The Bartolotti is perhaps one of the most beautiful Museum Houses Amsterdam has, built by someone who once was the richest man in the city, but it's a bit hidden in plain sight. These days, it is run by a group of lovely old ladies, who can't wait to offer you tea or juice. You can walk around the house like you live there. You have to ring the doorbell to get in. (picture from Google, by Arjan Bronkhorst)

The portal between the Leidseplein nightlife area and the Max Eeuweplein is pompously accentuated by a classical looking façade, designed in 1991 by Zaanen Spanjers Architects. On the frieze, supported by columns, the architect has carved an inscription: ‘Homo sapiens non urinat in ventum’ - ‘A wise man does not piss into the wind’. A ‘wisecrack’, disguised in Latin.

I love to discover, explore and destroy photo books with my eyes and subsequently my portable telephone. A place where I love doing this is in the Stedelijk Museum. Yes, gift shops are typically stocked with pure Dutch gouda like any other gift shop but I find with enough dedication there is something to be found. I particularly enjoyed this one. Perhaps it is my Dutch affinity for milk.

Working under the name of one of the worst ski jumper in history are a crew of close friends who throws some of the wildest parties around town! Their events have included distributing laughing gas in balloons to everyone in the audience, d.i.y circus acts with rats jumping through fire circles, an air gun shooting range to blast cheesy ceramic trinkets, sweaty live shows, gourmet meals for a few euros cooked by master chef Sjim Hendrix, and so much more… Of course, it's all for the sake of art, since they are a museum and also exhibit work :)

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!