Nina van Heuveln & Michiel van Ogtrop

This popular bistro is always buzzing, every single night of the week. The team at Café Caron has dreamed up a simple, straightforward menu of hearty French classics that makes even the coldest, drizzliest of evenings in Amsterdam cosy. Unlike many restaurants in the city, Café Caron is open late seven nights a week, so it’s perfect when hunger strikes well after the sun has gone down.

Restaurante Dona Bia is a traditional Portuguese seafood restaurant with simple but phenomenal food. Where else will you find locals, tourists & Hollywood stars rubbing elbows?

A trendy spot to idle away the day: El Chiringuito really does offer it all. Sunbathe against the backdrop of uninterrupted views to Formentera and Dalt Vila, shop at the beach boutique, before dining on some of the freshest seafood. Our favourite has to be the whole roasted sea bass. 

In need of some health food then look no further. Wild Beets is the spot to grab a quick breakfast or lunch. Don't skip the dessert however: the raw cakes and treats are as good to eat as they are to look at!

We'd bet that the iconic egg-shaped loos at sketch are quite possibly the most Instagrammed place in London. This dynamic spaces houses an art gallery, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, cool bars and a wonderful spot for high tea all under one roof.

This 220,000-work collection captures the essence of British society. There is a vibrant painting of Zadie Smith by Toyin Ojih Odutola as well as oils of Shakespeare and Lord Byron, and the annual Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait exhibition is always a joy. For anyone passing, it’s worth stopping just to look at the bronze doors scribbled with the faces of 45 women by Tracey Emin.

The V&A is instantly calmer than its neighbouring Science and Natural History museums. On a warm day crowds gather to paddle in the elliptical courtyard pool. Inside there is always something new to discover. The blockbuster fashion exhibitions (Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Balenciaga) are definitely worth the entry price, but visitors shouldn’t miss highlights in the permanent collection including Renaissance works by Botticelli and statues by Michelangelo. Exit through the gift shop – the best museum store in London.

A long-time fixture of the London contemporary art scene, influential collector Charles Saatchi spearheaded the YBAs – the group of young British artists that included Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. These days, his cool Chelsea headquarters is a great setting for shows from artists such as French photographer JR. Visit on a Saturday to tap into the Duke of York Fine Food Market, which sells lunch options from dim sum to doughnuts.