travel guide // Amsterdam

Time flies, but most especially when you’re traveling. Last month I hopped on a plane and landed in Amsterdam, one of the most romantically magical cities in which I’ve spent time. I just loved the city: the design scene, the twinkly lights, the water… the cheese. My trip came at the perfect time for me personally. I was craving some time away from the desk and computer, while also desperately needing a change of pace. Heck, I was even craving cooler, more autumnal weather. I’ve been back for a little over a month and it’s taken me this long to get my act together, but here are some of my favorite moments from the trip.

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comWe stayed in the Centraal Station area, basically a stone’s throw from the red light district. I was actually shocked by how quiet it was in the apartment despite the crowds outside. We rented 2 apartments through Airbnb with my most favorite being the second one. Located on Amsterdam’s oldest canal, the apartment had floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the water. The afternoon light was just pure magic.

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comThis chair was basically my happy place during the entire trip. I sipped wine here, journaled here, watched the sun set from here. I actually feel a visceral longing for this corner.

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comI can’t even really explain what it’s like to wake up in a location like this. The air was cool and brisk, the sun warm on my face.travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comThen, there is the Dutch food… Apple pies, croissants, piles of cheese and meats. Oh, and pancakes.

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comWe ate really well while traveling through Amsterdam, but here are few favorites:

  • Latei – the best apple pie I have ever eaten in my life + they sell vintage pieces
  • Hannekes Boom – the perfect beer, cheese, and meat combo + tons of outdoor seating
  • Upstairs Pannenkoeken – so good we went twice!
  • Stach – super adorable sweets and treats with great packaging (more on that to come)
  • Brouwerij de Prael – a really awesome brewery with equally delicious food. Be sure to order the bitterballen (fried balls of gravy).
  • Brouwerij ‘t IJ – fantastic beers and delicious sausages and cheese (try the ossenworst, I swear it’s amazing).

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.com travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comThe shopping waas also pretty damn good. Two incredible districts include Haarlemmerstraat in the Jordaan district and the Nine Streets. Some favorite shops:

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.com travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comSome other fun things to check out:

  • Poezenboot – basically a cat shelter on a house boat!
  • KattenKabinet – cat museum!
  • Rijksmuseum – gorgeous artwork including Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
  • Albert Cuyp Market – an open air market, perfect for buying cheese and eating freshly made stroofwafels.
  • Noordermarkt – some of the best vintage shopping I’ve ever experienced… I even bought a rug!
  • canal cruise – I highly recommend selecting an open-air tour boat so you can explore the city via water.

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.com travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comWe were in Amsterdam for 10 full days, so this list barely scratches the surface of what we saw, ate, and did. If you’re planning a trip any time soon, I highly recommend going!

travel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comtravel guide // amsterdam www.jojotastic.comphotography by Jojotastic

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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2 Comments

  1. 12.1.14
    Kelly Rae said:

    sounds and looks like a fabulous time. We are going to head there soon and I’m excited to explore with your tips.

    • 12.1.14
      joanna said:

      it was such an amazing trip — i’m sure you’ll have a blast, too! hope you find my guide helpful!