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.

Candles, incense and fragrance oil to lighten up your place, this place carries tons of it. You might be greeted by the slightly unusual owner, sitting behind the counter smoking a cigarette. It's an authentic little store.

Best brunch I've had in Amsterdam :) Love their bloody mary, and negroni.  Also great for dinner! It's owned and run by Australians so it's super laid back and beautifully designed.

Jam made from fruit grown almost in my backyard. The neighbouring complex turned the internal community green space into a community garden. Now I buy their jam at the local gardening and food store.

Small collection of foreign movies with a huge waterside-view cafe.