Our conference partner and event host, Pakhuis de Zwijger — an independent non-profit established for and by the City of Amsterdam and its communities — is itself a hotbed of placemaking activity. Hosting over 350 events and programs per year that link creative industries and urban city development, the mission of the Pakhuis is to generate interdisciplinary collaboration, inspired debate, innovative ideas, and bottom-up change. Housed in a former refrigeration warehouse, the Pakhuis is a great example of the kind of adaptive re-use practices for which the city has become well known.
Pakhuis de Zwijger is easy to reach by car or by public transport.
Plan your way to Pakhuis de Zwijger via Google Maps:
By Public Transit: Information about getting around the city of Amsterdam by public transport can be found on the City of Amsterdam website.
By Bike: Bicycling is the preferred Dutch way to experience Amsterdam, and by far the most popular form of getting around. There are many options for renting bikes in Amsterdam, and many companies let you reserve and pay in advance. You are also often able to rent bikes through your hotel at a low cost.
Alternatively, we arranged a special rental discount for all Placemaking Week conference attendees at MacBikes, one of Amsterdam's most popular and convenient rental locations. If you show your Placemaking Week ticket you’ll receive 10% off your rental. Pick up your bike at the official MacBike Shop next to Amsterdam Central Station, or at their Oosterdock location closer to our conference venue Pakhuis de Zwijger, and cycle safely!
Remember that practically all Amsterdammers get around their city by bike, and we therefore expect that many of our tours and excursions will take place by this method of transportation. Learn about getting around by bike by watching the excellent video below!
We have reserved a limited number of hotel rooms at the three hotels listed below, all located in close proximity to Pakhuis de Zwijger. Instructions on how to book as part of our reserved room block will be included in your registration confirmation email.
Access to our room block will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Should the conference block fill, there are a number of hotels ranging from budget to boutique within walking distance of the main conference venue.
Please note: on October 12th and 13th from 8:00 to 9:00, breakfast is included in registration fee, and will be served at Pakhuis de Zwijger.
Volkshotel
€100–200*
Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 261 2100
Website: volkshotel.nl
Hotel ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera
€65–100*
Valkenburgerstraat 68, 1011 LZ Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 721 9173
Website: accorhotels.com
Lloyd Hotel**
€85–250*
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 561 3636
Website: lloydhotel.com
*Prices reflect the room block rate for the conference. Costs may vary when room blocks are filled.
**In order to book additional nights before or after the conference, please book the nights of the conference and request additional nights in the "Notes" section while placing the order.
If you are a foreign national from member countries of the European Union, European Economic Area and a select few other countries, you are exempt from visa requirements. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others (full list here, DOCX, 17KB). However, we encourage registrants from these countries to still review the conditions for visa-free travel, as they may require updating your passport.
If your country is on the list of countries whose nationals require a visa (full list here, PDF, 159 KB), you will need to apply for a short stay or Schengen visa. You can use this website to find a step-by-step guide for your respective country of origin. The visa process may take up to 60 days, please plan to apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
We’re happy to assist, and can provide an official letter of invitation. Just contact one of our team members at info@placemakingweek.org.
A selection of useful information to make your trip to Amsterdam as easy and enjoyable as possible has been prepared by the City of Amsterdam. From accessibility information to how to phone home, browse through this practical advice before packing your bags.
