Her I enjoy the quit and concentrated atmosphere. I go to the library if I need some new input or just want to work somewhere else than in my studio. You can also just go there to relax at one of the beautiful spots in the building. Or have some food at the top floor with a beautiful view over Amsterdam.

Under the city, the extraordinary Gesamtkunstwerk by Louis van Gasteren, Jan Sierhuis and others is located in Nieuwmarkt underground. This is one of the public artworks of the Seventies and early Eighties endangered due to station renovation on the Underground Eastline. At present there is a notice hanging at different spots on the wall: ‘‘This artwork has been temporally removed due to renovations”.

This place has, beside the excellent pastry, the best shrimp croquettes in town. 

De Plantage is a bright, elegant brasserie beside Artis where great design.

Hidden in the greenery near Westerpark, the perfect hideaway from street noise can be found if you know where to look: a little farm called "De Buurtboerderij". Surrounded by a bunch of sheep and a happily decorated garden, the restaurant inside serves one fixed menu a week for a low price. The farm serves as community center as well and is run by volunteers — and you when you eat there! — and there are plenty of sweet people and animals to hang out with.