Amsterdam

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Amsterdam: a stroll through the Nine Streets

Wandering along the canals is one of the greatest pleasures of Amsterdam. The Nine Streets or “Negen Straatjes” neighbourhood, in the heart of Amsterdam, is one of the best places to enjoy the city’s charm. A new, hip section of the capital, Nine Alleys is home to design and fashion boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, and numerous cafés. Curious pedestrians stroll down the middle of the narrow Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht streets. To the north, the greenest and most down-to-earth part of the neighbourhood, beautiful houseboats are moored alongside disused warehouses. The three-story houses along the canals date to the seventeenth century. Enjoy a stroll along the water in the heart of Amsterdam.

For book lovers: Mendo

This bookstore offers handsome volumes on design, art, photography, and fashion. The Concrete architectural firm used false black books as supports for the real illustrated books. Take the time to enjoy the coffee-table albums devoted to David LaChapelle, Peter Beard, Michael Polizi, Valentino or Vivienne Westwood. The store also contains a gallery and studio for the Mendo press’s graphic designers.

Berenstraat, 11
1016, Amsterdam

For photography lovers: Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam (FOAM)

Occupying a nineteenth-century manor on the Keizersgracht, this internationally renowned gallery displays the works of the world’s greatest photographers, as well as exhibitions of talented young artists. The highly modern interior strongly contrasts with the façade, and allows art lovers to concentrate entirely on the photographs and multimedia works. The exhibit displays photography in all its guises: documentary, artistic, historical and contemporary. FOAM is the more avant-garde of Amsterdam’s two photography museums, but if the subject especially interests you, Huis Marseille is also worth visiting.

Keizersgracht 609

1017, Amsterdam

For fashion lovers: Van Ravenstein

Van Ravenstein is the place to immerse yourself in the Benelux fashion scene. Viktor&Rolf, Martin Margiela, Bernhard Willhelm, A.-F. Vandevorst, Spijkers en Spijkers, Dries van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester are just some of the famous designers celebrated in this temple of fashion. This is the source for Amsterdam’s fashionistas, when they’re not shopping in Antwerp. The store also offers tempting sales on the numerous labels it carries.

Keizersgracht, 359
1016, Amsterdam

For vintage lovers: Episode

This highly original vintage store stands out from the city’s many used clothes stores and the Waterloo flea market. The clothes are in excellent condition and the owners friendly and helpful. The tasteful retro looks will tempt you into rummaging through the piles for hidden treasure. The perfect place to dress up for a wild night in the capital. If you like the style, a second Episode location has recently opened on nearby Berenstraat.
Waterlooplein 1
1011, Amsterdam

For a coffee break: Café Van Harte

The area’s intellectuals and boulevardiers congregate at this excellent spot for tea, beer, or lunch. The menu offers soups, snacks, and traditional meat and vegetable dishes. While you wait, flip through the design magazines on the table and enjoy the rustic, homey decor. If you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, enjoy their excellent selection of teas and home-made cakes. The café regularly exhibits works by local art photographers.

Hartenstraat, 24
1016, Amsterdam