MagentoLive 2019 Guide to Amsterdam
August 16, 2019
With its rich history as an international trade hub, Amsterdam is the perfect place for our eCommerce event, MagentoLive Europe 2019, and there’s also a wealth of museums, restaurants, and nightspots to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions from our local community of partners, Magento developers, and employees.
Sights to See
Canal Cruises and Bike Tours
The easiest way to experience the real beauty of Amsterdam is by taking a canal cruise. Sit back and relax while you cruise along 100 highlights of the city. Prefer to discover the city in a more active way? Rent a bike and go on an adventure yourself.
Hortus Botanicus
Established in 1638, de Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Enjoy a guided tour, check out their main 2019 exhibition highlights the relationship between plants and human health, or just catch an hour of quiet in a beautiful place.
Netherlands Fortress Museum in Naarden
The star-shaped, fortress town of Naarden (founded around 1350 to repel attacks from the east) is a quick 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam. The museum, located in the Turfpoort Bastion, shares the rich history of the town and its role in the defense of the country.
Rijksmuseum
If you’re a lover of art, you can’t miss the Rijksmuseum and its collection Dutch artistic and historic objects, as well as major works from Europe and Asia. Tip: bring your headphones and download the app in advance, it has loads of free listening tours.
De 9 Straatjes
Go take a stroll in “De 9 Straatjes” (the 9 little streets) and be enchanted by the beautifully decorated shops, picturesque monuments and extraordinary café’s. Even just walking here is a pure joy!
A’Dam Lookout
For the more daring, take the (free!) ferry from Central Station (make sure to take a good look at the building as it’s truly one of Amsterdam’s highlights) to Amsterdam North and embark on the sensational highest swing in Europe. This will give you the best view of this beautiful city. Stick around in North, as this modern and upcoming part of the city has plenty to offer, such as the Eye Film Museum and Cinema.
Places to Eat
Lion Noir
Lion Noir is a modern, award-winning, French restaurant with a lounge, cocktail bar, and hidden garden in the heart of Amsterdam, offering an authentic culinary experience in a unique and intriguing setting.
Café Van Zuylen
If you want to warm up, treat yourself to a hot chocolate (of course with whipped cream) and traditional apple pie at café Van Zuylen. Not so much of a sweet tooth? They also offer a selection of typical Dutch bar snacks and food. When you are there, look past the building of the one of the Netherlands’ most famous authors, Multatuli, to see if you can spot the smallest house in Amsterdam!
Bo Nam
Located in the vibrant city center, BO NAM features Vietnamese cuisine, with a hint of French bistro, in a relaxed, eclectic atmosphere.
Cannibale Royale
Hello meat lovers! For the best finger-licking wings, burgers, steaks and sticky ribs: Cannibale Royale is the place to be in Amsterdam. Their menu includes the best easy-going meats, crafted beers and cocktails—and a few vegetarian options, so you can bring everyone. It is one of the few places which serve food till late. For sure try the ribs, where the meat falls off the bone without an effort, and try “le Cannibale Royale’, a true classic on the menu.
Libertine Café & Libertine Petit Café
If you’re looking for a bite in the 9 straatjes, the Libertine cafés offer the perfect place for a coffee and pastry in the morning or a glass of wine and dinner in the evening.
A Night Out
Jimmy Woo
One of Europe’s top nightclubs, award-winning Jimmy Woo is famous for its amazing parties and celebrity clientele.
TonTon Club Amsterdam
For true adult fun, you should visit one the TonTon Club, a bar full of old-school retro arcade games, pinball machines, air hockey tables, handheld first version Game Boys, and board games. There are three locations each with a unique flair.
Bar 5&33
Bar 5&33 is a creative hotspot that “fuses food, people, art and design”. Their bar is open daily for cocktails and their lounge offers a cozy place to relax and enjoy a warm beverage and small plates.
The Butcher Social Club
End a perfect day of sightseeing with a cocktail in hand, while overlooking the sun setting over the city at The Butcher Social Club. Proost!
Tunes Bar
For a fancy night out, check out the Tunes Bar at the Conservatorium Hotel.
Escobar
Looking for something a bit more casual? Mingle with the locals at Escobar. Good tapas, a nice vibe, and around 10 PM they clear out all of the tables and it’s time to dance.
BloemenBar
In the center of town, near Spui, you will find a small bar called “de BloemenBar” (the flower bar). Very popular with locals, both Dutch and international, it has a DJ playing almost every night in an ambiance best described as a “Living room after-party”, where you make new friends within minutes. You will for sure have a good time here!
Thank you to Renee Boertje, Marion Freijsen, Sander Mangel, Sander Schoenmakers, Jamie Maria Shouren, and Didie van Bommel for these awesome suggestions!
MagentoLive Europe 2019 is 22-23 October. Be sure to join us 21 October, 10:00-18:00, for Contribution Day (RSVP here), and 23 October, 15:30-17:00, for DexExchange (vote for topics). See you there!
