In small cities like Venice or Amsterdam it can be easier to find a unique historical monument than to find a perfect hangout place. One of my favourites is indeed very hard to find because it’s located in the middle of a deserted shipyard.

To get there, take the boat behind the central station (direction NDSM Werf) or from the less crowdy stop at Distelweg. On the other side of the Ij-Canal, walk 50 meters straight ahead then turn to the right and walk for another 300 meters. Here, you will find yourself in the middle of the former shipyard where all kinds of artists have installed their ateliers. At the end of the docks, standing on a tiny little hill, you’ll find Café Noorderlicht. The semi-circular building recalls a greenhouse, and is especially beautiful when illuminated at night and is stunning by sunset.

Photo by Manou van der Noort

Friends tell me that it’s a bit alternative, but believe me Amsterdam was screaming for such a place. It’s still less cool and grungy than for instance Bar 25 in Berlin. On beautiful days when the terrace is overflowing, you can sit wherever you like. My place is directly at the waterfront where I can look over the water daydreaming, talk with friends or read a book undisturbed by yelling toddlers.

My hardcore city kids, when they are here, enjoy playing with dogs between the boats and exploring water plants. For me, this place has the sheer wildness and magic which I relate to an end-of-the-world mood. Not in an apocalyptic sense, but in the spirit of being liberated from everyday life; you can relax without getting bored. All kinds of people seem to be attracted by this café, so don’t worry that you’ll have to spend time with some utterly barbaric tribe.

Those who have a soft spot for flea markets will be happy that there’s a good one in this area (forget about Waterloopein). It’s not held regularly, so check this website for information.

Café Noorderlicht; t.t. Neveritaweg 33; Amsterdam

Photo by Allard van der Hoek 

Even if it's not far from the city centre, you don't come down here accidentally. For me - and people will hate me for this - it doesn’t really belong to the city. Of course it does, but it breathes a totally different spirit. Located in the Eastern Docklands area, the Lloyd Hotel, by my 'little Amsterdam' standards, is such a huge building that it makes me feel rather small.  Nonetheless, the Lloyd - which was formerly a hotel for migrants, Nazi prison and later youth penitentiary -  is a place to feel at home immediately.

Photo by Allard van der Hoek

Entering the lobby of the Lloyd, I was struck by the impressive space and the well-balanced mix of old and new design. I would be more likely to find this in a museum collection than a hotel, but it works. Each item has been selected with care and contributes to this wonderful ambiance of tranquility and authenticity.

Hidden tea-spot.

The building itself simply begs for wandering around, exploring the floors (with hidden spots to drink coffee or tea), striking stairs, little corners, and ensembles of furniture where you can admire the light, smell the abundant flowers or just enjoy space.

All 116 rooms (ranging from 1 to 5 stars) feature unexpected details and innovative elements (a hidden shower, an 8-person bed, a music room, etc.). Each displays a different character. My favourite is an attic room with its original wainscoting. Here, under the roof, I started dreaming right away.

Photo by Dorien Oxenaar

The aim of the Lloyd is to establish a meeting place for artists, businessmen and locals alike. Drinking a coffee on the terrace, I had the impression that the businessmen were more represented, but who can tell nowadays? The Lloyd Hotel offers 24-hour restaurant services – quite a rarity in Amsterdam - and has a nice bar. I do think that Lloyd keeps its promise and is much more than a hotel. The Lloyd is a cultural institution.

Lloyd Hotel; Oostelijke Handelskade 34; Amsterdam

Find more hotels in Amsterdam

 

Associating this name with Jacques Brel’s chanson, De Burgerij (Les Bourgeois) I could not have been more surprised as friends took me to this amazing place in the north of Amsterdam last weekend. Situated along the IJ Channel a huge hangar, which used to store requisites and decors for a theatre company, is transformed into a realm of industrial grandeur.

On less windy nights you can sit outside and enjoy a breathtaking view over the outstretched IJ and the KNSM Island.

Sitting in the gigantic hall amongst a mixture of young downtowners, beautiful people and some parked cars, I had the feeling it suited all. Kids were playing billiards on a mezzanine, the emptiness of the hall filled with nothing else than our lifted spirits reflected in one immense chandelier above the bar and as if it is of any importance on such a night, the food was superb: fresh, tasty and handsomely composed.

Photo by *N*o*o*r 

Being one of the hottest dinner places at the moment and always booked out, the staff is not arrogant at all. On the contrary, in an informal way they chat, are attentive and at night even cycle with you to open the fence.

I have to admit that it is almost impossible to find but in a way that is part of the charm. So be well prepared- study a map, take a cab or simply ask a local. Good luck! 

Hotel de Goudfazant; Aambeeldstraat 10H; Amsterdam-Noord