Spui Amsterdam

This square is another of those wonderful hidden places that many visitors overlook because locals don't think to mention it to them. Hosting weekly outdoor art exhibitions every Sunday which feature the recent works of up to thirty artists in a variety of techniques including paintings in oil and acrylics, water colors, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery this truly can be a fun shopping experience. If you really want to get in touch with the local artisans and their work there really is no substitute for talking directly to the artist while reviewing their work, without a studio salesman trying to sell you on a piece they may not fully understand. The area was once the site of a gate to control water flow to the Singel but now features the live art sales, live music and the opportunity to communicate and purchase works of art directly from the artists themselves. The Spui is a sort of open air artists market and a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. If art is not your first choice consider visiting earlier in the weekend, since they also host a weekly book fair every Friday. If shopping is just not why you are here, the Spui is still worth visiting if only as a starting point to visit the many surrounding cafes, shops, and historic buildings.