I’m writing those sentences in the train with watery eyes. Today marks the end of our life in Amsterdam. Today we handed in the keys of our beautiful apartment to start a new life in Australia.
A few months ago, my husband and I were discussing what we would do if our Australian project didn’t work out. What would we do, where would we go? In that moment, I realised how much I came to enjoy our life in Amsterdam. How much I liked our place, our neighbourhood, our routine, the friends I was making, and our lifestyle.
It’s been four years since we moved to Amsterdam, but to me, it’s only been the last two years that I’ve actually started appreciating my life in Amsterdam. (Living in Amsterdam and working in Brussels did not help the two first years.)
I could totally see myself continuing our lives in Amsterdam. I was still close to family, but in a city where I enjoy the lifestyle better.
Today we are closing that chapter. I feel grateful to have had those 4 years in this beautiful city and for the experience I had. You grow in different ways when you are away from the place you grew up. You learn to adapt, to interact in different ways and start picking up cultural trends that fit your personality. One thing is clear: living in Amsterdam has definitely intensified the belief that I am a true city girl! Living in such a vibrant city, with lots to see, lots to do and eat brought me so much joy.
Leaving is harder than expected. Now, we are posting for a month in Brussels to spend the last moments with family before the big adventure.
While you wait to read all about it, I’ll share my favorite places in Amsterdam with you. It’s only fair. I hope that through it, you get to enjoy Amsterdam to its fullest.
Favorite bakeries/café:
- Have a roll – Best vegan cinnamon rolls
- Fort Negen – Best bakery ever! 100% recommend
- Brioche – cute little french brioche place.
- Bakkerij Mas – authentic Scandinavian cinnamon rolls
- Louren’s – Their pistachio croissant is amazing!
- Baking lab Amsterdam – Their bread is great and if you are craving a good croissant, it’s the place to go.
- Cafe 4850 – Cute place to have a break with either a pastrami sandwich or a cardamom bun!
- Cafecito: our go to take away coffee or matcha! We loved it.
- Moca chocolate: got influenced but loved the chocolate with the ring of marshmallow!
Favorite lunch places:
- Foodhallen – Perfect for a quick stop if you do not know what to eat. I’m sure you will find something there.
- The cottage (deli) – Their pies and sandwiches are to die for! This was our go to when we worked from home.
- Dumpling West – Best dumplings in town! When we were craving for dumplings, this is where we would go. Also, totally recommend their savory pancakes!
- The cottage (the restaurant) – If you want a true heartfelt sunday roast. this the place to go!
- Broodje Gerard – Perfect lunch spot with a tasty sandwich.
Favorite restaurants for dinner:
- Salmuera – Amazing Argentinean meat!
- Los Pilones – The tacos are very good!
- Secret Garden – if you like some fine dining and fusion. Great experience.
- Hikage – Small little japanese restaurant and it was so good.
- Selva – Fine dining and latin american mordern dishes. Totally recommend.
- Moche – Their lomo saltado is delicious!
- Soju bar – Korean fried chicken!
- Ladybird – The most juicy friend chicken ever!
- Yokomo – Very good Japanese/latin american fusion food
- Wonton West – OMG their meat was amazing.
- Miri Mary – Modern Indian, small menu, but everything is delicious.
- Thai Thai poppetje – small authentic thai restaurant. small menu but everything is delicious.
- KAAS bar – for a cheese and wine evening
- FAAM restaurant – was our go to take away pizza in the West.
Favorite Brunch places:
- Lagom
- Greek embassy
- Loop 51
- Dignita hoftuin
- Benji’s
- MOAK pancakes
- Little Collins de Pijp
- Factory Girl
- Staring at Jacob
- Five ways coffee
Favorite places to go for a drink:
- Badhuis (oost)
- Noorderlicht
- The Cottage
- Bar botanique
- Hannekes boot – perfect in the summer
- Pllek – perfect in the summer
- Biertuin Oost
- Brouwerij Poesjat & kater
- Glou Glou – for some organic wine
- Brouwerij ‘t ij
- café twee prinsen
- Canvas – rooftop
- Paskamer – Wine bar
Places to visit or to experience:
- Rijksmuseum
- FOAM – Photography Museum
- Wereld Museum
- Kingsday (27th of April)
- Fabrique des Lumières
- MOCO museum
- Stroll through the Negen Straatjes
- Haarlem wijk
- Artis zoo
- ADE festival
- SAIL (every 5 years)
- Light festival – combine it with a boat trip
- PLUK – to play some arcade games
- Strandzuid – in the summer
- Bike through the country Side of Amsterdam (loop from Amsterdam to waterland and back)
- Concerts!
- Show at BOOM Chicago
- PURE market
- Outdoor cinema at Pllek – during the summer
- Go eat some stroopwafels and fish at the Albert Cuyp market
- Rollende Keukens festival
Let me know int he comments if you try any of the recommendations! In the meantime, I’ll be exploring another city and can’t wait to share it with you.
Until next time Amsterdam!
With love,
Brenda
Life with Brenda 