Amsterdam remains one of my favourite European cities. It sits somewhere between Berlin’s edge and Copenhagen’s restraint — cool but warm, structured but permissive. A city where you can be entirely yourself without spectacle.
This trip was a belated birthday present to myself and an anniversary moment for Miro and I. Forty-eight hours. Just enough time to eat properly, wander slowly, shop intentionally, and leave before you become lazy.
Here’s the edit.
Love, Tofi Caroline xx
STAY HERE!
The Hoxton Lloyd
The Hoxton rarely misses, and this outpost is no exception.
There’s a Hoxton in the city centre, but chaos is not the mood. Lloyd sits slightly away from the frenzy — still accessible, but calm. The interiors are exactly what you want: clean, bright, understated, quietly chic.
A few insider notes: book direct. Early check-in and late check-out are worth more than you think. Upgrades are easier when you do. Mine did. The energy here is polished without being performative. The kind of place where you linger.
EAT HERE!
Box Sociaal (Jordaan)
Australian brunch done properly. It’s popular — book ahead.
Good food, relaxed but curated ambience, pleasant staff. A solid first stop.
Nela
For date night.
Upscale, dramatic lighting, chef’s table if you can secure it. Order strategically. Skip the short rib — flavour is surprisingly muted. Order the mushroom dish — exceptional. This is where you dress slightly sharper and stay slightly longer.
YUSU
My favourite food stop of the trip. Come for the baked goods. Stay for the hot hojicha latte. The ambience is cool without trying. Grab a table and sit. Don’t rush.
Foodhallen
I didn’t visit this time, but it deserves mention. Similar to Time Out Market in Lisbon or New York — but elevated. I once had one of the best oyster experiences here. For casual, high-quality food, it’s a strong choice.
COFFEE HERE!
Bakkerij Wolf
I almost didn’t go in. It looked too popular. Too obvious. I was wrong. Great coffee. Great pastries. Run here.
SHOP HERE!
Baskets (De Pijp)
Curated streetwear and elevated casual designers. If you love street style, this is your stop.
Secondlife Amsterdam
One of the best vintage stores I’ve ever stepped into. Luxurious but affordable. Proper finds.
I bought: a fur coat for under €50 and a leather clutch for under €10. Run. Don’t think twice.
OTHER PLACES TO NOTE!
(Because good edits always include what you didn’t get to.)
CLOTHING
WAHTS Amsterdam
Daily Paper
Arte
Norse Projects
Filling Pieces
Olaf Hussein
Pop Trading Company
The Mercer Brand
CAFÉS
Oficina
Coffee District
Café Tepoz
Bocca Coffee
Bakkerij Loof
TOKI
Barmhartig Koffie
Café Maha
RESTAURANTS
Copain
Corner Store
Petit Peche
Cecconi’s
Bernie’s
Bremen Brasserie
ART
Huis Marseille (Museum of Photography)
Bisou Gallery
COFFEE SHOPS
For those who partake: Abraxas, Baba, The Bulldog, Barney’s, Dampkring, and Amnesia. Freedom exists here. Quietly.
