Amsterdam
in North Holland

It turns out that the ever-dapper Babar is just as charming as he was when we were children now that we’re adults. Bathed in warm light and rich jewel tones, this eensy little bar is perfect for dates. Or for finding a date for next week! Come by for a few glasses of wine, a dish of olives and a nice people-watching session.

Restaurant BRIO is the new spot in De Pijp. Just when we thought we were missing a few fresh pasta spots, BRIO opened its doors and rustled up some fresh scialatielli, plates of tiramisu, and Italian inspired delicacies. Drop in for a glass of vino, and don't be surprised if you get tempted by the aromas of the kitchen and decide to stay for some dinner. 

Did we really need another cutesy bar on the canals? Not really, we thought. But after visiting Café Marcella, we’ve changed our tune. Big time. This charming, red-awninged café on the Prinsengracht is a lovely spot for a long, languorous breakfast with the paper in tow as it is for a buoyant, booze-filled afternoon with friends on the weekend. They’ve scored serious bonus points for their elevated ‘borrelhapjes’.

These days, most of us are used to streaming music on Spotify or SoundCloud, but we really think there’s something to be said for good old fashioned records & CDs. Concerto is an amazing place to browse for or pick up any form or style of music you could dream of. Order an espresso at the bar & get carried away in the wild selection of music & videos.

Amsterdam Noord is the place to be for all things hip & happening. This formerly overlooked corner of the city has had a serious renaissance in the last few years, and it's only getting better. A favourite of ours in the 'hood is cornerstore. This charming restaurant has a menu heaving with fantastic natural wines & eastern Asian-inspired bites. 

The museums of Oud-Zuid aren’t the only ones who rule the roost, despite how it may seem. This culture-soaked neighbourhood is also home to many a fantastic gallery. Chief amongst them is EENWERK. Designed by Barend Koolhaas & opened in 2017, this contemporary exhibition space has quickly become one of our favourite spots in the city.

Whether you’re heading to the EYE Filmmuseum to catch a killer exhibition, a screening of an unusual movie or simply to snap a photo of its beautiful design, you will not be disappointed. We like to settle into their café with a coffee (or a drink!) to enjoy the sweeping views of the IJ. If you have a Cineville card or Museumkaart, you’ll get a little discount on your tickets.

Every hipster in Amsterdam (& believe us there are many) has been to FOAM once or twice in their day. This cool, contemporary museum focuses on photography & photography alone. They’ve got an ever-changing roster of impressive exhibitions from photography icons, as well as a small space to highlight up & coming photographic talent. Once you’ve sauntered through the museum, grab a coffee from their café downstairs & hit the gift shop. You can never have too many coffee table books.

Named after Alfred Heineken, Freddy's Bar in De L'Europe is the perfect spot for an aperitif or digestif. From a classic biertje to the signature 'Dam Square', sip away on your tipple of choice whilst listening to some live jazz. 

A contemporary art spot to add to your gallery repertoire for when in Amsterdam. Ron Mandos is a gallery space showcasing the most innovative of exhibitions from a whole host of international artists. 

If you're on the hunt for an Amsterdam souvenir, and after something a touch more bespoke than the classic fridge magnet, or baseball hat, head to Eddy Varekamp. Creating original watercolour paintings and prints, this local gallery makes for the perfect memoir of our special city. 

JUKI is the spot to go to if you're hunting for some vintage design furniture and home decor. From their signature Rey dining chairs, designed for Dietiker in the 1970s, to their Cees Braakman wooden desks and glorious Panama wall lamps; whether you're in the market or just after some inspiration pop on by to the JUKI showroom. 

Add it to your lists because Levanslang is fast becoming the hot spot on the block. Bijlmerbajes boiler house has been transformed into an industrial style-metal work preserved night club, restaurant, come brewery. This will soon become the answer to all your Friday plans. 

A former GVB bus garage has metaphorically speaking breathed a new lease of life into Amsterdam's groovy scene. From rendezvousing in the courtyard to partying hard in the indoor warehouse be assured that Lofi is going to bring the groove with good music and an unbeatable atmosphere. 

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.

The neighbourhood, de Joordan, bands together to create the community hub that is R. de Rosa. Though, it's not just the residents of Boomstraat that flock here. This charming corner café is always heaving with people from every part of the city. With coffee and cake served during the day, natural wines poured and plates of popped corn kernels shared in the afternoon, and a one-menu wonder for the dinner dish of the day from 6pm sharp. 

The Netherlands may not be known for its gastronomic history, but luckily our dear Flemish neighbours are a slightly different story. Rijsel Rotisserie is a bright & airy restaurant with a bit of an industrial vibe that serves some of the tastiest food in town. Though all of their food is delicious, we find it impossible to resist their famous roast chicken.

A private residence, yet also home to some of the most astonishing artworks, Collectie Jan Six is well worth a visit, though it is by appointment only. Don't be surprised when your spot a Rembrandt or Paulus Potter hanging on the walls, for this collection boasts a terrific amount of art and archives for art-history lovers to swoon over. 

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.

Located in this iconic, former police station Time & Style is as much an architectural delight as it is gallery and furniture store. Exhibiting the very finest of Japanese interiors, pop on by for a spot of window shopping, inspiration, and - in our view - some of the most enviable furniture you could ask for. 

Too young. Too young! The owners of Troppo Giovane (“too young”, in Italian) declared. The team at this super cool yet very friendly wine shop wants to encourage drinkers to move away from the newness that’s popular in many wine stores and embrace true age-worthy bottles. Their selection focuses mostly on Italian and French producers, but they’ve also got a nice, tight selection of orange wines, sake, mezcal and cider.

In the mood for some seriously good coffee? Head to Wakuli to satisfy all of those caffeine cravings. Don't be afraid to ask about the beans of the day, the baristas are always more than happy to talk all about the various blends on offer and send you home with a bag of the freshest grinds.