Amsterdam

Funky multi-level laptop-friendly cafe and restaurant with great coffee and drinks. Get the burger and a paloma after a long day of walking around.

Buzzy indoor food market and bar featuring tasty high-end street food from about 20 vendors. It's located inside what used to be an old tram parking structure. There's also few neat little shops nearby in the complex.

Pair a Heineken with a truffle burger from The Butcher and grab a seat. 😋

Amazing Argentinian steakhouse and mezcaleria devoted to quality meat-based dishes. Eat at the bar, get to know your bartender, try their favorite spirits and you'll have a great time.

Casual canal-side spot with outdoor seating. Sit outside on a warm evening, grab a drink and enjoy some people watching.

Swing by this great little coffee shop for a rest after exploring Vondelpark on a toasty afternoon. A few blocks from the Leica store if you want to look around there on the way over...

There are tons of great traditional Dutch pancake places in Amsterdam. I just happened to go to this one and I enjoyed it. Sit outside, grab a coffee and pancake (I got a delicious apple bacon one) and watch the morning bicycle traffic whizz by.

Related: visit Winkel 43 for apple pie. I wasn't able to make it there but it's on my list for a future trip.

Cozy and very popular Lebanese manoushe to-go spot near the canals fit for a snack while wandering around.

Great wood-fired pizza place that's not too fancy. If you're looking for something more wholesome go next door to La Perla for Italian fare.

Excellent brunch spot in an interesting glass-enclosed building (with great outdoor seating if the weather is nice). It's near the Amsterdam Centraal train station so grab a cappuccino and their impressive avocado toast before embarking on a day trip to Zaanse Schans.

Ridiculously impressive cocktail bar nestled in a narrow alley. The menu itself is as much a spectacle as the cocktails. Ask for the "Smoke & Mirrors" (no longer on the menu but they were still able to make it when I was there).

The spot is a bit touristy so expect a wait if visiting during prime hours.

I only visited for some gin & tonics in the winter with Koen but this waterfront bar and eatery is known for getting lively when good weather rolls around.

Lively 3 star hotel along the Herengracht canal. The two story lobby area is filled with 20 and 30-somethings working on their laptops, taking meetings and just enjoying a bite and coffee from the lobby restaurant.

In the evening they serve great cocktails and the place becomes quite active. Would definitely stay here again. If you're familiar with Ace hotels in the United States, it has a similar vibe.

On my last day in Amsterdam in September I moved from the Sir Adam Hotel, where I had stayed for the conference, to this upscale 4 star hotel in the lively De Pijp neighborhood.

Luxury 5 star hotel along the central Keizersgracht canal. I stayed here in the winter for a few nights on my way back from Tanzania.

Great bar and lounge areas as well as a Michelin star restaurant — Vinkeles — inside the hotel. A relatively quiet and sleepy hotel.