Seek and find
People watch on the street at The Bannister Hotel Johannesburg
Opposite the Neighbourgoods market you will find The Bannister Hotel Johannesburg. Not necessarily recommended for sleeping (although the location is really TOP in Braamfontein), but it's fun to have a drink if you can sit at the bar in the window. One of the best spots on Beer Street for people-watching, especially when the Neighbourgoods Market is on on Saturdays or when there's a block party and the street is packed with people.
Close to The Bannister Hotel Johannesburg you will also find the Great Dane club, Anti, Father Coffee, The Smoke House & Grill, Post breakfast & lunch, Dalleahs and Juiced Co. YES, you've guessed it: this is one of the streets in Braamfontein!
More restaurants in Johannesburg
More hotspots in Johannesburg
Looking for more great hotspots in Johannesburg? Click the black button below to go directly to the Johannesburg City Guide to go!
And did you know that we also have an extensive Cape Town City Guide to have? Discover the best addresses in Cape Town here!
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My fav spot for freddo cappuccino in Amsterdam that transports me back to Greece.
Add a slice of spanakopita and you have the best breakfast to enjoy along the Amstel river.
My motto for the coming spring is to take more walks, so expect a lot of recs for coffee and other drinks to go in this new series! ☀️
Where should I go next?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟱, 𝟲, 𝟳 & 𝟴
The first weekend in Amsterdam that actually feels like spring? I can't wait to spend time on the terrace this weekend and just cycle around town and go to the market for some shopping in the sun :-) 🌞.
YES dears; I'm back from vacation and fully ready for Dutch spring, long lunches and spontaneous dates with my favorite city Amsterdam.
This weekend is packed with fun things to do! From an Italian market in West with @zicami_market, to the @tableware.amsterdam pop-up sale, treasure hunting at the @ijhallen and the @nocknock.art fair. There's something for every day!
And is it just me, or is the wave of new restaurant openings huge this year? In the full weekend guide I keep a weekly updated list of the new places to check out.
The following:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @bouillondamsterdam
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @voorwaarts
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 55 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @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.
I love my mother-in-law and I love her mother-in-law ❄️
Note to self: always leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. During my ski trip to Méribel, I popped into the local pharmacy just before leaving, and these are the beauty products I took home.
They've been tested extensively and are all more than YLBB-approved. Save them for your next trip to France (or your online beauty store).
Which souvenirs always make it back in your suitcase? I'm curious!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips on how to make the most of your free time — from travel tips to travel guides and more.
𝗩𝗢𝗢𝗥𝗝𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗗𝗘: 𝟯𝟬+ 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀
Spring break = sun, rain, hail, and everything in between. But don't stress: I've got a super comprehensive guide ready for you with 30+ tips for fun things to do together in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands.
From creative workshops to children's films that you will also like, indoor playgrounds and rainproof museums.
After years of testing hotspots with my own son, I know one thing: good planning and fun things to do together every day makes your holiday so much more enjoyable.
Via my link in bio you will find the direct links to the complete guides on 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞.𝗺𝗲 with all the details + many more tips to make every holiday a party.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips to make the most of your free time, from restaurants to travel guides, and regular updates on the best kid-friendly tips. And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet? The dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼.
The following: 𝗠𝗲́𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗹 ❄️
Looking for a stylish winter sports destination in France? Méribel is one of those places where everything is perfect: beautiful ski-in/ski-out hotels, excellent restaurants on and off the slopes, wonderful spas, and, if you're feeling energetic, après-ski.
I was there for a weekend without my little FAM, but I knew straight away: this is also perfect for the whole family thanks to the many green and blue slopes, so we will definitely go back!
Below are the Méribel tips you'll want to save 👇🏼
**Illegible**
⦁ @lecoucoumeribel 📷
⦁ @refugedelatraye
⦁ @lachaudannemeribel
⦁ @lekailameribel
𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚
⦁ @beefbar.meribel
⦁ @leblanchot.vt
⦁ @tipimeribel
⦁ @leclosbernard_
⦁ @maya_altitude
⦁ @le_monchu & their food truck
𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗦𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚
⦁ @fifi.meribel
⦁ Biancaneve in @lecoucoumeribel
⦁ L'Ekrin* in @lekailameribel
⦁ @la_fromagerie_meribel
⦁ @brasseriele80
⦁ @liliebistrotmeribel
𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗘̀𝗦 𝗦𝗞𝗜
A long lunch at La Fruitière and then dancing on the tables at @foliedoucemeribel. Just because we can.
'𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗥' 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚
⦁ No trip to France is complete without a stop at the local Pharmacy for the best beauty brands.
⦁ And have you even been to France if you don't take home some cheese and charcuterie as souvenirs ;-).
𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘
⦁ Spa day @lecoucoumeribel (can also be booked outside the season for non-hotel guests!).
⦁ Nuxe Spa @lekailameribel
I am
⦁ Take a walk through the Lac de Tuéda nature reserve and have lunch at @la_buvette_de_tueda.
⦁ A must: book the First Track and be the first on the slopes at sunrise (incl. breakfast).
𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘
Taking the train to your ski holiday? I say go for it! Door-to-door via Paris (Eurostar + TGV + bus) to Méribel in just over 10 hours. I found it very relaxing!
And of course it would be even more fun to add a night in Paris to it next time.
Save these tips if you're a winter sports lover like me 🫶🏼.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for more travel guides packed with places you can truly trust.
#presstrip #invited by @meribel3vallees
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟭 & 𝟮𝟮
While I'm currently hopping from hotel to hotel and neighborhood to neighborhood in Bangkok (all in the name of “research” and new food hotspots for the new LITTLE BLACK BOOK 😉). Back home, Amsterdam is serving peak weekend vibes.
Think: Dim Sum Sunday in Noord, vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations across the city and a Vietnamese Tết feast at @yen.diningbar. Add market gems like the @le.temps.perdu.brocante pop-up in Oud-West and @themakermarket at De Hallen, and your weekend basically plans itself.
And yes, make time for ARTIS: there are now two elephant calves and they're too cute. 🐘🐘 Instant serotonin incoming, I promise!
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 to get the full Weekend Guide with 71 things to do in Amsterdam in your DMs.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for the best food hotspots, travel inspiration and things to do in The Netherlands and beyond. And for all Amsterdam tips, don't forget @yourlbb.amsterdam.
Happy Lunar New Year from Bangkok!
🥹 yellow lion in the third frame 🫶🏼❤️
#liondance #lunarnewyear #centralworld #bangkok #chinesenewyear lion dance performance at central world bangkok for lunar new year 2026
My small tiny Thai wedding 🥰
Krabi 27-12-23 / Amsterdam 14-12-24
Still so glad we had a rather spontaneous elopement wedding in Thailand with just the three of us during the Christmas holidays instead of staying engaged forever ❤️. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Happy V-day 😘
𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 🧧
The new lunar year begins on February 17th, and in the Netherlands, Chinese New Year (as you might know it) is becoming increasingly celebrated.
From lion and dragon dances in The Hague and on @dezeedijk in Amsterdam to full-on Oriental dinners at @rongastrobar. Looking for something creative? Check out the weekend full of workshops and a fun photo booth at the Wereldmuseum in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Check out all the tips for Lunar New Year in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague in this guide!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: I'll be in Bangkok for Lunar New Year! Want to follow my Thailand trip? Tune in via @yourlbb 🖤 And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#lunarnewyear2026 #chinesenewyear #yourlittleblackbook #chinatown
@nomansart @amstelhotel @hoitin1975 @wereldmuseum.amsterdam @cafewu.ams @anantarakrasnapolsky @wereldmuseum.rotterdam @rotterdamchinesenewyear
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰 & 𝟭𝟱
Valentine's Day falling on a weekend? We'll take it!
Amsterdam is buzzing this weekend with plenty of reasons to head out: from markets and Lunar New Year brunches to pop-up cinemas and, as always, a wave of new hotspots worth checking out.
Looking for restaurant inspiration for you and your lover (or your best friend)? Head over to my other post on @yourlbb for my Valentine's shortlist. 🖤
💬 Comment WEEKEND to get the full Weekend Guide with 58 things to do in Amsterdam in your dm's.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for all things travel, food hotspots and things to do in The Netherlands and beyond. And if you want more Amsterdam inspiration, make sure to also check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@nemosciencemuseum @copainamsterdam @ijhallen @bonburgerbar @candlelight.concerts @thevinylcountdownamsterdam @carmen.amsterdam @salut_a_amsterdam @anantarakrasnapolsky @sun.dayrunclub
Wow, what a list! @gaultmillaunederland announced the awards and points for 2026 today. So many great new names and climbers, proud of the Dutch culinary scene, and enough inspiration to dine out all year long ✌🏼
👀Which restaurant are you very curious about?
GAULT & MILLAU AWARDS
Bistronome of the year
Madeleine | Utrecht @madeleine_utrecht
Mediterranean restaurant of the year
Elea | The Hague @restaurantelea
Asian restaurant of the year
Kaa Lun Palace | The Hague @kaalun_palace
Terrace of the year
The Coach House | Bennekom @hetkoetshuisbennekom
Vegetable restaurant of the year
Tryptique | Wateringen @restauranttriptyque
Craftsman of the Year
Dick Middelweerd
Restaurant De Treeswijkhoeve | Waalre @restaurant.de.treeswijkhoeve
New Chef on the Block
Koen van Weer
De Cuijt | Mierlo @restaurantdecuijt
Prize-Fun of the Year
Aragosta | Leeuwarden @bistro.aragosta
Discovery of the year
Shun | Medemblik @restaurant_shun
Cocktail bar of the year
Fitz's Bar | Amsterdam @fitzsbaramsterdam
Wine list of the year
Azurite | Delft @restaurant.azurite
Sommelier of the Year
Antonello Nicastri @antonellonic_somm
Flore | Amsterdam @restaurant.flore
Notable Newcomer of the Year
Wild Studio | Hoog Soeren @wildatelier.nl
Best Dutch Chef Abroad
Marcel Koolen
7132 Silver | Counterfeit | Switzerland @mmmarcel.koolen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cees Helder
Host of the year
Bjorn van Aalst | SAAM | Amstelveen @saamrestaurant
Young Chef of the Year
Sofiane Bons @bonssofiane
Yulia | Rotterdam @restaurantjoelia
Chef of the year
Hans van Wolde @hvw043
Brut172 | Reijmerstok @brut_172
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🍴
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 🫕 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲
Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue!
I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️).
𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East)
Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included!
📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Center)
Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match.
📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre)
Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻:
📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East)
Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged.
📍 @fromagerielamuse (South)
Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first?
📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre)
Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in.
On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam.
Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.
#cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Our favourite hotels in Cape Town South Africa:
Tinswalo Atlantic // Compass House Boutique Hotel // Ellerman House // Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel // Vineyard Hotel // One & Only Cape Town // The Marly // The Andros Boutique Hotel // The Silo Hotel // Jarvis House // Hippo Boutique Hotel // Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel // Number 5 Guesthouse // Cape Town Heritage Hotel // The Parkhouse // The Glenn Boutique Hotel & Spa // Pepperclub Hotel & Spa // The Grand Daddy //
Want to view more Yourlbb approved hotels?
Your Little Black Book contains hundreds of tips for hotels and unique accommodations worldwide, from luxury to budget and from boutique hotels to apartments.
Useful websites to find your perfect hotel:
1 Our favorite website for booking hotels is Booking.comIf you regularly book hotel rooms here, you will be Genius member And you have access to secret deals and extra discounts. Which filters do we always use to find the best hotels? Choose a high review score, set your maximum budget, and select the neighborhood you want to stay in. Or search using the map function, paying extra attention to whether there's a metro station nearby.
Click here to immediately search for a hotel for your next trip >>
2 Don't let the word scare you off package trip, because travel organizations such as
Corendon en
Tui also have hotels and apartments in their portfolio that are small-scale and unique. Or consider, for example, a Eliza Was Here where your journey is completed by the freedom of a rental car.
3 Prefer a your house or a apartment? Of course we all know
Airbnb, but also consider providers such as:
Belville en
Interhome (with a wide range throughout Europe),
Dream parks (where they have tiny houses in the Netherlands, among other things),
Landal of
Nature house (with beautiful houses in nature). For the most beautiful holiday homes in France, visit the website Gites.nl is recommended.
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 >>
Tips for cheap flights and more
We book quite a few flights each year, but if a destination is easily accessible by train, we prefer to take the train. Because no one wants to overpay for a ticket, my tip is to subscribe to newsletters so you're the first to know about special offers.
► Via NS International Book your international train tickets such as London and Berlin. For most routes, such as the Thalys to ParisYou can book tickets up to three months in advance. That's also when the fares are lowest! Click here to discover which cities are easily accessible by train >>
► Sometimes you already know where you want to go, but sometimes it's fun to be inspired by interesting ticket deals that others have found. Check out the Vliegwinkel website for more information. top 5 popular cheap tickets and other deals.
►Do you, like Your Little Black Book, want to offset your flights for CO2 emissions? Then read on here simple how you can do that!
Happy travels!
YourLBB's latest lists
Do you have any tips for a unique place to stay? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
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.
Photo credits: © The Bannister Hotel Johannesburg
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