We just returned from Amsterdam on Thursday, and ever since I’ve been back, the most common request in my inbox has been: please share a guide! I can’t say I mind—reminiscing about our time there is almost as enjoyable as the trip itself.
This was not one of those whirlwind, “see everything, do everything” vacations. Instead, it was a slower-paced getaway, the kind where mornings start with a leisurely coffee and evenings end with long walks by the canals. More than anything, what stood out to me about Amsterdam was the way locals seemed to embrace a lifestyle that was less about rushing and more about simply being present. That rhythm became contagious, and we leaned right into it.
If you’re planning a trip soon—or just daydreaming about one—here are some of the places and experiences that truly made our stay special.
Where We Ate
Café Winkel 43
You can’t visit Amsterdam without trying apple pie, and Café Winkel 43 has mastered it. Their version is hearty, rustic, and topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. We went in the afternoon, when the café was buzzing, and people were lingering over coffee as if they had nowhere else to be. That, I think, is part of the charm—you don’t just eat here, you settle in.
Foodhallen
Think of this as Amsterdam’s answer to a food court, but with an upscale twist. Dozens of stalls offer everything from Vietnamese street food to gourmet burgers, and the atmosphere is energetic without feeling overwhelming. It’s the perfect stop when you’re traveling with a group that can’t decide on one type of cuisine. We sampled a little bit of everything and left more than satisfied.
Moeders
Translated as “Mothers,” this cozy spot is known for traditional Dutch home cooking. The walls are covered in family photos of mothers from all over the world, and the vibe is equal parts quirky and heartwarming. If you’re curious about Dutch comfort food—think stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), sausages, and hearty stews—this is the place to try it.
Where We Drank
Hiding in Plain Sight
This cocktail bar feels just as mysterious as its name. Tucked away on a quiet street, it’s the kind of spot you could walk past without realizing what’s inside. Once through the door, though, you’re greeted with perfectly balanced cocktails and bartenders who truly know their craft. It was one of our favorite nights in the city—low lighting, smooth jazz, and drinks that made you pause after the first sip.
Brouwerij ’t IJ
For something more casual, head to this brewery located right next to a windmill (yes, really). Their craft beers are brewed on-site, and the atmosphere is relaxed and communal, with long tables that encourage conversation with strangers. We especially loved the Zatte tripel—it’s strong, complex, and just the thing after a long day of walking around the city.
Where We Shopped
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
This cluster of narrow streets is the place for boutique shopping. Instead of international chains, you’ll find small stores selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. It’s a charming area to wander, even if you don’t buy anything—though I doubt you’ll leave empty-handed. I came home with a scarf that feels like a little piece of Amsterdam wrapped around me.
Droog
If you’re into design, Droog is a must. It’s part concept store, part gallery, showcasing Dutch innovation at its best. The pieces range from playful to avant-garde, and even if you’re not in the market for furniture, it’s inspiring to see creativity expressed in so many unexpected ways.
Noordermarkt
Held on Saturdays, this market combines organic produce with stalls selling antiques, clothing, and handmade crafts. It’s a lively mix of locals and tourists, and we found it the perfect place to grab a snack while browsing for treasures.
The Pace of Amsterdam
Beyond the places we ate, drank, and shopped, what truly defined our time in Amsterdam was the slower rhythm of daily life. People bike to work in suits, stop for mid-morning coffee, and linger over meals without glancing at the clock. There’s a sense of balance woven into the city—one that makes you rethink the constant hustle most of us have grown accustomed to.
Evenings were my favorite. As the sun dipped lower, the canals lit up with golden reflections, and the whole city seemed to exhale. Couples strolled hand in hand, neighbors sat outside chatting, and boats drifted by quietly. It’s a kind of magic that no itinerary can capture, but it’s worth experiencing firsthand.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is often romanticized in photographs: the canals, the bicycles, the tulips. And while all of that is undeniably beautiful, what stayed with me most was the feeling. A sense of calm, of presence, of being gently reminded that life doesn’t have to be lived in fast-forward.
So yes, visit Café Winkel 43 for the apple pie, sip a beer beneath the windmill, wander The Nine Streets for that perfect keepsake. But also—allow yourself to slow down, to adopt even for a few days the rhythm of a city that has mastered the art of enjoying life.
Because that, more than anything else, is what makes Amsterdam unforgettable.
