Seek and find
Last updated: December 11, 2024
A trip to Costa Rica with children is an adventurous vacation for the whole family that you'll never forget. During our world trip, we spent over a month here with our son. And I can tell you: Pura Vida stole our hearts! Say Costa Rica, and you think lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and unique animals like coatis. Perfect for a family vacation full of unique things to do. From spotting colorful butterflies and sloths in the jungle to relaxing in natural hot springs, and from night safaris to canopy walks in the rainforest treetops. For the older kids, learning to surf is fun! We often look back at the photos together to reminisce about this colorful trip. Costa Rica is a family-friendly destination where, thanks to the diverse landscape, no two days are the same. We saw breathtakingly beautiful sunsets together and made lifelong memories.
© Your Little Black Book
Costa Rica with kids: complete travel guide
In this kid-friendly Costa Rica Travel Guide, I'll tell you all about the child-friendly activities you'll want to see, do, and experience, and I'll take you on a journey using our personal photos!
5 Things to do with kids in Puerto Viejo and the surrounding area in Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, is a colorful and relaxed destination perfect for families. This charming village, and especially the surrounding coastal area, offers a unique blend of wide beaches, jungle, and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. For that reason alone, you shouldn't miss Puerto Viejo. It's truly unlike anywhere else in the country!
Spot wildlife in Cahuita National Park
One of the most beautiful places to spot wildlife in Costa Rica is Cahuita National Park. Here you'll find accessible hiking trails, quiet beaches, and an abundance of wildlife without having to spend hours wandering through the jungle. This makes it perfect for families and children of all ages. We saw sloths, raccoons, coatis, and a snake, among other animals. Manuel still talks about it sometimes! If there are animals on the path, never approach them, remain calm, and of course, never feed them during a picnic on the beach.
© Your Little Black Book
Snorkel and swim at Playa Cocles and Punta Uva
Playa Cocles and Punta Uva are the more family-friendly beaches near Puerto Viejo. There's plenty to see and do for families here, and the beaches are wide. Lifeguards are also on duty at Playa Cocles. The waves vary daily and also depend on the phase of the moon, but the water slopes gradually, so running from the waves is fun, even for the littlest ones. You can also rent canoes near Playa Cocles. Suitable life jackets for children are usually available, but if you plan on doing lots of water activities in Costa Rica with children without swimming certificates, you might consider bringing your own. Find some shade under the trees and explore the clear water together during a snorkeling trip at Punta Uva.
© Your Little Black Book
Take a Chocolate Tour with Caribeans Chocolate
Caribeans Chocolate is a great coffee shop for breakfast and a caffeine fix for parents. But the absolute best part is the Chocolate Tour you can take to their farm in the hills above. This tour is great for kids, because what child doesn't love chocolate? Along the way, you'll hike up to the farm with a local guide. Along the way, you're likely to spot toucans, butterflies, spiders, frogs, sloths, monkeys, and lizards! Once you arrive at the farm, you'll learn all about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar!
| TIP: We booked an (affordable) hotel nearby that is super child-friendly and has a nice pool: Terrazas del Caribe Hotel.
© Your Little Black Book
Go to the Jaguar Rescue Center
A visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is a must with kids. It's incredibly popular, so be sure to book your tickets online in advance. Don't be misled by the name, though; you won't find any jaguars there. This center was established to care for and rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned animals from the Costa Rican rainforest, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. You can always visit on a tour (available as a group or private tour) and learn lots of fun facts about the animals that live there. It's fun for kids to come face to face with a wide variety of animals, such as sloths and a variety of birds and monkeys.
© Your Little Black Book
Take a bike ride along the coast
If you're visiting this part of Costa Rica during the dry season, it's fun to explore the coastline by bike. Most hotels rent bikes, with or without child seats, or for kids aged six and up. Keep in mind that it gets dark early and the roads are poorly lit, so take a bike ride in the morning. For example, you could go to the beach! We were there during the wet season, so we didn't do this ourselves.
Hotel tip: Terrazas del Caribe Hotel © Your Little Black Book
3 Things to do with kids around the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
The reaction when your kids see a volcano for the first time is priceless. What else can you do near La Fortuna? I'll tell you all about it here.
Relax in hot springs
During your stay near the Arenal Volcano, visit the hot springs! There are several ways to do this: there are natural hot springs that are free to visit, but you can also opt for one of the spas and wellness centers. The free hot springs can get very crowded (especially on weekends), but it's certainly an adventure to be surrounded by nature. The professional spas and wellness centers with hot springs are well-organized and often have special pools for children. Most of these spas also have a hotel, and admission to the pools is (often) free for hotel guests! Child-friendly options include The Springs, Tabacon, and Los Lagos, depending on your travel budget.
© Your Little Black Book
Adventure: suspension bridges, cable cars & zip lines
You've probably seen it on social media: hanging bridges in the beautiful Costa Rican jungle. One of the locations where you can do this in several places is near the Arenal Volcano. For example, choose a visit to Mistico Park (an eco-destination) where you can walk among the treetops (even at night!). Or go to Sky Adventures, which is also perfect for younger children. You'll take a cable car up the mountain, where you'll have a beautiful view of the volcano. Traveling with older kids? Daredevils aged five and up can take the zipline! At Sky Adventures, you can also take a child-friendly short walk through the jungle via several hanging bridges.
© Your Little Black Book
Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall
One of the largest waterfalls we've ever visited as a family is La Fortuna Waterfall. It's accessible via a path of about 500 steps, but if my son can do it at four, so can your kids! La Fortuna Waterfall is an impressive 70-meter-high waterfall and a truly beautiful sight. Once at the bottom, you can swim in the clear, cool waters of the waterfall or relax on one of the rocks. Tickets are available at the National Park ticket office. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds, but definitely don't miss this attraction.
© Your Little Black Book
TIP: Depending on your Costa Rica itinerary, you can also enjoy many of the wildlife experiences I describe in Monteverde near La Fortuna. From a sloth sanctuary to monkeys, butterflies, and night walks.
4 Things to do with kids in Monteverde and the surrounding area in Costa Rica
Monteverde is one of the most magical places in Costa Rica to explore with children. From exciting nighttime adventures in the rainforest to colorful encounters with butterflies and hummingbirds, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a few days. For us, this was also a moment of relaxation during our world trip, and I booked the wonderful family-friendly Monteverde Lodge, which offers lovely family rooms and a good restaurant with an extensive wine list. After all, it's a holiday for parents too ;-).
Night walk through the rainforest
Looking for adventure? Then take an exciting night walk through the rainforest. With a guide, you'll enter the dark forest as soon as dusk falls, searching for nocturnal creatures like frogs, snakes, spiders, birds, scorpions, and with a bit of luck, even a sloth. The experienced guide will share exciting stories and know exactly where to look. You can almost always book these tours through your hotel, either as a group or privately. With our four-year-old son, we booked a private tour so we could tailor the length of the tour more to our needs. It was definitely one of the most fun things we've done! Our guide brought night vision goggles, allowing us to see everything clearly. TIP: wear long sleeves, high socks, and closed-toe shoes.
© Your Little Black Book
Admire Hummingbirds Up Close
Enter the Hummingbird Garden and enjoy the magic of hundreds of hummingbirds buzzing around you. Your children will love seeing these colorful birds up close and even feeding them! The curious hummingbirds often come very close, making for an unforgettable experience for the whole family. A must-do in Costa Rica with kids!
© Your Little Black Book
Monteverde Frog Pond
At the Monteverde Frog Pond, you and your children can spot the most colorful frogs, from the famous red-eyed tree frog to the fascinating poison dart frogs. But beware: most of these amphibians are nocturnal and ONLY active at night, so they can be seen. You can visit this frog house independently or with a guide. This can be helpful, as they know exactly where to look and can tell you all about the frogs' unique characteristics. A great activity to include if you're spending several evenings in Monteverde.
© Your Little Black Book
Morphos at Monteverde Butterfly Garden
The Monteverde Butterfly Garden might not sound very exciting, but it's truly a fun visit for kids. You'll walk among thousands of butterflies! Here you'll discover all about the butterfly life cycle and see unique species found only in Costa Rica. The highlight was the blue Morpho butterflies, which we saw in abundance. Legend has it that if you see one, you'll be granted a wish. There are also small insect exhibits, featuring walking stick insects and unusual beetles, which my son found just as fascinating!
© Your Little Black Book
| TIP: Depending on your itinerary, you can also take a walk through the jungle on hanging bridges in Monteverde for a similar experience to the one described above in La Fortuna.
3 X things to do with kids in Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica
At the end of our Costa Rica trip, we visited Tortuguero National Park. Here, you can spot sea turtles laying eggs on the secluded beaches (primarily from July to October). But I can tell you from experience that this national park is also worth a visit outside of this season! I booked a family room at Mawamba Lodge, and you can actually book all the lodges in Tortuguero as a complete package, including tours (organized by the lodge itself) and half-board meals. You can even take advantage of a transfer and boat ride to the lodge from San Jose. I can tell you from experience that this makes for a very relaxing multi-day excursion!
Boat tour through the Tortuguero Canals
A boat safari through the park's canals is one of the best ways to see wildlife. From unique birds to beavers, monkeys, crocodiles, and caimans. It's a fun way for children to spot animals from a peaceful boat. These tours are popular, so I recommend booking your tour through reception immediately after booking your lodge. Can you spot the caiman in the photo below?
© Your Little Black Book
TIP: It's also lovely to take this boat trip early in the morning, but it's not really suitable for kids. If you're in the park for multiple days, you can take turns doing this.
Spotting turtles
Tortuguero is known as the place to spot sea turtles. But as I mentioned before, this does depend on the season. From July to October, green sea turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs. You can join a guided tour with your kids in the evening, and if you're lucky, you'll see the turtles hatch, lay their eggs, and return to the sea. An unforgettable experience and a wonderful opportunity to learn about conservation! But be aware: even during the season, it's still an adventure in the wild, and there are no guarantees you'll actually see the turtles.
© Your Little Black Book
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitors Center
The Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center was within walking distance of our lodge. My son loves museums, and at this center, you can learn all about the various turtles and other endangered species in the national park. It's not very big, but if you're passing by, it's worth a visit. We adopted a sea turtle there. You get a certificate to take home, which makes a great souvenir! It's also a great way to support the Tortuguero Conservation Center.
© Your Little Black Book
Costa Rica with kids? Go for it!
If you're having doubts about traveling to Costa Rica with children, I'm sure you'll be convinced after reading this comprehensive travel guide. It's a wonderful and safe country to travel with children. Everywhere you'll find hotels with family rooms, restaurants with children's menus, and Western-style amenities.
Have fun planning your family trip to beautiful Costa Rica. I'm sure you'll be enchanted by Pura Vida too!
© Your Little Black Book
With love,
Anne
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long.
Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨.
Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marketlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on luggage with passport to an old lady who doesn't realize this and checks the luggage on a flight to the UK!
Now I'm stuck here in NY without a passport, and I missed my flight.
I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅.
This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢
Note to self: it's better to carry your passport all day, instead of leaving it "safely" in the hotel, apparently... and from now on, attach suitcases with cables in the storage room. Even if you're staying in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still done by humans.
Now I'm stuck in one of the world's coolest cities, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel, as planned. 😔
To be continued 🧳✈️
And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️
✖️✖️✖️
Anne
𝟳𝘅 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ...�� 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄
How cool is this? There are places in the Netherlands where you can cut down your own Christmas tree! You don't hear about it very often, even though it's quite common in America (where I'm currently!).
Good to know: some of these places in the Netherlands are only open for a few days a year and you have to reserve a time slot.
💬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 “𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗠” and I will send you the article with all the details and dates in your DM.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#christmasintheNetherlands #christmasouting #christmastree #christmasfarm #christmas2025 winterintheNetherlands Christmastips Christmasinspiration Netherlandsdiscover Decembertips winterweekend
And do you also have a nice garden?
I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲!
This time we went to @williams.farmhouse, one of my favorite lunch spots in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is it also fun during the day with kids?
We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success.
Happy child, happy us... and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean, this interior makes me dream of the Cotswolds again!
Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands?
Let me know in the comments, I'll collect everything for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, from November 27th to January 18th.
Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk, and from cocktails to an old-school Amsterdam drinks walk.
The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you and there is a different experience to book almost every day.
Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are now live! I've put a link in my bio.
I have a nice garden and a beautiful garden 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
Package: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat
Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €35,50
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed
Included: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99)
𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50
Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter?
𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙒𝙒𝙒.𝙇𝙀𝙁𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙒𝘼𝙇𝙆.𝘾𝙊𝙈.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I have a nice garden in my garden and 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🎅🏼
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and I can tell you: this list will instantly get you in the holiday spirit. 🎄
📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague.
Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar.
Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book.
Let the Christmas fun begin!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
I have a nice garden – I have a nice garden in my garden
Did you know Bangkok holds a special place in my heart? 💛 If I were ever to live anywhere other than Amsterdam, it would be there. Right now, I'm seriously homesick, and I even have a ticket option open on another screen ☺️. Fun fact: I even got married in Thailand!
Bangkok is one of those cities where you can return so many times and still discover something new every time.
In this mini-guide, I share some of my favorite neighborhood hotspots—from fun neighborhoods and coffee spots to ultimate hotels, street food, and night markets.
The list could easily have 200 tips, but this is a good start!
📍 Prepare your next trip to Thailand with our travel guide & luxury travel planner for your next trip to Thailand.
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ Talad Noi – creative, raw & surprising
⦁ Songwat & Chinatown – street food heaven
⦁ Ekkamai – laid-back & trendy
⦁ Ari – boutiques & brunch
⦁ Bang Rak – culture meets cool
𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 & 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ Charmkrung – trendy restaurant in an old shophouse
⦁ Hong Sieng Kong – riverside coffee spot
⦁ Potong – fine dining in Chinatown
⦁ Baan Rim Naam – cocktails during sundown
⦁ Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai – comfort noodles, Bangkok style
**Illegible**
⦁ Four Seasons – ultimate luxury
⦁ Mustang Blue – unique & arty
⦁ ASAI – affordable boutique
⦁ The Standard – design & rooftop pool
⦁ Anantara Riverside – riverside resort vibes
I & I
⦁ Sundown on the Chao Phraya River = magical
⦁ Cycle through the city with Co van Kessel
⦁ Big Buddha – new must-see
⦁ Eat street on Banthat Thong Road – local favorite
⦁ What Saket at golden hour – view!
(𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧) 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ Yaowarat – food, food, food
⦁ Sampheng Market – for your best finds
⦁ ChangChui – creative chaos
⦁ Asiatique – family fun night market on the river
⦁ Train Night Market – vintage & food
📌 Save this guide so you have it with you when you go to Bangkok
💌 Send it to that friend you're making Thailand plans with
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️
The first rinks, like @skabaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it.
I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙
This year, there are some new links to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss.
Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered.
📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio).
Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #skating
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰, 𝟭𝟱 & 𝟭𝟲)
Another cozy November weekend in Amsterdam is here — and the city's buzzing with festive fun, winter vibes, and new openings.
Think: the return of ice skating at Museumplein, vintage treasure hunting in Noord, Sinterklaas magic at Muiderslot, and cocktail week collabs between top chefs and bartenders.
From fondue nights, film festivals, and Sunday markets — I've listed 31+ tips on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
MARKETS & CULTURE
– Nov 15 & 16: IJ-hallen – Europe's biggest flea market in Amsterdam-Noord @ijhallen
– Nov 16: Sunday Museum Market on Museumplein (grab a bite from Mr Brasa!)
– Nov 13–23: IDFA 2025 – hundreds of documentaries across the city's best cinemas @idfafestival
DRINKS & EVENTS
– Every Thursday this winter: Cheese fondue night at Badhuis Javaplein (€26 pp with unlimited crudités & bread). @badhuis.ams
– Save the date! Nov 17–23: Woodford Old Fashioned Week — 10+ cocktail bars, 3 top chef x bartender collabs @woodfordreserve @sidney_schutte @florisvstraalen @dirkmooren
NEW SPOTS
– Café Bica on Weesperzijde – coffee hotspot from the Bam Boa team @cafebica.ams
– Petit Charcuterie on Singel – perfect for bites, drinks & brioche sandwiches @petit.charcuterie.singel
FAMILY & FESTIVE FUN
– Nov 15: Ice skating season officially opens at Museumplein ⛸️ @iceamsterdam
– Nov 16: Sinterklaas parade sails into Amsterdam via the Amstel 🎁
– Nov 16 – Dec 5: Sinterklaas at Muiderslot (meet the Sint in person on Nov 22–23 & 29–30) @muiderslot
Want all 31 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll DM you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide — or check the link in bio.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamEvents #AmsterdamMarkets #AmsterdamRestaurants #WinterInAmsterdam #SinterklaasAmsterdam #IDFA2025 #WoodfordOldFashionedWeek
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻.
From new hotspots to low spots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try.
Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️
📍 Orchid House (East)
Vibe: all-day dining at Oosterpark, family-friendly and good vibes.
Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha.
@orchidhouse.ams
📍 Omri (The Pipe)
Vibe: Small and cozy corner space with a warm interior and dimmed lighting. Perfect for a date night.
Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon.
@omri_amsterdam
📍 Chingu (The Pipe)
Vibe: Mainly focused on takeaway, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls.
Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious.
@chinguamsterdam
📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp)
Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy nooks in the always lively Pijp neighborhood. Now also open for lunch on weekends.
Must-have orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about that.
@leonardosraviolibar
📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Center)
Vibe: like stepping into a Chinese canteen. You order at the kiosk and wait for your number to be called.
Must-try orders: choose your favorite thickness of noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are also definitely worth trying.
@yellowrivernoodles
Please let us know where you're going first.
Or where you recently had the best meal, I'm curious!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas displays at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄
Only seven more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Trust me, I've been there myself ;-).
Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#Christmasshows #Christmasshow2025 #Christmasdecoration #Christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discovertheNetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #Christmasholiday #Christmasfeeling #Christmasmarkets #Decembertips
I wrote this article as a Costa Rica expert, commissioned by Visit Costa Rica. All experiences and hotels were selected and funded by Your Little Black Book.
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