Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. Mainly because I can see myself living there, and honestly hope to one day. It’s the cutest, most peaceful, chill city with just the best vibes all around. Everyone is super nice, dresses well haha, LGBTQ friendly, rides bikes happily around everywhere and basically just lives my ideal lifestyle haha. ONE DAY I will make it to this design, hipster, fashion mecca.
Surprisingly, unlike most of my past city guides which revolve around eating or drinking, my Amsterdam city guide will be predominately shopping! (I mean… just check out my map below, it’s pretty much all bookmarked stores). 😛
Don’t get me wrong though, still tons of recs on where to eat and drink below! (And as always, a google map I created with all my bookmarks).
Where To Stay
In case you didn’t know, you don’t have to be a member at the Soho House to stay there, and we lovedddd our stay at the Amsterdam location. It’s so central to everything, we honestly spend most of our time in Amsterdam shopping and walking the nearby streets of Soho House haha. Our room had gorgeous views of the river, the most extra in-room bar experience I’ve ever had (pictured above — literally there was vermouth in a perfume bottle 😭🙌🏼), and the best rainfall shower head of my life haha.
If you’re looking for some other options, I bookmarked all my favorites (aka “potential stays”) on the map at the end of this post. 😉
Cecconi’s (in lobby of Soho House)
Where to Drink
Cecconi’s
I’m obsessed with Cecconi’s. No matter what city, they never disappoint in atmosphere or food quality, and the one in the lobby of the Soho House is annoyingly photogenic. Live music on weekends too!
Pulitzer Bar
A hotel bar with stiff drinks and low light, exactly my kind haha. Went here after dinner and it was the perfect nightcap (or place to get an espresso martini if you’re turning up). 😆
Anywhere by the river! Grab a beer from De Bierkoning and a make-your-own stroopwafel from van Wonderen Stroopwafels and plop down alongside the river for some people watching. Or, check out Waterkant — a total locals hang on the river (that I put in my drinking section because the food is average but vibe & beers are great haha).
Happyhappyjoyjoy Asian Restaurant
What to Eat
Jansz
Elevated classic dishes in a pretty environment, Jansz is a romantic spot that’s actually attached to the Pulitzer Hotel (also recommended on the map below).
Venus & Adonis
Stumbled upon this spot walking around the neighborhood and it was one of our faves!! Cutest little place with outdoor street seating, great cocktails, amazing comfort food + healthy food.
HappyHappyJoyJoy (West)
Got my Asian fix at this kitschy dim sum place. Super fun vibe with friendly staff, serving their own beers too! Highly recommend the Crispy Chicken Bao Bun (it’s pink)! 🤤
La Perla Pizza
The best pizza in town and serves goblets of Aperol Spritzes. 😉Get the Calabrese Di Spilinga pizza!
Mr. Porter
Seriously expensive and seriously delicious, Mr. Porter was a treat for our engagement but every bit worth it. I mean, there was an onion string tower and the most yummy steaks ever + bomb cocktails.
Venus & Adonis
Jansz Restaurant
La Perla Pizza
van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Where to Shop
Well, dive deep into my map below because I bookmarked SO many shops, all of which I’m in love with haha.
Honestly, if you just start at the corner of Singel & Gasthuismolensteeg and walk …West I think? (meaning, away from downtown) you will run into the BEST variety of designer, vintage, local shops in Amsterdam. Writing this post I found out that this area has a real name: The 9 Streets (described by google as “a quaint, picturesque canal-district area featuring vintage & designer boutiques, plus cozy cafes” — and I couldn’t agree more)! It lasts a couple blocks so make sure you keep going! And then hit the few streets that run parallel, also AMAZING (specifically Keizersgracht & Berenstraat, sooooo goooood).
Deets about each store are on bookmarks below but a few of my top stores are: Essentiel Antwerp, PRJCT AMS, Hope, SMAACK, Salon Heleen Hülsmann, Pretty Things.
Pluk Cafe & Shop
Beers from De Bierkoning // Picnic in Vondelpark
What to Do
Picnic 👉🏼Van Gogh Museum
Of course the Van Gogh Museum is on everyone’s list but picnicking in Vondelpark beforehand is a tip I hope to add to your experience! Grab the goods from a store on the way because picnics aren’t just for Paris! After all, Amsterdam has quite the cheese market of their own.
Red Light District
Definitely worth a walk through but beware, don’t stop and stare…the ladies don’t like that! Go at night, the better girls come out then and it’s way more crowded, you’ll feel less awkward.
Tulips (if you’re there March – May)
I had this on my list, since it’s prob the most instagrammable thing to do in Amsterdam haha, but unfortunately I wasn’t there during the right time 😫 please go for me! (Tulips are the best mid-April…Should I go back?!?!) 😜🌷
BTW for any of you photographers out there Key Color Photo Lab is where I got a bunch fo film from my Europe trip developed. 24-hour turnaround (most places around Europe are 1 week), friendly staff and super happy with how my film turned out.
