A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

Hello my loves,

I’m leaving Amsterdam today where I spent a few days. To come back to this aquatic labyrinth formed by 165 canals connected by more than a thousand bridges (that’s right!) is always really good. I know that some people turn their heads by the liberal ways of the city. Jokes about the cafes where marijuana is authorized and about the Red Light District windows are a constant. Yes. These things are part of the crazy life of the town. However, Amsterdam is much more than that. It is a city of unusual architecture, built below sea level, in the midst of a tangle of channels, with hundreds of buildings of bricks adorned with beautiful lintels, full of houseboats, super glamorous cafés, museums, designer shops and where bicycles absolutely reign.  Have you seen the giant panel created by Eduardo Kobra in the NDSM Werf industrial district being revitalized? How about the Zinzane store inaugurated on Kalverstraat? Amazing!

To begin, rent a bike. It is the most fun way to circle through the city streets and explore nice corners. Definitely check out the museums, there are over 50. My favorites are the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Now, in terms of architecture, pay attention to the Nemo Museum (a museum of science) of the architect Renzo Piano and The Eye Film Museum. Post cards from Amsterdam.

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

When you get tired of pedaling, stop for a coffee or a beer. It is worth making a trip to the Heineken or Brovwerij which is located at a former mill. But, if the hunger strikes, there will be so many amazing restaurants. Do you enjoy fashion-Asian? I suggest the Momo. If you are more on the healthy side, check out the incredible De Kas. Do you want a more mom-style meal?  I suggest the Moeders. Three suggestions that you cannot fail to miss, I assure you!

As for hotels? There are so many… and they are always crowded. So I made a mistake and I will share with you.  I always stay in a small but charming hotel, with only 4 rooms, in the Museum Quarter, called Museum Suites. However, this time it had no vacancy. So I researched others around the same location and went for the Sir Albert, a hotel-design. Everything was great so far! But, when I arrived at dusk I realized that the lights of the buildings around it were red. I looked closely and noticed that there was a “girl” sitting in each window. It was very funny, we laughed a lot. I would not recommend it because in addition to the strange “neighborhood”, it is far from everything.  A hotel that is worth a booking in this region is the Conservatorium. It is mega stylish.

Now a last tip for those who like adventure. The Over The Edge is a swing that sits on top of A’Dam Tower, 100 meters from the ground. The view of the city is beautiful. Do you have the courage to face it? I didn’t, maybe next time! Haha

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

A ALEGRIA DE REVER AMSTERDÃ camila coelho7

What did you think of this week’s tips?

XoXo and wonderful colorful vibes from Amsterdam to all!

Claudia Liechavicius