Seek and find
Last updated: September 15, 2020
From boutique hotels with rooftop pools to design hotels in Athens
Hotels with rooftop bars... I can't get enough of them. Many of the best hotels in Athens have a rooftop terrace, so you're in the right place for a city break if you're also a fan of rooftops. Most of the nice boutique hotels have a trendy rooftop bar (often with a nice restaurant as well) and, if you're lucky, a lovely pool for hotel guests to cool off in after a day in the city. Especially if you're traveling in the summer. Athens When you're going on vacation, a rooftop pool is a must-have for relaxing and lazing around during the hottest hours of the day, dipping your toes in the water. For a city with so much beautiful antiquity, I'm truly surprised by how hip it is. This is reflected in the number of trendy hotels in Athens. From design hotels to boutique hotels, you'll find it all, and if you book early and avoid peak season, they'll even be reasonably priced. In this blog post, we've listed 9 of the best lifestyle hotels in Athens for you.
Prefer to book a trip that includes flights? These are package holidays that include a nice hotel:
⋙ 4-day city break in the luxurious Electra Metropolis hotel including flight from €411.
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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 ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#Christmasshows #Christmasshow2025 #Christmasdecoration #Christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discovertheNetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #Christmasholiday #Christmasfeeling #Christmasmarkets #Decembertips
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟲, 𝟳, 𝟴 & 𝟵)
Another cozy fall weekend in the city is coming up — and there's so much to do again.
Think: vintage markets, wine bars, free entrance at ARTIS, and a new ravioli bar that just started doing lunch.
From flea market finds to silk flower bouquets and Marseille-style bouillabaisse Sundays… this weekend's got it all and I got 45 tips listed on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 & 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚
– The last QRU Flea Market of the year (70+ sellers under the tracks)
– Indoor treasure hunting at De Hallen Market on Saturday
– Build your own silk flower bouquet at the Atelier Verden Pop-up on Prinsengracht
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Free entry for kids (up to 12) at ARTIS Zoo on Nov 8 & 9
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
– Café Vita Lente just opened in West — from the former Coulisse team
– Leonardo's Ravioli Bar now open for lunch on weekends
– Café Modern's Sunday Special in Noord: vintage tableware, vinyl & bouillabaisse
Want all 45 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DM — or check the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #AmsterdamMarkets #WeekendInAmsterdam #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamRestaurants #VintageAmsterdam #CityGuide #FallInAmsterdam
Girls trip loading…
Barcelona is the ultimate autumn escape. When it's wet and cold here, you can simply sit on a terrace in the sun. Long lunches, beach walks in October, good coffee on every corner, and wine and tapas until late.
Last year I was there several times for Your Little Black Book, and I continue to be amazed at how this city really has it all: beach, culture, markets, (vintage) shops and so many good food spots that I could fill ten more lists with them.
📍 In this Barcelona Mini Guide you will find 26 of my personal favorites.
Save this guide so you can easily refer to it when planning your trip.
𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞
**
• Bar del Pla – tapas must in El Born (📷)
• Mosquito – dim sum heaven for when you're tired of tapas
• Compa – Italian sandwiches on the beach
• Perikete – my go-to for cava sangria
• Bar Cañete – the place for a fancy girls' night out
**Illegible**
• Nobu Barcelona – rooftop sushi & city views (📷)
• Praktik Rambla – boutique hotel with a vintage touch
• Miiro Borneta – new & stylish in El Born
• Grand Hotel Central – luxury + rooftop pool
• The Hoxton, Poblenou – creative vibes & swimming pool
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞
• La Vinya Del Senyor – tiny bar, huge wine list (📷)
• PetNat – orange wine for your dinner in Born
• Pimpla Vins – cheese, wine & cozy vibes
• Monk – hidden cocktail bar, next-level mixology
I
• Salts Montjuïc – sunset drinks with a view (📷)
• Casa Vincens – Gaudí without the crowds
• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya – top for architecture & art
• Bunkers del Carmel – for the most beautiful golden hour
• Mercat de Sant Antoni – food market with breathing space
**Illegible**
• Vila Viniteca – edible souvenirs (📷)
• Dubblefilm – old school film & photo booth
• Carolina Blue – home & ceramics boutique
• The Favorite Vintage – carefully curated finds
• Sarria Market – local market without tourists
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
• Right Side Coffee Bar – best pit stop while shopping (📷)
• Casa Taos – everything homemade, slightly outside the center
• Onis Coffee – good playlists & croissants
• La Roseta – with your feet almost in the sand
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Heading out of town? 🍂 These are my favorite walking and drinking spots in the Netherlands.
To be honest... I don't see myself living outside the city anytime soon, but on weekends I do enjoy getting out into nature. That's why I've created a YLBB shortlist of the most beautiful hiking areas, complete with a great spot for drinks nearby.
My perfect Sunday? First, a walk, then plopping down somewhere with a treat or a hot chocolate (or, of course, a glass of wine and bitterballen!).
📍From Lage Vuursche to the Waterleidingduinen and the Amsterdamse Bos, in this video I share my favorites.
But... there are, of course, many more great places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy a drink after a walk. Which tip do you think shouldn't be missed? 👇
Save this post to enjoy nature this season, or forward it to your hiking date. 🍁
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #hikinginthenetherlands #drinksspot #discoveringthenetherlands #natureinthenetherlands #autumnroutes #hikingtips #dutchautumn #walks #naturewalk #weekendtips #netherlandsholiday #drinks #outdoorlife #amsterdamweekend #thingstodonetherlands #yourlbb
Forget the classic omakase experience in Amsterdam, this is something else.
Hidden inside burger spot @paindemie_amsterdam and inspired by the Tokyo subway, you'll find @moyo_amsterdam. A new hotspot redefining the omakase concept.
Chef @guillaumedebeer is behind this next-level concept, and it shows in every creative detail. But here O-toro and Wagyu take the stage 🥩.
It's intimate, creative, and seriously one of the most exciting new openings in Amsterdam right now.
Save this for your next special dinner night 🔥
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdamtravel
The most beautiful l𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 throughout 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 for your 𝗯𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 this season
The days are getting shorter, the evenings longer…
And honestly? I secretly think that's one of the best things about this season. Because the transition from fall to winter means: light festivals! ✨
All over the Netherlands, cities, parks and castles light up with light art, projections and installations that you'll want to see.
What once started with the Amsterdam Light Festival has grown into one of the most beautiful winter traditions in the country, if you ask me!
At most light festivals they also have nice hot chocolate and food stalls for something tasty to go.
Perfect for a winter evening with your loved one, family or friends.
Can you picture yourself with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, strolling past works of art that transform streets, parks, and canals into a fairytale?
From North Holland to Gelderland, I'm sharing all the tips in a comprehensive article on Your Little Black Book, featuring the best light festivals in almost every province in the Netherlands.
Believe me: this is such a special outing to make the dark days just a little bit brighter.
Ps: I'll also have some exciting news about the @lefoodwalk at the @amsterdamlightfestival on Your Little Black Book soon!
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #netherlandstips #winterouting #yourlittleblackbook #thingstodo #lightart #amsterdamlightfestival #wintervibes #dayout #romanticouting #autumndinings #gluhweinmoment #fallinthenetherlands
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗛
Hello cozy season! From poffertjes Sundays and wine bar pop-ups to Museum Night and vintage markets — this weekend in Amsterdam has everything.
I've rounded up 29 things to do in the city, and here's a little preview from this week's guide:
𝗘𝗔𝗧 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞
• There's a new Asian pop-up by @rongastrobaroriental at @soulkitchen_amsterdam you don't want to miss. Most amazing dim sum!
• Spanish wine vibes at the Ribera del Duero pop-up at @vindict.amsterdam 🍷
• Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis — pancakes, mulled wine & hot chocolate
• 🎃 Halloween plans? The full weekend guide has the best Halloween events at our fave bars & restaurants.
𝗗𝗢 & 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘
• The @sundaymarket at @westergas is back — vintage finds, art & street food
• 1+1 free tickets at @hetconcertgebouw for concerts by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra (code: ORCHESTRAJAARG – booking link in the guide) @nederlandsphilharmonic
• Museum Night is happening Nov 1 — 70+ museums open late. I've shortlisted the best ones to visit if you've got tickets! @museumnacht.amsterdam
**Illegible**
• The legendary @ladress Sample Sale returns — up to 80% off timeless styles (ticket link in the full guide!)
And yes — the Amsterdam Weekend Guide always includes a section with fun things to do with kids too.
💌 Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll send the full guide straight to your DM. Or hit the link in bio to read all 29 tips.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #Museumnacht #SundayMarket #LaDress #AmsterdamRestaurants #AmsterdamEvents #WhatToDoInAmsterdam #WeekendinAmsterdam
Looking for the hottest new spot for a date night in Amsterdam City Center? Meet @littlebonfire.ams 🔥
With its cozy vibe it's the kind of place that feels like an extension of your living room: but with much better food and wine.
On the ever changing menu you'll find classics to share: from pan con tomate with anchovies, stracciatella with zucchini and peas, to crispy eggplant, vitello and sea bass with clams. Don't skip dessert: the Basque cheesecake is already my favorite.
This spot is perfect for a date night at the bar or dinner with the girls.
I think Little Bonfire Amsterdam is a keeper in the city center!
📍Little Bonfire
Amsterdam City Centre
Who are you taking here first? 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#LittleBonfireAmsterdam
#AmsterdamRestaurants
#DateNightAmsterdam
#AmsterdamCityCentre
#AmsterdamHotspots
#Amsterdamfoodie
#Amsterdamtravel
#YourLittleBlackBook
I used to think Halloween was stupid 🎃.
But since I became a mother, it has become one of our favorite holidays!
There are so many fun things to do together as a family. 🖤
Last year, my son and I celebrated Halloween in New York, and believe me, we still talk about it every week (see slide 9). Since then, the anticipation has been just as much fun as the celebration itself.
In the comprehensive Halloween Guide on Your Little Black Book, I've collected all our favorite tips for you:
– From not-too-scary movies to Halloween classics for the whole family
– Addresses to quickly score pumpkins
– Fun DIYs for home (perfect for rainy autumn days ☔)
And of course: fun Halloween events throughout the Netherlands (not just for kids, but also a fantastic Halloween concert, for example!)
In this post, I'm sharing some inspiration, but comment HALLOWEEN to receive the link to all the YLBB tips directly in your DMs.
What do you think of the Halloween craze in the Netherlands?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#HalloweenMetKids #YourLittleBlackBook #HalloweenTips #Halloween2025 #KidsproofHalloween #FallHoliday #HalloweenIdeas #HalloweenInNederland
All of Amsterdam Eats! 🍽️
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with delicious food? To celebrate the 750th anniversary year, you can find great deals at 75 locations throughout the city from October 27th through October 28th.
From breakfast to dinner and from tastings to pop-ups! There's plenty to taste and experience.
I've looked at all the tips and picked out a few favorites for you that you won't want to miss:
📍@baut.amsterdam – October 27 | 12:00 – 14:15
Last chance! BAUT is serving its famous 12,5-hour snack for the very last time. Specially for Heel Amsterdam Eet, you can score this iconic dish for only €12,50.
📍@waldorfamsterdam – until October 27 | 09:00 – 14:00
At the chic Peacock Alley, you can enjoy a luxurious coffee or tea with the exclusive Waldorf Koggetje for just €7,50. A traditional Amsterdam biscuit with caramel, specially reinvented for this occasion.
📍Hotel Jakarta – until October 27 | 11:00 AM – 18:00 PM
This weekend, you can try Broodje 750 at Bakkerij Westers, a satay ayam sandwich for €7,50. I'm already getting hungry just writing this.
📍 @machu.amsterdam – October 26 | 11:30 AM – 19:30 PM
Attention street food lovers: at Café Machu you can enjoy a delicious South American Arepa value menu on Sunday for only €7,50.
From East to West: this weekend and Monday, October 27th, join in the fun with all of Amsterdam. Amsteram750.nl has a handy map showing all the participating locations!
Before you head out, check the websites of participating restaurants to see if you need to make a reservation or can just walk in.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#HeelAmsterdamEet #Amsterdam750 #YourLittleBlackBook #AmsterdamTips #HotspotsAmsterdam #WeekendInAmsterdam
Girls' night loading! After a few days in the English Cotswolds, I'm totally in the mood for fall movies. So I've compiled a list of the best autumn films for every mood. I'd say: get the blankets ready, stock up on candles and treats, and you're all set for the perfect night. 🍂
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#autumnmovies #autumn #fallmovies #girlsnight #movienight #autumnfeeling
Fall break is coming! 🍂 Are you also looking for fun things to do with the kids?
I've created a mega guide for you with more than 100 tips throughout the Netherlands.
📍 From Amsterdam to the south of the country, from treasure hunts in nature to creative workshops and fun activities in museums (mostly free for kids!).
I've collected all the kid-friendly outings for you, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying yourself.
There really is something fun to do in the area every day!
In this post I'll give you a good dose of inspiration.
More tips + all the details can be found in the full article on my website.
💌 Comment 'vacation' and I'll send you the link right in your DM. Completely free! And of course, you can also share it with your friends who are still looking for plans!
Lots of fun!
Enjoy the quality time and the slower pace... Before you know it, you'll be making sandwiches again at 7:00. 😉
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#AutumnHoliday
#Kidsproof
#OutingWithChildren
#WhatToDoToday
#AmsterdamWithChildren
#Kidsactivities
#FamilyTime
#YourLittleBlackBook
#Children's Activities
#TipsWithChildren
#HolidayTips
#ThingsToDoWithKids
#MuseumWithChildren
#WeekendAwayWithKids
#dayoutwithkids
#kidsprooftip
9 of the best hotels in Athens that you won't want to check out of
Electra Metropolis: During my last trip, I was fortunate enough to stay here for several nights, and the rooftop pool and the view alone make it highly recommended. The hotel is modern and classic, incredibly centrally located (and right next to my new favorite restaurants in Athens, like Ergon and Nolan), and boasts a great spa where guests can enjoy the indoor pool and sauna. Every morning, we had breakfast overlooking the Acropolis. I won't soon forget that, and in my opinion, this is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Athens.
Electra Metropolis
COCO-MAT Hotel: It almost feels like a speakeasy. From the outside, it looks like a regular bed shop, but nothing could be further from the truth. Once inside, you go down the stairs and arrive at the hotel reception. Above the shop are studios where you can stay (and sleep on Coco-Mat mattresses, of course). The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy drinks and food (although they don't really have a restaurant, so honestly, I recommend just eating in the cozy neighborhood!). Once you're awake, you can prepare your breakfast downstairs, and they'll bring it up to the rooftop or your private balcony. Highly recommended, because that's an extra relaxing way to wake up!
Coco-Mat hotel
Semiramis: A hotel group to keep in mind if you're traveling to Athens is the YES Hotels. While almost all the hotels in this group are worth staying at, if only for the Instagram-worthy pool with its pink umbrellas, Semiramis is a must-see if only for its sleek, modern design. The rooms are bright, modern, and stylishly furnished.
Semiramis Hotel
New Hotel: On my first trip to Athens, I stayed at the New Hotel, which had only been open for a few months when I checked in and was already on every list of the best hotels in Athens. It's a wonderfully modern boutique hotel with a lovely restaurant that's bustling with locals for brunch on weekends. The rooms are wonderfully spacious, bright, and stylishly decorated, and the New Hotel is just 200 meters from Syntagma Square.
New Hotel
A For Athens: If you're looking for a hotel with a beautiful view of the Acropolis, A For Athens is highly recommended. It's one of the best hotels in Athens and boasts a fun rooftop bar that's also very popular with locals. If you'd like to have a drink here when you're not staying at the hotel, it's recommended to get there early to secure the best table! Depending on your hotel budget, you can book a room at A For Athens with a jacuzzi overlooking the Acropolis. Perfect if you're celebrating something special!
A For Athens
Twentyone: If you enjoy small-scale design hotels, you'll love the Twentyone Hotel. It features a charming garden where you can enjoy a drink and modernly furnished rooms. This design hotel is located in the Kifissia district, which is a bit further out from the city center, but where you'll truly feel like you're among the locals!
Twenty One
Periscope: This modern boutique hotel is located in the Kolonaki district, a more upscale neighborhood in Athens. The area offers many charming shops and excellent restaurants, such as Malconi's Italian Restaurant. The rooms at Periscope are fairly basic, but the lobby is very cozy and warmly decorated.
Periscope
Athens Was: Of all the trendy hotels in Athens, I think this is the one with the best view of the Acropolis from the rooftop bar. It's like you're practically standing right there! An impressive sight during the day, but even more so late at night. The rooms are hip and modern, decorated with lots of wooden details and a contemporary touch. Without a doubt, one of the best and most enjoyable lifestyle hotels in Athens.
Athens Was
Fresh Hotel: This modern hotel with a beautiful rooftop pool and roof terrace is located near Athens' central market. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the city.In this blog we recommend 5 markets in Athens that you shouldn't miss.)! The rooms are basic, and for the sporty among us, the hotel also has a gym.
Fresh Hotel
Tips for package holidays to Athens with a nice hotel:
⋙ 4-day city break in the luxurious Electra Metropolis hotel including flight from €411.
ATHENS TRAVEL TIPS
- 13 fun things to do in Athens
- 9 rooftop bars to watch the sunset
- 11 cocktail bars not to be missed
- 4 of the best beaches near Athens
- 9 great coffee bars for a frappé
- 5 (foodie) markets to visit
- 14 of the best shops in Athens
- 13 of the best restaurants in Athens
Have fun if you go to Athens!
Travel hack you want to know
It's a thing in America, and in the Netherlands, it's one of the best-kept secrets among travel bloggers. With the right credit card, you can earn points without even realizing it, which you can use to book (Business Class) flights. How exactly does that work? In this blog we explain it >>
YourLBB's latest lists
Are you following Your Little Black Book on social media yet?
⋒ Via @YOURLBB On Instagram you get a personal glimpse into my life and lots of 'on the go' tips. Click here to follow me directly >>
⋒ NEW: Your Little Black Book has a little sister! Travelkids.co and via @TRAVELKIDS.CO On Instagram you can read baby and kid-proof tips in the same style as you are used to here.
⋒ NEW: We share tips about our favorite destinations (almost) daily via @yourlbb.amsterdam, @yourlbb.bali en @yourlbb.capetown.
⋒ Are you already receiving the weekly newsletter from Your Little Black Book in your inbox? It features the Amsterdam Weekend Guide, new hotspots, and the most-read articles of the past week.
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With love,
Anne
| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.
Athens Tips
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