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I’m biassed now that I live in de Jordaan area, but I would definitely recommend staying up here. There are some really beautiful hotels and boutique hotels up here, too.
The Oba Library. This place is epic. Limitless imagination with loads of quiet corners to work from. Toki is like the ‘IT GIRL’ of cool cafes to work from. You never know who you might be sitting beside and a great place to network. Screaming Beans on Utrechtstraat is also super nice to work from with lovely natural light at the back.
Ahh the rare few days of sun in Amsterdam (tear) they are hard to catch but like nothing else once you are basking in it. I love going to the pontoon behind Artis Park for a swim when it’s warm. Although, I don’t get into the water here anymore after hearing scary stories about how dirty it is. There is a good swim spot up at HoutHavens, too. I prefer to get my lengths in the 100 year old pool called Zuiderbad located right next to the Rijksmuseum.
For soaking up the sun, it’s nice to just sit in one of the many sun soaked terraces here. My current favourite is Cafe van Zuylen close to my apartment. Such a nice place to sit and have a cappuccino or a beer/wine when the sun shines and they have blankets for the colder days.
Bakhuys Bakery in Oost — they’ve got th best bakes, pastries and sambos you’ll ever have in a really ’90s, nothing fancy setting. There are queues mid-morning, so get there early or after the morning rush for sausage rolls. Oh, and Flevo Park. It’s one of the most beautiful parks that sits around a lake.
The best vintage shopping you will ever do is in Amsterdam. The vintage shops here are incredible. There is a massive range of stuff and I think that’s down to how wealthy the inhabitants are. In Penny Lane, Fashian, and (Im)material you will find really high end second hand, and in Marbles Vintage, Kilo Store, Zipper, and Rumors Vintage you will grab some really cool bits and pieces. The best sunnies you’ll ever find will be vintage ones.
You’ll get the best inspiration for your wardrobe in these stores, too. The people working there are always happy to discuss the clothing and offer style advice or just inform you about where it might have come from. I love vintage shopping. There are also a lot of independent boutiques around the 9 straats which is such a great place to go shopping for not only clothes, but gifts and knick knacks.
Going to a movie in Tuchinsky Theater! If you’re like me and don’t love going to the cinema, then this place will change your mind. It’s an Art Deco cinema in the heart of the city. Built in 1920, it has all the original features with an additional building next door that has a modern take on Art Deco luxe cinema. You can order cocktails for your movie, or just regular Coke from a glass bottle. It’s absolutely a must do.
Follow Ruth on Instagram @ruthyruby for more Amsterdam insights.