The best place to read a book outside or inside one of the greenhouses and be surrounded by all of these different species of nature.

The Amstel river is the main river of Amsterdam. Around 1200 they build a dam in the river and that was the birth of Amsterdam (or Amstelredamme as it was called back then). This dam is now situated under the Dam square, the central square of the city. If you bike from the old city center to the south along the banks of the Amstel, as I do every day on my way to my studio, the city opens up and gives way to a lot of space. If you follow the river it will take you out of town more quickly then you'd expect since it is surrounded by a green corridor that get's larger and greener as you exit the city. In less then half an hour bike trip from the old city you can find yourself in juicy green pastures between grazing cows and sheep. Only the airplanes heading in and out of Schiphol Airport will remind you that the city is near.

Old parking garage turned canal bar.

One of the greatest contemporary galleries in the world. You're welcome.

I love how small this place is, but it offers such amazing quality in cheeses, meats, wines, bread etc.  You can also have lunch here.  Definitely worth picking up fresh food here!