Kiwi and Bow : Travel: Amsterdam

Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam

Travel // Amsterdam

Amsterdam, where do I begin?! I love every inch of this beautiful city. Typically what springs to mind for most is Stag parties, Coffee Shops and the infamous Red Light District. True Amsterdam could not be more opposite! Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities to escape to! I love it's laid back attitude and the impeccable sense of style both in Fashion and Interiors! Amsterdam is a like an enchanted maze filled with quirky shops, fresh flowers, captivating canals and hundreds of little bridges. With a flight time of just over an hour from Dublin you will find the prettiest city full of Culture, Arts, shopping and great value for money.

The city itself is quaint, charming and compact! Everything is within walking distance! Holland is the world's leading suppliers of flowers so expect to see the most beautiful flower stalls on every corner you turn and the most amazing Flower Markets! Here is my Best of The Dam! Enjoy, Ciara x

Best Place to Stay?

The Okura Hotel, located near the Financial and Fashion District of Amsterdam, is one of the cities tallest buildings. Away from the Hustle and Bustle it is the perfect location with the most amazing views of the city.

The view from our Hotel room

Best Restaurant?

Sazanka, one of two Michelin Star restaurants at the Okura, is quite possibly the best TeppanYaki restaurants I have ever experienced! A bit pricey but highly recommended for a great night out!

Best Bakery?

It is impossible to pick just one! Every street is full of the most amazing fresh bakeries!

Best Cocktail?

The Twenty Third Bar or Door 74

Best View?

Whether you choose to take a stroll, rent a bike or a canal boat, wandering the canal streets is an experience in itself with the most magnificent views like no where else!

Best Boutique?

Spare Time!

Best Breakfast?

Gartine's is the perfect spot!

For a typical English breakfast head to Greenwoods. If you are in the mood check out Pancakes! Amsterdam.

Best Attraction?

The Van Gogh Museum or the Cocktail Cruise which takes you through the canals by night showing you Amsterdam's most famous attractions including the Red Light District!

Best for Vintage?

Wini Vintage, or I Love Vintage

Best Club?

Away from the cliched tourist Hotspots, The Dutch know how to party! Check out Trouw! The building a former Newspaper printing press is now one of Amsterdam’s best club spaces!

Best Burger?

The Butcher or Cafe de Walvis which offer great vegetarian options too!

Psst,

If you like Hotdogs you need to go to The Fat Dog! Im forever craving them!

Best Rooftop?

The Sky Lounge at the Hilton or the Twenty Third Bar, located on the 23rd Floor in the Okura which is the highest and slickest sky bar in Amsterdam!

SkyLounge

During the summer months head to Floor 17's Movie Night! Watch a classic movie under the stars with a cocktail in hand!

Best Shopping District?

The Nine Streets for a great mix of Boutiques and specialised stores.

For High Street head to Kalverstraat!

For Luxury at it's best head to the Museum District where you will find Hooftstraat, Amsterdam's most exclusive shopping street home to Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and many more!

Best Hideout?

Hire a private canal boat and see where the canals take you!

Here are some more snaps from from last trip.....

Style Tip // Comfort is key and casual cool is what the Dutch do best! My Key look for day time is some ripped denim, a cotton tee, leather biker or blazer and my New Balance!

Travel Tip // Book in advance a couple of months and get flights direct from Dublin with Aerlingus from just €39.99!

Travel Tip // Its water over land here so Bikes & Trams are the favoured and in most parts the only choice of transport. Pack comfortable and flat shoes!!