Now that I’m back from Vienna (what an incredible place…city guide coming soon!), I’m already thinking about my next trip…Amsterdam and Antwerp! I leave a week from today and am so excited to stay at The Hoxton Amsterdam (it opened just last fall and is impossibly hip) and the super chic Hotel Julien in Antwerp. Have you been to either city…? Any tips on where I should visit/eat/shop…? I’ll be traveling solo and am looking forward to leisurely strolls along the canals and taking in lots of great art. I can’t wait to hear your suggestions!
You absolutely MUST go get a cookie at Van Stapele Koekmakerij. It will all seem a little absurd, but trust me, it cannot be missed. You have to reserve a cookie at a certain time to get it freshly hot from the oven, then come back to collect it when it’s ready for you. Perhaps an effect of the pomp and anticipation, but everyone agrees it is an EXCEPTIONAL cookie. And the American bookstore around the corner is the perfect place to wait while you’re cookie bakes!
Have a wonderful time! xx
Katherine – Adding it to my list! You had me at cookie…done and done.
Hi Kate,
There are tons of lovely cafes in Amsterdam but I love TOKI with its nice coffee and tortoise spoons. I also like a restaurant called The Lobby inside the Nesplein Hotel (I think you’ll like the aesthetic of it too). And Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx for some fries on the go! Have a lovely time, can’t wait to see your pictures.
I’ve been there a few months ago. In Amsterdam my suggestion is to have a drink at HPS (Rapenburg 18), the decor is beautiful and vintage, the drinks are very creative. In Antwerp I recommend visiting the Gollem bar (Suikerrui 28) and eat delicious moules et frites. Hope you have a lovely trip, Katie!
Spend an hour or three at the Museum of Bags and Purses! It’s set up in a historic canal home and is just full of treasures. They don’t all fit an iPhone 6 but they’re just as chic (or more, really) as the latest Celine.
>> http://tassenmuseum.nl/en/
This post comes just in time, I am going to Amsterdam on Thursday. I heard rave reviews about Plukk (a coffee place/restaurant) and shopping on 9 streets. Cobra Cafe is also supposed to have great coffee and pastries. The Rijksmuseum is a must (went there years ago) as is the Van Gogh museum. The Vondelpark (Amsterdam Central Park) is a treat. If you are going to the Rijksmuseum, stop by the Conservatorium hotel (I think you will like its history, used to be a bank, then a music academy and now a super cool hotel blending old and new seamlessly), the lobby is just amazing. I will report back after my week there, I may have more info for you. Also check goop.com, they just published an article on Amsterdam. Best, Laurence
Dinner at The Bluespoon in the Andaz hotel on Prisengracht is a must! I highly recommend the chocolate mousse for dessert! Also, the Harbour Club is a really fun spot for dinner. I almost forgot about D’Vijff Vlieghen (Five Flies). This is the most incredible restaurant. You literally feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you walk into the space. It’s beautiful, think exposed brick walls, candelabras and intimate seating. Oh and the food is delicious and simple! If you have time, a bike tour is a neat way to see the entire city. It also makes you feel like a local since most everyone rides bicycles.
You haven’t gotten to Antwerp yet, so I hope I’m not too late. Hopefully you already have MoMu on your list — their “Gamechangers” exhibition recently opened and looks phenomenal. The Cathedral is a must, even though it’s probably on every tourist list. I assume you’ll be traveling by train, but if not, the train station is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I highly recommend Graanmarkt 13 for dinner and shopping. It’s a restaurant, shop, and hotel all in one. And I’m not sure if you’re a beer drinker, but if you do, Pater’s Vaetje was excellent and right by the Cathedral.