The Lost Glory of Street Art in Wijdesteeg

For many people, Amsterdam means alternative culture, creative energy, and freedom of expression. Years ago, anti-capitalist youth with an anarchic spirit filled the city with life. They painted walls, created communities, and gave the streets a unique soul. At that time, squatting was huge in Amsterdam, shaping its liberal and artistic identity. Among the most iconic places were Spuistraat and Wijdesteeg, two symbols of Amsterdam’s squatter movement.

What Is Squatting?

Some people already know what squatting is — maybe you even tried it yourself! It means living in an abandoned building without legal permission, not renting or owning it. But squatting was never just about free housing. It carried a rebellious attitude and turned into a global movement of people sharing the same ideas. Today, around one billion squatters live across the world, and their number keeps growing.

Squatting in Amsterdam

As you might expect from Amsterdam, the city had a large and creative squatter community. These people were free-minded artists and activists with strong beliefs. They even organized kraakspreekuur — meetings where newcomers could learn how and where to squat safely.

Everything changed in 2010, when the Netherlands banned squatting. What used to be a lifestyle suddenly became a crime. The ban led to protests, arrests, and the demolition of squatted buildings. As a result, Amsterdam lost many cultural centers, galleries, and walls of street art. The city became cleaner — but also less colorful.

The Snakehouse on Spuistraat

One of Amsterdam’s most famous squatted houses was De Slang, also known as The Snakehouse. A huge, colorful snake mural covered its façade, and locals loved it. Artists lived and worked there, hosting art events full of energy and creativity. Their work spread to Spuistraat and Wijdesteeg, turning these streets into open-air galleries admired by tourists and locals.

Wijdesteeg became one of the most photographed alleys in Amsterdam. But eventually, the municipality took over the buildings, and most of the art disappeared. The long fight between the squatters and the city ended — and Amsterdam lost part of its creative heart.

Hero de Janeiro — The Local Street Art Hero

One artist who brought life and color to Amsterdam’s walls was Hero de Janeiro. He became famous for painting bright puzzle pieces on gray concrete. Although many of his large works vanished with demolished buildings, some still brighten Spuistraat.

Hero creates his art by pasting framed pieces on walls and using stencils for bigger murals. His most iconic characters include Jip & Janneke, Karl Lagerfeld with a ghetto blaster, the Dutch milkmaid, Andy Warhol, and a tough penguin. His mission is simple — to make people smile and add color to their everyday life.

Street Art Lives On at Teleport

Hero de Janeiro’s art can be found not only in Amsterdam but all over the world. Recently, he created his latest masterpiece right in front of Amsterdam Teleport Hotel. The sidewalk now features his signature artwork, adding a splash of color and creativity to our entrance.

Discover the True Taste of Amsterdam

Contrary to the common stereotype that Dutch food is boring, the cuisine in Amsterdam can surprise you with rich flavors and ingredients. You just need to know the right places and try the best dishes. Specially for those who love discovering cultures through food, we’ve prepared a list of cool food tours around Amsterdam.

If you are staying at the Amsterdam Teleport Hotel, you are in a perfect location to start these culinary adventures, as it is close to many great food spots and vibrant neighborhoods.

Dutch Food Tour

Combine typical Dutch food with history in the beautiful Jordaan and Canal Belt areas. This tour goes beyond cheese and fresh stroopwafels, offering 6–7 tastings, including raw herring and other local surprises. You will taste food both on the go and seated. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and costs €49, including all food and drinks.

Street Food & Drink Tours with Hungry Birds

Hungry Birds attract guests with their fun and personal approach. They focus on street food, mixing Dutch dishes with ethnic and colonial specialties brought by migrant influences.

Expect 8–10 tastings over 3.5–4 hours. You can choose:

• Market Birds – explore the Albert Cuyp Market

• City Birds – visit small family businesses

Jordaan Food Tour

Go off the beaten path in the Jordaan. Discover hidden courtyards, narrow streets, and friendly locals with a sense of humor. Eating Amsterdam Tours offers 12 tastings during 4 hours. Highlights include:

• Homemade apple pie in a 400-year-old café

• Amsterdam’s tastiest smoked sausage

• Borrelhapjes with authentic Dutch beers

• Delicious desserts

Amsterdam’s Favorite Food Tour

If you prefer a personal experience, try this tour in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s hippest neighborhoods. Explore cosmopolitan markets, chill locals, and stunning architecture while tasting the true flavors of Amsterdam.

Expect 5 tastings, including:

• Fried fish from a market stall

• New collective café

• Surinamese-Javanese restaurant

So what’s the taste of Amsterdam for you? Is it the sharp taste of old gouda cheese, the sweet taste of stroopwafels, the pickled taste of herring or the smoked taste of a Dutch sausage? No matter what it is, we’re sure you would like it!

Discover the Amsterdam Red Light District

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most famous — and misunderstood — areas. It’s not just about nightlife; it’s also full of history, character, and unique charm.

As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll find cozy cafés, old churches, and small canals reflecting the city lights. The mix of the old and the new gives this district its special vibe.

If you’re staying at Teleport Hotel, you’re in a great spot to explore it easily. This famous district is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, known for its legal sex work, bright red windows, and curious crowds.

Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll notice the lively mix of people, lights, and stories. You can simply observe the half-naked girls behind the glass or, for a deeper experience, join a guided tour. These tours help you understand how the district works and offer an open-minded, respectful view of Amsterdam’s sex culture.

SANDEMANs Red Light District  Teleport’s Team favorite!

If you’re exploring Amsterdam solo, join a guided tour through the famous Red Light District. A cheerful local guide shares honest and entertaining stories about the area — from its exclusive streets and sex shops to the Prostitution Information Center, run by a former sex worker.

Moreover, you’ll spot hidden sculptures, step inside an S&M studio, and discover curious facts about the city’s culture. It’s both fun and educational — a must-try experience recommended by the Teleport Hotel team.

Famous Twin Prostitutes Tour in Amsterdam

Curious about who works in the Red Light District, or what happens when they retire? Then the Famous Twin Prostitutes Tour is for you. During the walk, you’ll meet twin sisters who spent 50 years in the industry.

They openly share personal stories, answer questions, and happily pose for photos. In addition, you’ll visit the world’s first condom shop, admire local street art, and stop by a cannabis store to learn about Amsterdam’s liberal culture.

Red Light District Tour with a Local

For a more authentic perspective, take a Red Light District Tour with a Local. You’ll visit the blue lights area, see a local brewery, admire Amsterdam’s oldest building, and explore a temple in Chinatown. Meanwhile, your guide will reveal hidden details and stories that most tourists never hear.

Red Light Workshop

If you’re looking for something truly unique, try the Red Light Workshop led by former sex worker Mariska. You’ll sit behind a real red light window to experience what the job is like — no clients, just insights, learning, and great photo opportunities.

Don’ts of the Amsterdam Red Light District

Whether on your own or on a tour, follow these rules:

• No photos of the ladies in the windows.

• Do not knock, tap, or spit on the windows.

• Don’t buy anything from street sellers; go to a coffeeshop for cannabis.

• Watch out for pickpockets targeting distracted tourists.

• Don’t pee on the street or in the canal, and don’t throw anything into the water.

Most importantly, enjoy your time in Amsterdam, explore every corner, and be ready for surprises in the Amsterdam Red Light District! Staying at Teleport Hotel puts you close to all the action, making it easy to explore safely and comfortably.

XXX: The Symbol of Amsterdam

No, we’re not starting with the X-rated entertainment linked to the Red Light District. Instead, let’s explore the three crosses that appear everywhere in Amsterdam — on buildings, flags, poles, manholes, and souvenirs.

You might know that the XXX symbol is part of Amsterdam’s coat of arms. But what does it mean? It represents three vertical St. Andrew’s Crosses, named after the apostle who was crucified on an X-shaped cross in the 1st century AD.

There is no exact explanation for the crosses’ meaning in Amsterdam. One theory suggests they originate from the Persian crusader family that owned much of the city’s land. Another links St. Andrew, a fisherman, to Amsterdam’s roots as a fishing town, where fishermen sailed under the XXX flag. Some believe the crosses represent the three major threats of the medieval city: floods, fire, and the black plague.

Today, these white crosses appear on a black band in the middle of a red shield. This design is the flag of Amsterdam and part of the coat of arms. The shield is decorated with the Imperial Crown of Austria and two golden lions. Below, the city motto reads: “Heroic, Resolute, and Merciful.” Some jokingly say it should read: “Stubborn, Defiant, and Extremely Tolerant.”

Have you picked up a few souvenirs with the XXX symbol yet?

Why Everything in Amsterdam is Orange

You may notice that the Dutch love orange. It’s everywhere — not the fruit, but the bright color sold at markets and souvenir shops. On King’s Day or during football championships, the city turns completely orange.

Why orange? The color comes from the Dutch Royal Family. They descend from the House of Oranje-Nassau. The current king, Willem-Alexander, traces his lineage to William of Orange (Willem van Oranje). The national football team is called Oranje, and most Dutch sports teams wear orange uniforms. The color unites the nation and has become a symbol of Amsterdam.

I AMsterdam: The Famous City Letters

Can you really say you’ve visited Amsterdam without a photo with the I AMSTERDAM letters? This symbol has become part of the city’s branding. It started as a marketing campaign but became one of the most photographed landmarks in Amsterdam.

The letters stand near the Rijksmuseum. Tourists climb them and take photos. To avoid crowds, visit late in the evening — you’ll be surprised how empty it gets.

You can also see the letters at festivals, fairs, fashion shows, and special events. Sometimes they appear in rainbow colors, celebrating love, freedom, and diversity.

Until 7 August, the travelling letters are near the Amstel River, in front of the Hermitage, during the Canal Parade. For a unique photo, sit on the red I AMSTERDAM mosaic sofa outside City Hall at Amstel 1. You can also spot the symbol at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol before leaving the city.

Stay at Teleport Hotel

When visiting Amsterdam, consider staying at Teleport Hotel, a comfortable and convenient base. It’s located close to major attractions, restaurants, and canals. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax in your room or order food directly to your door from nearby restaurants. The friendly staff is happy to provide tips about the city and help you plan your day. From here, you’re never far from the iconic sights, local gems, and even hidden corners of Amsterdam.