Coming to visit us for TEDxAmsterdam? Here’s a different view of the city – from the people who live here
At TedxAmsterdam’s venue in the Stadsschouwburg, you’re already in the heart of Amsterdam, one of the world’s great cities. And if you book with any of the hotels we’ve arranged special deals with, you’ll have easy access to the lesser-known treasures recommended by its inhabitants.
To capture Amsterdam’s watery essence, tattoo-king Henk Schiffmacher suggests taking the ferry over the river Ij to NDSM – a free 15 minute journey that gives you a completely different view of how the city is developing.
Artist and rapper Def P has lived in the west-Amsterdam Jordaan district for 10 years and has created unique paintings of the city while immersed in its creative atmosphere. A visit to Jordaan bars De Blauwe Pan or De Reiger will take you near the Radar gallery, one of many such small locations that showcase the talent of the city.
A walk through the recently UNESCO listed ‘grachtengordel’ (canal-circle) is highly recommended by Amsterdam’s former Mayor Job Cohen. While doing so, look out for the work of street-artist Laser 3.14. Always thought-provoking, his tags leave you pondering.
Former Mayor Job Cohen's top tip for visitors is the 'grachtengordel' (canal circle)
Then head to Nieuwmarkt, a broad square that’s edged with bars and restaurants. Its centrepiece is De Waag, the scene of Rembrandt’s 1632 painting, ‘Anatomy lesson of Nicholaes Tulp’. Nina Siegal, editor of Time Out Amsterdam magazine would probably urge you to give yourself a minute to take in the ancient surroundings and imagine the surgeon in search of the soul.
And if you want an overview of the city, Pim Kops of Amsterdam band De Dijk would always point out the view from the public library, the vantage point of a number of Pim’s fantastic Amsterdam photographs.
Today’s guest blogger David Beckett is writing a book entitled ‘Amsterdam… The Essence’, which captures a unique view of Holland’s capital in the words of the people who influence and live in it. You can find out more at www.TheEssenceOnline.com.
More information on being and staying in Amsterdam can be found om I amsterdam.com.
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