Things To Do in Amsterdam

Without a doubt the most phenomenal view of/on the city. Even from the ground floor. Built with old sea containers (and a lot of love), Pllek's main mission is to keep on surprising their customers. That goes for both their food and their events. Great plus: artificial 'beach'! Read more ›

Raw but comfortable

Pllek

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Blijburg aan Zee

Things To Do 13 1

Of course, there is no real sea in Amsterdam. But at the artificial island 'IJburg' there is a city beach called 'Blijburg' where you can swim and sunbathe. And yes, Holland is not famous for its nice weather. But that means that when the sun finally decides to show up, all Dutchies rush out to get a tan and have some fun. Read more ›

City Beach

Blijburg aan Zee

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EYE - Film Instituut Nederland

Things To Do 12 0

If you are at the North side of central station, the first building that will catch your eye will probably be, well, EYE. This film museum opened its doors in 2012 after a collaboration of multiple movie-loving institutions. Since then, they've put on many interesting expositions from moviemakers from all around the world. Read more ›

Brand New Film Museum

EYE - Film Instituut Nederland

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Bos en Lommerplein

Things To Do 7 0

There is a neighborhood called 'Bos en Lommer' in the newer part of the West of Amsterdam. It is known for its multicultural atmosphere and people. The market on the main square is the reason for people from other parts of town to travel a bit west. Unlike markets as Albert Cuyp, this one is still doing what a market should do: Offer cheap things. Read more ›

Multicultural Market of the West

Bos en Lommerplein

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IJhallen

Things To Do 26 1

Every first weekend of the month the 'NDSM-Werf' is hosting a massive in- and outdoor flea market. You pay €4,50 to get in, but then.. A pair of shoes for €5, a blouse for €2 and a coat for €4. Every edition of this market, new sellers are present to make you happy with their old clothes and other stuff. That is what keeps it so cheap. Read more ›

Biggest Flea Market of Europe

IJhallen

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Brouwerij Het IJ

Things To Do 25 5

Yes. A bar in a mill. Brouwerij Het IJ is already quite popular among tourists. But that doesn't mean locals don't come here. In 1985 a Dutch man thought is was time to provide the people of Amsterdam with special beers, just like the Belgians do for their people. All the beers are still made in the two breweries in this street. Read more ›

Home Made Amsterdam Beers

Brouwerij Het IJ

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Vondelpark

Things To Do 22 5

With the main entrance just next to Leidseplein, it is no wonder that Het Vondelpark is the most popular park of Amsterdam. It is named after Joost Van Vondel, who was a Dutch poet and play writer. All ages come here to relax, sunbathe, play guitar, football or frisbee. Some do their homework here, some might have a drink or joint. Read more ›

Main city park

Vondelpark

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Paradiso

Things To Do 20 3

If by any chance your favorite artist is playing in the city centre, it will probably be in Paradiso. Pink Floyd, Prince, Nirvana and many more big names have played in this old church. Today the agenda is filled with literally all types of genres. The locals' favorite night to dance is Thursday, when 'Noodlanding' is on. Read more ›

Old church turned into music temple

Paradiso

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Sunday Market Amsterdam

Things To Do 18 0

Every first Sunday of the month the 'Westergasfabriek' turns into a big market that satisfies many needs. Free tasting of Greek wine, Lebanese falafel, Spanish ham and much more to make sure you buy the right thing. Besides food, you will find (second hand) clothes, art and handicrafts. Read more ›

Food, Art, Fashion & Design

Sunday Market Amsterdam

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Westerpark

Things To Do 17 2

The Westerpark is quite in the centre, but has only few tourists. What makes the Westerpark so cool is that it has much more going on than any other park. It has a cinema, a few restaurants, a jazz cafe, a bakery, a petting zoo, some great clubs and bars and also tv-studios. Ah, and it is the first park in The Netherlands with free WiFi! Read more ›

Much More Than A Park

Westerpark

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Begijnhof

Things To Do 15 1

On the square called 'Spui' there is a heavy wooden door that you would think leads to a private area. And it kind of does. 'Begijnhof' is the only inner court in Amsterdam which was founded in the Middle Ages. Read more ›

Béguinage of Amsterdam

Begijnhof

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Zaandam

Things To Do 14 3

If you want to see more places in Holland besides Amsterdam, but you don't have much time, then Zaandam is a nice option. To be honest, Amsterdam locals love Zaandam because, well, they have Primark. But when you walk around, you'll see that there is a lot more to it than a shopping street. Zaandam is only 10 minutes by train from Central station. Read more ›

One Village Ahead

Zaandam

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Amsterdamse Bos

Things To Do 13 3

This artificial (but big) forest can be found just outside the city on a 20 minute bike from the Museumplein. Forest is a misleading name. It is popular for its wide fields and small pools. Locals go here to run or bike, but also sunbathing swimming or any leisure activity really. There is even a water bike and canoe rental. Read more ›

Amsterdam Forest

Amsterdamse Bos

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Kriterion

Things To Do 13 1

Kriterion is a cinema just across the street from one of the main buildings of the University of Amsterdam. It dates from WOII and it is completely managed by students. This results in a quite young public, though this does definitely not mean that only students are welcome here. Read more ›

Cinema By Students

Kriterion

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The Movies

Things To Do 12 2

Already the sign outside that says which movies are playing tells you what this cinema looks like from the inside. It is the oldest cinema in Amsterdam that is still in use. The cinema is quite tiny: The four halls together offer seats to 400 people. But that is what makes this such a great experience. Read more ›

Town's Oldest Cinema

The Movies

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Mark Raven Amsterdam Art

Things To Do 11 2

By Stephanie

Tasteful Souvenirs & Affordable Art

Mark Raven Amsterdam Art

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Mark Raven is a born and bred Amsterdam Artist. His unique sketches perfectly encapsulate the atmosphere of the city. In the center of the city there are more and more tourist shops selling cliché souvenirs (wooden shoes, windmills, etc.) but Mark offers real Art which Amsterdam locals can relate to and be proud of! Read more ›

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Pacific Parc

Things To Do 11 0

Pacific Park is a place in Westerpark, that is very hard to describe. They call themselves a rock'n'roll bar and dance bistro. But on sunny days they also have the biggest terrace in the Westerpark. And.. it's also a place where you can go for proper partying till late. Read more ›

Eat, Dance, Sunbathe.

Pacific Parc

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Stadsschouwburg

Things To Do 10 0

De Stadsschouwburg (City Theatre) is loved because of its marvelous monumental building, allure and high quality shows. Next to classy plays and classical music shows, Stadsschouwburg also likes to experiment with a lot of different events. All sorts of dance- urban- jazz- and poetic shows take place monthly. Read more ›

Theatre And More

Stadsschouwburg

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Hortus Botanicus

Things To Do 10 0

In and around Amsterdam, you won't find very impressive nature. For real nature lovers Amsterdam has, like many bigger cities, a botanic garden. You'll find it next to the Zoo (Artis). Hortus is one of the oldest (1638) botanic gardens in the world. Read more ›

Botanic Garden

Hortus Botanicus

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Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Things To Do 10 2

The Stedelijk Museum is by far the most popular museum among locals. And that has many reasons. But most of all it is loved because of the amazing collection of modern art. Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Cezanne, Van Gogh, they are all present. Read more ›

Modern Art, Contemporary Art & Design

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

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Heineken Music Hall

Things To Do 10 2

Located a bit out of the city, but perfectly accessible by metro and train. The Heineken Music Hall has a capacity of 5500 people and hosts many different events, from concerts and house parties to children's events. HMH is loved for being a relatively medium sized venue to see big names and for its great acoustics. Read more ›

Concert Hall

Heineken Music Hall

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The Plantage Area

Things To Do 9 2

Amsterdam is: old architecture, beautiful canal-scenery, cool atmosphere - but not many people know that all this can be found in one awesome area: The Plantage (centre/east). It has leisurely parks, cosy cafés (reasonably priced!), a beautiful old zoo, monuments, museums and it is wide, airy and not overcrowded. Perfect for a sunday afternoon. Read more ›

The cultural garden of Amsterdam

The Plantage Area

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NDSM-Werf

Things To Do 9 2

Even though NDSM-Werf is also listed as a 'neighborhood' in Like A Local, it deserves some extra attention in a special review. The NDSM-Werf is a former dock (from 1894 till 1979) where big and small ships were built and repaired. Nowadays, this area is a place where artists and other creative people do their thing and a great setting for parties. Read more ›

Creative Industry of Amsterdam

NDSM-Werf

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Rederij Plas

Things To Do 9 1

Okay, doing a canal cruise is not really a thing that locals do. But those who haven't done it are missing out. Rederij Plas offers the cheapest trip in the city: A €9 circle of 1 hour, which takes you to the East and South part of the centre. Of course they also have other offers. Read more ›

Boat Trip

Rederij Plas

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Foam

Things To Do 9 2

FOAM is Amsterdam's most favorite photography museum. That has multiple reasons: It is in the middle of the centre, so owners of a Museumkaart can hop by any time and that it is not too big (but definitely not too small). That makes it perfect for a visit. You can be amused for hours, but if you want you can see all the art within one hour. Read more ›

Photography Museum

Foam

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Melkweg

Things To Do 9 3

The center of Amsterdam has two relatively big concert halls, Paradiso and Melkweg. Melkweg opened two years after Paradiso, in 1970. Melkweg is homed by an old milk factory. quite a unique location, just behind Leidseplein. It is popular among locals because it hosts literally all kinds of musical artists, theater, cinema and photography. Read more ›

Heritage of the 70's

Melkweg

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Plantage Doklaan

Things To Do 8 0

This building has been a church, school and a printing business. It was squatted in the 90's by a collective of creative international people. Since 2000 this group officially owns the place and they are organizing a lot of events. Every Thursday the 'Dokkers' open their bar and they will cook for you. Read more ›

Food, Art & Music

Plantage Doklaan

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Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

Things To Do 8 0

Yes. The Public Library. Definitely not as dull as it sounds. Of course this place is where people of all ages go to study, read or borrow, but when someone starts playing the piano at the ground floor, the place turns into a home where everybody loves their neighbor. Read more ›

Public Library

Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

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Durgerdam And Holysloot

Things To Do 7 3

Just outside of the city at the North side, in the middle of the cow fields, there is a couple of small villages with old houses, churches and a cute little harbor. The words picturesque and idillic seem to be invented for these places. Read more ›

Scenic Villages On Biking Distance

Durgerdam And Holysloot

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Van Stapele Koekmakerij

Things To Do 6 1

By Eric

Better than cookies

Van Stapele Koekmakerij

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Locals know that the 20 minute wait is well worth it for the best cookies in Amsterdam. Tourists passing through the narrow streets near the Singel canal can't resist the look of this grand, but tiny shop. And if you are looking the wrong way, the smell will make you spin on your heels! Read more ›

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Het Badhuis

Things To Do 6 0

By Anjelika

Enjoy a Beer in an Old Bath House

Het Badhuis

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Only a short bike ride from the center of Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Oost offers a wide array of less crowded and more charming bars and restaurants. Among them is Het Badhuis, where you will find yourself sitting at long picnic tables enjoying a beer or wine overlooking the Javaplein city square. Read more ›

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Het Ketelhuis

Things To Do 6 0

Amsterdam has a lot of small cinemas. What makes Ketelhuis so different from all the other ones is that it shows the most Dutch and Belgian movies. But that is not the only reason it is loved so much. The cinema café itself is a good reason for a visit. Read more ›

Art House Cinema

Het Ketelhuis

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Rijksmuseum

Things To Do 5 1

By Isabelle

Golden Age paintings

Rijksmuseum

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Dutch art that brought us worldwide notoriety. Not only the painters, from Rembrand to Vermeer but also the building is s spectacular sight. Locals love to cycle 'under the bows'. That's what A'dam feels like. Read more ›

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Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Things To Do 5 0

Muziekgebouw is located just east from central station, on the shore of the river 'IJ'. You will recognize it by the looks immediately: Basically a concrete cube in a glass box with a massive roof. Inside a lot of different things happen that are connected to music and sound. Concerts, expositions, jam sessions and much more. Read more ›

Contemporary Classical Music

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

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ARCAM

Things To Do 5 1

Amsterdam is a city that consists of many architectural styles: Renaissance, Gothic Revival, Art Deco, Amsterdam School and many more. In ARCAM they can tell you everything about every inch of the city. ARCAM shows changing expositions about ongoing projects and has a permanent exposition about the history of Amsterdam from the very beginning. Read more ›

Architecture Museum

ARCAM

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Amsterdam Museum

Things To Do 5 2

Yes, The Amsterdam (Historic) Museum is located in the centre next to the main shopping street and you will find a lot of tourists here. Which is a reason for a lot of locals not to visit. But they are missing out. The museum consists of a permanent and temporary part which together will give you a brief history of Amsterdam and a view on today. Read more ›

Amsterdam in a nutshell.

Amsterdam Museum

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Spa Zuiver

Things To Do 5 1

Just outside of the city on the South side, a little paradise awaits you. Spa Zuiver is the biggest spa of Amsterdam. The quiet location makes being outside a pleasure too. The spa has everything a sauna lover can wish: Finnish sauna, infra-red, steam, sound & color therapy, open hearth sauna, an in- and outdoor pool and many hot tubs and jacuzzis. Read more ›

A Well Deserved Break

Spa Zuiver

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NEMO science center

Things To Do 5 4

Kids' Science Experience

NEMO science center

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NEMO is the biggest science centre in The Netherlands. The reason why kids love it so much is simple: They can touch and play with ANYTHING. Read more ›

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Hermitage Amsterdam

Things To Do 4 1

This museum used to be a care-house for old women during the Golden Age. The architecture is simply stunning, and I love just walking through the hallways and imagining what life must have been like for all these elderly people and the regents that supervised them. These walls tell multiple stories, and each time I go there I discover a new one. Read more ›

Meet the VIP's from the Golden Age

Hermitage Amsterdam

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Stadsarchief

Things To Do 4 0

Stadsarchief (City Archive) is an institution that shows the history of Amsterdam in different expositions throughout the year. Entrance to the basement is free. Other expositions cost money, but are worth it. Also worth a look from the outside. Built in the style of Amsterdam School (brick expressionism) in the 20's, it is a true eye-catcher. Read more ›

Everything ever happened in Amsterdam

Stadsarchief

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Barber

Things To Do 4 0

By far the manliest place in Amsterdam. A place where you can get a good old fashioned shaving. Accompanied by a great glass of whiskey or beer. Yes, men, these people know how to treat a man. A warm, wet, white towel and a classic shaving knife and years of experience do the job. Read more ›

Shave & Whiskey

Barber

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Starbikes Rental

Things To Do 4 1

The best way to get around in Amsterdam is by bike. But you probably know that already. Starbikes Rental is in Like A Local, because most other rental give out colored bikes. Here you can get black ones. If you're on a colored rental bike, everyone sees that you're a tourist. Get a black one. Depending on your skills, they might not even notice.. Read more ›

Black Bike Rental

Starbikes Rental

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Oosterpark

Things To Do 4 1

Locally know as the most multicultural park of them all. The main reason for that is the 'Indian Neighborhood' just around the corner. That, together with the somewhat cheaper houses in the East that host mainly Moroccan, Turkish and Surinam people, creates a great atmosphere in the Oosterpark. Read more ›

The Park Of The East

Oosterpark

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De Ruimte

De Ruimte is a unique place in Amsterdam-Noord. A café, restaurant, cultural venue and record store combined. Great, mostly vegetarian food, at least four experimental and inspiring concerts per week (jazz, improv, noise, ambient, folk and more) and a cool bar with local beers. And elsewhere on their terrain you can go the sauna every Sunday! Read more ›

By Benjamin

Café, restaurant, concerts & records

De Ruimte

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De Hortus

Things To Do 3 1

I guess you forget how calming nature is to your mind when you live or stay in a big city. So many things to do and see, why waste time on 'relaxing'?! Well, Hortus is a place where I go to when I want a) to destress and b) to see beautiful mesmerizing stuff - aka beautiful pathways, flowers, trees, butterflies, exotic plants in warm greenhouses... Read more ›

Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side!

De Hortus

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Nieuw Dakota

Things To Do 3 1

Right next to the ferry stop at NDSM-Werf you can see a building that looks like some kind of greenhouse or some company's barn. But it's a lot better than that. Nieuw Dakota is a small art exposition that displays the works of local and international artists. Read more ›

Free Art Expositions

Nieuw Dakota

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Florapark

Locals that live in Noord are mostly people with a somewhat lower budget and people that have chosen to live outside of the busy part of Amsterdam, but still near the centre. Noord is located on the other side of the water, which has slowed down the growth of the neighborhood. There is relatively little to see, but the buiksloterdijk is a treasure. Read more ›

The Old Part of Noord

Florapark

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Canal Bike

People that live in Amsterdam don't do this almost ever. Nope. But you bet that every single one has done it at least once in his life. Waterfietsen (water biking) is great if you are a kid, but maybe even more fun when you are a grown up. Read more ›

Bike Through The Canals

Canal Bike

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Max Euweplein

Max Euwe was a Dutch chess player and world champion for some years in the 30's. To honor him, he got a square named after him. Of course the square needed something to connect with chess, so a big chess board was made. Read more ›

Time for Chess

Max Euweplein

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The Generator

If you need a place to write that book you're working on in the middle of a peaceful green park, this is the place for you. The Generator is a wonderful period building hidden behind trees in the Oosterpark, Amsterdam. It also boasts one of the most unique bars you're likely to come across; a converted auditorium! Read more ›

By Eric

Creative writing space in gorgeous park

The Generator

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Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Things To Do 2 1

When people say 'maritime history', my curiosity isn't immediately aroused. With Amsterdam though, it's a different story. The ships that came in and out of the city -especially in the 17th century – meant booming business. Rush hour as it is known today on highways, did exist back then too: on the water! Amazing exhibitions tell you the stories. Read more ›

See where wealth entered the city

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

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Questomatica

I loved my first experience in an escape room. It's within the city centre, easy to find and most of all the whole event was something different to do with friends. You can play with 2-11 people and your locked in for 60 minutes. Read more ›

By Daisy

An Escape room like no other!

Questomatica

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Don't Skip Noord

Nieuwendammerdijk and Schellingwouderdijk are streets in the neighborhood 'Noord'. They were built as dikes and among the first streets of Noord to be inhabited. For some locals, living on these streets is like living in paradise. Detached old houses with space to have kids. Outside the crowded city, but still minutes away. Read more ›

Picturesque Noord

Don't Skip Noord

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Artis

Amsterdam has a zoo exactly in the center of the city. The name Artis is short for 'Nature is the teacher of art' in Latin. And that is one thing you will notice inside. The zoo has a lot to offer for kids. Read more ›

City Zoo

Artis

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NDSM-werf (NDSM werf)

Things To Do 1 0

By Karina

Open urban art museum

NDSM-werf (NDSM werf)

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NDSM werf is easily reachable by ferry from the backside of the Amsterdam Central Station. In the 1920s till 1980's NDSM werf was one of the biggest shipyards in the world. After the ship building stopped, the place became a home of the artistic community. The former shipbuilding shed was transformed into the Art City. Read more ›

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Worst wijn cafe

Handmade sausages with refined taste, seasonal and local products, casual but chic atmosphere and a well-informed wine list; what's there not to like about dining at Worst. They accept walk-ins but I advise a reservation on busy nights; also open for lunch. A memorable experience! Read more ›

By Dina

Handmade sausages with a fishy twist!

Worst wijn cafe

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Flevopark

Great park for walking a dog, running, having BBQ and taking a swim in a natural lake. It has a playground for kids & cafe. You will also find the hidden gem - 't Nieuwe Diep distillery and tasting room. The park is very spacious and you will always find a quiet spot for yourself. In the summer there is a camping for tourists. Read more ›

By Karina

Peacful park in Amsterdam East

Flevopark

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Coffeeshop Papillion

Coffeeshop Papillion is a really relaxed coffeeshop with high quality weed. The employees are very friendly and there is much to do in the neighbourhood. So if you are looking for a coffeeshop in Amsterdam this is a must visit. Read more ›

By Mylene

A relaxed and high quality coffeeshop

Coffeeshop Papillion

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Pathé Tuschinski

The Tuschinski was originally a theater, built in the early 20's in the modernist "Amsterdam School" style. Between the Art Nouveau and early Deco periods, the influences are clear with strong eleborate gold decorations, borderline kitsch extravagance of the staircase, dark wood paneled walls and thick dark carpets which lend to the atmosphere. Read more ›

By Eric

The most opulent cinema in Amsterdam

Pathé Tuschinski

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Huis van Marseille