teleport Archives - teleporthotel.nl

Blog

Urban Beaches in Amsterdam

3. July 2018/in /by David

Urban Beaches in Amsterdam

Throughout the whole year, Amsterdam offers plenty of attractions – world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and canals with flower-covered bridges. But in summer, there’s something extra special: Urban Beaches in Amsterdam! These city beaches bring a real holiday vibe with festivals, food, drinks, music, and relaxing spots by the water.

1.Roest

Roest, located in the east near Brouwerij ’t IJ, is one of the most popular Urban Beaches in Amsterdam. Set in an old industrial area, it combines a café, bar, and restaurant with a sandy beach and lively events – from parties to cultural gatherings.

2.Strand Zuid

Strand Zuid, just a short metro ride or scenic cycle away, feels cozy and fresh with lanterns and greenery. You’ll find terrace tables by the water, sandy spots for barefoot lounging, and a relaxed vibe perfect for summer days.

3.Dok

Only 13 minutes cycling from Teleport, Dok is another favorite. With palm trees, beach volleyball, and a laid-back atmosphere, it truly feels like a holiday. Events like food festivals make it even more fun.

4.Sloterplas

For swimming, kayaking, yoga, or just relaxing on the grass, Sloterplas is a great option. This lake combines nature, sports, and a sandy beach just 9 minutes from Teleport.

5.Het Stenen Hoofd

Just 5 minutes from Central Station, this small city beach has a casual charm. Order a refreshing lemonade at the café and enjoy the view towards the A’dam Tower and NDSM.

As a non-local I definitely recommend these places for the people who are interested in doing something a bit different on their holiday to Amsterdam. After visiting some museums, I can’t think of anything better than relaxing on an urban beach with good music, tasty food and cold drinks or even enjoying a festival!

On this map you can check out all the places I mentioned and find the most convenient one![:]

Rainy Amsterdam: What to do?

26. December 2016/in /by David

Plan Your Amsterdam City Trip Without Worrying About Rain

Cold and Rainy Amsterdam: What to do? Imagine this: you booked a fun city trip to Amsterdam. Flights are confirmed, and your stay at Amsterdam Teleport Hotel is booked! Now the excitement begins. In the evenings, you sit on the couch, browsing the internet, and check all the places you want to visit. The list of must-see spots can quickly feel overwhelming. There is so much to do and see!

Check the Weather Before You Go

Then you realize one thing: the weather! You add Amsterdam to your favorite weather app. You refresh the page a few times. Can it be true? Every day of your trip will be gray and rainy! Don’t worry. Amsterdam has a mild sea climate with warm winters and cool summers. The city gets around 800mm of rain a year, spread over 184 days. Locals are used to this. Even in the rain, there is so much to do!

Cultural Hotspots Near Teleport Hotel

First, check out Westergasfabriek and De (Food) Hallen, both not far from the hotel. These are popular cultural hotspots with activities all year round. Westergasfabriek has shops, cafés, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, they organize a large indoor fashion, design, and art market once a month. Definitely worth a visit!

If you go a bit further by tram, you reach De Hallen. This former tram depot is now a cultural complex. Here you will find one of Amsterdam’s largest food courts, galleries, and unique shops. Film lovers will enjoy the largest independent cinema in the Netherlands. One hall, Hall 7, is even on the UNESCO heritage list because of its historical art-deco interior.

Activities in the Historic Center

Even in the old city, there is plenty to do in the rain. In the Red Light District, check out TonTon Club, a retro arcade with pinball machines and classic racing and shooting games. After playing, enjoy local beer at Brouwerij de Prael, or for a more touristy experience, visit Brouwerij ’t IJ, located in a classic Dutch windmill.

For a relaxing activity, take a canal cruise. You stay dry and hear interesting historical facts. In winter, you can enjoy a special Amsterdam Light Festival cruise at night

Museums and Cultural Trips

After the cruise, visit one of Amsterdam’s many museums. Get a skip-the-line ticket at the hotel desk and go straight in while others wait outside. Some options include: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Eye Filmmuseum, Nemo Science Museum, Anne Frank House, Tropenmuseum, Hermitage, and Foam Photo Museum.

Fun Indoor Activities

Escape rooms are also perfect for a rainy day. Sherlocked is under the Beurs van Berlage in the city center. Other great options are Claustrophobia and Zombie Escape.

Spots a Bit Further Away

Across the IJ river, behind Amsterdam Central, you’ll find the IJ-hallen, Europe’s largest flea market. Be careful—it only opens once a month. Another great spot is The World of Food in the Bijlmer (Amsterdam Zuidoost). Here you can try dishes from around the world at affordable prices.

Cold and Rainy Amsterdam: What to do? No problem! All in all, there is always something to do in Amsterdam, even when it rains. And if you are still worried, Teleport Hotel provides free umbrellas for guests!

Amsterdam’s Best Gifts

13. December 2016/in /by David

Creative Christmas Gifts from Amsterdam

If you are staying at Teleport Hotel in Amsterdam this Christmas, we have some great gift ideas for you. Instead of the usual Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, tulip bulbs, or Delft blue pottery, why not choose something more creative? Amsterdam has so much to offer for original presents. Here are some of our favorite ideas.

Scratch Maps and Quirky Gifts from By Popular Demand

A scratch map is an original Christmas gift idea. Your friends can scratch the countries they have visited. By Popular Demand also has quirky lamps, funny socks, tote bags with an Amsterdam map, and unique pillows. This shop is full of creative surprises.

Address: Raadhuisstraat 2

Moustache Wax and Special Knives from Concrete Matter

Concrete Matter is a stylish store with gifts for men. You can find whiskey disks, moustache wax, radiometers, or high-quality pocket knives. Any gentleman will appreciate these items. Focus on what your friend likes, and you’ll leave the store with something special.

Address: Haarlemmerdijk 127

Wall Vases and Paper Animals from Store Without a Home

If you want a creative gift for a cozy home, visit Store Without a Home. They offer wall vases, 3D puzzles, story tiles, porcelain monkey masks, and more. The shop is full of interesting shapes and conceptual designs. You might even want to keep something for yourself!

Address: Haarlemmerdijk 26

Gluhwine Chocolate from TONY’s Chocolonely

No Christmas is complete without chocolate. TONY’s Chocolonely offers a 100% slavery-free chocolate bar with a story. This year’s special flavor is milk chocolate with gluhwine. It is delicious and makes a unique gift.

Address: Polonceaukade 20

Coloring Book of Amsterdam at Athenaeum Boekhandel

Coloring books are now popular with adults. A coloring book of Amsterdam is a fun and stress-relieving gift. Your friend can bring the city to life with colors. The book features famous streets and landmarks.

Address: Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1

Colorful Mugs from Blond Amsterdam

Skip the boring mug and choose a bright one from Blond Amsterdam. These mugs show the owner’s personality, profession, or interests. The signature blond girl makes it a fun and memorable gift, perfect for any lady.

Address: Gerard Doustraat 69

[:]

Street art in Wijdesteeg

16. October 2016/in /by David

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.

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.

Amsterdam’s Best Restaurants

3. September 2016/in /by David

Discover the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam

Have you ever walked around the city not knowing which restaurants are worth checking out for lunch or dinner? Nothing is more frustrating than browsing around with an empty stomach, struggling to make a decision. Finding a good place to eat in a new city can be tricky unless you do your research. But don’t worry — we’ve done it for you! Here are 8 top restaurants in Amsterdam that will make both you and your stomach happy.

Upon Arrival

If you’re hungry after your arrival at Teleport Hotel, there’s no need to wait long for a tasty meal. Start your Amsterdam journey with one of the great nearby spots.

Grand Café Hermes

This cozy café is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel and has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor — and for good reason! Try their chicken satay or juicy homemade double burger, both local favorites. Hermes is open only on weekdays, but the good news is that the Teleport reception team can give you a voucher for a free small appetizer.

Bret

What looks like a red container is actually a trendy spot with great food, local beers, and live DJs. They call it an oasis in a concrete jungle, and that’s a perfect description. Stop by for their Nordman beer or organic lemonade, have dinner, or dance until late.

Best Indian Food – Shiva

Enjoy the warm and relaxing atmosphere, great service, and rich Indian flavors. A 3-course dinner for two with drinks costs around €60 — totally worth it. Locals love their butter chicken, tikka masala, naan, and mango lassi.

Best Thai Food – Bird

For real Thai food, head to Bird. Try their small café across the street from the main restaurant — the food is just as authentic, faster, and cheaper. The restaurant itself offers a full dining experience if you prefer a longer evening.

Best Dutch Food – Hap-Hmm

Want to taste traditional Dutch food? Hap-Hmm is the place. Their dishes taste like homemade meals full of love and flavor. They don’t take reservations, so it’s best to come early on weekdays. Everything on the menu is a hit!

Best Belgian Food – Lieve

Located on a beautiful canal, Lieve offers three dining styles: Mom’s Kitchen Table (casual), Belgian Baroque (fine dining), and Mrs. Bubbles (chic and stylish). Each offers delicious Belgian dishes at different price levels.

Best Japanese Food – Kaiko

If sushi is your favorite, this family-run restaurant is a must. It’s one of the most authentic Japanese dining spots in Amsterdam. Prices are higher, but the quality and experience are unmatched.

Best Italian Food – Pazzi

For true Italian pizza, visit Pazzi. With two locations, the one in Jordaan is the most charming. Expect fresh ingredients, perfect dough, and creamy mozzarella straight from the oven.

In the hotel

In case it was a long day for you and you don’t feel for going out to try the best cuisine in Amsterdam, then you can always order food online at Thuisbezorgd or Justeat to Amsterdam Teleport Hotel. Your favorite restaurant doesn’t deliver? Deliveroo will bring you food from any place in the city with no problem! And our team is always happy to help you with making the right decision or order the food for you. Delicious meals will be delivered to your room!

The Symbols of Amsterdam

3. August 2016/in /by David

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.