Meet the artist

Alewijn Don, also known as Don Drawings, is an Amsterdam-born, self-taught artist and conceptual designer. He studied art history and history, and the spark came while he was working at an art auction house, surrounded every day by 20th-century works.

His style draws on the constructivist movements of the early 20th century – Suprematism, De Stijl, Cubism, and Bauhaus – stripped back to line, shape, and colour. He often sets his work in second-hand frames, pairing sharp geometry with old-world charm.

For Bob W Noord, Don created more than 200 pieces inspired by the neighbourhood and the building’s rugged architecture. If you’re staying with us, you’re already living with his work.

Artwork by Don Drawings at Bob W Noord

If you only have 24 hours in this city, I would just skip the museums and touristy stuff, since the queues could take up too much of your time.

Morning: breakfast and the market in De Pijp

Instead, start the day at De Wasserette and get a nice breakfast there. They have a good breakfast menu and you’ll begin your day in a lively area of the city: De Pijp. After that, you could stroll along the Albert Cuyp market (named after the famous 17th-century painter), and get a good idea of what Amsterdammers are about: always chasing a bargain…

Midday: lunch in the Nine Streets

Then, I’d go through the Vondelpark (named after the famous 17th-century poet) and stop at the Negen Straatjes. This area, between the canal belt and the Jordaan, is well known for its boutique (art) shops, trendy bars, and restaurants.

For lunch, stop at Sous on the Wolvenstraat, right in the centre of the Negen Straatjes.

Plantage and Kriterion / Photos by: Helen Killandi

Afternoon: art, plants, or a film

After lunch it’s time to walk around the canals in the centre. You could visit OODE gallery, or go to the Hortus Botanicus. I love that place, probably because I’ve been going there since I was born (I grew up around the corner). It’s a peaceful haven in this pretty hectic city. While you’re there, walk around the Plantagebuurt area as well.

If you’re not an outdoorsy person, go to Kriterion for a coffee and catch a cult film there. I’m jealous – this was my favourite cinema when I lived in that part of the city.

Artwork by Don Drawings at Bob W Noord

Evening: dinner at Klein Breda

Now it’s time for dinner: go to restaurant Klein Breda. Although this restaurant carries the name of a town in the southern part of the Netherlands, it still feels typically “Amsterdams”. The interior is well arranged and in a way trendy and modern, but also a bit majestic. And the menu there is always good!

A’DAM Tower and the IJ / Photos by: Helen Killandi

Night: dancing in Noord

After dinner, go clubbing! Amsterdam has a lot to offer in this field as well. Out of all the options, I would recommend going to Shelter, located below the large A’DAM Tower on the banks of 'Noord'. Not only is their line-up always spot-on, it’s also on the way to Bob W Noord, so you could walk home from there.

Shelter is dark, obscure, and thrilling at the same time: go dance the night away. If you’re early you could maybe catch a party in the tower as well: it’s on one of the top floors and you’ll be able to have a terrific view of Amsterdam while you’re on the dancefloor!

Getting there: the free F3 ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal crosses to Noord in about two minutes, day and night.

Whether you’re in Amsterdam for a night or a month, stay like a local with us in Noord or Oosterpark.

Bob W Amsterdam Noord Papaverhof 71 Just across the IJ, where you’ll sleep among more than 200 of Don’s artworks. Shelter is on your way home.

Bob W Amsterdam Oosterpark Middenweg 2–6 A former courthouse in Amsterdam Oost, a short tram ride from the Plantage, where Don grew up.

Every stay comes with local gym access and a breakfast spot nearby for slow mornings. For our best rates and perks you won’t find anywhere else, book direct.

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