Now that I’m home and settled, I have a collection of photos and recommendations from my recent trip through Europe. I spent nearly two weeks visiting Amsterdam, Paris, and London with friends, and I’m sharing local tips and favorites for each city. This piece focuses on Amsterdam — the places I loved for food, coffee, shopping, and small discoveries off the usual tourist track.
On this trip I packed a lot into a short time. We didn’t spend much time lounging; instead we walked, explored, and sampled as many spots as possible. That meant I got a solid taste of neighborhoods and smaller independent businesses — the kinds of places I tend to prioritize over checklist sightseeing.
If you’re the same type of traveler, this guide will be helpful: it highlights cafés with great coffee, bakeries and markets, boutique shops for home goods and clothing, and a few practical tips for getting around. If you prefer the typical museum route, those options are plentiful in Amsterdam, but here I focus on useful local tips and places I personally enjoyed.
Getting Around the City
Amsterdam is famous for its canals and for being a city of bicycles. There truly are more bikes than cars, and cycling is a primary mode of transport. If you can, rent a bike for a day or two to feel like a local. For many visitors, though, walking is ideal — the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Just be vigilant when crossing streets: bike traffic can come from unexpected directions and there are relatively few traffic lights compared with other cities.
Trams are another efficient option. They’re clean, frequent, and affordable. We mostly walked and used the tram a couple of times; it’s easy to navigate and reliable for longer distances or when your feet need a break.
Practical Notes
Bring some cash. While many places accept cards, a surprising number of smaller shops and local restaurants prefer cash, so have euros on hand for markets and independent vendors. If you need to exchange currency, airport kiosks are convenient though not always the best rates; plan accordingly.
We stayed in an Airbnb on a canal with a tram stop right outside and a rooftop terrace. It was pricier but ideal for a group sharing costs: the location made walking to many neighborhoods effortless and the hosts were exceptionally welcoming. If you’re traveling with friends or family, splitting a centrally located rental can be worth the price for convenience and comfort.
Best Places to Shop
Hutspot: A lively concept store with several locations in Amsterdam. The space I visited included clothing, accessories, a barber, a photo booth, and a coffee shop. It’s a great place to discover new brands and pick up design-forward pieces.
Felice: A stylish concept shop offering men’s and women’s clothing, lighting, home decor, and accessories. It’s in a neighborhood with other charming shops and cafés, so plan to wander the surrounding streets after visiting.
HAY: The HAY flagship store in Amsterdam is a must for fans of contemporary Scandinavian design. The store carries furniture, tabletop items, and small home goods; a café attached to the shop is convenient for a coffee break while you shop.
Spiegel: A small housewares shop focused on Dutch designers. It’s a lovely stop for unique gifts and children’s items if you’re shopping for little ones.
The Frozen Fountain: A large shop with an excellent curated selection of furniture, home accessories, textiles, and sunglasses. If you’re hunting for statement pieces or well-designed everyday objects, this store is worth an extended visit.
Recommended Coffee Shops
Bocca: One of my favorite coffee shops in Amsterdam. The space is larger than many others and has a relaxed vibe. Try the jasmine green tea or a flat white. They allow short laptop use but monitor time, so it’s better for a quick work session than a full day.
Sweet Cup and Back to Black: Our group agreed these two serve excellent pour-over coffee and are within walking distance of each other. If you’re serious about coffee, try both on the same morning. Sweet Cup is also known for a friendly resident dog, which adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Food and Markets
Bakers & Roasters: A vibrant spot that was our first meal in Amsterdam. The menu is filled with comforting brunch favorites and the interior has fun, colorful decor. It’s popular, so expect a wait at peak times.
Stach: A convenient shop for sandwiches, salads, cold-pressed juices, and snacks. I enjoyed their goat cheese sandwich, stroopwafels, and the large meringues — great for grabbing a quick, delicious bite while exploring.
Albert Cuypmarkt: Europe’s largest daily market and a lively place to wander. You can find flowers, cheese, pastries, and more. Walk the length of the market before buying, as vendors often sell similar items at different prices — especially flowers — so comparing stalls will help you find the best value.
My Little Patisserie: A charming bakery near the market, ideal for pastries, tarts, and a sweet coffee break while you shop.
Photography by Brittni Mehlhoff
P.S. I’ll be posting separate guides for Paris and London in the coming weeks. If you enjoyed this Amsterdam guide, check back for those next posts.
Have you been to Amsterdam? If I missed one of your favorite spots, I’d love to hear your recommendations.