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Amsterdam is full of hidden stories, stories that deserve to be told more often. What does a city look like for those who have no legal access to housing, healthcare, or work?

Undocumented Amsterdammers are not only excluded from basic services, but often remain invisible in public discourse. As things stand, asylum policy is set to tighten in 2026, pushing this group even further to the margins of society. And yet, they are here. In the city, in its neighbourhoods, in public space. These Amsterdammers organize themselves: in collectives, squats, and creative networks. They build new forms of solidarity and belonging, often in defiance of dominant policies and public narratives.

In Bajesdorp, located on the grounds of the former Bijlmerbajes prison in the Amstelkwartier, one such organized space has emerged. Here you’ll find GROND, a café and art space where makers with and without papers come together for dialogue, experiment and community. It’s also home to We Sell Reality, a social-artistic label that makes the position of refugees in Europe visible. In Bajesdorp, a place has been created for those who might otherwise be forced into street life.

This tour is led by Elke and Teferi – social designers and activists, both active not only in We Sell Reality but also in We Are Here, an Amsterdam-based organization of undocumented refugees that has been fighting for basic rights through demonstrations and squatting actions since 2012. Their work converges at GROND, where they help shape a new vision of the city – one where solidarity and collaboration are the norm. Together, Elke and Teferi share their stories of squatting, public perception, and new ways of working together.

Ride along with Elke and Teferi on a journey through meaningful places in and around Bajesdorp. Along the way, they’ll share personal stories and invite you to see the city through a different lens. You’ll hear about the voices, visions and lived experiences of undocumented Amsterdammers, and explore some of the very rich history of refugees and squatters in Amsterdam.

As you cycle through Bajesdorp and its surroundings with Elke and Teferi, you’ll discover the architecture and public spaces of Amsterdam as places where new forms of belonging continue to emerge – for those who don’t fit into standard patterns.

This tour will be offered once, free of charge, to the public. The date will be announced via the Arcam agenda and newsletter.

All Mijn Stad Tours are also available for group bookings upon request.

Mijn Stad Tour: Elke and Teferi in het Bajeskwartier

Tour duration: 1,5 hours

Meeting point: at the steps of Hotel Arena

Group rates:

To keep the tours as accessible as possible, we offer two fixed rates:

• Standard rate: €15 per person (minimum group size: 10)
• Cultural rate: €10 per person (minimum group size: 10)

For reservations and pricing information: please contact Sjaan van Tol at sjaan@arcam.nl