Neighborhood Staatsliedenbuurt/Frederik Hendrikbuurt
Janny on Staatsliedenbuurt/Frederik Hendrikbuurt
I’ve lived in Westerpark for over forty years—and for 25 years on the car-free, green GWL terrain—and suddenly we had an idea: let’s go on vacation in our own neighborhood. Staying at the charming hotel De Windketel, opposite the famous café-restaurant Amsterdam, where we’ve been regulars since it opened—I even stepped over the threshold heavily pregnant with my youngest daughter. After a wonderful night, we wandered through the neighborhood I know so well but now see with fresh eyes. Coffee at Piet de Gruyter (formerly Tramlijn Begeerte) on the cozy Van Limburg Stirumplein, just steps from Westerparkschool where our daughters attended.
Favorite spots
Walking in Westerpark, once a grey parking lot, now more attractive than Vondelpark thanks to the fully revitalized Westergasfabriek with its enormous gas holder, old coal storage, and purification facilities designed by Isaac Gosschalk—all given cultural purposes. Catch a movie at Het Ketelhuis, eat oysters at Westweelde—delicious, and only 1 euro per piece on Pareldag, the first Sunday of the month. That first Sunday is also the festive Sunday Market, and in summer, of course, ice cream at IJscuypje, strawberry cheesecake if available.
Pick up bread on time at De Bakkerswinkel (the queue is usually quite pleasant) or at bakery Louf, a new branch on the former grounds of popular Avondwinkel. Where something dies, life begins—like their sourdough, which is incredibly tasty. At the end of the afternoon, walk to De Willem in Haarlemmerpoort to enjoy the sun with a glass of fine white wine.
Happy in Westerpark
At every stage of my life, I’ve been simply happy in Westerpark. I’ve briefly thought about moving, but immediately dismissed the idea. Consider this: we not only overlook the Westertoren but also the turret on the apartment block on Van Bossestraat, bombed in WWII and restored only this century.
By bike to Hallie, past my trusted tailor for repairs, and Scala, the food bar and theater, on the site of our old office! Now opposite YamYam, one of the first Italians in the city serving truly delicious dishes. Lunch hops to Hugo de Grootplein—if busy, the farmer’s salad at Albert Heijn is also good—for the best sandwiches in the city at De Osdorper (try the one with grilled sausage and jalapeños), and on birthdays, a strawberry tart from Westerbos.
Staatsliedenbuurt
Staatsliedenbuurt was once a rough district, but Frederik Hendrik’s vision prevailed: a conqueror who brought opposing parties together. It’s not only the tranquility of the park, the wide range of dining options, the green car-free streets, and special architecture—but also within a stone’s throw from the Jordaan with its picturesque streets, Monday and Saturday markets, and of course the best Italian in the city: Toscanini. A day of local “vacation” proves that living and working here makes me feel like I’m on holiday every day.
