This is Amsterdam

A huge mix of cultures and an inclusive attitude to newcomers makes Amsterdam a city for all. It’s relatively small, which means there’s a strong community vibe here. Look out for cool collectives within music, fashion, and art – we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, below.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Hoxton Hotel

This is one of our favorite Hoxtons. It’s buzzing with people throughout the day: whether that’s people getting a morning coffee, or having a breakfast meeting, to freelancers working at their laptops in the lounge, before grabbing a drink at the bar when it’s time to log off. Despite this, rooms are havens of quiet. And the design, as always, is on point.

Volkshotel

Volkshotel has a similar vibe to The Hoxton, but it really comes alive in the evenings. Located close to the Pijp neighborhood, where the cool kids hang out, the rooftop bar is filled with locals come sundown.

Pulitzer Hotel

For something a little more luxurious and sophisticated, the 5-star Pulitzer is the place. It’s a grand hotel, made up of 25 canal houses that are all interconnected. It also has the most soothing inner courtyard to have breakfast or sit with your laptop or a book for an hour or two.

Zoku Amsterdam

If you’re planning a longer-term stay in Amsterdam, Zoku’s studio apartments are perfect. Each has its own kitchen and is a lesson in chic, compact interior design. There’s also an app to connect with other digital nomads in the building. If you’re not staying here, but looking for a place to work remotely for the day, pitch up and plug in.

Where to eat & drink in Amsterdam

Definitely head to Gs brunch boat for breakfast. Restaurant Rijsel in Amsterdam East is good for a casual lunch. While Lion Noir is a great example of a non-touristy, super local restaurant for dinner.

‍Mana Mana is our favorite place in the Pijp district, serving the most amazing Middle Eastern food.

Best bar in Amsterdam

Brasserie Bar Occo

A perfect setting for a late-night cocktail in the Nine Streets area, Occo is part of the 5-star Dylan hotel. In summer, sit outdoors in the courtyard, it’s bliss.

Best coffee in Amsterdam

Café de Pels

A low-key local favorite, come here to drink a leisurely coffee, while you leaf through a newspaper from somewhere else in the world.

Back to Black

This is one of Amsterdam's more well-known cafes, but it's worth the hype. The coffee is roasted in-house and the pastries are top-notch. Snag a spot in the window and it's great for people-watching, too.

Where to shop in Amsterdam

Second-hand shopping in Amsterdam is great – try Episode or Laura Dols. The basement at Van Ravenstein sells designer brands from previous seasons that are heavily discounted (and only on Saturdays). The coolest store in town is a small hole-in-the-wall sneaker shop called Patta, located on Zeedijk. And, across the road, you’ll find SMIB, the brand store of a local music collective. Other local brands to visit include Daily Paper, The New Originals and Zoe Karssen.

Where to get a hit of culture

In the museum quarter, don’t miss the Rijksmuseum and, of course, the Van Gogh museum.

For something a little less obvious, head to Moco Museum just across the park, an independent museum of modern, contemporary, and street art (there’s another outpost in Barcelona), which you can easily zip around in about half an hour. Over in De 9 Straatjes, Foam photography museum is also worth a look.

Where to work out

Go running in Vondelpark, and finish at the Vondelgym, for some strength exercises and a shower. Or book into Rocycle – the Soul-Cycle of Amsterdam – to spin out the legs and raise the heart rate.

Where to party

Radion

An industrial haven in the Nieuw-West district. One for techno lovers and an all-nighter option that should be top of your list.

NYX

A bastion for the LGBTQ community, this is the place to go if you want to check out Amsterdam’s drag scene. There are even DJ decks in the bathroom.

Amsterdam Dance Event

If you want the best electronic music experience Amsterdam has to offer, be sure to come for this event (usually in late October).

Where to get some R&R

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre

This spa at the 5-star Conservatorium Hotel offers 1000 square meters of wellness heaven.

Koan Float

Amsterdam’s first “floating spa”, come here to feel the benefits of floating in saltwater. The locals love it.

Where to work

The Hoxton, Pulitzer, and Zoku hotels all make for great remote offices. If you’re not in full working mode, but just need to take care of some quick emails, go to Conservatorium Hotel and enjoy a glass of wine while you’re at it. Next-level remote working.

Best place to buy gifts

Anna+Nina is the best place for gifts (for them, or for you). With quirky interior decorations, local handicrafts, and stunning jewelry, there’s a great selection for whoever you’re buying for.

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