There is never a shortage of things to do and new hotspots to discover in Amsterdam. Whether you ‘re looking for art, cinema, the best food and non-food markets, a new sexy hairstyle, a place to relax or the hippest place to dance with no ending. These are 10 of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam!
1. Get into yoga and more at the Nieuwe Yoga School
When I enter the Nieuwe Yoga School, the smell of incense and zen background music make me feel immediately relaxed. The yoga school is located in the heart of the Jordaan in a 150-year-old historical building. Seven days a week from early morning until the evening, professional yoga and meditation lessons are held in the three spacious classrooms. There is something for everyone: from mellow ”Yin Yoga” lessons to ”Strong Flow’ lessons. The owner Johan Noorloos created more than just a place to practice yoga and meditation. It’s a place to connect with yourself and like-minded people in the large living room or silent garden where you can chill out and enjoy a healthy shake, salad or vegan cake.
Address: Laurierstraat 109
Website: http://denieuweyogaschool.opencontrolplus.com/
2. Get your hair cut at Hairdresser Mogeen
Need a new haircut or just having a bad hair day? Take a seat in the living room of Mogeen, browse into the fashion books and let the hairdresser advice you over a cup of excellent coffee. The interior is designed to inspire, with vintage furniture, lots of greeneries and walls decorated with a mosaic of covers of magazines and editorials. The owner Hester Wernert-Rijn is one of the best Dutch hair stylists. She is always on the road to join international fashion productions and has three awards for hairdresser of the year on her name. Want a new look, but not sure what kind of look you want? Leave it up to Mogeen’s super professional hairdressers. You will be treated with personal care using the best techniques. For example they always cut on dry hair to be able to see how your hair falls and satisfy you with a natural but sexy look.
Address: Vijzelgracht 31, 1017 HN Amsterdam
Website: http://www.mogeen.nl/
3. Join an inspiring lecture at Pakhuis de Zwijger
This unique cultural platform is set in a former cooling warehouse. It is home to the creative industry and organizes events divided in the categories ”creative industry” ”the city” and ”global trends”. The subjects vary from culture, to local communities, European politics, city farming, design and photography. Almost all programs are free and filled with inspiring and interesting speakers.
Address: Piet Heinkade 181 K, 1019 HC Amsterdam
Website: https://dezwijger.nl/
4. Strolling the Amsterdam markets
Amsterdam has many daily and weekend markets, from vintage to art, books and organic food. For a unique vintage item make sure you are the first to sniff around Vintage Monday at the Noordermarkt (08:30-13:00). The biggest garage sale of the Netherlands is held every first weekend of the month at the IJ-Hallen in northern Amsterdam. There is a daily flea market at Waterlooplein (from Mon to Sat 09:30-18:00) selling antique and second-hand clothing. Don’t miss out on the Albert Cuyp Market for some typical Dutch treats.( Mon-Sa 09:00-17:00) Looking for a cool art piece? Every third Sunday of the month, designers sell their art creations at the Museum Market (in between the trees at the pond at Museumplein). Combine this with a picknick on the grass and you have your perfect Sunday!
5. Wander Amsterdam’s most charming areas; The Nine Streets, Jordaan and the Pijp
Get lost in the labyrinth of quaint cobbled streets situated in between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat. They are called the Nine Streets and are filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty stores selling designer pieces, handmade crafts and jewelry. Wander the narrow streets of the Jordaan and step back in time. This lovely area used to be a working class area but nowadays it is one of the most charming areas dotted with quaint buildings, art galleries, cozy bars, restaurants, antique shops and courtyards. The Pijp, the quartier Latin of Amsterdam, has been a hip area where young intellectuals and artist hang out since the 19th century. This lively area is packed with exotic shops, creative hip bars and restaurants.
6. Get inspired at Foam
Foam is all about photography. World famous photographers are exhibited alongside young, emerging artists in an old canal house. Exhibitions and shows rotate on a regular basis every 2-4 months.
7. Relax and unwind at Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver
Pamper yourself with a relaxing day at Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver situated on the edge of the Amsterdam Forest. Indulge in an original Finnish sauna to ensure that every fiber in your body is relaxed and your mind is at peace. Need more help to clear your mind? The meditative gentle sounds in the music sauna create a pleasant mood to help you calm down and unwind. With eight different sauna’s and six pools there is enough choice to spend a whole day.
Address: Koenenkade 8, 1081 KH Amsterdam
Website: http://www.zuiveramsterdam.nl/
8. Chill out at Java Eiland
Bring your own cold beers, wines, a small bite and of course your friends for endless summer nights at Java island. Jump from the quay and have a swim in het IJ, cool down and enjoy the best sunset view of Amsterdam.
9. Art, cinema and endless clubbing at The School
This new cultural center created by the team behind Trouw (one of Amsterdam’s most successful nightclubs, that closed its doors in January 2015) is set in a former school building and houses young creative business and art studios as well as a concert venue, restaurant, cafe, exhibition space and a gym. The club itself is the new place to be in the Amsterdam night scene. It is located in the school’s former bike shed and holds a 24 hour license so it can be open ended. The clubs program focuses on local DJ’s, but international DJ’s play every once in a while.
Address:Dr Jan van Breemenstraat 1,1056 AB AMSTERDAM
Website: http://www.deschoolamsterdam.nl/en/
10. Soak up creativity at Ruigoord
Situated between Amsterdam and Haarlem is artistic hippie village Ruigoord. This special place is home to artists that work on their own oeuvre. Set in the middle of a green oasis this is the ideal place for artists to draw back from the modern society and find inspiration for their work. There are often cultural festivals and workshops held. Check out their program: http://ruigoord.nl/agenda-overzicht/
Address: Ruigoord 76, From Amsterdam take bus 82 to Ijmuiden
Website: http://ruigoord.nl/
