editor’s note: i’m so pleased and excited to introduce you to our brand new contributor, jessica from bon traveler. jessica really gets around (the world!) so i think you’re going to enjoy these mini-holidays!

There are some cities in Europe that have a way of drawing you back, time and time again. Amsterdam is no exception — its flower-lined canals provide a whimsical playground for those willing to get blissfully lost along the way. The draw to Amsterdam, for me, has always been the “human-sized” feeling to it. Brick homes line the streets, where seamlessly you can walk or bike from one neighborhood to the next. Cozy spaces are sprinkled throughout, with endless boutiques to browse and cafes to corner up in for the afternoon. Between meals, there is art and a whole lot of it. At an estimated seventy-five museums ranging from modern art to film, there is something for everyone. Certainly, a weekend is never quite long enough to soak all that Amsterdam has to offer. Here’s a look at how to spend a weekend escape in this city.

happy travels! bon traveler.

Eat + Drink
As a melting pot of cultures, I find myself leaning towards more international cuisine when in Amsterdam. With a large Indonesian community, eating Indonesian food is a must at Tujuh Maret. The classic experience is “rijsttafel” or the rice table, where you can try an arrangement of multiple small dishes here. Another great find in the Jordaan on my last visit was Raïnaraï — a North African and Moroccan influenced restaurant, with savory dishes changed out daily.

Throughout the city, other favorite cafes include Café George, Brasserie Van Dam, and Bar Fisk.

For coffee, it’s never a visit without a stop at Bocca Coffee and Toki café with its pretty terrazzo tables.

Stay
If you’ve come for good design, the hotels in Amsterdam are plenty. The Conservatorium Hotel is an icon and has a perfect address amidst the Museum Quarter. A former bank and music conservatory have been transformed by Milan-based designer and architect, Piero Lissoni. His clean lines and signature pops of color take the best of the historic building and combine it with an intimate feeling.

Do
Some of the most wonderful moments in Amsterdam are found in exploring the neighborhoods. Start in the Jordaan and work your way along the canals as it’s here you’ll find local shops to pop into. A boat ride on the canals is another highlight and often can be touristy, but there is a way around the packed boats. Pure Boats offers a small group tour on their boat, taking you back into the canals often not visited by the bigger companies. Accompanied by local cheeses and beer, it’s a great way to take in the city.

When it comes to museums, I would start with the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum for the classics. Most of these museums are open later into the night, so I always find it a great way to spend the evening after dinner.

• all photography by bon traveler.

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