I love The Haarlemmerstraat and its western extension the Haarlemmerdijk. It’s a really cool, fairly long street with lots boutiquey shops and cafes selling everything from independent labels to second-hand clothes; food to interior design and collectables as well as being home to a divine arthouse cinema called The Movies (most films are in English and subtitled so it’s a great tip for a quirky evening out and do grab a bite at their dark and cosy restaurant afterwards).
There’s little point me directing you to my favourite stores and eateries as places come and go here but the vibe remains the same. The further out from the centre you get the more Dutch and less ‘tourist’ you’ll hear so keep going westwards and end up in the Westerpark for a drink if you’ve worked up a sweat.
