CO-OP PLACEMENT: Paul de Ruiter Architects (www.paulderuiter.nl)
PDR Architects is a medium-sized firm of about 20 people located in a former industrial neighborhood in southern Amsterdam. The firm’s identity revolves around the keywords innovation, sustainability, and interaction. These themes drive the projects they work on, mainly invited competitions and private villas in The Netherlands and Germany. Their portfolio includes schools, offices, residential and cultural buildings.
FOOD & DRINK
BURGERMEESTER – Huge burgers with great toppings to end a long day of work. Also sounds like “Mayor” in Dutch (burgemeester) – must be the city’s best.
GOUDEN TENT – Small food shop with delicious flavors of hummus, salads, and pitas to go with it all.
PLLEK – Cool shipping container restaurant with great views of the city across the water. Found on the North Amsterdam island away from all the tourists.
CAFE GOLLEM – Drinks after work (with colleagues) is a daily tradition in The Netherlands. Find Gollem’s bar and order the Pauwel Kwak. You won’t be disappointed, at least not with the wild glass it comes in. – Order Gollem’s Precious, just for kicks.
DE PRINS SNACKBAR – Snackbars all over Amsterdam are very popular – for a quick fix of some Dutch fast food, find the one nearest you. De Prins on one of the main squares, Leidseplein, is a common choice.
ROOPRAM ROTI – Roti is a favorite dish in The Netherlands, coming from Indonesia and Suriname when they were Dutch colonies. Any roti place is sure to delight.
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WAFFLES ON REGULIERSBREESTRAAT – In between the Flash Casino and BurgerBar is a small waffle shop. Don’t hesitate to put on the Nutella, fruit, whip cream, and any other sweet sauces.
BBROOD – Bakery and cafe on the North island; great stop if you’re up there.
PLACES TO SEE
MUSEUMPLEIN – Wonderfully simple, open public square with 3 major museums surrounding it (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum). It is filled with people playing sports or just lounging in the summer. Sit for a bit, walk under the cherry blossoms, and check out the museums. 
RED LIGHT DISTRICT – We’ve all heard of it. We’re all curious for a peek. So take a walk on a busy Friday/Saturday night and be surprised!
VONDELPARK – Beautiful, narrow park in the center of the city. Swans love the ponds, with fountains spraying and people sun tanning. Bring a good book and spend an afternoon.
9 STRAATJES – (Translates to 9 streets) It is a small neighborhood right in the center of the city with unique shops selling everything; clothing, books, antiques, gifts, crafts and more. It is just as interesting to walk by and browse.
ARCHITECTURA & NATURA – Amazing architecture (and nature) book store filled with every book you ever wanted to read. Stop by, meet some fellow Dutch architects, and get smart.
IJ HALLEN FLEA MARKET – Two weekends every month, Europe’s largest flea market is held on the North Amsterdam island in two huge warehouses. There is not a single thing you won’t find here. I bought 3 records for €3, and camera lens for €5. Want a real vintage bag or clothing? Come here.
PARADISO CONCERT HALL – Great concert hall holding all the biggest shows in the city – huge mansion with multiple levels.
CHUPITOS – Translates from Spanish to mean “shots”. That’s what you go there for; they have flaming shots, Harry Potter shots, and all the wildest drinks. The club is a tad touristy and plays top 40 songs, but the tiny floor plan forces everyone to get close and comfortable while having fun dancing.
KROLLER-MULLER MUSEUM – It’s outside the city, but if you have a chance to make it there, definitely check it out. Great art museum with a large collection of 19th and 20th century art, as well as a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden open all year round.
SLOTERPARK – Just a great, quiet park in the Western part of the city, surrounding a large lake. Take a good book there, and enjoy the peace.
AMSTERDAMSEBOS – Translates to “Amsterdam Forest”, this park just outside the city center is three times the size of Central Park in New York. You’ll get lost in it but enjoy it too, with forests, lakes, meadows and fields all connected with a system of trails. Definitely a day trip, worthy of a picnic, some sports, and a good book.
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