Design Journey #23: Amsterdam Guide for Design Lovers
How Amsterdam will let your design heart beat faster
Good morning everyone,
I thought it’s time for another city guide – this time leading you through Amsterdam. My first time in this city was back in 2011, but I returned about a year ago to visit a friend, and I had one of those rare feelings: “I could definitely live here.” Of course, that’s always easier said than done – especially when you’re just spending a few holiday days there. But Amsterdam really does have something special: a vibrant atmosphere, friendly people, so many cute cafés and restaurants, lots of unique little stores to discover, stunning houses, and of course the water with all the boats that give the city its maritime charm.
So let’s dive right in (all Google maps links in each headline):
BAKERIES & CAFES
Bakkerij Mater (De Pijp)
We stayed in this area, so it was super convenient to stop by in the mornings. I loved the open space where you can actually watch the baking process – very satisfying! The pastries and bread were so delicious.
Ulmus Bakkerij (Amsterdam West)
Even though I tried quite a few cafés, I ran out of time for this one. But based on the photos and vibe, it’s definitely on my list for next time. Looks like the kind of place I’d love.
Uncommon Amsterdam (Oud-West)
Coffee and pastries were amazing, but it was packed on the weekend, so we didn’t manage to get a seat. Still, I really loved the minimalistic interior – super clean and modern.
louf (Oud West / De Pjip / Westerpark)
Louf has three locations across Amsterdam, which makes it easy to drop by no matter where you are. Nice for a quick coffee stop or casual breakfast.
At grammes, the pastries are both highly aesthetic and delicious. They’re not the kind of treats you find at just any bakery – they really get creative here. As you can see in the pictures: orange croissant, rhubarb & shiso tart, or a caramel miso and banana tart. Love it when bakeries dare to be different.
Scandinavian Embassy (De Pjip)
This place honestly makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a corner of Stockholm. The cinnamon and cardamom buns were incredible – but also be prepared, it gets pretty full on weekends. If it’s crowded, you can still grab a coffee and a bite to go and enjoy them in the beautiful park nearby.
TO GO
Omg – I think this level of bagel I’ve only had in NYC before. The bread is (as it should be!) freshly baked, with great toppings and combos to choose from. And not to forget: the street it’s located on is super cute – you should definitely stroll around the area from start to end.
le smash (De Pjip & West)
One of the best vegetarian burgers I’ve ever had. The buns are homemade, the sauce too – and you can taste the difference. Plus, I really liked the clean, simple interior. Just a great, honest spot.
RESTAURANTS
Kid Amsterdam (De Pijp)
Asian-inspired dishes with a creative twist, a cool crowd, and a relaxed vibe – right in the heart of De Pijp. The food was very good, and the atmosphere made it even better.
Breda (Jordaan)
Breda is a place where I haven’t been been personally (yet!), but it came highly recommended. Definitely a place I want to try next time I’m in town. It’s known for refined dishes without the fuss – think fine dining but with a laid-back, down-to-earth attitude.
Turbo (Oud-Oost)
Turbo opened about a year ago – an all-day hangout serving stracciatella, kroket sandwiches, and soft-serve for dessert. The interior is casual with playful design details, giving it just the right amount of cool.
STORES
Anna + Nina (De Pjip)
A brand I already showed you in my Christmas table-setting feature. I love their vibrant colors, quirky objects, and seasonal collections – they add a fun and unexpected twist to any home.
The Frozen Fountain (Leidseplein)
Totally fell in love with this place. It’s the perfect mix between store and gallery, spread over two levels, and full of discoveries. I really liked their selection of designers and how they presented everything. It’s definitely a unique space – high-end, yes, but worth a visit for inspiration alone.
A conscious home & living brand from Amsterdam. Their store is huge, and seeing the furniture in real life made me appreciate the quality even more. Thoughtfully designed, timeless pieces.
Fest (Amsterdam West)
Another brand that originally comes from Amsterdam that I really like and follow for a long time is FEST. Lots of their upholstries have fabrics from Kvadrat, I like their color choices and shapes, for me it’s the perfect blend between modern bold and still timeless. Definitely check their store if you want to explore their products IRL.
Enso Vintage offers a curated vintage selection of fashion but also a few homeware objects (e.g. Argot studio). The store is not too big but beautiful to look at. You can find selected brands like Toteme, Loewe, Jil Sander, The Row -and many more.
TED (Amsterdam West)
Ted Amsterdam is a multi-purpose creative space where you can rent or buy beautiful iconic pieces (vintage and new), but you need to make an appointment to go there. They also have an onlineshop if you want to check their selection there.
I stumbled upon this place randomly. They had some cute fashion pieces, but I’m mainly adding it here because I loved the store design – organic shapes, natural tones, and a moody, calming atmosphere.
Carmen store & cafe (Leidseplein)
Carmen is one of those places that gets everything right: fashion, interiors, and an in-store café – all in one beautiful space. The store has a carefully curated selection of clothing and home goods with that effortless, elevated vibe.
As you probably noticed from the places I loved – Jordaan and De Pijp were my favorite neighborhoods. Jordaan is super pretty, with so many charming stores and houses. De Pijp feels a bit more edgy and creative – cooler, I’d say.
And if you’re up for discovering a completely different part of the city: I biked out to KNSM Eiland – it’s mostly residential, but I loved seeing all the different architectural styles and just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Definitely worth the ride.
What’s coming next:
On Monday in two weeks, I’m starting a new series featuring creatives from the interior industry – sharing their founder stories and insider spots from their hometowns. I can already tell you: the first one is very inspiring and aesthetically spot-on :)
Amsterdam is a wonderful place for architecture and design experiences. There is only one other city that is able to deliver similar vibes.