The epitome of quality and minimalism, Tossijn makes pared down apparel and accessories, focusing on premium materials. The brand offers a simple collection of essentials: t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, hats, and footwear. And all of them impress with their craftsmanship. For example, the sweater is knitted in Umbria, Italy from extra fine merino wool which boasts an innovative water-repellent treatment, while the jeans are made in the UK with organic selvage denim sourced from a mill in Okayama, Japan.

At Locanda you can taste a bit of Italy while relaxing in a friendly atmosphere. The décor takes inspiration from Italian restaurants and features old wooden table tops crafted by skilled artisans as well as a modern lighting and a stylish bar area. Here you can order delicious treats like smoked aubergine, the signature lasagnetta or a deconstructed tiramisu. Oh, and they also serve Italian prosecco, which is a rarity in Amsterdam.

Denim lovers rejoice! Tenue de Nîmes is a haven with hard-to-find items and vintage jeans from the 1960s and up to the 1980s, as well as apparel made in collaboration with American heritage brands. The founders of the store describe the selection of chosen products as “The Good Things in Life”, and we’d have to agree. You can also order an espresso, a glass of fine wine or a good ol’ Heineken to relax in style.

A great choice for any design lover, Friday Next is a concept store and studio where interior and product design as well as good food and coffee co-exist in perfect harmony. The shop provides an assortment of well-designed products created by upcoming and renowned designers. After finding some gems, you can grab a seat and order a cappuccino (or a glass of wine) and enjoy the buzzing yet oddly relaxing atmosphere.

Hutspot is a place like no other. Here you can savor a cup of good coffee right before you sit in a barber’s chair from the ‘60s to get an awesome haircut, so you can look good while browsing through the impressive selection of trendy clothing, vintage furniture and a range of great brands you’ll be happy to discover.

The Misc Store is filled with elegant and gorgeously designed stationery, pens and pencils, traveler’s notebooks, and an assortment of interior home decorations. All of them are made by local and international designers, with minimalism, superior craftsmanship and premium quality materials connecting all the designs.

Love beer? Then you should definitely pay Brouwerij ‘t IJ a visit (or two) to taste some really special beers. You know, the kind of beer you’ll probably have daydreams about when you go back home. Here you’ll find a permanent selection of around 40 beers along with seasonal and limited edition beers. Plus, this brewery is also located right underneath a famous landmark: De Gooyer windmill. Two birds with one stone!

If you visit Amsterdam, Noordermarkt should be at the top of your must-see places. Put aside a few hours, for this is a captivating flea market where you’ll be overwhelmed (in a good way) by a multitude of antiques, old books, jewelry, traditional fabrics, rugs, art, and more. Fun fact: the market used to be frequented by the one and only Rembrandt van Rijn, about 350 years ago.

At Lloyd Cafe-Restaurant you can order from a menu that includes numerous sustainable ingredients and organic or vegetarian options. This is also a great place to go to if you want to drink a cup of coffee and grab a bite to eat. The setting is gorgeous, with an open-space area that features a quirky and chic décor.

Similarly with many other places in this city, Vinkeles is located in a charming old building. The location used to be a bakery, originally set up in 1787. Elegantly understated, the restaurant offers a welcoming ambience and a delicious range of modern French dishes sprinkled with international influences.

De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam is a cheese heaven if there ever was one. Sure, you’ll find artisan cheeses here, but that’s to be expected. Not so ordinary (but welcome, indeed)? The impressive range of products that come not only from all over the country, but from all over Europe, with numerous specialties you’ll want to buy by the kilogram. Make the most of your visit and get wine, crackers, and pesto for a picnic by the water.

If you have a hunch that Petit Gâteau sounds more French than Dutch, well, you’re right. This small and cozy patisserie is the brainchild of pastry chef Meike Schaling, who trained in Paris and ran the business there for a few years before moving back to Amsterdam. Every day, about 100 house-made, delicious and very pretty tarts with savory or sweet fillings are waiting customers, making each visit special.

A great place to spend a few hours, browse through delicacies from Italy, Spain, India, or Vietnam, and buy artisan cheeses and fresh pastries, among many other sweet and savory treats. Not just for foodies, Foodhallen also offers access to a cinema, art gallery and a public library. Keep in mind that locals love this place, so you’ll get to experience an authentic piece of Amsterdam here.

The INK Amsterdam hotel takes its name from the 17th century building’s past. Formerly the office of the “De Tijd” newspaper which was launched in 1845, the hotel now has a distinctly contemporary ambience with plenty of refinement as well as typeface letters or handwritten letters on the walls. Highlights of a stay at INK include a complimentary INK Polaroid camera to capture special moments (available through a special hotel package that includes other treats) and Michelin-starred meals at the hotel’s restaurant.

The “One and Only Bedroom” is a must-visit place for design lovers. At Hôtel Droog, guests can stay a night or two in the only space available, located at the top floor. The bedroom is actually a small apartment with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Of course, the interior design is the highlight of the entire space, rivaling even the view over to the city’s rooftops.

Filled with history, The Hoxton Hotel is located in a gorgeous building where the city’s mayor used to live, back in the 17th century. Now, guests can enjoy seasonal Italian meals at the hotel’s restaurant, rooms with a stylish and eclectic décor, not to mention the beautiful architecture and stunning canal views.