Squatting – the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied area of land without lawful permission – was common in Amsterdam during the 80s, when a serious lack of housing caused young people to move into abandoned buildings. This movement soon turned into a political movement ‘Amsterdamse krakersbeweging’, as squatters became the target of police violence. …
The once-monthy IJ-Hallen is the biggest flea market in the Netherlands. Situated in two massive former shipping warehouses in Amsterdam-Noord, the market has over 750 stalls run by people from all over the Netherlands. It is a great place to find almost anything; used clothing, shoes, toys, posters, kitchen supplies, lighting, antiques & a whole lot …
Amsterdam can be an expensive city to experience, but with these monthly passes the cities cultural gems have become a lot more accessible. For the cost of one visit, card holders are given unlimited access to countless theatres, museums and concerts in Amsterdam, meaning that none of us have an excuse not to get cultured! The Cineville Card The …
If you’re anything like me, on a Saturday morning you like nothing more then hitting your local cafe, grabbing a small table in the back, and sitting down to a coffee and a copy of the weekend papers. No iPad tablet, no smartphone screen that you have to squint to read, but a physical newspaper that rumples …
A squat covered in my earlier post ‘Squats of Amsterdam : Centrum’ was cleared by police Wednesday evening following an hours-long standoff between the officers on the ground and the squatters. By early afternoon at least eight people were arrested, with 11 more suspects processed by nightfall. Continue reading
Initiative from Student Bikes rental As a student, rent a bike from 15 euros per/month http://www.funamsterdam.com/student-bike-rental/ Continue reading
Visiting Amsterdam? Got a friend coming to stay for a weekend? Hand down the best way to see Amsterdam is on a bike! Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly capital cities in the world, with bike lanes on every street in the city. In 2006, there were about 1,000,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. From young children to the … Continue reading
De Slang De Sland (The Snakehouse) has been squatted since 1983, deriving its name from the brightly painted Snake mural on the facade of the building. The famous mural was designed by Patries van Elsen in 1987, and painted by the residents. Currently there are ten residents in the building, of which nine are creative professionals … Continue reading
Antarctica Antarctica is a squatted social centre in the Bos & Lommer neighborhood of Amsterdam (click here for the location). The building provides housing for a group of people and has become a lively neighborhood centre over the last few years. Antarctica regularly hosts movie, performance, music and food nights (click here for the program). It also offer space to … Continue reading
Bajesdorp Basjesdorp (english: Jailtown) is an ensemble of 7 squatted residential houses who gather together for non-profit initiatives. It’s host to cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, with a particular focus on the Wenckebachweg neighbourhood. Address: Wenckebachweg 12-46 Email: info@bajesdorp.nl Website: http://www.bajesdorp.nl The Valreep The Valreep is a social centre established in 2001. This old run-down Pet Shelter has been turned … Continue reading
Binnenpret Complex 1. Amstelveenseweg 134 OCCII, concertzaal en Kinderpret 2. Eerste Schinkelstraat 14-16 (toegang naar binnenplaats) Amok, ASB, Lag, RPM, Bollox, Farafina, oefenruimtes, ateliers 3. Eerste Schinkelstraat 16 eetcafé MKZ, expositieruimte 4. Schinkelhavenstraat 27 hs – Teatro Munganga ASB (Anarcho-Syndicalist Federation) The ASB is a labor organization composed of local unions fighting for a libertarian (non-hierarchical and non-authoritarian) society. The ASB strives for a society without bosses, and without exploitation. However, … Continue reading
Villa Friekens Villa Friekens is one of the few remaining residential squats in Amsterdam. It’s been squatted since may 2002 with 25 permanent residents. Primarily, the building provides artists an affordable space in which to work, amongst other creative activities. The building was a former factory, warehouse space, and is currently being used as a … Continue reading
Coffee Bru Toping some of Amsterdam’s best coffee lists, Coffee Bru boasts some of the finest coffee east of the Amstel. This beautifully decorated cafe offers a wide variety of coffee roasted by Bocca, as well as their own brand of teas, sandwiches and pastries. Sit at the back by the wall of green plants, … Continue reading
In the Netherlands, Liberation Day (Dutch: Bevrijdingsdag) is celebrated each year on May 5th, to mark the end of the occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. A record 900,000 people attended the Liberation Day festivities around the Netherlands. The Amsterdam concert, which was attended by king Willem-Alexander, queen Máxima, princess Beatrix and former … Continue reading
De Amsterdame. 