Design Guide to Winter Amsterdam

Winter Amsterdam is just as beautiful as summer. Where to go, where to have dinner and what to bring back from the trip, we learned from designer Olga Shapovalova.

Olga Shapovalova is an interior design expert, graduate of the school "Details", founder of O-DECO studio.

Where to stay?

In the Sir Albert hotel! It is located just 600 meters from the Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

I love how extravagant furniture by Dutch designers, color patterns in natural wood tones, black, white and grey shades, modern works of art together create a timeless interior feeling.

What to see with your own eyes?

Silodam – a colorful residential building, built on top of a dam in the IJ river area, designed by MVRDV.

The building rises above the water and visually resembles a stack of shipping containers. You can approach the house both on foot and by boat.

The best way to get to know Amsterdam?

By boat! In my opinion, it is the best way to discover the unique history and modern architecture of the city from an unusual angle.

Where to go?

To the EYE Film Institute – a project of the architectural firm Delugan Meissel Associated.

The museum stands right by the water, making its open terraces and lobby excellent panoramic spots. The white facades of the building refer to the white cinema screens. The complex shape alludes to "multiple viewpoints", defining film art. The Netherlands Film Institute EYE is open seven days a week.

Where to go shopping?

&klevering amsterdam – a store for designer home accessories. "Dutch design with a twist" is how the company positions itself. It alternates modern items with classical pieces, giving them a new look.

Where to have coffee?

Bar Botanique, designed by Studio Modijefsky. If you miss the summer atmosphere, definitely visit this place! It's the right spot!

Where to have dinner?

I recommend Seafood Bar. The first bar was opened in 2012 by Fons de Visser, who previously spent 27 years trading fish. Now there are three such restaurants in Amsterdam – choose the one closest to you.

What to pass by without missing?

Dam Square – one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam. The square is located in the city center, right opposite the Central Railway Station. On one side – the Royal Palace, on the other – the National Monument, a conical column 22 meters high symbolizing the sacrifices of World War II. Deep underground – remnants of the old dam, through which the Amstel River flowed.

What to photograph?

The Skinny Bridge, or the Dutch Magere Brug – a narrow bridge across the Amstel River. You can cross it only on foot or by bicycle. In the evening, the bridge is illuminated with small spotlights and it's the best time for your photos.

By the way, in winter, when it's bitterly cold and the river freezes, Amsterdam residents even skate here.

Another beautiful and safe skating rink is on Museumplein! During the week, it operates until 21:00, and on weekends – until 22:00.

What to bring back from the trip?

Visit Menno Kroon Amsterdam – the best flower shop in Amsterdam. During winter holidays, you can find unusual Christmas ornaments here. For example, champagne bottles, large glass mushrooms or coffee cups with Amsterdam symbols.

Also read:

• Top spots in Amsterdam: city through the eyes of a designer
  
• Preparing for New Year: how Olga Shapovalova does it
  
• Interior of the Week: how to create a "historical" apartment in a new building