Arcade Japanese Style: TonTon Club in Amsterdam West

When in Amsterdam...arcades and games are popular. In Amsterdam's Westerpark (Western Park) you will find the second edition of the successful TonTon Club.

Established in 2013, the TonTon club was part of the revitalization of Amsterdam's Red Light District. The TonTon Club is an old fashioned 80s/90s American style arcade made new. The concept of old computer games, board games, American craft beer and hot dogs was an immediate hit.

The venture transformed what was a seedy sex paraphernalia store and peep show into a den of hip. TonTon attracted young Amsterdammers to the infamous touristy neighborhood.

Today, TonTon red light  is busy in the evenings. It provides a central location where you can meet, have a game and a drink before heading off to your next location.

Take 2! TonTon Japanese Style

The success of TonTon Red Light led to a quest for a second location. Space was found in the old Gas factory of Amsterdam's western industrial area that closed down in the late 1960s.

Since regeneration in the mid 1990s the former gas works has been a hub of creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. Today it is known as the Westergasfabriek (Western Gas Factory) located in the Westerpark (Western Park) of Amsterdam.


The new location demanded a new theme and style chosen was crazy Japanese.This was a logical choice. For many decades the Japanese were the center of the global gaming industry. Japanese companies such as Nintendo, Sony and Sega are house hold brands today. They created the classic characters of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Mario Brothers and Zelda.

TonTon Japanese has the classics but also notable Japanese exports of the late 90s and early 2000s. Think Dance Dance Revolution, Pop n Music and Flip the Table. The larger space equates to more games and a commercial kitchen and bar.

kellysiewcooks.com

The bar is a work in progress but food wise the Japanese crazy continues. Japanese/American fusion is the style. Ramen burger and Ramen and brisket are two dishes that you must sample when visiting. Although the bar is not completed at the time of writing milkshake alcoholic drinks are planned.

If you are in Amsterdam and have children or you are a child at heart visit either locations for guaranteed fun.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

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.

• 5 Star; Our picks would be the new Waldorf Astoria, The Hotel de L'Europe, The Pulitzer, the Dylan and the Intercontinental (locally referred to as the Amstel Hotel).
• Boutique: Hotel V or the Toren
• Rent and apartment through Air BnB
• Rent a House Boat
• Affordable and stylish is the Volkshotel that has jacuzzies on the roof for guests only.

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!

Art in Amsterdam's Red Light District

When in Amsterdam....the Red Light District hosts an Art Fair once a year. AIR (Art in the Red Light) is now in its 8th year. Contemporary Art, Photography and Jewelry go on display in the Old Church of Amsterdam.

AIR has been at the forefront to diversify Amsterdam's notorious Red Light District. The exhibition is displayed in the Gothic church in the middle of the district. This year the exhibition extends to the windows of the Church's outbuildings.

Installation by Jompet Kuswidanato  

59 local and international Artists are on display. Local artists include product designer Marjan van Aubel, landscape photographer and Amsterdam resident Wouter van Buuren and jeweler to the celebrities Otazu. International guests include acclaimed Indonesian visual artist Jompet Kuswidanato, Icelander and instillation artist Thorvaldur Thorsteinsson, and video, performance London artist Alexis Milne winner of the Start Point Prize.

Installation by Razia Barsatie

By Midas Zwaan

Printed Glass by Deborah Roffel

Paintings by Thorvaldur Thorsteinsson

By Tjalling Visser

In addition that all the art pieces are for sale each Artist provides a piece for auction. This auction is held towards the end of the exhibition. Part of the proceeds go to charity. AIR is supports Orange Babies, an organization that assist those suffering  AIDS in Africa.

The AIR exhibition runs 20 -23 September at the Old Church in Amsterdam.

The exhibition is free with admission. Those with an IAmsterdam Card or a Museum Card entrance is free.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Raging Bitch: Beer of the Week at Cafe Batavia 1920

When in Amsterdam.... drink a Raging Bitch. Beer of the week at Cafe Batavia 1920 is a Belgian style Indian Pale Ale. On pouring there was a lovely white head. The first sip was immediately full of hops but then changed to flavors of citrus, apples and grapefruit.

Raging Bitch at Cafe Batavia 1920

 For those that like gin and tonics this is a beer for you. The Raging Bitch was easy to drink. After having two Bitchs the evening was kicked off in a great fashion.

When in Amsterdam.....drink an Indian Pale Ale.

For more Batavia Beers of the Week:
- Affligem Dubbel
- Maredsous Blonde
- Barbar
- Delirium Nocturnum 
- Golden Dragon

Here is a list of beer things to do like brewery and beer tours in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam's Cafe Batavia 1920 Beer of the Week: Maredsous Blonde

When in Amsterdam....drink a beer that is not pilsner. Happy Queen's Day Weekend everyone. Amsterdam  is set for a long weekend of celebration. Therefore we need a beer that is not to heavy, a beer that is different to earlier weeks. This week's beer is to help you enjoy the freshness and excitement of Spring and the Amsterdam party atmosphere.

With the help of Cafe Batavia 1920 the beer of the week is Maredsous Blonde 6 Ale.

This was the first beer to be produced by the Benedictine Abbey of Maredsous in Denee, Belgium. This Blonde 6 is now brewed by the well renowned Duvel Moortgat Brewery.

On pouring the Maredsous Blonde there was a large sticky head with wheat citrus aroma. The taste is a little tart to start with a dry finish. Citrus, spice, fruit and biscuit flavors burst through and disappear on the palate. The 6 stands for 6% alcohol. This 6 is an easy to drink blonde Belgium beer.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy Queen's Weekend!

28 years ago Famous Sex Theatre Burns Down

On 16 December 1983 the famous sex theatre, which had opened in 1969, the Casa Rosso burned down. The theatre is famous for showing live sex acts performed on stage. The fire was started by a disgruntled former employee Joseph Lan at the former location of 92-100 Oudezids Achterburgwal. He poured petrol through the building and then reportedly lite it with gun. Lan was eventually arrested and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. Click on the link to see the crowds watch the fire be put out.

ANP Historisch Archief

The owner of the Casa Rosso, Zwarte Jopie (original name Maurits De Vries)  wanted to leave the business and Amsterdam after the fire. The City authorities thought drug dealers from the nearby Zeedijk would take over the place. Jopie was encouraged to rebuild and moved the location of the theatre to its current spot 50 metres up the canal.

A memorial was built to remember the victims of the fire and stand there to this day.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Sex Workers storm Amsterdam's International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA)

Amsterdam is a busy place all year round. November is no different. As the clocks change time, the weather drops in temperature and the trees lose their leaves, Amsterdammers scramble to get building projects finished before winter and the film buffs take over down town Amsterdam.

It is the month of IDFA: Amsterdam's International Documentary Film Festival. When in Amsterdam has been attending a two week festival in its 24th year and the largest of its kind in the world. Over 300 documentaries are screened attracting 200 000 visits and around 2600 international visitors.

The city and especially the Rembrandtplein (square) area is crawling with industry people and film fanatics. Talking, selling, networking or just enjoying, you can't get away from the enthusiasm for documentaries in November. As the festival comes to an end it is time to tell you the stars and the prize winners this year.

This year the talk and especially the Dutch chatter has been about Amsterdammers, the Fokkens. Two sweet old Amsterdam ladies in grey knit sweaters identical twin sisters Martine and Louise.

At the age of 69 they have been working in Amsterdam's famed Red Light District for 50 years. One of the sisters still works while the other does not because of problems with her hips. A Documentary Meet the Fokkens about their lives and adventures premiered this year. In time for Christmas the imaginative sisters have also released a book about their lives.

There has been no better example of Dutch honesty then to watch and hear the Fokkens on the television and radio talk show circuit over the past two weeks. Click on the link of an interview with the sisters by the National Broadcaster with English subtitles to watch the women talk about their profession.


With over 300 titles and many events and exhibitions running paralel to IDFA it is hard to list favorites. Below is a list of this years prize winners.


Prize Winners:


Best Feature Length Documentary:
Planet of the Snail (South Korea) is a story of a deaf and blind man and his beloved.

Special Jury Mention and the Audience Award:
5 Broken Cameras (Palastine/France/Netherlands) tells the story of a Palastinian village dealing with Jewish settlement and encroachment over a period of 5 years.

IDFA Award for Best Mid-Length Documentary:
Montenegro (Argentina) is about the hermit life of a man and a dog on a quiet island.

Dutch Cultural Media Fun Documentary Prize:
Floating Bodies (Netherlands) about an unidentified corps

IDFA Award for 1st Appearance: The Vanishing Spring Light (China/Canada) life of West Street citizens in Dujiangyan City.

Best Music Documentary Prize (inaugural):
Last Days Here about the crack cocaine addicted front man Bobby Liebling

Best Green Screen Documentary
Bitter Seeds about why an Indian farmer commits suicide every 30 minutes.

Student Award for Documentary
The Betrayal (England/Norway) making mistakes in the world of Norwegian squatters and seeking forgiveness.

Blackberry sponsored Youth Award
Last Days of Winter (Iran) is a portrait about the lives of 7 Iranian boys in a youth detention center.

For more information visit the Film Festival's page:
IDFA

All-time Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam: a critical look

When in Amsterdam has realised that every website associated with Amsterdam travel has a top list of things to do in this city. Some websites only have Top 5 or 10 lists.

When in Amsterdam could provide our own list but honestly there is no Top 10 list. Waking up in Amsterdam the list changes day to day because of mood, weather and the place in question.

So we are going to give you the All-time Top 10 list of things to do in Amsterdam (updated November 2015).

Our approach is simple: 

• Collation
• 100 web pages were analysed.
• Search Terms were “top things to do in Amsterdam”, ‘top 10 things in Amsterdam’
• To qualify the page needed to have in its title top things to do in Amsterdam. For Example: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam.

We collated the results then ran a critical look at the list to provide you with an alternative.

Counting down from 10 to 1.



Timmer's Flowers and Plants: Amsterdam Floating Flower Martket
photo: Sonia Hermosin

10. Amsterdam’s Famous Floating Flower Market

The last market in Amsterdam still on the water. A wonderful place for colour and it is central. The Dutch are famous for cut flowers and bulbs. The 1637 stock market meltdown because of speculation on tulip bulbs made the Dutch synonymous with the Turkish flower.

Critical look:

• The market has no educational aspect at all.
• The market is not really floating.
• A retail market servicing mostly tourists from Europe.
•  Custom’s regulations restrict other visitors from taking back bulbs to their countries.
• It is worth a look if in the area especially for the Timmer's family stall famous for their quality cut flowers and plants.

Alternative:

•  Alsmeer Flower Market: An hour by bus outside Amsterdam it is the World’s largest flower market and the world’s 4^th largest building. You can’t help but learn on the self-guided tour.

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9. Vondel Park

Named after the famous 17 century poet and playwright Vondel it is Amsterdam’s central park. The park was created in 1864 after Victorian England made such gardens popular. It has a Picasso sculpture, wonderful bike paths, the film museum and a theater.

Vondel Park, Amsterdam

Critical look:

• As is commonly reported Vondel Park receives 10 million visitors a year. 
• On a sunny day finding a quiet spot in Vondel Park is not possible.
• The smell in parts also demonstrates the lack of toilet facilities. This has been added to over the last few years.(thanks to comments section)
• The high numbers of visitors and its central location, the park attracts people that want to be noticed. Unsocial behaviour and drunkenness does occur at the end of a hot day.

Alternative:

• Westerpark is central and large like Vondel Park. The east-west layout results in more sunshine hours, if you are lucky to get a sunny day in Amsterdam. Large range of bars, eateries and toilets.

8. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market

With over 220 stalls and situated within the old Latin Quarter of Amsterdam, the Albert Cuyp market is the largest street market in the Netherlands and professes to be one of the largest daily markets in Europe. Named after the 17^th century painter the market has operated since 1905.

Critical look:

• It is not the most affordable of Amsterdam street markets.
• Expensive nature means working class Amsterdammers go to other street markets.

Alternative:

• Dappermart: cheaper, more rustic, fewer tourists, rated top 10 shopping streets in the world by National Geographic 2007.
• The new Foodhallen opened in late October 2014. Indoor food market similar to New York's Chelsea Market. Great for a meal and indoor activity.

7. Ride a bike

With an estimated 600 000 to 1 million bicycles circulating in Amsterdam, the city is one of the bike capitals of the world. The compact and flat nature of the city makes biking a fast and affordable travel option in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam bike

Critical look:

• Most anger from locals towards visitors is about biking or walking in bike paths. 
• Many Amsterdammers believe that visitors should take a test before being allowed to rent or ride a bike in Amsterdam.
• Riding a bike in Amsterdam City Centre traffic is not for beginners.

Alternative:

• Walk smaller areas and take Amsterdam trams in between – bike riders don’t mess with trams.
• Take a guided walking tour of Amsterdam's Old City Centre  with a private, small or larger group tours. 
• Take a countryside bike tour or a neighbourhood bike tour and enjoy Amsterdam with good bike paths. Dutch biking the way it is supposed to be, enjoyable.

6. Heineken Experience

The second or third largest beer maker in the world depending with whom you talk started in Amsterdam. The old brewery has a tour called the Heineken Experience.

Heineken Experience, Amsterdam

Critical look:

• They have not made beer in this brewery since the 1980s.
• The tour concentrates on the advertising and marketing power of this international brand.
• The tour only includes two half pints of Heineken. Trying to make friends with people who don't like beer on a brewery tour. Just to savour more of the product is a thirsty persons dilemma.

Alternative:

• Spending the price of entrance to the Heineken Experience at one of Amsterdam’s active micro-breweries or quality beer bars will result in more beer. 
• Amsterdam’s micro-brewery scene is building: Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Prael, De Bekeerde Zuster (the twisted sister) are well worth visit for beer lovers. Some Breweries conduct tours for groups and or individuals.
• There are beer tours as well as pub and club crawls for the young.

5. Canal Tour

Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North. Even though the canals do not smell and the canals are not deep like Venice 20% of Amsterdam's surface is water. With over 100 kilometers of canals, around 90 islands and 1500 bridges traveling by water is a great way to see the city.

Critical look:

• Few Amsterdammers use their canals.
• There are three main canal tour companies in Amsterdam. They run tours that are similar with recorded messages, and their boats have no historic relevance to Amsterdam.

Local Boating Experience, Amsterdam

Alternative:

• Find a local Amsterdammer with a boat. Finding a local boat cruise is easier to find when the weather is good. Inquire with other tour providers you may use. Amsterdammers' have a network of boat operators in the city. 
• Visit Het Grachtenhuis (Canal House Museum) learn how Amsterdam's world heritage listed canals were created.
• Rent your own boat and captain yourself. Sleopdelen, Boaty. Becareful, when the weather is good on a weekend, out come the party boats.

4. Red Light District
Situated in the oldest part of Amsterdam this area provides an eclectic mix of sex shops, brothels, coffeeshops, hotels, gay bars and around 300 red light windows. Since 2000 Amsterdam legalised sex workers. The Red Light District is the main centre of this industry in Amsterdam.

Critical look:

• There is more to Amsterdam than the Red Light District. The area is often full of young men peering at the scantly clad women.
• On weekends the neighbourhood can be over loaded with travelling parties of men and women. Exciting for early evening walk.

Alternative: 

• Take a guided walking tour of the Red Light District. The area is the oldest in town and full of hidden secrets. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way compared to peering into the bewitching red lights.
• Go during the day and see the shopping, art and history side of the area.

3. Rijksmuseum

The greatest collection of Dutch art and history in the Netherlands. Normally ranked in the top 20 of museums in the world. The Rijksmuseum was under construction between 2003 and 2013. The masterpieces are layed out in a new style with focus still on the grand hallway of Masters. Classics by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Vermeer are well represented.  

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Alternative:

• Rembrandt House: Comparable there are no crowds and you can see what sort of bed the old master Rembrandt slept in and toilet he used. Also the largest collection of Rembrandt etchings in the world.
• For practile information on how to avoid the queues of the Rijksmuseum and not be disappointed read this blog. Rijksmuseum Critics: What you need to know before you visit.

2. Van Gogh Museum
The expressionist painter was famed for his rough style, sharp colours and considered a trail blazer for modern art. This museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings under one roof and tells the story of the man from child hood to his end at 37 years old.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Critical look:

• Van Gogh did not spend a lot of his life in the Netherlands.
• His fame has only come about through Van Gogh's influence on 20th century art.
• Expect large lines.

Alternative:

• Pre-purchase your tickets at the tourist information centre at the front of Central Station. Go late to avoid the crowds. 
• On Friday night the museum is open to 10pm with a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
• Go on a day trip to Kroller Muller Museum to experience the largest private collection.

1. Anne Frank Museum
The location of the Jewish Frank family hiding place during WWII. Teenage Anne documented her experience from the annex of this Amsterdam house during Nazi occupation. The book has become one of the world's most widely read. This popularity accounts for approximately 1 million visitors a year to this museum.

Anne Frank House Museum, Amsterdam.

Critical Look:

• For a small museum there are a lot of people at certain times. 
• The museum has a difficult job balancing the broader context of the period.
• It is more of a pilgrimage than a museum.

Alternative:

• Avoid the long lines and buy on line. Go late in the evening or arrive early before it opens and the school groups arrive. 
• Resistance museum provides you with a greater snap shot of World War II in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Rated one of the best museums in the Netherlands don't expect long lines here maybe just a school group now and then.
• The Jewish Historical Museum provides detail on the Jewish community's influence on Amsterdam through the centuries. Ticket to this museum includes entrance to the Portuguese Synagoge and nearby Deportation centre.  

Overview of Amsterdam's Top 10 Things to Do:

• The 'Big 3' as the industry calls them, fill out the top three. 
• Sex, alcohol and boats are four, five and six. 
• Bikes, markets, parks and flowers round out the list. 

Quite a range for a small city of less than 1 million people. Have you got a suggestion? Let us know what you enjoyed in Amsterdam.

For more things to do check out the following:

November in Amsterdam

December in Amsterdam: What to do

Top Things to do in Amsterdam: Winter

A Lovers' Guide to Amsterdam: things to do

Amsterdam Top 10 things to Eat: a critical approach

Things to do in Amsterdam: Local tips from Famous Amsterdammers

Overcoming the biggest problems for Visitors to Amsterdam

All Time Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam for Teenagers: A critical approach

If you are bringing a teenager who reads books click here

When in Amsterdam.....enjoy!