24 Hours in Amsterdam

Navigating the Netherland’s biggest city in a single day while still finding time to chill.

Amsterdam is a pretty magical place. A petite city in the Northwest of The Netherlands, it’s a diverse melting pot of cultures with casual and laid-back cosmopolitan flair complete with quiet mornings and evenings full of revelry. The pace of life in Amsterdam is soothing. It has everything one would want in a major European city - street markets, world-class museums, sidewalk cafes where you can watch the world go by - but with the ease that’s synonymous with smaller towns and villages. With its canals and winding walkable streets there’s no need to traverse the city on anything other than a bicycle or sneakers. And there’s an allure to it, too. Almost reminiscent of one of it’s most famous artist exports, Van Gogh, when you look at the city from far away it looks like a flawless masterpiece. But as you get closer, you start to uncover the depth, layers, and beautiful imperfections that make up its diverse fabric. 

For street culture peeps, this might be your mecca. With local sneaker shops like Sneaker District and Solebox to native Holland-brand brick and mortars like Patta and Daily Paper, there’s no shortage of shops and wares to wander around. But those who know Amsterdam know the best street style is well, on the streets. And how they keep their cool and calm composure zipping through the small streets on their cycles will always make me crave their coolness. I can’t even ride in a convertible without my hair flying everywhere and my shirts and scarves nearly flying off, but, I digress, 

Then, there’s the food scene. From high-end eateries like Shaffy Resto Bar (which sadly closed in summer ‘23) to seafood inspired brasseries like Bistro de la Mer and even late night restaurants like Lolo, there’s something to please every platte - and pleasure. 

Start your morning with a pastry and coffee at Bakkerij Wolf before heading to the local coffee shops (read, weed shops) to indulge in the local pastime. Grey Area and Dampkring are the OGs, and don’t forget to get a milkshake. Pop into womens-focused streetwear shop Maha for a thoughtfully-curated selection of apparel and sneakers. Make sure to pay a visit to Anna + Nina for one-of-a-kind gems that span home goods, fine jewelry, and clothing. Take a trip through the bustling red light district at night before heading back to rest your head, which should be nowhere else other than the cozy and centrally-located Hoxton Hotel.