I got acquainted with Mezrab the same way I found most of my favourite places in Amsterdam: a friend told me with insistence that "I HAD to go there, I'd absolutely love it", until they eventually took me to the place. The storytelling nights at the Mezrab were everything I'd be hoping to find in a cultural venue, but didn't know existed yet. At the time, a bunch of folks got together in a basement, and sat around a red carpet listening to people telling stories. In the meantime, you could get yourself a bowl of warm hearty soup, a beer, or a cup of tea. Or everything. And get cosy.
Nowadays, the concept is still the same, but the venue is bigger. The soup is still delicious but you have to stand in a long line to get one before the show. Still, the wait is worth it. The Original Storytelling Night, every third Friday of the month, is always packed with people from all walks of life. If you find yourself in Amsterdam in any other week, don't worry, there are storytelling nights in English every Wednesday and Friday. The entrance remains free of charge, but there's a donation jar which pays the rent. Mezrab is such a gem that you almost don't want to spread the word about it. But you do, because, after all, you can't be greedy about special places where community is the soul of it all.
Find your way with 153 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Bar Babar is a wine bar on the bright Utrechstsestraat in Amsterdam, serving natural wines and carefully selected bites (the bread they have is yummyyyy).
by
"Uncommon" in Amsterdam is a café that's so aesthetically pleasing it hurts. 'Good coffee is for good people', they say...
by
The old neighborhood of Transvaalbuurt in Amsterdam is full of impressive, massive street art murals. Makes you stop your bike to take a pic...
by
"Local Dealer" in Amsterdam deals in addictive, authentic Mexican food! My favorite dishes? The tacos with fermented pineapple or the chicken stew...
by
At "The Upside Down" in Amsterdam, your world is quite literally turned upside down! But here you can also learn a thing or two about the Dutch - win win!
by
When exploring Amsterdam's famous canal belt, make sure to visit the art nouveau "City Archives", the most extensive municipal archives in the world!
by
"Pompet" in Amsterdam Noord, with its bright furniture, jeu de boules area & outdoor bar with the the enormous croissant, gives new life to Floradorp...
by
"Eiburgh Snacks" makes the best, extra-crispy fries in Amsterdam, hands down. What makes them so great? Just take a peek inside the next container!
by
"Local Hero" is a spot in Amsterdam West that offers an all-day brunch menu! What can be better than that? Forget getting brunch just at 11:00...
by
"Bar Oldenhof" is an old-fashioned, hidden, intimate, high-end cocktail bar located right in the trendy Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam...
by
"Cafe de Klepel" is a French bistro in Amsterdam that offers a large selection of wines by the glass. I love its front terrace on a small, vibrant street!
by
"Zuiderziel" in Amsterdam is a shop with a great selection of home decoration items, flowers, artistic jewelry and more. I can't resist buying something!
by
153 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 153 Insider Tips