Seek and find
Last updated: January 11, 2022
As you may know, I live in Amsterdam East, near the Amstel River. It's a great base for walking; just follow the Amstel River and you're in nature or the heart of the city center in fifteen minutes. A part of Amsterdam you might not visit every week is the east side of the city center. When I first moved to Amsterdam, Oostenburg, where Amsterdam Roest used to be, still felt a bit like the NDSM wharf (There is also a walking route through Amsterdam NorthThis part of Centrum Oost is also being completely renovated, but if you take this walk, you'll be amazed at how industrial it still feels. Of course, I'll point out along the way where you can get something tasty or what's worth looking out for!
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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 ✖️✖️✖️
varied walking route through the east of Amsterdam
How well do you know Amsterdam East and the eastern side of Amsterdam City Center? Especially for you, I've mapped out a walking route that takes you past my favorite hotspots in my neighborhood. Keep a close eye on developments regarding lockdowns; some locations may unfortunately still be closed. This walk is a little over 7 kilometers, depending on the routes you take. It's best to always check the locations on Google Maps for the best route from A to B, but I'll give you the best descriptions of the streets to take. Enjoy!
© Yusu
start Walk East Amsterdam
The stately Plantagebuurt
You can start the route at a few different locations near Sarphatistraat. For example, at Bakhuys, where they not only have delicious bread and pastries, but you can also grab a coffee to go. Another starting point could be Yusu, a new coffee hotspot near the AUAS (Andreas Bonnstraat 2). If you start at Bakhuys, walk down Sarphatistraat towards Roeterstraat and turn left. If you start at yusuThen cross the bridge over the water at Mauritskade to Spinozastraat and turn into Roeterstraat via Sarphatistraat. Continue all the way to the end of Roeterstraat until you see the Coffee Company on the left corner, where you turn left. Along the way, you'll come across several nice places to have lunch or a bite to eat, such as: Oleg Pelmeni, Food and drinks and The Pizza Bakers.
As you exit Plantage Muidergracht, you'll come to the back of the Hortus Botanicus. Turn right onto Plantage Parklaan, and a little further on, you'll find the entrance to Wertheim Park. Walk towards the water, and there you'll find a path that you can continue to Latjesbrug. From there, you'll have a view of Entrepotdok and Laagte Kadijk. Continue there via Nieuwe Herengracht.
View from the Latjesbrug
continuation of the walk in East Amsterdam
Citizens and Shipping
Via the Scharrebiersluis (the small bridge), you walk towards Kadijksplein and Laagte Kadijk. Nearby, you'll find several places to eat and drink, all with varying opening hours. Sotto for pizza, Bakers & Roasters for a delicious brunch, but one restaurant you'll definitely want to remember for your next date night is WarehouseDuring lockdown, they reopened In-Between Burgers, which you'll definitely want to try! After your walk around Entrepotdok, head back towards Kadijksplein and the Maritime Museum.
Bench at Entrepotdok
continuation of the walk in East Amsterdam
Marine site & quays
The walk through East Amsterdam continues past the Maritime Museum and Nemo. Have you ever been to the Marineterrein? Especially in good weather, it's a wonderful spot for a picnic by the water. You can even swim! At Pension Homeland, you can enjoy a delicious coffee or lunch. The same goes for Kanteen25, which recently opened and also has a lovely terrace. A place to remember for a delicious dinner in the evening is The Ship's Camel. Walk along Kattenburgerstraat towards Piet Heinkade. Cross over to Veemkade. If you're ever looking for a nice hotel for a staycation in Amsterdam, remember this. Hotel JakartaThey have a wonderful spa and a restaurant with excellent Indonesian food. It's also one of the greenest hotels! From Veemkade, you can see it across the street. Walk down Veemkade along the water towards Rietlandpark and just before that, cross Piet Heinkade at Happyhappyjoyjoy. The next street to explore is Czaar Peterstraat.
continuation of the walk in East Amsterdam
Czar Peter Street & Oostenburg
I always find Czaar Peterstraat a bit of a forgotten street. And yet, it's home to so many lovely little shops and specialty stores. You'll also find many workshops from local artisans. Oostenburg offers plenty of food and drink options. Amsterdam Roest is currently undergoing renovations and will (hopefully) reopen later this year. Where Rosa & Rita used to be, the new VRR is now located, which we still have to try out ourselves. On Czaar Peterstraat itself, you'll find Kapari and Baretto Addresses to remember. Get the tastiest cheeses for home at KEF, which also has a location here. And are you familiar with concept store CP113? It's been a fixture on the street for years. Definitely go back when the shops are open. Then you'll see how the street truly comes alive! At the end of Czaar Peterstraat, cross over to Zeeburgerstraat. There you'll have a beautiful view of "the windmill." For nice weather, remember: De Kop van Oost with its lovely terrace and Brewboys Bar. Nearby, you'll also find Mooie Boules bar where you can play a game of pétanque with friends or your date!
The Mill in Amsterdam East
continuation of the walk in East Amsterdam
Dappermarkt & Oosterpark
Continue towards Dapperstraat and turn off. The market is held here from Monday to Saturday, and it's always pleasantly busy in good weather. If you're there on a market day, pick up some tasty treats for home or a bowl of fried cod from the fishmonger! You'll also find the new hotspot Bravour there. And if you're in the mood for tacos, you should definitely go to Local Dealer Walk down the market square to Eerste van Swindenstraat and turn right towards Oosterpark. Oosterpark was beautifully renovated a few years ago. At the edge of the park, you'll find several great hotspots, such as Five Brothers Fat, Louie Louie, and Bar Bukowski. After Oosterpark, continue straight through to Andreas Bonnstraat and you'll end up back at Yusu or Weesperplein near Bakhuys, where the route started.
TIP: Also check out the other walks in Your Little Black Book. For example: Amsterdam Jordaan / Westerpark en Amsterdam North. And do you know this one? 4 street art routes of?
Oosterpark
Tip the editors
Spotted something fun that's opening soon or just opened? Or just a great tip that shouldn't be missing from Your Little Black Book? Let us know via the TIP THE EDITORS button!
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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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