Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXIII

2 3 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Another recent transformation that is well worth seeing is on the Amsterdam Noord waterfront. Cinema fans should visit the EYE FilmMuseum. Located over the water from Centraal Station, the building is hard to miss as it looks like a giant white sculpture, with the impression and angles changing depending on your viewpoint. The EYE is sure to have some interesting film screenings and exhibitions running on its four cinemas, as well as up-to-date blockbusters and an archive of nearly 40,000 films. The shop has some great film-themed gifts, such as James Bond masks, and the terrace has a great view of the river rolling by. Water is an almost ever-present feature in the Dutch capital and you can’t really get away from it, so it’s fortunate that the Dutch are particularly skilled at creating innovative areas where the water enhances the environment. The NDSM wharf is a fine example of this. An old shipyard, rusting trams and an abandoned crane, which are now lived in (the crane must be the smallest hotel in Amsterdam, with three rooms forming the Faralda Hotel), and another hotel constructed from a few tall ships and a lightship, playfully named Botel, all comprise the industrial waterfront and it’s now a base for the likes of Red Bull and MTV. In the same area is Kunststad, or Art City, which is home to over 200 artists and designers and worth checking out. When all the exploring has worked up an appetite, visit Tolhuistuin – the former Shell worker’s canteen, from when the oil company occupied the whole Overhoeks zone for 70 years until 2011. Tolhuistuin, or Tollhouse Garden, is a trendy event space and with a concert hall, gallery and restaurant. The Pllek and IJ-Kantine restaurants are also good options, as is the cavernous Noorderlicht café, which is a hotspot in the summer months due to its al fresco DJs and live music. Whether it’s the brand new hip and happening side of the city, or the side which is steeped in beautifully preserved history, Amsterdamhas great appeal for even the most seasoned travellers. The beautiful Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria The Waldorf Astoria is renowned for it's impeccable taste