The Perfect Day in Amsterdam

This tale of the my perfect day in Amsterdam exists because in 2020 whilst living in Amsterdam, a friend passing through for 24 hours asked how he should spend his day. Given how much time I’d spent exploring the city in the blissful peace of ye olde ‘rona pandemic, I was more than happy to oblige.

More recently, another friend asked for the same—but the guide I’d written in 2020 was nowhere to be found. So I wrote anew, and wanted to share this with you on the chance you visit Amsterdam one day… And if not, perhaps you’ll enjoy this localish insight into one of planet earth’s more magical cities.

~

Note: Before leaving your hotel but ideally further in advance, make a dinner reservation at Gossler Florin. While I’ve not eaten there under this guise, I did dine at the previous concept—Daalder. The chefs are the same, and based on recent reviews, you’re in for a similarly wonderful experience.

The perfect day in Amsterdam begins at Hummingbird on Spuistraat, waking up with your choice of caffeinated beverage (espresso for me please) and one of the finest renditions of a croissant you’ve ever done tasted.

(During my time in Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of befriending the now former owner of Hummingbird, who has finally fulfilled his dream of selling the cafe and moving to Lisbon. As fate would have it, he made the move just two weeks before I was passing through Lisbon in May, and we had a delightful time catching up over espresso, cheeseburgers, and wine.

Even without Kees behind the bar, I have no qualms in sending you to Hummingbird, as he shared how he sold to someone who wanted Hummingbird for Hummingbird… Not to turn the cafe into their own.)

Okay, caffeinated and hunger tamed, the day—and city—lie before you.

In what’s likely my most touristy recommendation, visiting Van Stapele Koekmakerij for their famed cookies is a must, wait be damned. Go early, as they make a limited number of cookies each day and close upon selling out.

Cookies in hand, backtrack south through the Rokin area (I suggest getting off the main street and finding a street-between-streets instead) towards The American Book Center. Before losing yourself amongst the stacks and discovering your next read, make a pit stop nearby to check out the Begijnhofkapel if you’re into medieval homes and leafy courtyards.

With your morning dose of caffeine likely fading and hunger growing… Lunch!

The trouble with choosing a lunch spot in Amsterdam is that there’s approximately four score and seven million options—from the little sandwiches locals love so much to any cuisine you could desire. Personally, I’d feel out what I’d prefer in the moment between The Lebanese Sajeria, Smoked Crispy Bacon, or Dr. Falafel. If the weather is reasonable, take your wrap or sandwich to go and find a quiet peace of canal to dangle your feet off.

(In Amsterdam or otherwise, my ideal lunch is either a fresh, hearty sandwich or wrap of some kind… Or a long and lazy lunch with a bottle of wine.)

With your hunger tamed, chart your course for Good Beans down in Jordaan—but slow your roll, take your time getting there, and don’t take a direct route. Wander through the Nine Streets, mosey through any little alleys that catch your fancy, and don’t be afraid to get lost. There are so many unique shops in this area, you never know what hidden treasures you’ll find.

Once you’ve arrived at Good Beans, for the local experience, cram yourself into their tiny shop and have a chat with whoever happens to be in there… Or if the weather permits, you can do the same on the street in front of the shop.

This little cafe is an absolute gem, owned by an unlikely pair of expats—one from Brooklyn (Cody) and one from Norway (Harold). Get some beans to go.

Now you’ll probably have some time before my next suggested stop. So you could head back to your hotel for a little respite, stop at any food place that catches your eye for a snack (check the reviews first though), wander aimlessly in search of more secrets, or hang out along a canal and ponder.

Regardless of your choice above, as 6pm draws near…

If your Amsterdam adventure is on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, head over to Sins of Sal from some pre-dinner drinks (alcohol-free preferences are surely accommodated) before your reservation at the nearbyish Gossler Florin.

If you’re in town on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, my go-to suggestion for drinks, alcoholic or otherwise, is Vesper—conveniently located kitty-corner to Good Beans. Like Sins of Sal, they also don’t open until 6pm.

I often enjoyed hanging out at Vesper, sipping a cocktail or two slowly, thinking, journalling, ideating, pondering the turnings of the world.

When the time comes, make your way to Gossler Florin and enjoy!

By the time dinner is finished, you’ve been walking, shopping, eating, and drinking all day long, and you’ll no doubt be eager to retire to your hotel—but I must insist on one final stop at Winkel 43 for a slice of their famous apple pie. Perhaps take your slice to go, and enjoy in the comfort of your hotel.

Amsterdam apple pie is a non-negotiable, even if like me you don’t typically care for pie… It’s just different (and much, much better) here. You’ll see!

And that, my friend, is how I’d spend a perfect day in Amsterdam.

With love from the forest,

~ Alexander ‘Wiz’ Mullan