Oh, how we love Amsterdam. There is always something to do and it has many hidden gems, ready to be found. And why not discover them on foot? Here is a little walking schedule with a couple of our favorite go-to’s in our city.
A perfect walk, in Amsterdam
start: De Laatste Kruimel (Langebrugsteeg 4, Amsterdam)
Let’s start our walk at the local bakery ‘De Laatste Kruimel’ (The Last Crumb, in English). This spot has the cutest wallpaper on the walls, stacks, and stacks of scones, quiches, brownies, cakes, and croissants, and it really makes you feel as if you just entered carb paradise! It is usually very busy, but if you have a few minutes to spare, it’s worth waiting for a table. If not, you can also grab everything to go. Coffee in one hand, scone in the other, let’s walk!
time to walk: 2 min
Where: bookmarket oudemanhuispoort
Walk via the Grimburgwal to the Oudemanhuispoort. It will take you less than two minutes and you will see one of the many canals Amsterdam has to offer. Find a small gate on the right, with a couple of book stands inside. Personally, they remind me of the book stands next to the Seine river in Paris. Browse through the stalls to find some treasures, with the knowledge that Vincent van Gogh was once a customer here.
The history behind the Oudehuismanpoort building is quite interesting. Once it was a monastery, later it became a home for elderly men and women, and now it’s a University. However, what was always there during its many purposes was the book market and it is still here! Definitely check those out.
Once you are finished checking out the books, make sure to find your exit not straight ahead, but rather choose one of the magic exits on the sides. Have a little break in the peaceful University courtyard on your left before exiting on the right. This will lead you through a quiet street that feels like a hidden gem in the middle of this busy city. It even has a little playground for children!
time to walk: 1 min
Where: @dROOG
STAALSTRAAT 7
Once you left the university building, you will find yourself on the Kloveniersburgwall. Walk straight via the Staalstraat. On the left, you’ll find @droog — a must-visit for design lovers. The building offers a gallery space, that is free for anyone to visit, an excellent restaurant, a cozy garden, and rooms available for presentations and meetings. Walking around genuinely makes you feel as if you’re visiting someone’s house.
The exhibition offers: ‘The Droog Collection.’ It contains the work of iconic designers like: Tej Remy, Marcel Wanders, Marijn van der Pol, Nina Farkache, and more. Be sure to check out the current exhibitions and projects before you move on!
time to walk: 3 min
Where: Marbles Vintage (Staalstraat 30)
Make sure to stay on the same street, but cross the bridge. Find Marbles Vintage, a cool vintage store, on the right side of the road. It is the perfect store to find the perfect old-school Levi’s jeans or that vintage leather jacket you’ve been forever dreaming of. It is a well laid out store, with something there for everyone. The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. Ask them anything, they are really keen to help out!
time to walk: 3 min
Where: waterloopleinmarkt
tip: candystore at NR.199
We’re not letting go of the vintage shopping just yet. Let’s walk towards the Waterlooppleinmarkt. This second-hand market is open six days a week and offers all the gems you didn’t know you were looking for. Most of it is clothing, but there’s also stalls with juwelry and books. You can get beautiful items at a really good price here. On the left side of the market, are some more vintage stores. One of our favorites must be ‘Candy Store.’ A store with vintage Nike, Adidas, Champion, ellesse, but also Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni and Moncler.
Finished!
Let us know if you ended up doing the walk! We would love to hear about your experience, and if there’s anything we absolutely have to add to the schedule, we would love to hear about that too.
We’d love it if you shared with us. Below you’ll find a comment section where you can drop your personal thoughts.
