That is not surprising…
A must do: watch a movie at the Tuschinski theater! The Tuschinski theater in Amsterdam is most likely the most beautiful art-nouveau cinema in the world! It is an absolute must do to watch a movie in this stunning theater. Definitely one of my favorite cinemas in Amsterdam. Its construction was commissioned by Abraham Tuschinski,…
No kidding, the largest and most awesome flea market is in Amsterdam! If you love vintage, antiques, secondhand, unsuspected treasures or bargains, this is the place to be. Last weekend I indulged in some street haggling and impulse purchases at the flea market IJ-Hallen. Very popular with locals! This place is a true hotspot with…
