Our favorite spots in Amsterdam!

Derek has been our longtime Front Office colleague, always happy to assist you with any question you have. Derek listed his top three must-see’s in our lovely city for you.

Binnenamstel
“The part of Amstel between the Amstel hotel and the blue bridge/waterlooplein. Here you will find the old 17th century locks and the ‘Magere Brug’ with multiple passages. It is a typical representation of Amsterdam in the 17th century and traditionally an important docking point. You will also find many beautiful houseboats. It is a wonderful place to sit along the waterfront and watch the boats. It is also a beautiful piece of nature in the city with many aquatic plants and fish species. Considering the many obstructions in the water, the different depths, the warm houseboats and the vegetation, it is a place where many fish reside in winter. Along the quay are many prestigious buildings from the history of Amsterdam (The Hermitage, Carre, Amstel hotel).”

Cafe Alto
“The best jazz cafe in Amsterdam open 7 days a week until 3 or 4 am at night. The cafe exudes an international jazz atmosphere from the 50s and 60s. It was opened in 1953 (the same year as the Ambassade Hotel). Since then there have been many big names and several big names from the Dutch Jazz scene come here on a weekly basis. For example, Hans Dulfer and Peter Beets often perform here. My first date with my girlfriend was here 15 years ago and I have often been there with friends. Back then it was still very smoky.”

The peninsula at the end of the Ms. Van Riemsdijkweg near NDSM.
“From the NDSM pound, walk right and take an immediate right along the water. Past the industrial area you will find a quiet stretch of waterfront (see attached screenshot). Here you have a lovely place to chill out, look out over the water and have a picnic. You have a nice view of the IJ and all kinds of boats that call at or pass by Amsterdam.”