Travel to AMSTERDAM: Stay, Explore, and Indulge in a Little Coffee Snobbery

Where Individuality Reigns Supreme

Tell me, when you think of Amsterdam, what’s the first image that pops into your head? A sea of narrow canal houses, packed cheek to jowl, right? That classic postcard-perfect scene.

Pro tip: Never leave town without a Margo's coffee and pastry in hand

Well, it’s exactly that vision that makes the Pulitzer Amsterdam such a fabulous place to stay. Let me explain my thinking. When a hotel embraces the quirks and eccentricities of a city rather than ironing them out into bland uniformity, that’s when it truly captures the magic of its surroundings. Wouldn’t you agree?

I’m clearly not the only one who thinks this way. Fellow South African-born designer Jacu Strauss, the creative mind behind the Pulitzer’s design, knew better than to smooth over the hotel’s 400-year-old history. Instead, he leaned into it, celebrating the labyrinthine charm of its 25 historic canal houses. The result? A collection of uniquely designed rooms filled with a mix of modern and vintage pieces. Now, if you’ve been following my design journey, you’ll know this is exactly my kind of thing.

Want an extra dose of drama? Treat yourself to one of the Collector’s Suites. Each with its own theme: Book Collector, Art Collector, Porcelain Collector, Antique Collector, and the latest, the Flower Collector. Imagine bespoke furniture adorned with carved tulips and delicately pressed flower relief walls handcrafted in France. Absolutely dreamy.

Tour the canals in style

Now, let’s talk about canal cruises because let’s be honest, you can’t visit Amsterdam without hopping on a boat, (or a bike for that matter). With so many tour operators vying for your business, it can be overwhelming to pick one. My advice? Skip the generic tours and opt for The Pulitzer’s 90-minute cruise.

Why? Because you’ll be gliding through the canals in a 116-year-old teak-lined boat (don’t worry, it’s been completely refurbished and is now fully electric). It’s elegant, intimate, and oh-so Amsterdam.

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Coffee snobbery and culinary delights

Speaking of elegance, let’s get back to the important stuff, coffee and food.

Everything in Amsterdam is wonderfully walkable, so let’s start the day right:

☕ KOF Amsterdam Coffee Roasters & Cloud – I mean, why limit yourself to one coffee stop? KOF is a must, but don’t leave Cloud without trying their matcha. I still dream about it.

🥐 Margo’s – If you’re craving plant-based pastries (croissants, cinnamon rolls, the whole glorious lot), Margo’s is your spot. We went back. More than once. No regrets.

🍓 Rainbowls – When in the Rijksmuseum area, make time for this gem. I’d describe their food, but honestly, just look at the photos, need I say more?

🌱 Dinner Spots – Whether you’re plant-based or just love good food, Meatless Junction and Soil Vegan Café will hit the spot. Nothing feels better than eating delicious, nourishing food while travelling.

Markets, antiques, and vintage treasures

Amsterdam has some cracking markets, but if you love artisan breads, baked goods, handmade crafts to a couple of vintage stalls, Noordermarkt on Saturdays and Mondays is the one.

This is where I finally quenched my European search for a single silver-stemmed ice-cream coupe, which now serves as an almond-or-olive dish in my home. Perfection. I also picked up an antique Dutch tile from the 1700s because, well, how could I not? Although, I've since learned that not all antique tiles come from legitimate sources, some may have been unlawfully removed rather than responsibly salvaged. Yikes.

Now, I wouldn’t leave you without an antique shop recommendation or three, would I?

Vof Prinsheerlijk Antiek is a must-visit. It’s packed finds - from a too-heavy-to-travel mid-century brutalist candelabra, to portrait paintings from the 1800s, and other treasures waiting to be re-homed.

Another is Japans Antiek. There I found a beautiful matcha bowl and for those who love Kokeshi Dolls, you'll be hard pressed to choose a favourite. If you’re up for a proper rummage through vintage finds and quirky oddities buried under well-settled dust, make your way to Leeelijk.

Fashion: It’s all about individuality

As a past fashion designer, one of my favourite things to do while travelling is people-watch. Mainly to see how locals put outfits together. Notice I’m not saying shopping in regular fashion stores (because let’s be honest, showroom-style shopping, whether for interiors or fashion is never as exciting).

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by Amsterdam’s boutique clothing stores. Full of quality, individually styled pieces, rather than the usual cookie-cutter fashion. My top pick? Enso, a fabulous reseller of high-quality fashion (not quite Chanel, but far from fast fashion, just the sweet spot in between).

A few more must-do’s

🎨 Rijksmuseum – Big, bold, and packed with incredible art. Go.

🌳 Vondelpark – A beautiful green escape in the middle of the city. Perfect for a stroll or a moment of calm before diving back into the buzzing streets.

The Rijks' museum library is utterly enchanting—don't you think?

Amsterdam has this effortless charm, where history, design, and individuality all collide in the best possible way. Whether you’re floating down the canals, sipping matcha in a tiny café, or hunting for vintage treasures, it’s a city that feels like it was made for wandering.

And if you do find yourself in Enso, Margo’s, or an antique shop clutching a random but utterly irresistible vintage find, know that I fully support your decisions.

Happy travels!

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