Fashion-forward LUXE editor Valerie van der Meer is relentless in her quest to sidestep the city’s neon-light clichés and distil its deepest style secrets. After sprucing the 4th edition of LUXE Amsterdam, Valerie gets us into the mood for a trip to the canal capital.
Buy the LUXE Amsterdam print guide and enjoy a complimentary 6-month subscription to the constantly updated app – your handy mobile companion with offline maps and a slew of extra perks. ‘Dam fine!
What to Pack
Believe me, pack light. You’ll want to leave plenty of space to top up your organic skincare must-haves at Skins Cosmetics, swoon over stylish sneakers at SOLEbox and top off your look with statement faux fur coats at OU. Boutique Stories.
Read
The collection of books at MENDO is often edited in cooperation with Amsterdam’s influential crowd of tastemakers, photographers and artists – you’ll find design and content come together in inspiring books for keeping and giving. Their latest publication Amsterdam Uncovered is a collection of essays, interviews, places, people and pictures curated by MENDO.
Watch
Subscribe to Cinetree, an amazing team of Amsterdam curators (directors, actors and cabaretiers) with a cult-following, who select 15 movies each month for you to watch.
Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign-language Film Production Turks Fruit is director Paul Verhoeven’s breakthrough into Hollywood and one of the most successful Dutch movies of all time. It portrays a heartbreaking romance between an artist (Rutger Hauer) and a young woman (played by 20-year-old acting student Monique van de Ven).
See
When it comes to theatre, Holland Festival is where it all happens. For some of the city’s best plays, follow International Theater Amsterdam for latest performances.
Swoon
The 3 Wise Men From The East (3WO) are three hospitality guys born in the East of Amsterdam who propelled a once-forgotten nabe Beukenplein into stardom. Their restaurant/bar concepts have become a huge, hip n’ happening success, contributing to Amsterdam’s welcoming, relaxed and fun vibe.
Instagram spots
Order the decorated strawberries at Polaberry and stand on the bridge overlooking the pretty Prinsengracht, or snap up the Christmas tree in the Magna Plaza shopping mall. There is a cute bridge at Groenburgwal / Staalmeestersbrugat the Staalstraat where you have the view of the Zuiderkerk, an iconic canal-backed Amsterdam shot. The bridge itself is beautiful but it’s also a victim of the love-lock craze…
Sounds
I’m a fan of electronic beats – listen to this Monolikset on Soundcloud – yummy! Two golden oldies to get you into the ‘Dam groove are Writer’s Block by Peter Bjorn and John and Infiniment by Jacques Brel. Amsterdam’s pianist Joep Beving makes you shiver with his music.
Flavours
Bitterballs! You can’t visit the city without trying them. There are also plenty of delicious vegan options.
Drink
You must try a G&T with a side of mussels at Mossel & Gin. Pulitzer Bar is the go-to for cocktails in dark, chic surrounds.
Mindfulness spots
Take time out to stroll through the gorgeous Hortus Botanicus. If you’re travelling solo and want to soak up the atmos, meet people and enjoy the groove head to Pllek up North.
Pack light, pack LUXE and uncover the crème of the canal capital.
See Valerie out n’ about in her home city here!
