Forty-eight hours later and I'd be posting this exactly one year since sharing my last Chic Girl Guide. Coincidence? Probably, but also... faaaaate. It's safe to say that project gathered a few centimetres of dust last year... but it's back! And what greater way to return to the series than with one of the most popular, artistic and all-round fabulous cities of Europe? Heartbreakingly, Amsterdam is more often than not referenced mainly for its Red Light District and 'coffee' shops, but it has so much more to offer. Thankfully, being in a relationship with a Dutch man has not only provided me with a whole newfound love of cheese, but also a dedicated private tour of the Netherlands' capital. Yay! Having already visited and seen some of the most well-known sites such as Anne Frank's house and the Rijksmuseum, I had two keywords in mind this time while enjoying a weekend escape: beauty and history. So, with these two keywords in mind, read on for a chic girl's guide to exploring all that Amsterdam has to offer!


Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> King's Cross London | The Chic Girl's Guide
With love,
Gabrielle x

D E B E U R S P A S S A G E
Oh, I think we've established by now I'm a sucker for a flamboyant ceiling. If you feel the same way, head to this small passageway that links two major streets in the centre (Damrak, 80 Amsterdam). Conveniently, an ice-cream shop can be found here at the entrance that serves actual ice cream in just one flavour - and they've mastered it. Enjoy your ice cream while taking in the chandelier-decorated artwork from one of the benches lining the walls.
S T R O O P W A F E L S
Once you've tasted authentic Stroopwafels in the Netherlands, there's no going back. Take it from me; Starbucks' stroopwafels won't cut it once you've tasted these. Nope, no way, never. If you're looking to sample an authentic sweet treat to the location, pick up a couple of these and then DM me to tell me how much of a star I am for letting you know about them. You're welcome. Take your pick between drizzled caramel or chocolate, purchase and repeat. Thanks to my insider knowledge, I now know how confused locals are when tourists buy oreo and candy floss-covered waffles and shoot them against a historic building for the 'gram. Authentic? Apparently not (I learnt the hard way). Nope, stroopwafels are where it's at!
B O U T I Q U E S H O P P I N G
Ah, boutique shopping - the most exciting element of any city break, I mean, besides the architecture and history etc etc. Ahem. Seriously though, slip down a side street and you'll very quickly discover the mass of boutiques Amsterdam has to offer. Well-established brands, start-up labels and pop-up stores; the capital has got everything. Prices are a little steeper than you may be anticipating, but entirely worth it. While you're there, if your heart beats a little faster at the mere mention of lingerie, make sure to fit time in your schedule to head to Love Stories. You may recognise the name from their recent collaboration with H&M, but now it's time to discover their full range in person. It's heaven, and don't even get me started on their loungewear range!
Psst! Find Love Stories at Herengracht 298, 1016 BX, Amsterdam.
A ' D A M L O O K O U T
If you choose to experience just one tourist-focussed activity while in Amsterdam, make it the A'Dam Lookout. The price is reasonable and there's a brilliant café/restaurant with views stretching out across the capital! The twenty-story construction also features a fabulous rooftop with panoramic views and an over-the-edge swing - which, FYI, I wholeheartedly recommend. I don't have a problem with heights and so it's more relaxing than thrilling; but that in itself makes for a lovely experience! There's plenty of seating on the rooftop, along with various Instagrammable spots ideal for dragging your other half over towards...
Psst! Find A'Dam Lookout at Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands.

B E F O R E Y O U G O . . .
So, how can we keep things chic on your next fabulous city break to Amsterdam?! For starters, book a table at MaMa Kelly; a glamorous and fabulously pink restaurant on the outskirts. Do it for the 'gram. Next up, be sure to walk a little further down the canals than most others. You'll discover some of the most beautiful and quaint, historic buildings Amsterdam has to offer - and if you visit in season, they'll be covered in blooms! Just don't be tempted to lean on doors, perch on car bonnets, or put your bag in the basket of a bike - these are people's homes and possessions after all! Seriously, not cool. Okay, I'll stop bossing you about. Actually no, I lied. I also need to boss you into taking a late night walk alongside the canals - again, a little further away from the nightlife. At pretty much any time of year they'll be illuminated by street lamps and the reflections are guaranteed to take your breath away...
I hope you've enjoyed this Chic Girl Guide; it's not the first and it certainly won't be the last! Have you ever visited Amsterdam? If so, did anything in particular standout to you on your visit? Let me know in the comments below!Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> King's Cross London | The Chic Girl's Guide
With love,
Gabrielle x
Amsterdam remains in my bucket list and this chic guide makes me want to visit this city more.
ReplyDeletewww.busyandfab.com
Amsterdam is a great urban destination, it's wonderful you were able to visit. I didn't know about the vast shopping options in Amsterdam, definitely something to consider. Most people do enjoy shopping.:) I'm mostly drawn to history when visiting places, but it is always good to have shopping options. Your photographs are so lovely. It seems like you had a great time there! I really like that outfit with the overall jeans, so adorable. You captured Amsterdam so well! Mamma Kelly sounds like a lovely restaurant. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe go to Amsterdam regularly! We always stat in and AirBnB out of the centre in the Oude West area. Amsterdam becomes even more interesting the further out you go.
ReplyDeleteDe Hallen is interesting! It's the old tram sheds converted into a boutique shopping place along with a fantastic Food Hall, and houses a library which has our favourite Café Belcampo.
Ten Kate market is right outside there. Fabulous fresh food daily.
Vondelpark is also in that area and is perfect for a really long walk where you could be in the countryside.
Westerpark is a bit further out and is a park constructed on the site of the old gas works. They have some very interesting things going on at weekends, so worth looking it up before you go!
I've only been to Amsterdam once very briefly so did all the stereotypical tourist stuff, I'd love to go back though - A'dam lookout looks amazing (as do stroopwaffles!)
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
callmeamy.co.uk
Oh it looks like so much fun! You had a great time there! I've never been to Amsterdam but would really like to one day! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that your week is going well :)
Away From Blue
oh I love Amsterdam! Had such a great visit when I was there the last time and would love to go back. And nothing better than to get a private tour from a Dutch! ;) The pictures are really beautiful and lots of great tips. Will surely save this for when I visit the city again! Xx
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You have certainly spoilt us with these pictures and chic girl guild Gabrielle! I especially love the one with the very high view (scary) and the size of the waffles oh my. Nice ceiling and derriere : ) xo
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OMG! I love Amsterdam, I fell in love with it because I read the book The Fault in our Stars. And also, I always wanted to visit Anne Franks house. I'm glad that you had a great time there. And I really love all your pictures.
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This city guide is great Gabrielle! It features many spots and ideas I'd never heard about in Amsterdam. A'Dam seems like such a cool place to see, reminds me of stuff you can find in London! Thank you for sharing, it really makes me want to visit Amsterdam one of these days :)
ReplyDeleteJulia x
Last Post: My Vienna Travel Guide | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-first-timer-guide-to-vienna-austria.html
One of my favourite places to have pastry is the Dutch speaking countries in Europe. Their waffles are second to none. I gained 10kg just eating them at the time. Lovely country, lovely city. I just can't get tired of the Netherlands. There's so much to discover and they make good drinking buddies too
ReplyDeleteBest. Guide. Everrrr!
ReplyDeleteAmsterdam is so magial, I would love to visit this city again! Beautiful photos and you look great! Fantastic post! <3
ReplyDeleteMERI WILD BLOG
I love Amsterdam, it's such a beautiful city and I do love boutique shopping!! xx
ReplyDeleteLove,
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Ah yes I totally enjoyed this!! I would so love to get to this city one day. I did indeed see quite the decadent ceilings when I visited Versailles. And LOVE your photos!
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
This is making me want to get on a plane and go to Amsterdam! All of your recommendations are so helpful. Trying a Stroopwafel would definitely be at the top of my list and walking down the canals looks like a dream. And I love all of your photos from your trip!! If I ever do get to go I'll definitely be using your suggestions!
ReplyDeletex Kara | http://karascloset.net
Ooooh girl, I'm definitely gonna be looking back at this post when I make it to Amsterdam one day, so I'm sure to not just stick to the super touristy spots!
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Gorgeous photos Hun I love Amsterdam so much!! x
ReplyDeleteGrace Louise || www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
Okay I have so much love for this post. Evidently I’ve been away from reading posts for way too long - you’re dating a Dutch dude?! How did you meet!! It sounds v cute and exciting.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I tried stroopwaffels when I was in Victoria in Canada under the guidance of my friend from the Netherlands and they were gorgeous! Apparently nothing beats the authentic ones from the actual country, though.
I love Amsterdam as it’s such a gorgeous place, but we did so much during our visit there that the mere idea of going back seems exhausting. I would definitely like to though - the people were the loveliest, the canals were the prettiest, and the breakfasts were all absolutely gorgeous!
Amy x
Haha love your curiosity babe! I am indeed dating a Dutch guy - we met on Tinder and have been together for over a year now! :)
DeleteGabrielle x
I just adore Amsterdam!
ReplyDeletex Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Now I need a stroopwaffle! This trip is so pretty. I want to visit Amsterdam!
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S | Je M'appelle Chanel
I want to hop on a plane right now for one of those stroopwaffles! I have always wanted to visit Amsterdam, what a beautiful city and I have heard everyone is super friendly. Hope you had an amazing time Gabrielle xx
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Perfect timing - I've just booked a trip there in October so thanks for all your tips! Very much looking forward to the waffles!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Beautiful place and wonderful tips, thanks for sharing them with us Gabrielle, we went to Amsterdam but it was a layover so we didn't have time to absorb the place at all however I know it's pretty as dad used to go there each week and Paris on business so certainly a place I would like to return too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us Gabrielle!
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
Amsterdam is certainly one of my favorite cities in Europe and you captured it so beautifully! Just looking at those waffles and architecture makes me want to go back so badly! You are such a beauty, Gabrielle xx
ReplyDeleteNaya
www.nayatilly.com
Fabulous photos! I have family in The Hague and love visiting the Netherlands but am ashamed to say I have still never been to Amsterdam! Savoury pannekoeken with bacon are just the best thing ever and I always crave them when I go - stroopwafels are pretty good too! x
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Amsterdam is a fun place, I have not been in ages but have a couple of friends from Rotterdam. The stroopwafels look decadent. That's like the first time I tasted real Belgian waffles, such a different experience.
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These pictures are amazing! I'm definitely going there for my next vacation.
ReplyDeleteAdi xx | www.fancycorrectitude.com
I also fell in love with the city, it's cosy and small yet feels like a big city... Your pics are stunning as always !
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This makes me miss Amsterdam sooooo much! I was just there in the Spring and absolutely adored it!
ReplyDeletexx, mel
http://melinspired.com/summer-vitamin-d/
Wow! It seems you have a sweet tooth and most of us do. The waffles look very yummy and I bet they tasted great as well. - www.jamilakyari.com
ReplyDeleteNice place and beautiful pics :)
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Alas de Angel
My Instagram
I can't get over how gorgeous you look and how amazing Amsterdam is in summer :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post !
http://www.waitmarinawho.com/2019/07/now-bring-me-horizon.html
- Marina W
You captured the charm of this city beautifully in your photos! I was here a few years ago and just fell in love with the place, it's so different from all the other European cities I've visited! Definitely gonna visit a few of these places when I go back again, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete☆ Geeky Posh
Yes!!! I really want to go to Amsterdam, looks amazing. Loving all of your photos. super guide!! x
ReplyDeleteYou always look so chic on your travel photos dear! Pretty snaps you have here.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
I adore your city guides Gabrielle! Amsterdam is so accessible that it's pretty bad I've yet to go but you've completely sold it to me. My mouth is absoloutely watering at those sproopwafels!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
Oh my gosh, Amsterdam looks amazing! I have always wanted to go!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
Love this post, bookmarking it! Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for the longest, can't wait to go someday soon!
ReplyDeleteSam x
www.sams-wardrobe.com
Ahhhh look at these amazing photos! Amsterdam is on my place of lists to visit, it's meant to be beautiful and the photos are stunning! You look lovely as always and loving the blog layout and new logo too! Well done, it's so nice to see how you're always developing your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteLayla x
https://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk