Want that authentic French feeling less than a three-hour drive from Amsterdam? That's why you'll want to take a road trip to Lille this fall. In this new Lille City Guide, I've compiled a list of the best (new) hotspots for you.
After the success of my book, Staycation, in which I tore through the Netherlands and Belgium in my Peugeot 208, a new video and travel guide series is coming. I've traded in my Peugeot 208 for a bigger one (because I now have a baby!), namely our new Peugeot 2008I'll be on the road all summer creating road trip guides. Sometimes far away, sometimes closer to home, like for Lille. All destinations where, for once, you don't even have to take a plane!
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam

First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck

I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll be talking about all year long.
I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower.
And in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck

Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
I wish you very happy days.
Curious about what you're going to do today ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
PS: Who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀

Comment WEEKEND for the full guide.🎄
I hope your OOO is on, your plans for the festive season are set, and that you're going to enjoy some wonderful days ahead.
If you need more tips, yourlittleblackbook.me is packed with listicles for Christmas and NYE.
From the best delicacy shops for your groceries to last-minute dinner tables and events.
Maybe you're traveling for the holidays? I would love to hear where you're headed.
For now: happy holidays! I'll check in with you next week from Egypt, where I'm adventuring with my family, chasing mummies and pyramids.
ALL THE LOVE,
ANNE

The Christmas holidays are coming and we have collected the best tips for kids (and parents 😉) for you.
From winter getaways in Amsterdam to great family-friendly tips throughout the Netherlands: you'll find them all in our complete Christmas holiday guides.
Think of Christmas markets, winter events, ice skating rinks, light art and quality time together.
In 𝗬𝗟𝗕𝗕'𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 on 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 I have bundled everything for you: from Amsterdam to the best tips throughout the Netherlands.
Countdown: we're off to Egypt for a week soon ☀️, but I've deliberately planned it so we can also fully enjoy all the winter events and outings here. The best of both worlds.
In the guides you will find, among other things:
In the evenings
– Winter outings in Amsterdam, from light art to Christmas markets
– Family-proof events throughout the Netherlands
- Many tips that are also fun in cold or rainy weather
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Cozy winter markets for hot chocolate and mulled wine
– Ice rink, circuses, shows and light festivals
– Outings that are just as fun with the whole family as one-on-one with your child
Of course, this is just a sample of everything there is to do.
Do you want the complete overview?
I have always wanted to make a nice gift to you 🖤
And I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
I hope you have a great time together!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 Anne de Buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasholiday #christmasholidaytips #kidsproof #familytimewintervibes

I hope this summer you have a nice summer day and a nice bouquet of flowers! 🎄
Send a message right away to that one friend with whom you want to have one this weekend.
𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until December 23) @royalchristmasfairthehague
– Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec)
– Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec)
– Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec)
– Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec)
𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec)
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴
– Christmas Town Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until January 4)
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹
– Christmas Market Delden – Delden (13 Dec)
– Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
– (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until December 28)
– Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec)
– Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
– Winter Market Pure Markt – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁
– Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec)
– The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (Dec. 18–Jan. 4)
Have fun! There's nothing quite like spontaneous plans in December.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰)
Another cozy December weekend is here, and the city is buzzing with winter vibes.
Think festive markets, Light Festival strolls, Christmas concerts, new food hotspots, ice skating, and QT with friends or family.
In this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide, I've rounded up 40 things to do!
Here's a sneak peek — comment WEEKEND for the full guide or check the link in bio.
𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
– A magical Christmas concert at Het Concertgebouw (Dec 13)
– Bric & Brac Christmas Market at De Willem (Dec 14)
– The always lovely Museumplein Christmas Market — perfect for snacks & winter vibes
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
– NEW: Yubu Bento — your new inari go-to in the city center
– NEW: Wonton — dumpling heaven just landed in West
– Do the @lefoodwalk during Amsterdam Light Festival: 10.000 steps, art, street food, oysters & cocktails
– More into sit-down dinners? Book an early or late table with @lefoodwalk
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis (Dec 14) — always a good idea
– Circus Zanzara is back at Westergas with The Art of Making Art — fun for all ages
And this is just a taste of all 40 tips in this week's guide.
Want the full list with all events and new places to check out?
🖤 Comment WEEKEND and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DMs, or hit the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekendguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamcity

**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know!
And now the best news:
I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates
The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpcity #borgerhout

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 ✖️✖️✖️

In this first new guide, I'll take you to Lille, France. This city is also known as Rijsel (River). It's charming, not too big, surprisingly affordable, and just across the Belgian border. A city that's becoming increasingly hip! Since my last visit a few years ago, Lille's hotspots seem to have sprung up like mushrooms. That's why I thought it was time for a comprehensive update to the Lille Travel Guide, so you know exactly where to go for a perfect weekend getaway by car. Don't feel like reading? Then watch the video!
Lille is a medium-sized city, and once you've arrived, you can easily explore it on foot. For some fun things to do, it's best to take a car. I'll highlight each tip in this Lille City Guide. Also, keep in mind that shops and many restaurants are closed on Sundays. Plan your trip accordingly to get the most out of your road trip!
Hôtel L'arbre Voyageur: Lille has plenty of beautiful and trendy hotels to offer. There are several great Airbnbs available, but if you'd still like to stay in a hotel, Hôtel L'arbre Voyageur is a great choice. This hotel is incredibly centrally located! Just a few minutes' walk away, you can be in Lille's main square or wandering through the narrow streets of the historic center. 45 Boulevard Carnot, Lille, France

Hotel L'arbre Voyageur
ROAD TRIP TIP: You can easily park your car in the public parking garage next to the hotel. Enter the address of the parking garage "Parking Carnot" (Avenue Carnot, 59000 Lille, France) in your navigation system.
Bernard and Leon: The first new hotspot in Lille we discovered is Bernard et Léon. This is the place to be for the most delicious bowls, which you can create yourself or choose from the menu. The ladies behind this photogenic spot make everything from scratch every day. So get there early for a delicious lunch, because once they're gone, they're gone. I'm completely in love with the terrazzo tableware! They also sell delicious cakes and other sweet treats to go with your coffee.
3 bis Rue de la Clef, 59800 Lille, France – instagram.com/bernardetleon

Bernard and Leon
Monsieur Jacques: Rue de Gand boasts a variety of charming restaurants, but Monsieur Jacques remains our favorite for drinks. This wine bar serves a wide selection of wines by the glass, which you can enjoy on the terrace in good weather. Be sure to order a delicious appetizer platter with regional cheeses or charcuterie. It's the perfect place to relax after shopping and have a drink before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the evening. Official opening time is 18 p.m., but when we were there, we were able to find a table on the terrace around 17 p.m.
30 Rue de Gand, Lille, France – monsieurjacques.com

Monsieur Jacques
Flower pot: During our first trip to Lille, we discovered the fantastic Bloempot restaurant. Now we eat there every time we're in town. Unfortunately, they were closed for vacation during our last road trip, but this tip still deserves a spot in this guide. It's the perfect place for a culinary evening with a delicious menu made with pure, local ingredients. Tip: they're also open for lunch on weekends! Reservations are essential.
Papà Posto: As far as I'm concerned, places like Papà Posto should open in Amsterdam too. This Italian café is open from lunchtime onwards for a bite to eat or just drinks and a tasty snack. The bruschetta and burrata are highly recommended. This hotspot has a surprising interior, and you can walk in without a reservation! Open on Sundays too.

Papà Posto
The Present: This "cave a manger" wouldn't be out of place in a city like Paris, but in Lille, it's just around the corner from the Grand Place. A wine bar with a lovely terrace, a few tables, and a bar where you can enjoy a drink while waiting for your table. We started the evening with a plate of charcuterie and enjoyed delicious grilled pulpo on the terrace. Also open for lunch.

The Display
Post Arrière: Lille's old town boasts many streets where you can wander for hours, always discovering something new. After a stroll through the city, we settled in at Post Arrière for a craft beer on the terrace. This café is open all day, making it a place to remember, as many establishments close after lunch and only reopen for dinner.
51 Rue Basse, Lille, France – facebook.com/PostArriere

Post Arrière
Caffeine: One of the nicest coffee hotspots in the heart of the historic center is undoubtedly Caféine. In good weather, they also have a small terrace. They serve the best coffee in town, and you can also enjoy lunch or breakfast there. Afterward, stroll down Rue des Vieux Murs, which I personally consider one of the most beautiful streets in the city! Also open on Sundays.

Caffeine
Aoyama: This Japanese hotspot hasn't opened in Lille for very long, but it's a must-try for anyone craving the city's best ramen soup. You can also choose any dish with a rice base. The interior is modern, with lots of light wood and white and pink blossom accents. You can order takeout, but it's much more fun to eat in. In good weather, they have a small terrace along the facade.
70 Rue de Gand, Lille, France – aoyamarestaurant.com

Aoyama
Boyster: The last time I was in Lille, we had a delicious oyster meal, but unfortunately, that restaurant was closed. I found a worthy replacement at Boyster. Stop here for an oyster tasting on your way from the city center to the city park with the Citadelle de Lille. You can try oysters from different regions of France with a glass of wine!

Boyster
Papa Raffaele: This restaurant is the big brother of Papà Posto, and both hotspots are located right next to each other. Papà Raffaele is the go-to place for delicious pizza in Lille. The best place to sit is at the bar overlooking the pizza oven. There, the pizzas are served straight from the oven to your plate! Save room for dessert, because the tiramisu is divine. Tip: they don't take reservations, so arrive early to avoid a long wait for a table. It's always busy here! Also open on Sundays.
5 Rue Saint-Jacques, Lille, France – facebook.com/paparaffaelepizzeria

Papa Raffaele
Chicon Pressé: If you're in Lille on a weekday, this is a great spot for lunch or coffee. They have delicious cakes, as well as healthy lunch options. You create your own bowl with salads and other treats and pay a fixed price per gram. Note: this place is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
La Bellezza Big Mamma: Good news for anyone who, like me, is a fan of the restaurants of the Parisian Big Mamma group. Delicious Italian food, beautiful interiors, and a consistently great atmosphere. La Bellezza recently opened in Lille. Perfect for an evening where the table is filled with Italian dishes to share with friends.
Waiffle: The egg waffle trend from Hong Kong has also made its way to Lille. Around the corner from Rue Pierre Mauroy shopping street, you'll find Waiffle, the go-to place for this Asian delicacy.
- waiffle.com

La Luck: Looking for a drink after dinner at a bar? Then La Luck is highly recommended. It's located a little further out from the city center in an up-and-coming area. In the summer, they have a really cool courtyard with tables. The rest of the year, you can sit comfortably at the bar or upstairs. What makes this place unique is that they have hundreds of board games, so you can actually do something together instead of being on your phone!
1 Rue Princesse, Lille, France – lalucklille.com
Halles de Wazemmes: Unfortunately, there's not much to do in Lille on Sundays. The shops are closed, and there aren't many good restaurants open either. What is there to do? The indoor food market in the lively Wazemmes neighborhood. It's fun to browse, perhaps pick up some cheeses to take home as a souvenir, and enjoy a taco or empanada at Mestizo. This restaurant is located in the center of the market.
Place Nouvelle Aventure, Lille, France – halles-wazemmes.com

Halles de Wazemmes
Wally's Coffee: Hands down, one of my favorite spots for a hearty brunch. The avocado toast is divine, and you'll definitely want to try it. The baristas make excellent coffee, but they'll also whip up a freak shake with just as much love. The best place to sit is at the large table in the covered courtyard at the back. Open on Sundays too!
133 Rue du Molinel, Lille, France – instagram.com/wallyscoffee

Wally's Coffee
Enjoy the tips from this Lille Travel Guide!
In the next road trip I'm going to make in my Peugeot 2008 let me show you the most beautiful of Zeeland.
Do you have any tips for fun hotspots in Lille? Or a great road trip destination? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!

Are you already receiving the weekly Your Little Black Book newsletter in your inbox? It includes the Amsterdam Weekend Guide and an overview of all the new hotspots and most popular articles.
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
With love,
Anne