Amsterdam
in North Holland

Right beside the Amstel River and the Opera House sits Alpha Coffee, a specialty coffee spot with a Greek twist. It’s perfect for an early morning breakfast run – grab a cappuccino and one of the most comforting, cinnamon-laced pastries in the city. The sweet treats can be subbed for Greek salads and savoury pastries (minced meat and spinach, feta filo parcels) in the afternoon, but make sure to take home a slice of sweet pumpkin pie. The summer sun hits this sleek little sun in the early evening, turning it into a prime perch for soaking up some vitamin D. 

BADHUS have a few locations dotted about the shores of Amsterdam Noord. Though it's the hot-box behind Café Soleil that draws us in. Sauna and cold plunge your way through the seasons. 

Hidden inside the industrial NDSM Loods, Bakkerij Sollinger serves some of Amsterdam's most beloved organic sourdough, making the trip across the IJ entirely worthwhile. Using local and organic ingredients – the flour is sourced from Zandhaas and vegetables are harvested from the Beemster – the daily bakes range from marmelade-flavoured brioche to crusty rye boules. 

This neighbourhood bookshop stuffs every possible genre of book into its tiny, terraced space. There's niche encyclopedias of Dutch artists, architecture guides, and fiction for the old and young. Unlike many of the Amsterdam boutiques, Zwart op Wit is only closed for two days of the year (New Years Day and Christmas), ensuring that a book-driven browse can always be on the cards. Keep an eye on its agenda for events, book releases, and signings. 

Bon Burger in Amsterdam Oud-West arose from the numerous pop-ups and residencies hosted at its sibling wine bar, Bottleshop. Though the extensive wine list prevails at the new location, the small plates and nibbles are subbed for burgers and fries. With a seasonal, monthly special or the usual four-burger rotation, the patties are loaded with sauce, toppings, and stuffed into a homebaked, golden brioche roll or potato bun. The vegetarian option isn't an afterthought, instead a beyond meat pattie is as equally juicy as the beef. On those summery Amsterdam days, the waterside terrace spills over with families and friends, catching the last of the evening rays. No matter the day and no matter the time, its walk-in only, for it is a burger joint above all else. 

If there is such a thing as a perfect neighbourhood café, Café De Linden comes remarkably close. Don't come expecting elaborate dishes or fancy cocktails. Instead, you'll find toasties, good wine, and lots of friendly faces.

This corner-side bolthole is a favourite spot to settle down with the paper and sip on a creamy oat flat white. Their lunches are also superb: home cooked, delicious and full of goodness. Though if you happen to be dashing for the ferry, get a coffee and a croissant to go. 

Another of Noord's café-restaurant to add to the ever-expanding list. Café Soleil is a bright, beacon of light, due to its playful yellow branding and for its exceptional, laid-back cooking. Funky interiors, shimmering candlelights and Sunday jazz evenings are just some of the highlights. 

A moveable deep-red stainless steel bar, huge glass-panelled windows and mahogany tables topped with mimosa flowers, flickering candles and metal cutlery, Copain Amsterdam is amongst Noord's hottest openings. On the menu is delectable dishes of seasonal veg, meats and fish rustled up by the wonderful chef that is Jesse Cameron. 

Originally founded in San Francisco, CORE40 brought its cult-favourite workout concept to Amsterdam, and locals have been embracing the burn ever since. Need a break from canal-side wandering? Swap stroopwafels for a Megaformer session. This high-intensity, low-impact workout combines strength, cardio, and core training into 40 gloriously challenging minutes. Expect shaking legs, a serious endorphin rush, and the smug satisfaction of having earned your next pastry.

If we're waiting in line to nab a spot at Kometen, the good news is that Crew de la Cream has just slung open its shutters. Is it the best new coffee spot in town? Potentially. There's speciality blends and plenty of matcha on offer, plus some gourmet lunch toasties.

Gifu Ramen Bar is an izakaya and ramen bar on Amsterdam’s central Elandsgracht, run by the same powerhouse behind the omelette sando hotspot, Chun Café. Where Chun draws queues spilling out the door at lunchtime, Gifu is its more relaxed, intimate counterpart, best suited to dinner. Warm, dim lighting and wooden interiors create a more modern, moody look and feel within an otherwise minimalist design. Before slurping big bowls of steaming broth-rich, noodle-laden ramen, kick off with a few dishes to share – binchotan-grilled aubergine with a white miso and sesame crust, and silken tofu topped with enoki mushrooms and dashi. It's a thoughtful and delicious ode to chef Ryoji Miyachi’s Japanese hometown.

Could it be the best patisserie in the city? Perhaps. Bringing a slice, or croissant, of France to the Pays-Bas, Grammes is one for the books. Though the plain croissants are exceptional, be adventurous and order a tart to take home. 

If you're looking for a workout with a little more substance, K/C Move is your place. Founded by former dancer and movement specialist Margherita Bencini, this boutique studio swaps fitness fads for a science-backed approach that combines Pilates, functional training, and biomechanics. The focus here isn't on lifting heavier or sweating more, but on moving smarter. You'll leave feeling stronger, more aligned, and perhaps just a little smug about your posture.

Cheese and wine are what Kaasbuur does best. With a brand-spanking, new location in NDSM at Door Open Space, it's become that little bit easier to get your hands on a wedge of Mont d'Or and Kobunder goat cheese for the evening's borrel. And, even better news? Crew de la Crema's coffee is under the same roof. 

Keetje K. is a pop-up bistro in Tolhuistuin's gardens. Open for 30 days, and 30 days only this short-spell stint is R. de Rosa's newest project. Hop on a ferry and tuck in to some natural vinos, ridiculously scrumptious dishes and plenty of canelés. Cadge a table before the locals nab them!

To be considered a 'regular' at Kikkie van de Prinsensluis is an honourable acclaim. With the vibe of a typical, Dutch brown bar with the mahogany tables, wooden planked floors and a golden-toned light, but with a wine list to rival any top cave à vins in Paris, Kikkie is a supremely cosy spot on a bustling corner of de Joordan. It's walk-in only but wine bar, Twee Prinsen is just across the street to while away the wait. The menu shifts, but regular features include the schnitzel served with a remoulade-citrusy sauce and the iconic brioche bun burger.

Amsterdam Noord is the birthplace of the hippest new spots of the city, including, of course, Klaproos. This laidback, casual-cool pop-up pizzeria is simple, delicious and a really great place to kick back and play pool.

A cold plunge a day! That's made all the more easy if Kuuma Sauna is just a cycle away. With a few locations dotted in the city and beyond, it's about time to sauna and 'Iceman' the Nordic way. 

Barracuda's surprising new venture comes in the form of a Surinamese pop-up kitchen. Cocktails, scrumptious flavours and delicious vibes, with plenty of colour. 

Another of Amsterdam's sprawling, former-industrial garages has been converted into a chic, trendy restobar serving Asian fusion comfort food. Canteen-style, metal-legged chairs and tables stud the brushed, grey floor. A singular tree hugs the corner side, and large panelled windows wrap around the entire space, punctuated by a few stainless steel wall lamps. Nikotin arises from the collaboration between dance club, nachbar, and the easy fine dining space Restaurant Coulisse; it results in a raw, vibrant, and effortlessly cool dining experience. Snacks consisting of grilled milk bread soaked in shiso butter and charred sprouts prepare the palate for the main event: Kimchi-fried burgers, soy-cured egg yolk on roasted carrots, and bowls of golden rice. Make it a menu, or extra large, Nicotine extravaganza, and order a Yuzu sake sour to see you through.