You know those places that you visit and instantly feel at home? That’s how I felt when I went on a solo trip to Amsterdam in 2019. It was a last minute booking, and while I always wanted to explore it, I didn’t have many expectations. I think because I went alone, I saw it filtered through my eyes. Every cafe, boutique and lantern-lit street felt like it could be home. I went back for a second trip a couple months later, and realized that it’s possible to live there. I instantly fell in love with the idea – the cozy (gezellig) culture, open-mindedness, and adorable canals.
In 2021, I followed my dream and called Amsterdam home.
I am often asked where to go in Amsterdam, and so I crafted a little guide for your Dutch adventure. Keeping in mind that I am in love with coffee, a lot of my recs include bespoke roasters and concept spaces that serve tasty treats, delicious coffee, and genuinely good vibes.
Where to Stay
Jordaan is my favorite place in Amsterdam. I was lucky enough to call it home, and the walkability is incredible. You can spend hours walking along de 9 Straatjese in Jordaan (boutiques, cafes, restaurants, all around the canals).
Solo travelers, I really enjoyed this spot. I stayed here the first time I ever went to Amsterdam, for about 10 days, and absolutely loved the location and the cozy attention to detail.
The restaurant is amazing and there are other international creatives and travelers who frequent the space. Downstairs feels like a mix between a bar, restaurant, and co-working space.
I haven’t stayed at The Dylan, but the location is incredible, the brunch is good and there is a dreamy courtyard that feels like quintessential Amsterdam.
While there isn’t an abundance of Airbnbs in the area, I have been able to find a few spots when booking in advance.
Coffee
As many of you know, coffee is my favorite way to explore a new city. Amsterdam is full of bespoke places, often combining different concepts together, such as a cafe and home shop. Here are a few of my favorite places:
AO takes the cake when it comes to delicious coffee and a local setting. It’s away from the tourist section and everything from the branding, unique treats, and beautifully roasted coffee by friendly baristas makes this my favorite place in Amsterdam. Shout-out to my friend Anne Maike for introducing me to AO and building it into our weekly ritual.
The journey of walking to Drupa, a speciality coffee roaster, is almost as wonderful as the roasts and attention to detail in every cup. I walked to Drupa almost every morning when I lived in Jordaan. This is on the other side of Jordaan, from de 9 Straatjese, and is more residential.
Often, I was one of few people out in the morning going to get coffee, hearing a few people on bikes passing by. Strolling through the neighborhoods, and grabbing a warm cup of coffee is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam. They also have outdoor seating rain or shine. If you’re in the area on a Saturday, it’s fun to go to Noordermarkt, and then head to Drupa to escape some of the crowds.
If you’re into making coffee at home, I also would buy their ground coffee beans for a french press!
3.Lot 61 – This is one of the best places to great coffee + get there early for chocolate chip cookies.
4.Petit By Sam The best gluten-friendly bakery!
Margo’s was one of my favorite local spots to walk to in the morning. They have delicious treats! They are also fully plant-based and fair trade.
Brunch
Honestly, visiting Pluk as a traveller in 2019 is what made me want to move to Amsterdam. The upstairs is a gorgeous, open space where I would go to journal and listen to podcasts. Their eggs benedict is delicious, and became a staple. They also have a little home shop as you enter the space – I bought quite a few things for my apartment from there!
They have two locations within a few blocks of each other in Jordaan. It does get busy on weekends. I found that if I go during the week, right when it opens – it’s the best time to get a seat.
Oh my gosh. One of the best brunches I’ve had. The potatoes and poached eggs are delicious, and everything comes with such intention to detail.
Dinner, Bars and Local Vibes
This was one of my friends and I’s favorite spots on a Friday night (or any night, really). I recommend making a reservation if you’re going for dinner. If it’s nice out, the courtyard is incredible – but even on a rainy night, the atmosphere in the restaurant is warm and buzzing.
A modern Dutch restaurant in one of the cutest areas of Amsterdam. I definitely recommend making reservations. If you want a more chill atmosphere, their bar is a great place to have dinner at – amazing burger.
Foodhallen is wildly fun. It’s a big food hall with different stalls and an array of cuisines. It’s espeically nice during colder months as an in-door activity with friends.
One of our go-to places was this classically Amsterdam bar on a canal. The space itself is tiny and adorable, and the outdoor area is the perfect place to go just before sunset to hang out on the canal.
Other little adventures
As I mentioned above, going to Noordermarkt on a Saturday is one of the most joyful experiences. The beautifully cut flowers, food stalls, and vintage finds. It’s an incredible activity to do if you’re in Amsterdam.
2.De Waldaad Authentic Interior
Whether you’re able to be in the area on Saturday to go to Noordermarkt or not, De Waldaad is my faovirte home store in Amsterdam. There are so many wonderful pieces, vases, candle sticks, and incredible finds.
3. Vondelpark
While many choose to bike through Vondelpark, a friend and I met up to walk and talk. The park goes in a circle, and you’re able to stroll and stop for a coffee at the local cafe inside the park, be immersed in nature, or have a picnic.
4.Tulum, Noordwijk (Just outside of Amsterdam)
If you have time and are keen to explore just outside of Amstrdam, there is an array of beach bars and restaurants with beautifully designed spaces.
I hope you enjoy your adventure to Amsterdam! x
