With the laidback, extra gezellig vibe that characterises Noord, it should come as no surprise that one of the best, most chilled brown cafés is smack dab in the middle. Café t’ Sluisje is an old school pub where Noord locals have gone for over 100 years to fill up on bitterballen & a biertje or twee. It’s the perfect pit stop when exploring Noord by bike.

Although it's situated in hip and happening Amsterdam Noord, Lazuur rejects the obsession with newness and leans into simplicity instead. They serve delicious food and wine, nothing more.

For those of us that aren’t living or staying in Noord, Broodbakkerij Ex is a bit of a trek, but so long as it’s not bucketing down, we relish the journey. Make the most of your jaunt across the IJ (even better if you’re nearby) and spend an hour or two with a newspaper, a couple pastries and a coffee or two. They’ve got one of the only sourdough croissants in town, and boy, is it good!

Amsterdam is no stranger to great music, especially when it comes to techno, deep house and EDM. Start, continue and end your night at murmur, one of Noord's many excellent bars and clubs.