"I gravitated to Zuidas straightaway when looking for a place in Amsterdam. It has an international vibe that really interested me"

After moving to Amsterdam, Maurits de Waal (27) quickly put down roots in Zuidas. He lives in a beautiful apartment in the Intermezzo tower and combines a busy social life with a job as co-owner of his family’s company, EDW Autolease. From here, he runs the Amsterdam location. 

Can you tell us something about yourself? What do you do, and what brought you to Zuidas? 

“I gravitated to Zuidas straightaway when looking for a place in Amsterdam. It has an international vibe that really interested me. So I looked around, and in the end wound up in this beautiful flat in Intermezzo”, Maurits shares. “I am a co-owner of EDW Autolease, our family business. My focus is on financing and leasing for SMEs and independent contractors, and I now run our Amsterdam location.” 

What is your favourite spot at home? 

“Definitely the dining table. It’s perfect for hosting cosy dinners with friends. There’s always lots of laughter and I love cooking. The dining table is the centrepiece of my home and a real eye-catcher in the middle of the living room.”  

What is your favourite spot in Zuidas? 

“I like the restaurants here and go to different places. I’m a regular at Dicky’s, but it’s also nice to dine out at Ferilli’s or Nela on Friday evenings. Zero Zero is a great new addition. They’re open at weekends and I go there often. You’ve got all sorts of things here. I work out at Clubsportive and go to Renessence fairly regularly. And also to Gelderlandplein, which has literally everything.” 

What’s missing here? 

“That’s a tough question. You’ve basically got it all here. It’s great for nature, with Beatrixpark and Amsterdamse Bos within walking distance. I’m already totally in love with this area. Maybe the street scene could be a little livelier, with some more cafés and shops. That would be the finishing touch.” 

Do you want to stay in Zuidas for good? 

“Until I have children, absolutely. You close your front door and you’re in your own little haven. But once I have children, I want a house with a yard. Somewhere near Amsterdam would be brilliant. The real dream would be a house along the Amstel river, of course!” 

Are there any downsides to living in Zuidas? 

“It’s somewhat removed from the city centre. I notice that particularly when comparing with friends who live in the centre. But it’s not such a big deal for me. It’s just outside the ring road and you can be there in no time. I have an electric bike and an Opel Rocks Electric, which makes it even easier. What I do regret is how quiet it is at weekends. But just walk up Beethovenstraat and you’re back in the thick of things.”