For me, Amsterdam feels like a storybook. Filled with quaint pockets to unravel and untangle – inspiring you to write your own story along the way. A sprawling capital that feels far removed from the framework of a traditional city thanks to its cobblestone streets, winding canals, independent stores, and animated cafes tucked into the ancient walls. Each day here feels different, set in the same romantic fairy-tale filled with locals who follow the same ritual; cycling commutes, mesmerising art galleries, blooming florists, buzzing restaurants and weekend flea markets all whilst embracing the world around them and how they can be part of a better future that protects the earth.
The birthplace of the Golden Age of art, I’ve been drawn to this city time and time again – one that is steeped in history and upheld by fashionable locals. Below are some of my favourite spots to visit while in town to get the most out of the oh-so-magical Amsterdam.
BAKERIES & COFFEE
Look any direction and you’ll be hard pressed not to find a snug bakery with towers of warm cardamon buns and freshly roasted coffee wafting from its doors.
What truly sets Amsterdam's cafe culture apart is its emphasis on community and connection – and I’ve always noticed that it’s a morning ritual here that feels like a moment of poetic solitude before the day unfolds. Tucked away along the canal-lined streets, you’ll find a cross section of cool minimalist haunts perfect for people watching, to inviting spaces that feel like someone’s living room adorned with mismatched furniture and colourful flowers spilling out of window boxes.
When I’m in town, I’ll always swing by the eternally cool Saint-Jean, a small café serving some of the best baked goods in town along with speciality coffee. It’s a cool little local’s spot to sit (if you can get a seat) to watch the world go by and to pick up some style notes from the passers-by.
Another favourite that the universe always seems to lead me to is De Laatste Kruimel. The epitome of a cozy café, the shop front window is always stacked with tiers of freshly baked cakes and pastries making it almost impossible to pop your head in and settle in for a few hours. Find your nook out the back or upstairs and unwind with a book – thank me later.
Other notable mentions: Loof, Venu, Uncommon, Et Claire, Bakkerij Wolf
LUNCH
What truly makes Amsterdam's lunch scene so lush is its blend of tradition and modern innovation, where classic recipes meet modern interpretations and multicultural influences collide. It’s truly a melting pot of old and new, so pull up a seat and ask for the wine list.
I love Libertine Petit Café, a buzzing spot that truly comes alive in the summer with its expansive patio out the back. Equally enjoyable sitting under the vine-clad street on the front terrace with a glass of crisp white and a cheese board.
Alternatively, take a wander along the canals and let the crowds guide you to the latest hot spot.
Other notable mentions: Zero Zero, Dignita Hoftuin, Café Marcella, Bussia, Bar Dó Amsterdam
FOODS YOU MUST TRY IN AMSTERDAM
Stroopwafels:
These are thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup. A lot of places let you modify and add toppings, but I love to stick to tradition.
Bitterballen:
These little bites of joy are crispy and deep-fried, filled with a flavourful mix of beef or veal ragout. Best enjoyed with a stein of beer – dip in some tangy mustard for an extra hit.
Haring:
Raw herring served with onions and pickles is a must. Embody your inner Euro mermaid, hold in the fish by its tail and take a big bite.
DINNER
In Amsterdam, dinner service can be a sexy affair. With chic restaurants tucked away in laneways and within unassuming buildings, trendy bars serving up world class mixes, and sultry supper clubs offering delectable dishes and inventive night caps. From intimate candlelit tables to Michelin-starred establishments, the city's dining scene is a seductive blend of sophistication and flavour for those who venture out.
We recently shot our WONDERKIND collection, and on the night before all of our shoots – I like to arrange a crew dinner to kick things off. This time we went to Secret Garden Restaurant: an exotic setting, with art dripping from the walls and ceilings, serving up a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese food. It was like I had stepped into my own wonderland – it felt like a moving, breathing CAMILLA print and the food and drink surpassed any expectations.
Another black book spot is Cafe Bern, a local institution serving up delicious fondu and beautiful wine (perfection). Make sure you call ahead for reservation ahead of time – it’s a popular spot and you’ll see why.
Other notable mentions: Nela, Ceppi’s, Ken Sushi, nNea Pizza, BUFFET van Odette, Buurtcafé De Tros, Messiba, Restaurant Sebastián, Café restaurant De Plantage, Cafe Pico, Restaurant Jansz, Café restaurant Verlan, Brasserie de Luwte, Bussia
WHERE TO STay
In the three times I’ve visited Amsterdam in the past three years, I’ve always fallen into the loving arms of Hotel TwentySeven. Nestled in the centre of the city, this unassuming yet decadent hotel has spared no details. The staff feel like old friends, the room views are postcard perfect, and the rooms are divine. Pull up to the bar and tell them I sent you.
shopping & activities
Amsterdam remains one of my favourite cities for a Flea Market.
Nestled within a repurposed shipbuilding warehouse, the IJ-Hallen emerges as a chic enclave of vintage allure, beckoning antique hunters to its expansive confines one weekend each month. Revered as the largest flea market of its kind in Europe, its ambiance exudes an air of excitement for the treasure chest that lays before you.
Sitting along the canal, the beautiful Noorderkerk markets are held on Saturdays and Mondays offering vintage clothing, hand crafted homewares and antique artworks sourced from across Europe. It’s a small but mighty market, bring a big bag to hold your new haul.
A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without a pilgrimage to the iconic Theatre Tuschinski. This special space holds a captivating blend of Golden Age allure and is a maze of hidden pockets of theatrical magic. I feel like a kid exploring a life-size doll house each time I visit, so it only felt natural to design prints based off the magic of Theatre Tuschinski for the WONDERKIND collection.
In the afternoons, a boat ride along the canal while the sun sets is truly something special and allows you to see the city from a different perspective. Boat drivers line the canals, so take your pick and don’t forget the wine.
Amsterdam is a city for romantics, artists, designers, futurists, and everything in between. A never-ending exploration of art and all that inspires it. A fitting muse for the WONDERKIND collection, which allowed me to explore her many different sides and the history she harbours through art, textiles, architecture, and all the people who proudly call her home.
