Start your morning immersed in the swirling colors of the Van Gogh Museum, where the current "Exhibition Yellow" takes you on a multisensory journey through Vincent’s favorite hue. 🎨💛 Once you’ve had your fill of post-impressionist magic, head over to De Hallen—a stunningly converted tram depot. Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage gems at the flea market or grabbing a gourmet bite at the famous Foodhallen, this itinerary is the secret to seeing the city like a true local. 🌭🛍️
We kicked off our morning in the heart of Amsterdam with a traditional Dutch breakfast at The Pantry. It’s tucked away in the charming streets of the Leidseplein area, and the vibe inside is exactly what the Dutch call "gezellig"—super cozy and welcoming! 🏛️✨ We decided to go all out and ordered the full course menu to get the most authentic experience possible. While I have to be honest—I didn't love every single bite—it was such a fun way to dive into the local culture. 🥣🥓
Pro Tip for your trip: 🤳💡 The Pantry is a local favorite and quite small, so it gets crowded fast! Make sure to book a reservation a few days in advance if you want to snag one of those cozy wooden tables.
After our hearty Dutch breakfast, we headed to Central Station to catch the water taxi. One of the best-kept secrets for travelers? The ferry is completely free! 🆓🙌 We hopped on the boat toward NDSM Wharf, and the short ride across the River IJ offered some of the most stunning views of the city skyline.
As soon as you step off the ferry, the walk to the market is an experience all its own. The entire access area is a total graffiti heaven🎨! 🤩 The walls are covered in massive, vibrant street art, which makes sense since the famous STRAAT Museum is located right there. 🏛️🖼️ Make sure to look up and spot the towering portrait of Anne Frank on the side of the building—it’s breathtaking and the perfect backdrop for photos! 📸✨
We reached the heart of the IJ-Hallen, Europe’s largest flea market! 🌍✨ It’s set inside a rugged, massive industrial shipyard that gives off a cool "underground" energy you won't find in the city center. We spent the afternoon "going around"—endless rows of vintage clothes, retro furniture, and quirky Dutch trinkets. But the highlight was definitely the tasting! There are local food stalls everywhere 🌭😋.
Pro Tip for your blog: 🤳💡 the IJ-Hallen only happens once a month, so checking the calendar is a must before heading to the ferry! 🗓️💶
If you catch a sunny day with clear skies, I highly suggest heading up to the A’DAM Lookout right as you get off the ferry. The 360-degree view of Amsterdam is supposed to be incredible! However, since it was a bit of a cloudy day for us, we decided to skip it this time and keep our eyes on the treasures at the market instead. ☁️🙅♂️