Amsterdam
in North Holland

These days, a simple manicure is not enough. If you spend a few minutes scrolling through your Instagram explore page, you’ll see tons of incredibly detailed, design manicures. Want one of your own? Book an appointment at Lakwerk, Amsterdam’s first nail art salon. Though any of the nail techs are terrific, there’s truly nothing like an appointment with founder & nail art wiz Jessica Scholten.

You know what they say. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. We like to think they’re everyone’s best friend. Well, sapphires as well. Wait, we can’t forget about emeralds…basically, we love everything at this famous Dutch jeweller. Not in the market for new or vintage jewels? You can also sell your old pieces here & put the money toward whatever tickles your fancy.

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’.

It might sound a bit hyperbolic, particularly when you see all the other incredible buildings in Amsterdam, but this is probably one of the most beautiful & Instagrammable places in the whole city. This 17th century canal house has its very own chapel that just so happens to be bright pink. This is a photo opportunity that can’t be missed.

This gorgeous movie theatre inhabits the old Theatre Tuschinski commissioned by Abraham Icek Tuschinski back in 1921. The theatre has a great selection of contemporary movies playing all day, but they also host live ballet and opera performances from famous international theatres on occasion. 

A bowl of ramen so good people were willing to queue for it, mourn its closure and celebrate its comeback. This no-fuss spot just across from Amsterdam Centraal has earned a loyal following thanks to its rich broths, perfectly chewy noodles and legendary spicy pork ramen. Order a bowl, take a seat at the counter and embrace the slurping. If you leave without broth on your shirt, you're doing it wrong.s

If you’ve been in any major city in the past five or ten years, then you have certainly heard of Soho House. The Amsterdam outpost of this hip, international chain is just as cool & thoughtfully decorated as the rest. The rooms are (relatively) reasonably priced, & there’s a gym, movie theatre & rooftop pool to make your stay all that much more exciting.

T’ Japans Winkeltje is a haven of carefully curated items pieces with unparalleled Japanese craftsmanship. This wonderful little shop is made for design aficionados and the Japanese-enamoured.

Are we ok with a little self-promotion? Yeahhhhh, we think so. Especially since we’re convinced our suite at Hotel de L’Europe is probably the coolest place to kip in all of Amsterdam. Explore everything the city has to offer with both our out-of-suite experiences (think: a tip treasure hunt around town) and in-suite amenities in stunning Suite 152.

For years, Dun Yong has been on our bi-weekly grocery route thanks to their incredible selection of goodies from China, Japan, Vietnam, India and beyond. After we’ve finished our haul, we like to climb the stairs up to the restaurant to indulge in some umami-packed yakisoba and okonomiyaki. Oh! And Chef Taka’s ramen, of course.

Named after a fabulous femme who used to pound the streets of Centrum for decades, enchanting everyone she passed, Trees is set to become the same kind of household name quite quickly. And not just in the neighbourhood. Flattering lighting, warm wood pannelling and a menu that feels simultaneously accessible and special, Geza Weisz’s latest outpost is just wonderful.