Souvenirs are special for reasons that have nothing to do with price tags. There’s just so much affection and consideration in stopping, even for a minute or two, to pick up something for friends and family back home. Shopping for souvenirs isn’t about how expensive or exclusive an item is, but about how appreciated your loved ones feel when you make an effort to share a little bit of your trip with them. During my last trip to Amsterdam, I spent some time looking for unique trinkets and inexpensive objects to share with relatives and friends. I created this list in case it’s helpful for your next trip to any city, not just Amsterdam. Most of these are easily replaceable with other local objects you may find in your travels. On to our list!
9. Ceramic Souvenir Magnet: € 1-2 from flower shops in Bloemenmarkt
10. Old Amsterdam Cheese Wedge: € 4.99 from any Albert Heijn (local supermarket)
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As always, I hope these recommendations are useful for your next souvenir search. No matter what you bring back, remember that a little thoughtfulness and generosity goes a long way.
Let’s talk about happiness. We’ve been sold the idea that it comes after a certain “pursuit”. That it’s an end we reach using other means. The other day I was looking at the brightest, most colorful tulips you can think of, perfectly placed against a rustic wood wall. The color lover I am, these bouquets drew me in almost magnetically. On looking at the petals closely, however, I realized these were silk tulips: delicately handcrafted petals glued together to resemble natural flowers. Real or not, naturally occurring or not, these tulips had given me joy. They also taught me a lesson about this “quest” for happiness we subject ourselves to. Are we obsessed with finding a specific type of “happy” that conforms to a goal we’ve been sold? Are we allowing random discoveries to ignite unexpected moments of happiness? Are we missing out on the silk tulips for going after fresh ones? Are we sacrificing the joy of every other season in our lives for the momentary changes brought about by a single period? Me? I’m deciding to make this year about “happy” as a lifestyle, not an end goal. A means, not an end. A celebration of the real, not a comparison with the expected.
Every year brings 365 opportunities to change course. If you divide that by the number of minutes in a day and realize just how quickly a small decision can shake things, then that number of opportunities becomes even larger! There is just so much potential in committing to new habits, reconnecting with ideas that matter to us, and refreshing our relationships with others, that it seems like a waste not to spend a few minutes rethinking where we’re headed. I created this small manifesto as a way to remind myself of the ideas that matter in my life, hoping that putting them on paper will help me prioritize them even more in the new year. If it’s helpful, feel free to download this note and share it with those you love.
Amsterdam is bustling with exciting cuisines and innovative dining concepts. I was thrilled to discover that Dutch ingredients and processes have combined with flavors from all over Europe (and the world!) to create a unique experience for foodie visitors.
I saw great service and interior design experiences all over Amsterdam, but here are my favorite spots to grab a quick bite or full-on meal:
Incredible brunch and a cozy atmosphere to shelter from the cold. I loved the fresh, irreverent tone they infuse everywhere from their menu to wall signs. And who’s not a fan of all-day brunch? As a confessed breakfast addict, the sound of having perfectly-cooked Eggs Benedict or French Toast at 7pm is music.
Relatively new, Centra is a Spanish fusion resto-bar located right next to the Red Light District. The owners use the Catalan word Xampanyeria to describe this cava, or Catalan champagne, bar. Outside of drinks, their tapa selection is impeccable and diverse: you’ll find everything from a traditional Pan con Tomate (tomato bread) to a creative version of Spanish croquetas (fried balls/nuggets) filled with Paella rice.
Half retail store, half coffee shop. Pluk is the perfect spot to grab a hot drink and quick bites with your friends or significant other. Their breakfasts, bowls, salads, and sandwiches are on the healthy side, and you’ll love how they bring together flavors from around the world. Think hummus, Serrano ham, edamame, acai bowls, and curry mayonnaise all under the same roof.
This is a laid-back café in Amsterdam’s stunning botanical garden under the same name. While minimalist, this space is full of brilliant design details that combine plain wood grains and the natural aesthetic brought about by plants. Stop by for breakfast or coffee before you take a tour of the entire botanical garden. If you’re a plant lover, I can guarantee this will be one of the most inspiring experiences you’ll have in Amsterdam.
In case you haven’t noticed, I have a soft spot for Spanish tapas, especially while in Europe and especially during the colder months of the year. They are just the right size to let you try many different flavors while savoring single bites. Spanish food is also on the warmer, spicier side, something that is even tastier when it’s freezing cold outside. Tapas Bar Catalá offers savory tapas, great prices, and an incredibly convenient schedule, closing at midnight.
I read about this chic neighborhood cafe in Monocle’s Guide to Amsterdam, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Owned by an Australian couple, Little Collins is conveniently located near the popular Alfred Cuyp Market. After tasting a few meals, I will hand this place the award for most innovative breakfast options in Amsterdam. Blackbean and chipotle waffle? Check. Pickled cauliflower & whipped salmon roe? Double check. This is the place to go if you want to surprise your taste buds with the kind of dish that you “would have never ordered” that immediately becomes your favorite.
I know, I know I said 5. But I found this cozy spot during my last night in Amsterdam, and it became an instant favorite. It faces one of the most beautiful canals in the city, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out. Don’t forget to try their Sangria pitchers, grilled tuna with spicy sauce, and Spanish potato tortillas.
I found this one by chance while walking around Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square), a popular plaza in central Amsterdam full of nightlife and dining options. Unlike other places that focus on a single cuisine, this restaurant combines the best of Argentinian steak culture and Spanish tapa-sized servings. I loved their Pulpo (octopus), pan de tomate (bread served with a tomato puree topping), and grilled anchovies.
Nothing I can say about Blue will top the view. Their location gives you a full 360° view of central Amsterdam while you sip great coffee and enjoy small plates. While I’m sure their bar is perfect for a night out, Blue made our morning and I’m positive it’ll make yours too. Order their scrambled eggs with smoked salmon & veggies.
Inspired by a character in 1950s Spanish cinema, this tapas bar combines a great location with fair prices and bold flavors. Try their homemade Sangria and classic tortilla.
I had been trying to get a table here for a while, and was finally able to in my last trip to Amsterdam. Depending on the time of the year, it might be a good idea to book a table in advance. This modern Italian restaurant is located in a narrow, little street behind Rembrandtplein (the plaza I mentioned before), and is as intimate and cozy as it gets. Best known for their Neapolitan-style pizzas, they also offer fresh homemade pasta.
Koffiehuis stands for “coffee house” in Dutch. If you’re looking for a place to chat next to an Amsterdam canal, this is your spot. Great coffee and perfect location.
Extra: The Alley
I had read mixed opinions on this place before visiting, but the location close to Amsterdam Centraal Train Station and De Bijenkorf (a popular department store) made trying the place worth it. Breakfast was delicious and quantity was fair in relation to the price. We were ready to take on the day without having to walk too much and I’d go back in a second.
Gitana del Mar is where you go when life has been going by so fast you can’t remember what day of the week it is. This charming property in Buritaca features rustic bungalow accommodations, delightful organic cuisine, and a spa full of unique treatments in the midst of it all. When I saw cuisine, that’s not an exaggeration. This place is all about delicately planned menus, soulful bites for all kinds of diets, and locally sourced ingredients.
Details You’ll Love
Gitana del Mar is an eco-friendly, culturally aware property that makes sure guests interact with their surroundings harmoniously. You’ll find no excessive waste or noise onsite. That sense of tranquility has made Gitana a top choice for Yogis at every level, to the point where there’s a dedicated shala (house or studio) and regular yoga classes on the premises.
Did I mention food? Okay, because it deserves a second, third, fourth, and as many mentions as it can get. This is a true highlight of Gitana del Mar. All guest plans include room & board, so you’ll never have to worry about getting fed. Getting fed well? That’s also handled.
Interior décor is on point at Gitana. There’s a perfect combination of Nordic simplicity, hygge, and organic materials everywhere you look. While globally inspired, the property does have a strong local influence from the indigenous tribes that inhabit the Sierra Nevada. You’ll find handwoven details in cushions and linens, as well as botanical illustrations around the site.
