Amsterdam | Hotspots Amsterdam Centre

maaikeout
Nov 19, 2015
2 min read

These are stormy days in the world. With everything that's going on, I was quite beaten down and a bit confused I admit. But I decided to do what I love to get my energy back: meeting with friends and biking around Amsterdam. Although there was a strong wind blowing me away every now and then, I made it around town to show you some gems!

Pop-into Berlin

I started at the Pop-into Berlin shop on Utrechtsestraat. It's a Berlin promo shop that shows you loads of their local indie products and designers. Micro-breweries, make-up developers, design breadboxes, those kind of things. From small to bigger (like Thomas Henry), but all very Berlin. I think most Dutchies already love Berlin, but it can't hurt to push the uniqueness of Berlin a bit more. I decided to try out (and gift) these little spicy apple & vodka bottles by Berliner Winter, which you drink hot, and the Thomas Henry Mate Mate energydrink.

The shop is open only for a week (untill the 22 of November that is). So hurry up.

Affaire d'eau

Not really a new store, but perfect to visit this time of year. On the far end of the Haarlemmerdijk, you'll find Affaire d'eau, a store dedicated to the bathroom and it's rituals. Vintage pots, toilets, soaps, tubs, mirrors, tiles, amongst others. O and, my favorites, botanical model‬s.

However, they also have a very specific love for handmade Chrismass tree ornaments. I spotted a yellow cab, woodpecker and a bike I loved. You see, perfect for gifts!

ArtDeli

I went for a lunch at ArtDeli on Rokin. Bang in the centre of the city. As the name suggests, they have an interest in art and you'll find it all over the restaurant together with a beautifull marble bar. At the moment the exhibition NIGHT - degrees of darkness is to be admired. From photography by Cleo Camperts (with Roxy-era madness) to work by Bas Kosters and Josua Wechslers driftwood sculpture. Also check out Kees de Goede's work in their barroom.

But he, I came for lunch. Which was delicious. I had to wait a while because something went wrong with my order, but they were pretty elegant about it. And my sandwich with grilled veggies and pecorino was well worth the wait. And I did enjoy myself by looking around and sipping that yummy fresh ginger/lemon infusion. So no worries.