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Terrace hopping in Amsterdam

19. June 2018/in /by David

Terrace hopping in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. When the sun is shining it is really popular among the Dutch to pick up their cycle and go to the parks or have a drink on Amsterdam’s many terraces; rooftop, canal, waterside, historical or just a terrace by a restaurant who puts some chairs outside for the summer. So when traveling to Amsterdam, between all the activities and attractions, visitors definitely need to stop by a terrace to get a little extra piece of the city’s lifestyle. Guests staying at Teleport Hotel can make terrace hopping even easier, as the hotel offers bike rentals that allow quick and fun access to many of these spots.

1. Pllek – end your Noord tour here

Pllek is the perfect place to finish a tour around Amsterdam Noord. This popular restaurant and bar ticks all the boxes: seats by the beach, a spacious terrace, two floors inside, and excellent service. The waiter even recommended me a local beer that became my all-time favorite! Best of all, you can enjoy stunning waterfront views and sunsets. The atmosphere is extraordinary – groups of friends drinking, couples dining, and solo visitors just relaxing.

📍 Address: Tt. Neveritaweg 59
🕒 Opening times: Sun–Thu 9:30am–1am, Fri–Sat 9:30am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 7pm–9:30pm

2. Hannekes Boom – near Central Station

Hannekes Boom is another great spot for terrace hopping in Amsterdam. Located just a short walk or bike ride from Central Station, it feels like a hidden escape from the busy streets. Instead of crowds, you’ll see boats passing slowly by. Even when tables are full, you can sit by the water with a local Brouwerij ’t IJ beer in hand.

📍 Address: Dijksgeracht 4
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 10am–1am, Fri–Sun 10am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 5pm–9pm

3. Café Zurich – discover the West

Only 13 minutes by bike from Teleport Hotel, Café Zurich is a cozy terrace in Mercatoplein. It looks like a secret garden hidden in the West. While smaller than some central terraces, it feels less crowded and less touristy. With stylish decoration and a relaxed vibe, it’s a perfect place for lunch, dinner, or just a refreshing gin tonic in the sun.

📍 Address: Mercatoplein 2b
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 9am–1am, Fri–Sun 9am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 6pm–8pm

4. Haven van Texel – canals and island beers

This terrace is a real gem in the heart of Amsterdam. While enjoying canal views and the city’s historic buildings, you can also try award-winning beers from Texel, an island 100 km north. Haven van Texel is a convenient and tasty stop during sightseeing.

📍 Address: Sint Olofssteeg 11
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 4pm–12am, Fri–Sun 2pm–1am
⏰ Busiest times: 7pm–9pm

5. Schreierstoren – history in every sip

For a hidden gem with history, Schreierstoren is a must. This medieval tower was once part of Amsterdam’s city wall, and legend says women waved goodbye to their husbands here as they left for sea. Today, you can enjoy a cold beer in the same spot, surrounded by centuries of stories.

📍 Address: Prins Hendrikkade
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 10am–1am, Fri–Sun 10am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 6pm–9pm

So where are they located?

To make your life a little easier I made a small map for you of Amsterdam with the terraces of this article. Just look up the number of your favorite terrace and you know how to get there!

From beach vibes at Pllek to canal views at Haven van Texel, terrace hopping in Amsterdam offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer urban spots like Hannekes Boom, relaxed terraces like Café Zurich near Teleport Hotel, or historic locations like Schreierstoren, you’ll always find the perfect place to enjoy a drink.

Besides these examples, there are countless other terraces – Nemo, A’dam Tower, Lion Noir… Just walk around and you’ll see how every restaurant tries to bring summer to the streets. Terrace hopping in Amsterdam is truly the best way to taste Dutch summer!

Beyond the usual sights

20. November 2016/in /by David

Alternative Amsterdam: Off the Beaten Tourist Track

If you are staying at Teleport Hotel, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, museums, coffee shops, and red light district. There is so much to see and do. Get beyond the usual sights!

Even after a few days exploring, you might feel you didn’t see it all. And that’s true! Although Amsterdam is smaller than cities like Paris or Berlin, it offers more than the usual tourist spots. While the classics are great, you really get to know the city once you go off the beaten path. This guide will help make your trip more unique, local, and interesting.

NDSM

NDSM is a former wharf on the other side of the IJ river, behind the central station. Getting there is already an adventure. Free ferries connect the city centre to Amsterdam North. Take the ferry on the left side of the station to reach NDSM in about 10 minutes.

Once there, you’ll see the iconic crane and an old submarine in the water. Since the wharf went bankrupt in 1984, creative people have transformed it. Today, NDSM is full of street art, small workshops, galleries, and cool bars like Noorderlicht, Plekk, and KEBEC.

Ruigoord

Ruigoord is a small artistic village about 8 km from Teleport Hotel. In 1973, squatters turned it into a free haven for artists. Surrounded by greenery, it’s a peaceful place to work and live creatively. The village hosts big art projects and communal events. Many parties and festivals happen in the old church, making it a unique cultural spot.

Westergasfabriek

Westergasfabriek is an old gas factory in Westerpark. It closed in 1967 but was transformed into a popular cultural hub. Here, creativity and innovation thrive. The best way to experience it is by bike or on foot from the hotel, just 3 km away.

You can enjoy a coffee at Espressofabriek, a candy bar at Tony Chocolonely, a sandwich at Bakkerswinkel, or a local beer at Brouwerij Troost. Eat at Pacific Parc, dance, and try old-school arcade games at TonTon club. There is truly something for everyone.

Amsterdamse Bos

Many tourists don’t know Amsterdam has a beautiful forest. Locals walk their dogs, swim, attend concerts, festivals, or go for a run here. Visit the forest’s centre first to get maps of all trails and learn more about the area. Kids will love the educational centre on the second floor.

Other Local Gems

Even in autumn or winter, there are great local spots. Enjoy a drink at Hanneke’s Boom, Café Sound Garden, or Waterkant.

Markets like Albert Cuypstraat, Dapperstraat, and Noordermarkt are perfect for tasting local treats, including stroopwafels or herring.

For an even more local experience, try DinewithDutch, where you can have dinner at a Dutch family’s home. It doesn’t get more authentic than that!

The Street Art of Amsterdam

9. October 2016/in /by David

Discover Amsterdam’s Street Art

Now that the Banksy exhibition has left Amsterdam, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s street art, available year-round and for free. At first glance, Amsterdam might seem to have only a few murals, graffiti, stencils, and stickers. But don’t be fooled — the city is full of hidden treasures. You just need to pay attention, know the hotspots, and keep your eyes open. Let us guide you to the best spots.

Even the Amsterdam Teleport Hotel is a kind of street art object itself, featuring colorful murals and creative details for visitors to enjoy.

The NDSM Wharf

The northern part of Amsterdam is bursting with creative energy. Walk around the NDSM Wharf, and you’ll see stunning graffiti, stencils, old cranes, trams turned into art, metal containers, and huge ship halls. The colors of street art pop against the rusty background. Artists often work right in front of visitors, bringing old walls to life.

Take the free ferry behind Central Station to reach NDSM. On arrival, you’ll be amazed by a gigantic mural of Anne Frank (240 m²), painted by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra. The waterfront and street art here are unforgettable.

Space Invaders in the Jordaan

The Jordaan may seem historic and quiet, but it hides countless charming street art pieces. Look for murals by the London Police, spreading love with their joyful LADS characters.

You can also find Space Invaders mosaics scattered across the neighborhood. Now, you can collect them through the Flash Invaders app, similar to Pokémon. For constantly updated colorful graffiti, don’t miss Marnixstraat.

Spuistraat — Past Glory

Not long ago, Spuistraat hosted countless artworks on squatted buildings in the city center. Creativity felt limitless, and the rebellious vibe filled the air. After the municipality took over De Slang, much of the iconic art disappeared.

However, you can still find brightly painted garage doors, squatted bars with graffiti, and millions of small stencils and stickers along the street. Spuistraat remains worth exploring, but you need to look closely and check side streets.

Schellingwoudebrug — Roots of Street Art

To trace the roots of Amsterdam’s street art, head to Schellingwoudebrug, under the bridge near Flevopark. Take tram 14, and you’ll reach a graffiti paradise at the end of the line. The bridge overlooks the IJ and witnessed the crazy 90s, when street artists from around the world showcased their work in Amsterdam.

Downtown Street Art Map

How about turning your day in Amsterdam into a street art quest? Just use this map to locate the best pieces in town, see how many invaders you can detect and what gallery turns out to be your favorite. Amsterdam’s street art goes way beyond some cool graffiti in the hidden spots, it becomes a trend of the city, worth exhibiting in museums and galleries. Even the local municipality realizes the importance of alternative art for the cultural life, providing the street artists with legal opportunities to create and present their pieces to all the guests to enjoy.