Amsterdam Arcade Festival by TonTon Club in Westerpark 13-15 March 2015


When in Amsterdam....the number 1 Arcade in town is The TonTon Club. They have made the "old school" arcade "new school". Over 3 days in March the group take the concept  of their resident arcade in the Red Light District to the Westergasterrein in Westerpark. There they will inject the concept with steroids to huge proportions.

The TonTon Club home base in the Red Light District


Image a giant arcade with hundreds of computer games, pinball and air hockey machines in an old Warehouse. Then you add music, food and of course drinks and you have TonTon Club XL.

Best of all entrance is free. If you have the slightest interest in games and are in Amsterdam for 13 - 15 March you must visit Ton Ton XL.


When in Amsterdam....enjoy!
When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Amsterdam 2015



When in Amsterdam...Chinese New Year is celebrated by our Chinese and Asian communities. The celebrations centre on the businesses and the Buddhist Temple on the Zeedijk on the edge of the Red Light District. Fireworks will be lit and Dragon and Lion Dances on show to ward off evil spirits from the old year and usher in the new year..


Celebrations take over from Dam Square through the Red Light District to Zeedijk. At the Bijenkorf on the Dam Square many different activities take place over a two day period. At 7:20pm on Dam Square on 20th February 2015 there will be activities and a speech by the Mayor of Amsterdam.

Don't forget to wear red and have a happy and successful year of the Goat!

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!



When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Free Burgers in Amsterdam this Thursday!!!



When in Amsterdam...has been taken over by upmarket burger places over the last year. Another one is about to be added to the list. However, to open they are going to give away free burgers. Yes, you read it right, FREE BURGERS. Not a normal Dutch strategy, no. This group comes from Belgium via Rotterdam. They are called Ellis Gourmet Burger and the address is Prinsengracht 422.



The Free Burger tasting is on Thursday 19 February from 11:30 until 8pm. Expect madness as free things in this city make people go crazy.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy

Late Rembrandt: Rijksmuseum Exhibition



When in Amsterdam the Rijksmuseum is hosting its first Rembrandt exhibition in 20 years. Late Rembrandt is an exhibition of Rembrandt van Rijn's last twenty years of work.



Over 100 works of paintings, prints and drawings are presented in Late Rembrandt. Rembrandt's last years were marked by tradegy but the works he produced are considered the best of his career. At the age of 60 Rembrandt had become a widower, childless, bankrupt and out of favor in the eyes of Amsterdam's elite.

When in Amsterdam is familiar with Rembrandt. His dark colours, emotion and composition are unmistakable. This exhibition: Late Rembrandt, is striking. Rembrandt's works from this period hold greater emotion. His work is course with limited colour, experimental but with a Master's hand.



Our favorite paintings are Jacob Blessing the sons of Joshep 1965 and the The Jewish Bride. What is impressive is the curation of this exhibition and placing all of the works in one environment. A fantastic exhibition of a Master. A once in a life time opportunity to see all of these works in one place.

The King of the Netherlands opens the exhibition at the Rijksmuseum


The exhibition runs from February 12 to May 17 2015. You are required to by a supplement ticket that is day and time specific. This includes Museum card holders. Children under 18 although free are also required to have a ticket. Book online to avoid long lines.

Local Tip:
Visit the Rembrandt's House Museum the day before visiting this exhibition

Essential information about the Rijksmuseum before visiting.

When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Film locations Amsterdam: Diamonds are Forever James Bond







When in Amsterdam the city has been a location for a number of films. Today we look at James Bond Diamonds are Forever.


In 1971 filming took place in one day on two locations. The first location was the famous Marege Brug, the Skinny Bridge. Here the body of Mrs. Whistler is lifted out of the water as a tourist boat goes past. Overlooking the scene is the characters responsible for the death. In the back of the scene James Bond in his yellow Triumph car arrives in Amsterdam. The bridge and the tourist boats that pass have barely changed over the years.



The second location is the picturesque Reguliersgracht. This canal is normally visited by canal cruises and described as the 7 bridges. At the residence of number 36 and number 34 scenes were shot of Sean Connery's arrival as an under cover diamond smuggler. The residences are still there with only minor changes to the facades.

Amsterdam is famous for diamonds. If you are interested in these precious
stones visit Gassan Diamonds and take the free tour of the polishing and cutting areas.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!







When in Amsterdam... - Blogged

Romance Guide to Amsterdam



Are you in Amsterdam for Valentine's Day in February or making your own special romantic visit? Amsterdam is a romantic city. Here is a list of things to do no matter your budget or the time of year. From free to expensive, good or bad weather, inside or outdoors. If your not sure what to do on with your loved one when in town take a pick of these romantic things to do in Amsterdam. 




Romantic places to Stay

Amsterdam has a range of accommodation to suit your style and budget. Please remember that Amsterdam is a small town and occupancy is limited so organize you accommodation as early as is possible.









Yummy Brunch served with Love

There are a range of places to take you loved one for a special brunch. Greenwoods, famous for their English style brunch and lunch room has two central locations. De Bakkerswinkle is well known for their local baked products and their stores are scattered throughout the city. In the neighbourhood of the Pijp we recommend Little Collins and the Scandinavian Embassy for a stylish brunch option. To the East we advise the Drovers Dog and Beter & Leuk. To the West there is Staring at Jacob and Sugarless.







Go Out and Buy Flowers

Flowers are cheap in Amsterdam due to the world's largest Flower Auction just outside of town. For 5 - 25 euros you will have a beautiful bunch of colour. There is no excuse not to visit you local florist when in Amsterdam.. Why not even take your love one with you and make an outing of buying flowers. Then stroll along the wonderful canals letting your loved one carry their flowers.




Diamonds are Forever

If you have the money or the inclination then diamonds places are prevalent in Amsterdam. Take your special person to Gassan diamonds and take the free tour to see the cutting process and finish. If you have the cash buy a gift that lasts at the the end of the tour.


picture taken from pictomani.com


Take romantic long walk

Day or night Amsterdam is always beautiful. Take a romantic stroll through the 17th century part of Amsterdam. We recommend the Reguliersgracht, Leligracht, Leidsegracht or Amstel for a beautiful walk with your loved one. Take a small picnic for one of our city's wonderful benches.


Couple on Omy Amsterdam City Centre Tour


Take a tour in a small group

Let a guide look after you for a few hours and learn interesting facts and history about the city. It also saves you from negotiating the tiny complicated allyways of Amsterdam. If on a budget take a free tour with 360. If crowds are not your thing. For a more personal experience Omy Amsterdam Tours holds regular tours of 4 people maximum. Your sure to find company with another couple.





Picnic in the park

If the weather is in your favour then a picnic is a great idea. Make an outing of it by visiting one of Amsterdam street markets to buy your goods. The fruit and vegetables is half as cheap as the supermarkets and twice as tasty. The main three street markets run every day except for Sunday. Ten Kate Market for West of town, Albert Cuyp Market for the South  and the Dappermarkt for the East of Amsterdam. Vondelpark, Westerpark, Oosterpark or just the side of a beautiful canal are all great locations on their day.





High Tea

Great High Tea at the Museum of Handbags and Purses, the American Hotel and Gartine. The museum option might seem a bit strange but it is a great option in an historic and eloquent environment.






Lavish Lunch

Blue is a fantastic option for an affordable lunch with a panoramic view. Buffet van Odette has a great canal side location. Gartine does intimate, chic and vintage interior. Finally, Droog does contemporary Dutch design. All have great food.



See a show

If you like going to the movies visit Tuschinski and purchase the lovers seats in the 1920s era main theatre. This cinema shows mostly mainstream Hollywood movies. Do becareful with non-English movies as most movies are subtitled in Dutch and not dubbed.

The Netherlands National Ballet and Opera is always an option and a good excuse to dress up. For those that like to dance check our the live music institutions to take your love one to. Paradiso is best for a romantic evening but be sure to get your tickets well in advance.



Play games in the Red Light District

Hip and happening is the Ton Ton Club. A modern retro arcade with board games, old computer games, pin ball machines and air hockey. Not to mention boutique beer and tasty snacks. This cool place is right in the middle of the red light district. You may want to pop into The Most Vibrating Shop or the Condomerie, both female and couple friendly sex stores in the Red Light District to pick up something for games later on in the evening.


Bubbles and Wines in Amsterdam


Cocktails or Champagne

Amsterdam has a range of cool, classy or laid back places for a romantic drink. Located meters from Dam square but hidden on the alley called Nes, wine and champagne lovers must check out the sleek Bubbles and Wines. If laid back but still chic is your thing next door is Bar Jones has a more affordable range of drinks. It is always good to have a back up plan as the best places are small in Amsterdam and sometimes they can be full. Cocktail bars have proliferated over the last year or so in Amsterdam. Our pick would be NJOY, Door 74 and Vesper Bar


View from Canvas 7


Romantic place with a view

You may not want or need Champagne or a cocktail. These places have great views that are perfect to sit back and sip a coffee, tea or beer and enjoy Amsterdam with that someone special. The rooftop terrace of Canvas 7, Cafe de Jaren, Cafe P 96 has a boat terrace on the canal; Pllek and Wilheimia Dok are in Noord.



Michelin Star Dinner

Amsterdam's Michelin stars have multiplied over the last few years. There are a range of award winning places. Our pick is French cuisine at Ciel Bleu is located on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel. 

Michelin Star not your style? Try Romantic settings at Ponte Arcari for Italian or Belhamel for French. If hip burgers or vegetarian is more to your style check out the corresponding links.


Romantic canal cruise at canal.nl


A Private Boat Tour

The canals of Amsterdam are unique. The wonderful historic centre is one of the best places in the world to show your love. For those that can afford it the best experience is a salon boat.


Regular Canal  Tour

Avoid the big ugly tourist boats in Amsterdam and opt for this affordable option at Friendship boat tours. They provide an open boat and a drink. They partner with a champagne company so you can pay a bit more and buy a glass of bubbles for yourself and your loved one.





Remember in Amsterdam Love comes in Shape and Sizes and we are proud of this fact.





When in Amsterdam ....enjoy!