ELLE Escapes: Amsterdam

Go to Amsterdam once, and you may never want to leave. The pristine Dutch city will make any American jealous with its glimpse into the lives we could be living: clean streets and plenty of green space, functioning public transportation, a healthy work/life balance. Should you pick up and move there? Honestly…maybe. But if relocating isn’t in the cards for you, a vacation will suffice. Below, find the best places to visit, eat, drink, and stay in the cultural capital of the Netherlands.

What to See

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Van Gogh Museum

There’s a reason the Van Gogh Museum is the most-visited in the Netherlands. The collection includes some of the Dutch impressionist’s most iconic works, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 with special exhibitions and programs.

De Poezenboot

This one’s for the ELLE.com cat lovers. De Poezenboot (“The Cat Boat” in English) is exactly what it sounds like: a boat full of cats. Since 1966, the boat has served as a sanctuary for abandoned and adoptable cats, and both visitors potential adopters can go spend time with the kitties three days a week from 1 P.M. – 3 P.M.

The Nine Streets

The best shopping in Amsterdam is in The Nine Streets, which has some of the bigger shops like COS alongside secondhand boutiques offering vintage gems.

Where to Eat

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VanOost Restaurant

If you’re looking for an upscale dinner full of whimsy, the six or eight course meal at VanOost won’t disappoint. And the space, with large windows, high ceilings, and an open kitchen, gives the cutting-edge restaurant a homey feel.

The Happy Pig Pancake Shop

You can’t go to Amsterdam and not get some pancakes; The Happy Pig Pancake Shop is the perfect place to try the country’s traditional Dutch pancakes with fillings like apples and cinnamon, Nutella, or gouda. Save room for the waffles as well.

Rudi’s Stroop

Amsterdam is known for its stroopwafels, a cookie made from two layers of thin waffles held together by a caramel syrup. Rudi’s has been serving up the confection since 1978, and they’re the perfect gift to pick up for your friends back home with a sweet tooth.

Where to Drink

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Fitz’s Bar

Tucked away in the basement of the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, Fitz’s has a cozy speakeasy vibe with a wood-paneled ceiling and comfy velvet couches. It’s the perfect place to sip a craft cocktail on any night of the week.

GlouGlou Wine Bar

If natural wine is more your thing, GlouGlou Wine Bar is the perfect place to grab a pesticide-free glass of rose. In the summertime, there’s plenty of outdoor seating for sipping wine and people-watching.

Super Lyan

Walking into Super Lyan feels like walking into a spaceship. The neon-lit space bills itself as “the first international bar” and offers plenty of delicious cocktails and snacks to keep you going all night.

Where to Stay

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Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park

Situated in a serene patch of green in Oosterpark, this airy, light-filled hotel had its official opening in November 2022, and has been delighting travelers ever since. With large windows, beige interiors, and a quiet atmosphere, the hotel is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Amsterdam. Our favorite feature? The massage water bed located in the hotel’s gym.

Soho House Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a hotel that caters to the young and trendy, Soho House Amsterdam is your place. Smack in the middle of Spuistraat, a district known for great shopping and restaurants, the hotel has solid food options and bars, a spa, and of course, a rooftop pool with skyline views.

Conservatorium Hotel

For something a little more traditional, guests check into the Conservatorium Hotel, a national heritage site right near all of Amsterdam’s best museums. The building is a mix of the traditional and contemporary, with unique rooms and suites that embody the beauty of Dutch architecture.

Beauty Picks

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