The star of the Netherlands! This is one city every tourist to the Netherlands visits at least once. While most gather in the red-light district and urban centre, we know Amsterdam has way more to offer. Check out our slow travel city guide to Amsterdam for an authentic experience. 

Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known for its canals and windmills for a reason; every sight here looks like something off a postcard. Most tourists gather here to visit its capital Amsterdam to party! But there’s so much more to the Netherlands.

Netherlands

Home to the country’s historically vibrant capital: Amsterdam, globally known for its picturesque canals, red lights, and liberal thinking. You’ll also find hidden gems along the coastline and traditional Dutch villages highlighting the production of cheese, clogs, and windmills. The buzzing province of North Holland has something for every type of traveler!

North Holland

On a sunny day in Amsterdam, this is the perfect place to hang out, have drinks, enjoy food and watch the boats go by. Waterkant is a restaurant/bar, with a big outside seating area. There is always a relaxed and good atmosphere, and that is also one of the reasons why it is always busy! Sit on the side of the canal, or on one of the many picnic tables outside. 

Waterkant was founded in 2014, and inspired by a place with the same name in Surinam (Waterkant is Dutch for water side). You can see this in their menu, because they serve delicious, Surinamese inspired food. Besides this, they have a wide variety of beers. On Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00, Waterkant even turns into a club, and you will be able to dance until 03:00!

Enjoy Surinamese food and different types of beer at this lovely bar alongside the canal. 

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Outdoor Activities

Group of Friends

Summer Hotspots

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Food & Drinks

Waterkant

Have dinner, relax or party at this beach club in Bloemendaal.

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Woodstock 69 Bloemendaal

Enjoy food from different Asian cuisines in Chinatown. 

A lion dance happening in Amsterdam's Chinatown.

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A restaurant with lanterns in Amsterdam's Chinatown.

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An iconic store front in Amsterdam's Chinatown.

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A store display of cat with money statue in Amsterdam's Chinatown.

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Amsterdam's Chinatown rooftop details on the streets.

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A Chinese grocery store with bicycles in Amsterdam's Chinatown.

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Amsterdam's Chinatown streets with store signs.

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Amsterdam's Chinatown streets with historical temple.

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Chinatown Amsterdam

In the very heart of Amsterdam, it's not just a store, not even just a simple testing room, it's something more: it's Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits!

The interior of Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits with a barman and selections of gin.

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Wynand Fockink Tastingroom, Distillery & Liqueur store

The historical facade of Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits distillery.

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Gin tasting at the Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits distillery.

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Different in-house drinks made at the Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits distllery.

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The alleyway leading up to Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits.

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Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits Distillery 

The employees at Tony’s really elevated the overall experience. I got an in depth look at how Tony’s Chocolonely is trying to combat the issue of slave labor, all while getting to taste test the different chocolate bars! I couldn’t leave without buying a bar (or several)--the dark chocolate pretzel bar is definitely my favorite.

Become a chocolatier and learn about an ethical company that promotes slave free labor while chowing down on some incredible chocolate!

A neon sign with the logo Tony's Chocolonely hanging inside the chocolate cafe.

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A giant vending machine of Tony Chocolonely's chocolate bars are lined up in the Super Store for guests to try out

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The Tony Chocolonely's Super Store and cafe are held in one of the original cacao trading buildings in Amsterdam

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One of Tony's purple wrapped bars from the chocolate bar vending machine, with the flavor dark chocolate pretzel 

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A chocolate themed juke box in the entrance to Tony Chocolonely's cafe

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Ipads are set out for customers to create their own chocolate bars at Tony's Chocolonely Super Store

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A giant, oversized chocolate bar with the original Tony's Chocolonely logo

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Guest can visit the Tony Chocolonely's cafe and try out chocolate desserts, shakes, and other treats 

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The entrance to Tony's Chocolonely Super Store is in an old fashioned Dutch brick building

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A sign hanging on the brick wall with the words, "Crazy about chocolate, serious about people"

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Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store

The city centre of Haarlem with great shops and restaurant options, weekly Saturday markets, and the local annual Christmas market!

Inside De Grote Markt in Haarlem is the city hall, shown with lines of tables and chairs outside. 

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The Saturday market in Haarlem takes place in De Grote Markt and has stalls selling local produce. 

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The Laurens Jansz Coster statue honouring the inventor of the earliest printing presses located in De Grote Markt in Haarlem. 

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Carnival rides lighting up the night during a festival at De Grote Markt in Haarlem.

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A sunny day in the Haarlem Grote Markt hosts guests sitting outside a restaurant in the sun. 

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Grote Markt Haarlem 

There is always something happening at this creative hub.

A view of the Westergasfabriek and its terrace with people enjoying the sun.

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An inside view of the Westergasfabriek with different stalls for the market.

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A side entrance into the historical Westergasfabriek.

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Westergasfabriek

Mediamatic organises lectures, workshops and art projects. 

Mediamatic food and drinks side of the building.

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Mediamatic as seen from across the river.

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Mediamatic

Want to visit where the locals go? Away from the touristic path, you’ll find Pllek in Amsterdam Nord. A local gem with an actual city beach and lounge chairs, live music, and even Yoga. I love to visit Pllek island, dine with the locals and have an untouched view of the IJ river. 

Not your typical restaurant! A sandy waterfront beach, live music, and yoga all make up this trendy restaurant located at NDSM Wharf.

Guests lay out in the outdoor beach patio area at Pllek in Amsterdam. 

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Inside the bar and restaurant Pllek is an industrial style building and has a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.  

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The entrance to Pllek in NDSM Wharf is made from old shipping containers. 

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The outdoor area at Pllek is a man made beach with lounge chairs and a view of the Amsterdam water. 

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The Pllek building is made from shipping containers in the NDSM Wharf area. 

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Pllek 

Now used as an exhibition and concert hall, but initially built to be a Stock Exchange. 

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Beurs van Berlage

Live like the locals! Take a stroll down the narrow 9 streets and to find cafes, boutiques, and restaurants by Amsterdam’s canals.

The 9 Streets are popular among tourists and locals, as a central location to meet up with friends at one of the various restaurants, cafes, or bars

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A sunny day on the 9 Streets means a bustling street full of eager shoppers, shown crossing one of the many canal bridges

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Throughout the 9 Streets there is a great variety of both high-end chains and local second-hand markets

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From the canal bridge's view, one can see the many restaurants with terraces out in front of the buildings

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The Amsterdam canals illuminated by city street lights 

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The 9 Streets 

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Spain

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United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Steeped in fascinating history no matter which corner you turn, Malta is a treasure for those seeking the best in life: romance, beauty, and of course eternal sunshine.

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Cultural trip

Family Fun

Perfect for solo travellers

Couples getaway

City and beach

They say don’t judge something by its size - but by its impact. In this case, the smallest country in Europe is Malta, yet it’s a treasure trove of a destination to discover. Sensational Mediterranean climate thanks to being the southernmost country of Europe, with a history that spans over two thousand years, Malta is one of those countries that leaves the traveller with a little more inspiration and wanderlust after having explored it. 

This island nation’s landscape is characterized by low hills, with a few valleys, mostly on its main southern shore. Malta has a population of 400,000 people but due to its land size - it's also one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.

Whether you’re travelling to Malta in the summer or winter, you simply can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to get away from the cold grey winters in continental Europe, as the sun shines on Malta for more than a whooping 300 days a year. 

With a British legacy, Latin roots, Italian influence, and Arabic touches - Malta’s cultural heritage, linguistic diversity and delicious cuisine is just as dynamic as the country. 




Piercing in the skyline of Valletta is this huge magnificent dome belonging to St. Paul's Cathedral.

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St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in Valletta

One of the prime museums of Malta, MUZA has a collection of works by Maltese and international artists with works mostly in major European artistic styles. 

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MUZA - Museum of Fine Arts

A lively and jovial square in the heart of Valletta, in the evenings this is where locals come out for strolls and to hangout. 

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St. George’s Square

Built in 1992 to honour the thousands of Maltese victims in World War 2, this structure now remains a peaceful look out into the sea.

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Siege Bell War Memorial

These tranquil and lush gardens overlook the harbour, giving you fantastic panoramic views of what makes Malta such a postcard-perfect country.

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Upper Barrakka Gardens

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Valletta

Malta

Southern Harbour District

Stop 1: Valletta
The capital city of Valletta is a glorious historical city, that’ll make you feel like you’re exploring an age that has long past elsewhere - but still very much untouched here. Also most likely if you’re flying into Malta, this will be where you start! Explore the cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and impressive fortifications. Don't miss out on St John's Co-Cathedral, a grand Baroque building with an intricately decorated interior. 

Already you’ll get an impression of how many centuries far back Valletta goes. 
If you head over to St George’s Square in the heart of Valletta, you’ll  find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes as well as street performers and art galleries.Take a stroll along Republic Street to see some of Valletta's most beautiful architecture or visit the Manoel Theatre for some amazing live performances. 

You can also check out one of Malta's many museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology or the National Maritime Museum. The National War Museum is also worth a visit; it’s full of fascinating artefacts from Malta’s turbulent past. 

My favourite part of the city? Walk over to the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer incredible views of the Grand Harbour. Valletta may be a small city but it’s packed with culture and history, and there are plenty of underrated places to explore. 


Luciano Valletta Boutique

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West street apartments

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Valletta Harbour View Apartment

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Luciano Al Porto Boutique

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Casa Asti

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Art & Culture

Sightseeing

On the edge of  Senglea’s peninsula is the ever-so-full of grace, Gardjola Gardens. A spot that makes for a peaceful lookout into the surrounding waters.

Gardjola Gardens

Three cities in one stop? I know what you’re thinking but don’t get intimidated! The Three Cities of Malta are all worthwhile, all superbly majestic, and all a good bite-size that makes it easy to explore within one day. From the Grand Harbour of Valletta, here you can take a ferry across to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – for some more interesting sights that go beyond the capital.  My preferred method of getting across the harbour to the Three Cities is taking the classic Dgħajsa, a traditional fishermen's boat that now some locals use as an independent ferry for passengers.

Vittoriosa (you’ll also sometimes hear it being called Birgu) is home to the Grand Harbour, which was once the largest natural harbour in the world. It is now a busy commercial seaport and Malta's busiest tourist attraction. Vittoriosa was founded by the Knights of St John in 1566 as Fort St Angelo on an island just off the coast from Mdina and named after Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor who sponsored their order during his reign. It was later renamed Birgu (meaning "good town") by Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner who ruled Malta from 1676 to 1680 when it became one of Malta's three most important cities with Valletta and Mdina.

Senglea is Malta's second city, with an extensive fortification system built by the Knights of St John which has been restored to its former glory. Senglea is also sometimes referred to as Isla. The first thing that catches your eye is the Basilica, standing ever so proudly looking out into the water. The Safe Haven Gardens is a little park that juts out above the peninsula, where you can go for stellar panoramic views. 

Then there’s Cospicua (it’s also known as Bormla), the third city, which was once regarded as one of Europe’s most fortified cities, with a 16th-century bastioned enceinte surrounding it. Today it is one of Malta's most densely populated areas due to its proximity to Sliema and Valletta - two other popular tourist destinations in Malta but that doesn’t make it any less of a beauty. The best thing to do in Cospicua? Ditch the map and get lost inside its many cobbled alleyways. 


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Waterkant

Tips and Tricks

Waterkant Waterkant

Tips and Tricks

Waterkant
Waterkant