What made you start Soul Tours?

Honestly? I got tired of the blank stares. Every time I’d meet someone in the city and talk about the Bijlmer. And even people that live here know about the Bijlmer, they heard it;s cool out here, but I’d get the same reaction: “But where should I go?”

So I decided: I’ll show them. Not just the places—but the feeling. The music, the soul food, the rhythm, the stories. That’s how Soul Tours was born.

The question: “But where should I go?” stuck with me. Soul Tours became my answer. Not just a walking tour, but a way to show people the real story—through music, food, murals, and memories.

Tell us more about your background.
We moved to Bijlmer in the 80s where I grew up in Frissenstein. Back then, the Bijlmer was full of community, rhythm, and pride. But in the 90s, things got tough. It became a real struggle—until we moved to Venserpolder in 1999, that’s also in Zuidoost. Still, the Bijlmer never left me. It’s where I come from, and it shaped everything I am.

I’m Moroccan-Dutch, and Zuidoost raised me. This part of Amsterdam is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Europe, with more than 130 nationalities living side by side. That’s not just a number—it’s a whole world in one neighborhood.

The cultural richness here reflects exactly what UNESCO celebrates: diversity, living heritage, and human connection.There is a great article about Zuidoost here: https://www.unesco.nl/nl/opinie/lets-talk-about-kansen 

What I love most? The people. The faces. The warmth. Even now, when I visit, I run into people from my childhood. There’s always someone who remembers me, someone who smiles and says “Hey, weren’t you from Frissenstein?” That sense of welcome is powerful. It’s home.

What’s your favorite spot in the Bijlmer?
If I had to pick one, I’d say het Eilandje. It was a tiny patch of water between Fleerde, Florijn, and Dennerose. We played there for hours as kids. Big rocks stretched across the water—I’d jump across them on the way to school like it was a secret path just for me.

And the garage under Dennerose? That was our playground. Later it became World of Food, a food hall filled with flavors from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia—everywhere. I really hope they bring it back one day. It was more than a place to eat. It was a gathering space. A vibe.

What can people expect on a Soul Tour?
Laughter, music, unexpected beauty, real stories, and something good to eat at the end. It’s a deep dive into culture—Afrobeat playing in the background, stories you won’t find in guidebooks, hidden spots, and powerful memories. You’ll taste soul food, explore street fashion, visit churches and mosques, and hear stories of migration, resistance, and pride.

It’s about connection, not just sightseeing.

What do you hope visitors leave with?
I hope they leave feeling connected. That they see Amsterdam Zuidoost not as the ‘other side of town’ but as part of their Amsterdam. That they come back—not just for the tour, but for the people, the food, the culture. I want them to say, “How did I not know this?” and then tell everyone they know.

What does giving these tours mean to you?
It means everything. It’s how I give back to the neighborhood that gave me so much. And it’s also how I pass it on. I want my kids to walk through the Bijlmer and feel like it’s theirs. That when I say, this is where I came from, they feel pride, recognition, home.

Since I started talking about this tour, literally everyone wants to come. Not just visitors from abroad—people who live in Amsterdam too. They all know the Bijlmer is special, but they don’t know where to go.

That’s why I say:
Habibti, come with me to the Bijlmer.
Let me show you my Bijlmer—so you can make it yours.