The wonderfully long weekend is just around the corner again! Do you already know what you're going to do for Ascension Day and the Ascension weekend? As an official public holiday, chances are you won't have to work on May 14, 2026, so it's time to plan something fun with friends, your lover, or your family. What is there to do this year? Read on for the best things to do during Ascension Day and the weekend throughout the Netherlands.
| TIP: See also the shortlist with tips for the Ascension weekend in Amsterdam >>
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰
Amsterdam, your weekend plans are sorted.
From the opening of the new ARTIS-Aquarium to a new weekend market at Amstel1 and an exclusive 25% discount for YLBB readers at RIJKS x INDDEE on June 13.
This weekend is packed with new openings, food events, markets and summer plans worth adding to your calendar.
A few highlights from this week's guide:
• ARTIS Aquarium reopens this weekend
• Japanese Pizza Sunday at Metro in Noord
• Exclusive 25% discount for YLBB readers at RIJKS x INDDEE on June 13
• Where to see the World Cup this weekend
• Summer @ H'ART goes French with crêpes, pétanque and live music
• Pure Markt is back at Amstelpark
• A new weekend market launches at Amstel1 on Waterlooplein
• Flea market treasure hunting at QRU Amsterdam
• Hortus Summer Nights are back
• Bacchus Wine Festival with 300+ wines, great food and festival vibes
And that's only a small selection. YLBB's full Weekend Guide has 100 tips for June 11, 12, 13 & 14 with something for every mood.
Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 for the Dutch Amsterdam Weekend Guide or 𝗪𝗞𝗡𝗗 for the English version and I'll send it straight to your DMs.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond.
Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekend #amsterdamtips #iamsterdam #amsterdamcity amsterdamfood amsterdamlocals amsterdamevents amsterdamlife yourlittleblackbook

Ice cream date, anyone?
One of the newest openings at Amstel1 is De Boule De Boule, an ice cream and pastry parlor just behind Waterlooplein. After trying it, I can confirm: the ice cream is really, really good.
THE VIBE
After seeing their Instagram, you might think of places like Folderol in Paris, the spot that became famous for pairing ice cream with wine.
But De Boule De Boule feels different. Less destination wine bar, more day-time neighborhood café where you can stop by for homemade ice cream, a pastry, coffee and, yes, a glass of wine.
Inside you'll find shelves filled with vinyl records, a display of freshly made ice cream and homemade pastries crafted by two in-house pastry chefs.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗗
Amstel1 is still being discovered by Amsterdam and it was a little quiet during our visit. I expect the vibe to only get better as more shops open and people find their way here. I'm especially curious to see how it feels this weekend with the market taking over the area for the first full weekend. This covered location with a courtyard feel is incredibly promising.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗
• Olive oil & basil ice cream with sea salt
• Chocolate ice cream with hazelnut topping
• Paired with a glass of Chardonnay and an orange wine.
All of the ice cream is made in-house and completely vegan. If nobody had told me, I honestly wouldn't have guessed.
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧
The ice cream is excellent, but what makes De Boule De Boule interesting is that it's more than an ice cream shop. It's a place for coffee, pastries, a glass of wine or drinks after a performance at the Stopera.
And yes, I'm already planning to go back to try more flavors, but next time in the evening for a dessert after dinner elsewhere. Just to see how the space changes throughout the day. What would I order then? Very curious about the White Coffee ice cream!
ADDRESS
📍 De Boule De Boule
@debouledeboule
Amstel1, Waterlooplein
Would you go for olive oil & basil or keep it classic?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟰, 𝟱, 𝟲 & 𝟳
Hello June!
The first weekend of the month is looking very good if you ask me. Think wine festivals, vintage markets, oysters, live jazz, street art and a ridiculous amount of new restaurants to put on your radar.
This weekend I'm especially excited about Bacchus Wine Festival in the Amsterdamse Bos, Sunday Market at Westergas, the oysters & brocante afternoon at Le French Café and Red Light Jazz taking over hidden venues across the city center.
Also fun: STRAAT Museum is hosting its first Women in Street Art Weekend at the NDSM-werf, Fort Negen is bringing back its cult-favorite pizza pop-up for two nights only, and if you're heading to Noord anyway, it's your last chance to cycle through Amsterdam's Oatly Bike Thru before it disappears on June 7.
And for those always looking for new places to try: The Jollof Club, Café de Vos, Bar How and the terrace of Monne (right on the Amstel!), are all brand new and worth knowing about.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 for the Dutch Amsterdam Weekend Guide or 𝗪𝗞𝗡𝗗 for the English version and I'll send it straight to your DMs.
What would be your perfect Amsterdam weekend: wine festival, market hopping, pizza pop-up or a sunny terrace by the water?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#oatly #collab #amsterdamweekend

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟵, 𝟯𝟬 & 𝟯𝟭
This weekend is all about markets, festivals and finally spending the entire day outside again.
From the IJ-Hallen and Pure Markt in Park Frankendael to the Sunday Market at Rokin and treasure hunting at the Amstelveld Antiques Market.
And in Noord you'll want to stay all day, because Stripfest is taking over the Hamerkwartier with food, music, workshops and parties at spots like FC Hyena, Skatecafé and Oedipus.
Also very into the sound of the new Zuiver Bar & Nai!! Sake Bar, Meneer van Galen and Bonburger Noord.
And yes… if you're heading to Noord anyway, make sure to cycle past the @oatly Bike Thru for an iced matcha, specialty coffee or that viral soft serve at the Papaverhoek.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 86 tips for markets, festivals, new hotspots and kidsproof tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… market hopping, festivals or trying a new restaurant?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
{ Featured this week 🫶🏼 #oatly #yourlbbcollab #weekendtips #amsterdam }

Life lately.
Sometimes I have those moments when I pause to reflect on how special all of this actually is.
That I started a blog over 14 years ago where I simply wanted to share my favorite addresses. That Your Little Black Book now inspires so many people to discover new places. And that I still get to explore new destinations, like Taiwan this month.
What I perhaps like best of all? That you go everywhere with me. To new restaurants, hotels, cities, and countries. But also to the more personal moments in between.
The sweet messages I receive daily, the tips you send back, the places you discover through the guides. It remains special to see how many people have been part of this community for years.
So, amidst all the ice creams, hotel rooms, solo days, restaurant tips, and adventures, I actually just wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for being there.
Thank you for continuing to read, follow, comment, and trust the tips from Your Little Black Book.
I appreciate it more than you probably think.
What was your favorite moment of the past month?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#travelwriter #lifelately #presstrip #taiwan #hotellifelover

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮𝟮, 𝟮𝟯, 𝟮𝟰 & 𝟮𝟱
Another long weekend and honestly… Amsterdam is really showing off right now.
This Pentecost weekend is packed with festivals, food markets, and summer events all over the city. Think Asian street food at Art of Taste on Museumplein, four days of Lepeltje Lepeltje at the NDSM-werf, and so much more.
Also on my mom radar this weekend: family festival GOLD at the Amsterdamse Bostheater, Knight Weekend at Muiderslot, and Pentecost Weekend at Jeugdland Amsterdam.
And yes… finally weather for terraces and long lunches outside. If you're headed to Amsterdam Noord this weekend, make sure to check out the cool Oatly Bike Thru with a new coffee collab and specialty drink.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 79 tips, new hotspots, and kidsproof tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this long weekend… food festivals, family fun, or rosé in the park?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips, and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterd

Today marks 43 ☺️🎈
But when I look in the mirror, I still see that 28-year-old girl who, 15 years ago, had no idea that she would turn her hobby into her job.
Thanks for being there (perhaps for so long) to follow this adventure 🫶🏼❤️.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰, 𝟭𝟱, 𝟭𝟲 & 𝟭𝟳
HELLO long weekend!
With Ascension Day turning today into a little Friday kind of day ;-), this is the moment to gather your friends and do something fun.
And trust me: there is a lot happening in Amsterdam!
From Rollende Keukens taking over Westerpark to Aardbewoners Festival at @artis_amsterdam, Proef Pampus on Forteiland Pampus, CABINET Curated Curiosa & Design Market at the Centrale Markthal, Museum Market on Museumplein, Royal Palace audio tours for all ages, and Pure Markt in the Amsterdamse Bos.
Also fun to check out: you can get SALVO Miso Caramel Tiramisu Lattes at a Bike Thru in Amsterdam-Noord!
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 107 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this long weekend? You can find me in ARTIS and at Rollende Keukens!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER! Are you also longing for warmer weather and secretly itching to book a weekend getaway on the Dutch coast ☀️? I certainly am! That’s why today I have a tip for 24 LOVELY BEACH HOTELS AND HOMES BY THE BETWEEN.
Save this post, or comment STRANDHOTEL and you will receive the complete list of all the gems directly via DM. Enjoy the weekend!
#beachhotels #housebythesea #netherlands #northhollandzeeland

𝟭𝟲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗼𝘀 🌮
Are you going classic with carne asada & salsa verde, or do you prefer something a little different, like birria for dipping or tempura mushroom with salsa negra!?
In this guide, you'll find my favorite taco hotspots in Amsterdam, including a must-try tip for every spot 🍴
📍 @masmais.taqueria (West)
🌮 Favorite: tuna tostada & sea bass ceviche
Perfect if you love Mexican food with a focus on seafood, great cocktails, and a laid-back cantina vibe. It feels like being in Mexico for a moment, right in Amsterdam West.
📍 @tacos.lasinaloense (Ten Katemarkt & Albert Cuypmarkt)
🌮 Favorite: create your own taco & go all in on salsa
Street-style tacos the way they're meant to be: handmade tortillas, slow-cooked steaks, and choosing your own spice level.
📍 @madre.amsterdam (Jordaan)
🌮 Favorite: birria quesatacos & tempura mushroom tacos
A plant-based Mexican restaurant that proves just how flavorful vegetarian food can be. Comfort food with a twist, and perfect for sharing.
📍 @bacalar.amsterdam (North)
🌮 Favorite: octopus taco
Still one of my favorites in Noord, with a great terrace too. Raw setting, huge on flavor. Weekend lunch here is my favorite! Definitely ask for the specials.
On 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with the 16 best taco spots in Amsterdam.
Do you have a taco spot I really need to try?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟴, 𝟵 & 𝟭𝟬
This weekend is packed with markets, food events and lots of good excuses to spend the entire weekend out and about in Amsterdam.
From the free @oatly Matcha Strawberry Signature Drink and limited edition bag charm launch at @binibakery to Het Hapjesfestijn in Noord and the Creative Lab Summer Pop-Up at Klaproos & Café Soleil.
Plus, there are lots of fun Mother's Day ideas in this new guide, from brunches to the @ladress summer sale and 50% discount tickets for a concert at @concertgebouw.
Also very in the mood for the North Seafood BBQ at @nikotin.restobar
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 76 hotspots, events and 19 kid-proof tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, matcha, a long lunch or trying a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#yourlbbcollab #oatly

Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢
Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3
In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.
Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake
TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.
You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk
I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.
Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip
{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }

Spring means a new edition of the Earthlings Festival at ARTIS!
From May 14 to 17, the entire Ascension Weekend is dedicated to caring for nature. Dive into ARTIS during the Earthlings Festival and expect a weekend full of wonderful discoveries, inspiring workshops, and surprising encounters for the whole family. ARTIS loves everything that lives. From the very smallest in ARTIS-Micropia to the very, very largest in the ARTIS-Planetarium. ARTIS connects you with nature in all its forms. During the Earthlings Festival, there are various themes that allow you to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. So go exploring with all kinds of fun activities: launch into space with Spacebuzz, build a butterfly highway, get moving with sea animal yoga, and garden with elephant poop (really!).
With a ticket for €32,50 you get access to the Earthlings Festival at ARTIS, including all activities, workshops, and games. And of course, on the same day you can also visit ARTIS Park, ARTIS Micropia, and ARTIS Groote Museum. Have fun! Book your ticket directly here >>

Earthlings Festival at Artis © Ben Houdijk
Have you actually ever been inside the Royal Palace on Dam SquareMost likely not. Even though this is arguably one of the most impressive buildings in Amsterdam. During Ascension Weekend, the palace is open to visitors as usual, making this the perfect time to finally step inside again.
You walk through gigantic marble halls, spot art and details you would normally walk right past, and discover how the palace is still used today for state visits and official receptions for the King. Believe me: you are guaranteed to look at Dam Square differently once you have been inside.
Especially fun for families: there are special audio tours and scavenger hunts for children, making this an outing the kids won't soon forget.
Location: Royal Palace Amsterdam, Dam
When: open the entire Ascension weekend, daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Good to know: children aged 17 and under receive free admission, including an audio tour. The Royal Palace can also be visited free of charge with the Museum Card. More info & tickets >>

The Palace on Dam Square © Your Little Black Book
Is the weather going to be nice? Nothing gives you that instant feeling of being on holiday in your own country like renting a boat. And with the bustling canals, it's actually much more fun and relaxing just outside the city. Check out the best places to rent a boat here >>
Have you already caught your first festival? Get your feet on the dance floor on Ascension Day, because there are several fun festivals (for the whole family) finally taking place again this year. From dance festivals to food festival! What do you think of, for example:
Food festivals during Ascension weekend
Rolling Kitchens // Westerpark, Amsterdam // May 13-17, 2026
Taste Amersfoort // Amersfoort // May 13 to 17, 2026
Spoon Spoon // Weizigtpark, Dordrecht // May 14 to 17, 2026
TREK // City Park, Maastricht // 14 to 17 May 2026
Spoon Spoon // Park de Wezenlanden, Zwolle // May 14 to 17, 2026
TOOST Festival // Burgemeester Baxpark, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht // May 14-17, 2026
HOPPAAA! Food Truck Festival Outside the Water Gate, Gorinchem // May 14 to 17, 2026

© LEPELTJE LEPELTJE
When was the last time you went on a nice bike ride? One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice: cycling to a neighborhood on the other side of the city or even out of town. Along the way, stopping at lots of great hotspots for something to eat or drink. Or around Ascension Day, perhaps at a nice bike ride. flower picking gardenBecause everything is in full bloom again. From Amsterdam, I always enjoy cycling along the Amstel River, to Amsterdam-Noord or, for example, towards Muiderslot Castle. It's also fun to do with kids, of course!

Are you team SUP or team canoe? Or maybe even both?! If you ask me, it's one of the most fun things to do in and around the city. From rivers to canals and lakes, you can SUP or canoe in countless places in the Netherlands. Some of my favorite spots for inspiration: the Amstel River in Amsterdam, the Vinkeveense Plassen lakes, the Amsterdamse Bos, the Utrecht canals, and the Biesbosch National Park. Want to discover more beautiful spots for SUPing throughout the Netherlands? Read more here >>

In my opinion, it's always a good combination: first a visit to a museum and then a nice lunch somewhere. Around Ascension Day, beautiful exhibitions and displays are held throughout the country. Perfect for a cultural day out or to enjoy during a weekend getaway in your own country. We've compiled a selection of exhibitions and museums throughout the country for you. View the complete overview here >>
New exhibitions:
Ongoing exhibitions where the museums themselves are worth seeing:
● Depot Boijmans van Beuningen – Rotterdam – More info >>
● Museum Voorlinden – Wassenaar – More info >>

© Museum Voorlinden
Fancy a leisurely stroll, picking up some great finds, or sampling local products to take home for drinks? During Ascension weekend, there are great markets throughout the Netherlands, from flea markets to food markets and everything in between. Perfect for a pleasant afternoon outdoors. View all weekend markets during Ascension Day weekend here >>
As soon as the sun comes out, a trip to the beach is almost irresistible. And let's be honest: what's better than a stroll along the seafront followed by relaxing at a great beach bar? Whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, an ice-cold drink, or drinks until the sun goes down, you'll find it on the Dutch coast. plenty of nice beach bars >>
Extra fun: make it a mini-vacation and stay overnight by the sea. In this list you will find 23 of the best beach hotels and beach houses in the Netherlands >>

Tulum Noordwijk © Facebook
Ascension weekend is the perfect time for a spontaneous getaway in your own country. Whether you choose a nice (boutique) hotel in the city, a cozy house in the middle of nature or a accommodation by the seaThe Netherlands is bursting with beautiful places to recharge. In these lists, we recommend the best spots for a last-minute night (or weekend) getaway.

© Restaurant & Hotel Hoog Holten, Booking.com
Have fun with these tips on Ascension Day and during your long weekend off!
With love,
Anne