Seek and find
Banana-covered mountains reminiscent of Costa Rica, fishing villages that could be on the Mediterranean, and rock formations reminiscent of Nusa Penida in Bali. For me, this sums up the diversity of the tips in this Madeira Travel Guide in a single sentence. Madeira is a unique Portuguese island about a four-hour flight from the Netherlands. And believe me: the lush nature will completely unwind you. A wonderful destination for couples, young families, or multigenerational travelers. Transavia flies three times a week directly to Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, the airport of this subtropical island, located 20 km outside the capital, Funchal.
Good to know: You can currently travel safely to Madeira. Before your trip, you must take a Covid-19 test, the negative result of which must be no older than 72 hours upon arrival at the airport.
What can you do in Madeira? Rent a car and drive along the narrow, winding roads into the mountains, exploring both the west and east coasts of the island. Hike along the ancient levadas, spot dolphins or even whales on a boat trip, take a sunrise jeep safari, and enjoy the most beautiful views. Visit the farmers market in Funchal, stroll along the promenade, and eat Lapas at one of the local bistros.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or 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.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
_____________________________________________
🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
3 x where the entire grill tip is located
Not too big,
everything within walking distance,
But plenty of nice hotspots!!
These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands perfuse for you to tip this line!
I've got massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨
Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway?
Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀
@ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant.
Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations.
Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓!
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
____________________________
Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟭 & 𝟮𝟮
It wouldn't be Amsterdam if the weekend wasn't packed with plans. Spring is in the air and I feel like new hotspots are popping up all over the city. HELLO @ottolenghi & @ottolenghi_amsterdam :-)
And yes, market season is officially back. Think vintage finds, design treasures and sunny terrace stops in between.
Plus, plenty of feel-good plans: from a Korean Sunday brunch @nikotin.restobar to a kid-proof pizza nights.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 67 tips straight to your DMs.
Curious… where are you going this weekend? ☀️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @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.
Madeira Travel Guide
Of course, I've searched for great places to stay, eat, and drink, but the real reason Madeira deserves a place on your bucket list is its stunning scenery. Madeira really surprised me and is definitely an island I'd like to explore more of. In this Madeira Travel Guide, I've compiled my best tips, and you'll find links to all the other Madeira articles on Your Little Black Book at a glance. I've also pre-selected package holidays with great hotels.
16 X Madeira bucket list with must sees & do's
I mentioned it briefly in the introduction, but you really won't be bored for a moment in Madeira. Combine a relaxing day by the pool with exploring the island, and you've got the perfect combination for a wonderful holiday.
✦ Go on a RIB boat from Rota dos Cetaceos Dolphin watching from Funchal. You might even be able to snorkel with them if the weather is good!
✦ Via Hit The Road Madeira You can book a sunrise tour for breathtaking views from Pico do Arieiro. Instead of a group tour, you can also book a private tour through Adventureland Madeira. private sunrise tour books. Prefer something more active? Madeira is known for its beautiful hiking areas, so a sunrise hike cannot be missed.
✦ Farmers Market Funchal's farmers market is a must-visit if you're in Madeira. In the mornings, you'll find fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as stalls selling spices. Plan your visit wisely, as the market is open until 14 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
✦ Imagine a restaurant that can only be reached by boat or cable car? Two Fathers Girdle is a hotel and restaurant nestled at the foot of a steep cliff. The restaurant, with its seaside terrace, isn't fancy, but the food is delicious and local.
Madeira is famous for its levada walks. Honestly? I had to Google it when I first read about it while planning my trip. Simply put, it's an irrigation canal with a path alongside it, and there are plenty of them on the island. The walks vary in length and difficulty. Curious what one of these walks looks like? Click here to view some routes >> Would you like to take a Levada walk with an experienced guide? We took a tour with Madeira Adventure KingdomThey know everything about the island and can put together a levada walk that suits your wishes, such as the number of kilometers and the intensity.
Leveda walk
15 of the best restaurants in Madeira
Although Madeira isn't exactly known as a culinary destination, it was a real treat to sample the local dishes. Enjoy delicious "doses" (a type of tapas) at the local tavernas, feast on octopus to your heart's content, and definitely try lapas (these shells are called Limpets in English, also known colloquially as Chinese hats). Many of the better restaurants are located in the capital, Funchal. Below, I've listed a few favorites, both my own and those of the locals I met.
Boho Bistro: At Boho Kitchen, Asian and Portuguese cuisines converge. You can choose from various menus showcasing the best of chef Francisco Silva's cuisine, or you can order à la carte and create your own perfect meal.
Kampo: This restaurant opened in 2018 near Funchal Cathedral and is already known as one of the best in the area. It's a modern bistro where I'll definitely reserve a table next time I book my ticket.
Il Vivaldi: A classic in Funchal, close to the seafront promenade, offering both food and decor. If you dine here, be sure to reserve a table on the terrace with a view.
Jolie: Not really a restaurant, but the nicest juice bar on the island, which you can find in the corner of the farmer's market Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal finds.
Nini Design Centre: Looking for lunch in a unique location? A former fort now houses the studio and restaurant of Madeiran designer Nini Andrade Silva. You can also dine there, but I personally think the terrace overlooking the water is the best.
Click here for 10 more restaurant tips
Limpets
Funchal City Guide: 19 Tips for the Capital of Madeira
During a holiday in Madeira, Funchal is a great base for a hotel stay. The big advantage: in the evening, you can easily stroll into town for a meal and a poncha (the local drink). I've created a complete guide to Funchal on Your Little Black Book. I'm sharing a sneak peek!
► Farmers Market Funchal's farmers market is a must-visit if you're in Madeira. The market opens early every day and stays lively until late on weekdays. In the mornings, you'll find fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit, as well as stalls selling spices like chili peppers. Plan your visit wisely, as the market is open until 14 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
► If you stroll down Rua Santa Maria in Funchal's old town, you won't miss the artwork on many doors. That's no coincidence! It's an art project from a few years ago. this website you can see exactly where the artistic doors are located.
► Poncha is the local alcoholic drink that locals enjoy when meeting up with friends. It's made with aguardente de cana, honey, sugar, and originally topped with orange or lemon juice. However, you'll now see it on the menu with various fruit juices. You definitely have to try this when you're in Madeira. You can drink poncha everywhere in Funchal, but the best places are Barreirinha Bar Café (with a view of the water) and Rei da Poncha (located among the locals on a small square).
► You might not expect it, but did you know that Funchal is one of the most special places to celebrate New Year's Eve? It's the party of the year for the locals. Everyone gathers in the city's harbor to watch a spectacular fireworks display. The preliminary rounds for this fireworks display are held well in advance, and we happened to be in Madeira to witness it firsthand. During the preliminary rounds, the entire city comes out en masse. I'm curious to see what it's like there on New Year's Eve, but I can imagine a poncha or two being enjoyed!
Click here for 15 more Funchal tips
Street art at Rua Santa Maria
7 of the most beautiful viewpoints on Madeira
Something I often think back on is the beautiful viewpoints on Madeira. The rugged mountains and cliffs. It really gave me a non-European feeling.
► For one of the most beautiful views of Madeira, go to Pico do Arieiro. I was there during a sunrise tour with Hit The Road Madeira And it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. If you have a rental car, you can, of course, drive to the top yourself early in the morning. The best view is at the foot of the observatory.
► Want to have lunch with a beautiful view? Then book a table on the terrace of Quinta do Furao. Don't be surprised if it gets very crowded inside during lunchtime. It's not a hidden gem, but it's a place not to be missed for lunch or dinner with panoramic views. Tip: above the beach, at the foot of the cliff, there's a waterfall!
► Near the northern village of Porto Moniz, you'll find several natural pools nestled in the rocks by the sea. Locals say it can get very crowded, so go early to avoid the crowds!
Click here for 4 more viewpoints
Quinta do Farao
10 of Yourlbb's favorite hotels and places to stay in Madeira
☾ Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol: Boutique design hotel with sea view and good restaurant. (From €719,- incl. car, also bookable as a package tour via Eliza Was Here)
☾ Pestana CR7 Funchal: Design hotel with a pink rooftop pool. (Can also be booked as a package trip via Corendon from €801)
☾ Castanheiro: Small-scale apartment-hotel in Funchal with swimming pool and spa. (from €752,- via Tui)
☾ Calhau Grande: 8 rustic houses for a real Portuguese atmosphere. (from €645,- incl. car via Eliza Was Here)
☾ Quinta do Farao: at the top of a cliff with a waterfall and a panoramic restaurant. (from €829 incl. car via Tui)
☾ Quinta do Arco: Quietly situated yellow quinta with a rose garden, private cottages and shared swimming pool. (from €605,- incl. car via Eliza Was Here)
☾ Baia Azul: larger modern hotel with sea views on the quiet side of Funchal. (from €329,- via Tui)
☾ Casa do Papagaio Verde: Romantically decorated, with a large garden and sea view. (from €520,- incl. car via Eliza Was Here)
☾ Fathers' Girdle: A unique eco-hotel at the foot of a high cliff, accessible only by boat or cable car. In the evening, you can relax at the seaside restaurant.From €585,- incl. car, also bookable as a package tour via Eliza Was Here)
Have fun planning your trip to Madeira!
Two Fathers Girdle
More TRAVEL tips from Your Little Black Book:
⋙ Are you following me on Instagram yet? @YOULRBB I share (almost) every day personal tips about delicious food, new places to eat, and a personal glimpse into my life as an entrepreneur and mom of a two-year-old. Do you like kids' tips? Then also follow my dedicated @TRAVELKIDS.CO account about family travel and fun things to do with kids.
⋙ Tip for anyone with wanderlust. Daydream about my travel books: Staycation book (22 guides for the Netherlands and Belgium), Feed Your Wanderlust (with tips for tours / far-away destinations), Wanderlust – Your Urban Travel Style Guide (full of tips for planning the perfect city trip).
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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.
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