Amsterdam: The 11 most beautiful hotspots between artsy aesthetics and studios

Let yourself drift in the Venice of the North and discover new things with relaxed energy. The canal city is currently experiencing a revival and is becoming a playground for new creativity. From art to fashionshowsAmsterdamnew facets and, with its size, makes it a place of new creative intimacy. We show theminteresting spotsfrom the current Light Festival, studio visits and culinary islands in the city.

Light and art: The “Amsterdam Light Festival” from November 8, 2024 to January 19, 2025 has been an annual tradition for twelve years, lighting up the city in the dark months. This year the festival is themed “Rituals” and is special as it coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. The city and its residents celebrate this unique spirit for a year. Rituals accompany us through changes, and light plays a central role as a symbol of joy and life. It gives rituals something mystical and brings people together. That's why the anniversary is being celebrated with 27 unique light works of art - created by artists from all over the world.

Gallery and Studio Space: The artist Anouk Hart staged a fashion and art shoot for the Elle November issue and for the moon motif in Elle Spirit. Studio Hart is an inspiring studio and contemporary gallery in Amsterdam's Art District. A place where the eye travels, the imagination is stimulated and where you feel comfortable. If you are interested in fashion prints in art subjects, you have come to the right place. Only with personal appointments.

Sleek and modern, but still steeped in history: The Barbizon Palace was renovated as a listed building, one of the first buildings near Centraal Station. From the upper floors you can enjoy a view of the city center. In the hall, fringed chandeliers give off a modern, retro vibe. For secret accomplices: St. Olof's Chapel is connected to the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace by an underground corridor and is an extraordinary place with its church-like high windows for a meeting, dinner or exhibition. The St. Olof Chapel was built in the 15th century, making it the oldest chapel in Amsterdam city center. A modern palace as a central starting point for the city trip.

Sensual Tailoring: Max Zara uses dance to embody the beauty and intensity of fashion. Dance is a central element in her work and in the design process. Max Zara is about movement, the feeling on the body and the emotional connection that clothing creates. A highlight of Amsterdam Fashion Week! Private studio appointments can be booked via the website.

Haute Couture meets Ready-to-Wear: Tess van Zalinge's uniquely feminine and modern design combines Haute Couture with Ready-to-Wear and celebrates Dutch heritage and local design culture with functional sensuality. She maintains a perfect network and works with various brands on sustainable projects. Particularly notable is her exclusive haute couture collection made from recycled Nortvi pieces, which was presented at Copenhagen and Amsterdam Fashion Week. Poetic recycling as a new philosophy!

Beautiful Sustain: Nortvi attaches great importance to high quality and great design and sees suitcases as a stylish extension of the outfit. It's their mission to design luggage that lasts a lifetime and to use as many environmentally friendly materials as possible in the manufacturing process. The first luggage brand ever to implement a sustainable and innovative recycling process. Sustainable materials can be so beautifully designed!

Intimate, individual and super charming: The young Velor team focuses on a mix of Dutch and international brands and design. Eye-catchers: the perfumes from the Swedish brand Stora Skuggan with their artsy bottles and the Dutch label Róhe with its androgynous tailoring designs. Come over for a creative chat!

Holistic coffee bar: Uncommon and Instil Collective have collaborated to create a new space that goes beyond pure aesthetics and focuses on the impact of environments on well-being. By integrating psychology, ancient knowledge and modern innovation, the team, together with neuroscientists, has revitalized this knowledge. The result is a sensually designed space that invites communication and grounds all the senses. A place that feels and tastes as good as it looks!

The hottest Orange export of luxury bags: Clear in function yet sophisticated in form, Eliza Wandler combines a fresh approach to femininity with an intelligent use of color while remaining true to her Dutch DNA. Eliza Wandler founded her eponymous brand at the end of 2017. Find your perfect color and shape. For sale in the central luxury department store De Bijenkorf.

Dam 1, De Bijenkorf Department Store, Amsterdam,wandler.com

The test track for all senses with Art Deco meets laboratory: One of the most beautiful stores of the Australian brand Aesop is located in Amsterdam, the interior was designed by Studio Valentin Loellmann. The 17th century building speaks a geometric language of ovals and lines and is located in a former candy shop. The most stylish version of a pharmacist brand. On to the hand washing ritual!

The name Nela means “pure”: this is reflected in the gastronomy, with the best ingredients, straight from the source, and a design made from natural materials. The design is by Studio Framework in the new building The Valley. Organic interiors and abstract outdoors are an absolute must for design fans!