amsterdam, city guide, travel,

  Where we stayed, where we ate and what we did...




cityhub, amsterdam

cityhub, amsterdam,

Stay - CityHub

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at this modern hostel/hotel called CityHub. The privacy like a hotel and the communal feel of a hostel, a brilliant idea for travellers of all ages. We arrived in the morning and put our bags in the lockers provided then came back around 12am to check in (thank god for the 24/7 check in!), we were greeted by Sem one of their friendly hosts. We were given a wristband that acts as a key fob for the hubs/lockers, and allows you to pay at the self service bar and vending machines which is a really nice touch. There are 50 sound proof hubs situated in a spacious hall, the glass ceiling made for a bright and airy feel. After checking in we headed for our hub and we were amazed at how big they are once inside. Once settled in I spotted matching 'CityHub' robes great to snuggle up in after a long day exploring. 

cityhub, amsterdam

The hubs being soundproof meant we could connect our iPad to the surround speakers via bluetooth which is one of the best features for me as I love listening to music (yes I played a bit of Justin Bieber whist Rakesh showered). A new feature to CityHub is a downloadable app which will allow you to access a control panel for your hub, to change the mood lighting, music and alarm clock. Not forgetting a sweet interactive city guide. Oh I mustn't forget the showers... they were a huge treat. Considering the great price point the facilities are fantastic, showers had great pressure and a lush smelling body wash too. Towels and hairdryers are complimentary which is a big tick for me (i'm sure all girls would agree!).

cityhub, amsterdam,

cityhub, amsterdam,

adidas, cityhub, amsterdam

The lobby/reception area was perfect, it was visually pleasing to look at. Booths upholstered in a mustard coloured corduroy fabric (I love mustard), wooden chairs, books, a huge bar with leather bar stools. From the flooring to the decorative plants, they had all the details on point, a very photogenic hotel! You can stay here for around £50 a night per hub, and it's worth it.

CityHub thanks for hosting us, we will be back! 

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cafe george, amsterdam


One of the popular cafes of Instagram - Café George, a naturally lit dining hall with minimal décor. I made a quick decision and went straight for the eggs Benedict for brunch but of course Rakesh was torn between this and the Reuben sandwich, I'm nice so I swapped one of my eggs for half a Reuben sandwich. Both were delicious and we could have easily ate here more than once on our trip! (thinking about it now, I wish we had because I'd have liked to try their mussels!)

cafe george, amsterdam,

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Eat - Nacional

It took us a while to find it but this was truly a brunch dream, the boys were happy enough with the menu and went for dippy eggs, eggs Norwegian and chilli scrambled eggs. I went for the 5 stack of fluffy pancakes with vanilla mascarpone, which was a great choice (even if I was envious of their runny yolks!) The décor reminded me of a Paris restaurant it was visually pleasing with plants, a huge bar and nice booths for sitting comfortably.


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Compared to our other meals in Amsterdam this was probably the most expensive for what we got, 16 euros for a London breakfast which did include a glass of fresh orange juice and a cup of tea though. The boys weren't too impressed but of course their plates were wiped clean! I enjoyed mine but the only complaint is that one of my slices of toast was very very hard! The inside had a quirky theme and cute details scattered around.


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On our favourite street in the RLD we stumbled past this new burger joint (wasn't there last year). Being near our favourite (love/hate relationship) drinking spot Belushi's we decided to eat here, the cool interior was just a hidden bonus! I ordered the Italian burger with pesto and mozzarella and the fries which were very very tasty. The boys have some complaints about their burgers (wannabe food critics) but I disagreed. I would recommend this place for a quick bite in between coffee shops.


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Again another gem on our favourite street, we went here last year for some treats, macaroons! and had to return, twice. We bought Harry a slice of red velvet cake for his birthday and took it to a restaurant and it was gooood and then a few hours before our flight Rakesh went there and bought me some macaroons and himself a brownie. Great goodbye treats I'd say!


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Do - Coffeeshops - La Tertuila

la tertulia coffeeshop, amsterdam

Light and spacious and sells organic weed. 

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Do - Coffeeshops - De Graal

de graal coffeeshop, amsterdam

A three floored gem, a great tea selection and a bit of a reptile zoo.

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Do - Coffeeshops - Dolphins

dolphin coffeeshop,amsterdam

Strict staff (no taking pictures and no shoes on seats which is probably a good rule), underwater themed, we wouldn't recommend Dolphin Haze and they have their own homemade vaporisers. 


To see where I've been/want to go in Amsterdam you can view my map here. Thanks for reading and feel free to ask any questions! 

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