Yas Bitarafan: The Best of Amsterdam

Yas Bitarafan: The Best of Amsterdam

In this week’s Interior Dialogue, I talk with creator of Modern Getaways Magazine, Yas Bitarafan about her home city of Amsterdam. I have always loved Amsterdam, the shop-lined canals, the beautifully designed buildings, the canals and boats, and the fabulous women riding bicycles in their even more fabulous heels! And Yas, having started a travel magazine devoted to stylish travel for modern women, is the perfect person to get all the best of the best from.

Left: Yas Bitarafan; right: Issue 1 of Modern Getaways Magazine
Left: Yas Bitarafan; right: Issue 1 of Modern Getaways Magazine

 


Dress: The Nine Street
“I love the shops at the Nine Streets, which has lots of small boutiques and independent stores. There you can also find a few of my ultimate favorite shops such as ACNE, love stories, and Skins cosmetics.”

A great shot by Yas Bitarafan of Skins Cosmetics in the chic Nine Streets district.
A great shot by Yas Bitarafan of Skins Cosmetics in the chic Nine Streets district.

Dine: Morgan & Mees
“My all time favourite dine spot has to be Morgan & Mees. Just around the corner from my house, it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner. It’s also a small hotel (7 rooms only) with amazing food and an interior that is just the cherry on top. Just perfect!!”
1052 LC Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I love this fabulous interior of Morgan & Mees!
I love this fabulous interior of Morgan & Mees!

A perfect place for Yas to meet and discuss upcoming projects (photo: Saasha Burns).
A perfect place for Yas to meet and discuss upcoming projects (photo: Saasha Burns).


Live: Zandvoort Beach
“I just am in love with the city of Amsterdam. Especially during the summer (if) the sun is out and we get to hop on a boat with friends and float through the canals (with wine in hand). It makes me so happy. Every. Single. Time!!
And the good thing about Holland being such a small (yet great) country is that whenever we feel like it, we can be at the beach. The beach called Zandvoort is just 30 minutes away. If only we had the sun every day. Siigh!”

Off to the beach in a boat! (Photo: Yas Bitarafan)
Off to the beach in a boat! (Photo: Yas Bitarafan)

It's even nice to get away to Zandevoort in the chilly months!
It’s even nice to get away to Zandevoort in the chilly months!


Decorate: Raw Materials
“One of my favourite shops is called Raw Materials where you can find industrial pieces for the home that are all unique in their own way.”
Rozengracht 231, 1016 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands

The eclectic offerings of Raw Materials.
The eclectic offerings of Raw Materials.

Thank you, Yas, for all your insight into one of the best cities in the world! It has been fun “visiting” Amsterdam with you.