Perfect 48 hours in Amsterdam by Jurgen van der Zalm

Day 1

08:00 hours

I start the day at “Healthclub Jordaan”. A Gym in the heart of the famous Jordaan district. An hour of sweating under the guidance of my personal coach, Mike van Hoorn. In this gym you work out with Amsterdam’s finest: from born and bred Jordaan people to fit girls and from gym rats to expats, everyone is welcome, just leave your ego at the door.

09:30 hours

Time for breakfast @ Bakers & Roasters. A glass orange juice for the vitamins and a chocolate powershake! The powershake is made from milk, peanut butter, banana and protein powder. Followed by two free-range eggs sunny-side-up on hot buttered toast with bacon, along with one avocado and a mini stack of pancakes & organic Canadian maple syrup. One of the best breakfast spots in town!

11.30 hours

One of my favourite activities on my days off is visiting exhibitions in Amsterdam, like inspiring modern and contemporary art. You can and will find these rare artworks at  Moco Museum in Amsterdam.

14.00 hours
Lunch time! From “Museumplein” you walk within 15 minutes to one of my favorite lunch spot in town, “Dignita“. De Hoftuin is hidden behind the Hermitage at the Amstel in Amsterdam. Dignita has been located in De Hoftuin for 4 years now. A place where you can enjoy an extensive lunch and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Their menus highlight the seasons and reinvent traditional brunch classics with a twist. They focus on serving you the freshest food with every attention paid to detail they also use locally sourced ingredients and that’s what I like the most!

15:30 hours

One of my favorite streets in Amsterdam: “The Utrechtstestraat”. The special thing about the Utrechtsestraat is of course its central location in the middle of the Grachtengordel, but what I like the most is that all shops are specialists. Many family businesses that attach great importance to quality, service and hospitality. My regular stops are @ “Tromp”, a true Amsterdam cheese shop, and a quick stop @ “De Gouden Ton” for a nice bottle of wine.

17.30 hours

When the weather is nice, I like to go to the “Rembrandt park”, I live within 5 minutes from this beautiful park. And if you ask me, this is the most beautiful park in Amsterdam. Here you find the locals. It is large, very green with giant trees and streams. There is no restaurant, so a perfect place to relax on a blanket with cheeses from “tromp” and the cooled bottle of white wine from “De Gouden Ton”.

20.00 hours
For dishes that will make you lick your fingers, one of my favorites bistros is “Cafe Cliche” in Amsterdam-East. It feels like your second living room.

22.30 hours
Saturday night is perfect for a visit to the Hoxton, where it is always busy, they have a nice cocktail menu and the atmosphere is always relaxed. Before you go home, do not forget to take a photobooth session!!

Day 2

09.00 hours
for my groceries I always go to “landmarkt”, there you will find only fresh products, direct from the farmer, gardener, butcher, fishmonger and baker. On the way back I make a quick stop @ the “Bakhuys”, this is a place in the city where a family business bakes authentic bread in a wood-fired stone oven. You can also sit there, preferably in the morning sun on the small terrace.  Drink a delicious cup of coffee and do not forget to order a Muesli/nuts bun, these buns are the best in Amsterdam!

10.00 hours

Everybody who knows Amsterdam, knows the Albert Cuyp Market! The Market is originated in 1905 and is one of the favorite locations for locals, but also for tourists, students, day trippers and entrepreneurs. The Albert Cuyp Market is located in one of the most popular areas of Amsterdam. You can experience authentic Amsterdam atmosphere, humor and “gezelligheid” in the streets. I make a quick stop @Osaka ball, the Japanese munchies foods, you definitely need to try the Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and ramen!

11:30 hours
Towards the 9 streets! This cosy neighbourhood is full of boutiques that opens at 11:00 AM. Along the way,  I  always enjoy looking at the beautiful canal houses. One of my favourite Boutiques is @ Hud Amsterdam. When I pass by, I always walk in quickly. And never come out empty-handed. The owner is always friendly and up to date with the latest trends!

12.00 hours
Time to go to the barber @ van de Hare. You can find me every 2 weeks at this place. This is really a moment of relaxation for me. This barbershop was founded more than 85 years ago. Van de Hare Amsterdam Barbers is located in the heart of Amsterdam near Dam Square and combines a rich history with contemporary Amsterdam flair

14.00 hours

Lunch time! For the best Dim-Sum and Bejing Duck you go to “sea palace” along with a nice pot of jasmine tea. This is the largest floating restaurant in Europe. You just find a piece of China in Amsterdam next to the Amsterdam Central station.

17.00 hours

Sailing with a classic boat from “classic boat dinners”. This is a small shipping company, consisting of two beautifully restored classic boats. My favorite is “The Muze”, the captain can pick you up wherever you want. And he will cruise you through the Amsterdam canals, filled with historic treasures. This is the perfect way to explore Amsterdam from the water.

19:00 hours
After the boat cruise I go to Cafe Parlotte. A very cosy wine cafe in the middle of the Jordaan with an exceptionally wine list. You can easily sit here for 2/3 hours with a drink while enjoying tasty dishes.

21.00 hours

NNea pizza, you won’t eat a pizza like this anywhere else in Amsterdam. And while you’re in this part of town just walk around the corner afterwards and get 3 scoops of pistachio ice cream @ Massimo Gelato, WoW!

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