Almere-Stad, Netherlands + Add a trip

Oosterdokskade 5 (PostCS building)

Best view over Amsterdam on the 11th floor of the old postal building. Has about 12 screens projecting cool arty video stuff.

Unfortunately as of Juli 2008, this club is closed :( There are talks about a new club by the same owners, but no official word yet...

Utrechtstraat

Not many people go to the Netherlands for the food, and I always try to stop in on Tempoe Doeloe a great Indonesean spot on Utrecht Straat when I'm in Amsterdam. I think they have only about 10 tables, so you may want to make a reservation.

One day I went in there (a few years back) and was surprised to be seated next to Gwyneth Paltrow and the members of Coldplay! It didn't seem that the staff of the restaurant knew who they were...

Everywhere

Amsterdam gets frequently visited by interesting bands from all over the world. The centre has two good places, De Melkweg and Paradiso (situated in a nice old church, this is sometimes called the Temple of Pop). Both are a 1 minute walk from Het Leidseplein.

If you are into gigs and have an evening off, do check out MyGigs.org to see who's on stage in and around Amsterdam.

Zeedijk 143

Just off the Nieuwmarkt and not too far from Centraal station, Latei is a nice place for a quiet coffee and a bit of free wifi. It feels a bit like someone's livingroom, and the walls and ceilings are covered in imported retro light fittings, telephones and other household curios (most of which are for sale too).

Between the Red Light District and the Central Station on Zeedijk 72- 74

I would definitely recommend Bird Thais Restaurant for those who enjoy Thai food.

Dam Straat

It's my current favourite for last 2 years. Freshest, and kinda busy but worth the wait. Remember to ask for a ticket. They then call out your number once a table is ready...

Jordaan

I always always go here when I am in Amsterdam... I love okonomiyaki and this small place is run by a lovely couple, Joachim and Sachiko... Great okonomiyaki to be had here :)

Kloveniersburgwal 59

Very relaxed cafe for a beer. The food is excellent - make a reservation on weekends.

Lange Niezel 24

An ambient and tasty place close to the central station (in a middle of Red Light district :). If alone I always go for Tibetian tea and sizzling duck, but other dishes I shared with friends were good too. Budget-friendly.

east of central station

I thought this place was comfortable - though a tiny bit out of town (a good thing I think.) Ecclectic - 2-5 star rooms available in one hotel. You have to take the 26 tram for 5 mins from Central Station, but I think it is worth it and it is in a very cool area.

Close to Jamie Oliver's FIFTEEN restaurant.