From the outside, Nicholas Groente & Fruit seems like nothing more than a simple, albeit charming, neighbourhood grocer on a little street in Centrum. Head inside, through the shop and then outside once again, and you’ll realise it’s much, much more. Nicholas Groente & Fruit’s secret garden is home to works by some of the best street artists in the Netherlands. Grab your weekly groceries and see striking street art ‘in the wild’.

The quintessential comfort spot for warming Indonesian soups, right in the city centre. While classics such as soto Betawi (Jakarta’s iconic coconut milk–based beef broth) and the soto ayam (a bright, citrusy chicken soup) steal the spotlight, the rice bowls are well worth your attention - especially weekend specials such as the crispy, just-spicy-enough ayam geprek, served with cucumbers and freshly crushed sambal. Perfect for taking away and enjoying in the nearby Wertheimpark, before you wander the city’s straatjes, with a handful of indoor seats also available. 

Despite its diminutive size, Amsterdam has everything to offer that a bigger capital would: a great nightlife, fantastic restaurants &, of course, a glittering, impressive department store. London can keep Harrods & let Paris have Galeries Lafayette. Because we have de Bijenkorf. Carve out a few hours to wind your way through the cavernous space & find something that really speaks to you.

Designer Mick Keus opened a stunning atelier in Amsterdam's Jordaan, selling custom tailored jeans. Most of his designs repurpose original Levis vintage wear into stunning new and original pieces.