Seek and find
bucket list tips & the newest hotspots that have just opened
Anyone who followed my Staycation adventure last year knows that I think Zwolle is one of the nicest cities for a weekend away in the East of the countryThis fall I was there for an update of the Zwolle City Guide and I have this beautiful Hanseatic city Getting to know Zwolle a little better. I can safely say that Zwolle is developing rapidly. In just over six months, a huge number of great new hotspots have opened. In beautiful old buildings in the historic city center, you'll find surprising concepts from food to fashion.
Zwolle is a wonderful culinary city, with its flagship restaurant, De Librije***. However, it's also the charming cafes and other restaurants that make the city such a great destination for a weekend getaway. Add to that the extensive range of shops, and chances are you'll leave this Hanseatic city with a new wardrobe. In this blog post, I've listed my favorite spots in Zwolle I'll start with the newest hotspots in Zwolle, which had only just opened when I visited the city this fall.
| Tip: Are you looking for a nice place to stay? There are several hotels near the station, such as Pillows Grand Hotel Ter Borch.
14 hotspots in Zwolle that you shouldn't miss during your city trip
Lots & More: Stroll into the city through the Sassenpoort gate and start your day in Zwolle with a delicious breakfast at Lots & More on the trendy Sassenstraat. This is the perfect spot for delicious smoothie bowls, coffee, and more.
Sassenstraat 49, Zwolle – lotsandmorezwolle.nl
Kootuur Butik: If you've ever been to Zwolle, this name might sound familiar. Kootuur is a well-known name in the city. One of its locations recently moved to a new building on the Oude Vismarkt. In the new store, you'll find surprising brands, beautiful accessories, and you can even enjoy a cup of coffee.
Old Fish Market 24, Zwolle – kootuur.nl
Kootuur Butik
Sassy: Ladies shouldn't miss this fashion store. And while you're there, pop into its sister store, Spotted, across the street. It's the go-to destination for clothing from beautiful Scandinavian brands and accessories.
Sassenstraat 76, Zwolle – sassyzwolle.business.site
Overijssel Diva: From trash to trashure. As you know, I absolutely love vintage items, and I'm always up for a nice pre-loved (read: secondhand) designer piece. Unique and often for a fraction of the price. Especially if you shop outside the Randstad, like at Overijsselse Diva in Zwolle!
Sassenstraat 14, Zwolle – deoverijsselsediva.nl
Loft
Heavy Stuff, Homestock & Loft: During my last visit to Zwolle, I discovered the new store Heavy Stuff. A must-visit for anyone who loves vintage and industrial furniture. Near Heavy Stuff, you'll find other great home furnishings stores, such as Homestock and Loft, where they sell my own books, among other things!
Heavy Stuff, Oude Vismarkt 30, Zwolle – heavystuff.nl
Homestock, Old Fish Market 28, Zwolle – homestock.nl
Loft, Koningsplein 11, Zwolle – loftloft.nl
Eva & Puck Lifestyle: This concept store in a beautiful historic building had only been open for a few days when I was in Zwolle. You'll find clothing, home accessories, and lovely gifts for a friend or yourself.
Sassenstraat 21, Zwolle – evafirstwoman.nl
Eva & Puck Lifestyle
Screaming Kitchen Maids: Do you, like me, love high tea? Then you'll want to go to Gillende Keukenmeiden in Zwolle. I've often drooled over the display cases of cakes! You do need to book in advance for high tea, but you can also just pop in for a delicious lunch.
Meerminneplein 7, Zwolle, screaming-kitchen-girls.nl
Moonloft & Moonloft Baby: You can't visit Zwolle without popping into Moonloft and Moonloft Baby. This concept store is perfect for me. Did you know I also interviewed the owner for my book, Staycation, to get her local tips for the city? Moonloft is a candy store for anyone who loves bohemian home accessories, jewelry, beautiful notebooks, and other gadgets.
Spoelstraat 32, Zwolle – moonloft.nl
Moonloft & Moonloft Baby
Waanders in the Brothers: Another shop in Zwolle you'll definitely want to pop into. This bookstore is certainly one of the finest in the country. The selection of books and magazines is so extensive that you can easily spend some time browsing. First, pick up a new book, then grab a bite to eat or a drink at the café and start reading right away.
Behind the Brothers 1-3, Zwolle – waandersindebroeren.nl
Matbar: After the rise of Sassenstraat, Luttekestraat is one to keep an eye on, as it's home to more and more great spots. Matbar is a Scandinavian-inspired hotspot where you can enjoy coffee, lunch, and dinner. Did you know that matbar means "café" in Norwegian?
Luttekestraat 33, Zwolle – matbar.nl
Matbar
The Orphanage: Looking for a delicious dinner? Then head to gastrobar Het Weeshuys, just outside the city center. The menu changes monthly and they also have vegan options. Burgundian and refined, with an industrial feel.
Assendorperstraat 6, Zwolle – hetweeshuys.nl
Levjen: The people of Zwolle are thrilled with the opening of Levjen. Finally, a place that will prepare a healthy meal for you when you don't feel like cooking! But even during a day trip or weekend getaway to Zwolle, you won't want to miss this place for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. This delicatessen and café is housed in a beautiful historic building and is one of the city's newest hotspots.
Kamperstraat 3, Zwolle – levjen.nl
Levjen
6 tips for fun things to do during a weekend in Zwolle
Food events: as a culinary city, Zwolle organizes fun food festivals year-round. Perhaps the city's most famous culinary event is Chef's RevolutionEspecially for this event, the best chefs from around the world come to the park surrounding De Librije*** to let (professional) food lovers from all over the country sample their culinary skills. I was there for the first time this year, but definitely not the last. Sunday is the perfect day to go with friends and enjoy a delicious meal and drinks at the various stalls. Other great food festivals not to miss include: Spoon Spoon and Jugs & Jars.
Chef's Revolution
Try Zwolle Balletjes: I have to admit, I'd never heard of them before. But in Zwolle, they're a household name: Zwolle Balletjes. These are artisanal sweets cut out of sugar dough. In Zwolle, they're still made in the original way in the "Balletjeshuis" bakery on Grote Kerkplein, and they're available in all shapes and sizes.
Grote Kerkplein 13, Zwolle – Zwolseballetjes.nl
Rent a boat: when the weather is nice, I always enjoy seeing a city from the water. In Zwolle, you can rent boats at an increasing number of places. One of them is on the water behind the Museum de Fundatie. You're in the right place for a small boat, but perhaps even more fun are the BBQ donuts. While barbecuing, you can float around the Zwolle canals! Hiawatha-actief.nl
Rent boats & Museum de Fundatie
Stroll along the ramparts: Do you also love spending your weekends exploring the countryside? In Zwolle, you don't even have to leave the city for that. Stroll along the ramparts along the city canal and then enjoy a coffee and a treat at Villa Suikerberg.
Villa Suikerberg,
Museum de Fundatie: This museum actually has two locations: the sculpture garden in Nijenhuis Castle and the impressive building with its futuristic roof in the heart of Zwolle. You'll find changing exhibitions and an extensive permanent collection with works from Piet Mondrian to Jan Cremer.
Blijmarkt 20, Zwolle – Museumdefundatie.nl
Also visit Hanseatic city HarderwijkIf you live in the Randstad, you'll probably drive past Harderwijk on your way home. Another Hanseatic city that's definitely worth a visit! Did you know that Harderwijk has a fantastic city beach? A must-see is Walhalla, a beach club open year-round. In summer, it has a sunny terrace, and in winter, it's the place to be for a cozy fireplace and hot chocolate after a walk. Can you actually name all the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands? I couldn't, but... this website She's listed them for you. There's still plenty for me to discover during my next staycation in the Netherlands!
Valhalla, The High Bridge 10, Harderwijk – Walhallaharderwijk.nl
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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.
PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my (new) books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a Bohemian Lifestyle (new in 2018)
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home (new in 2018)
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
In collaboration with Marketing Oost
Discover more tips in the
Zwolle Little Black Book
Click here
Zwolle Tips
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