We all know that the best way to really get to know a city is through the eyes of a local. And that's what AiSPi aspires to do. Explore the capital and fashion centre of Netherlands: Amsterdam, through Benthe Liem's eyes. 

This Amsterdam native knows the coolest spots in the city; ideal for exploring, shopping, picture-taking, and discovering dreamy spots. Enjoy the distinctive vibe the city has to offer in each of its unique corners.

All introduction images are courtesy of @bentheliem on IG.

The Best Spots For Coffee

The best pick-me-up after a day of shopping and sight-seeing.

Bakkerij Louf

For traditional artisan bread, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and books: visit Louf! This bakkerij, or bakery, will make anyone’s day a lot more delicious. As Benthe Liem has spoken about on Instagram, this shop’s “coffee and sandwiches are 10/10”. Creative and classic recipes, bold flavours, delightful treats, in-house made pastries: everything your heart desires and craves. 

Locations:
- Louf de Pijp, Nicolaas Berchemstraat 4, 1073 VR Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Louf oud-West, Bilderdijkstreet 38, 1053 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Louf Westerpark, De Wittenkade 96, 1051 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Venu

Whether you need to catch up on work on-the-go or simply want to relax with a book in a cool spot, visit Venu. This modern lifestyle location is a specialty coffee lobby, a coworking space for creatives, and also a concept store. This curated hybrid place unites work, casual meetings, and special event spaces–all designed tastefully to get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy coffee, tea, cold drinks, seasonal specialties, shopping, books, and much more at Venu.

The Best Places To Eat

Delicious dishes that we can't get enough of!

Qlique

“Inspired by the sun, sea, and fresh products of Southern Europe,'' dive into Qlique’s Mediterranean cuisine. The chef’s Qôte d’Azur, Tuscan, and Spanish island inspired plates topped with seasonal products and paired with unique cocktails make for a top culinary experience. We promise you will love the simply delicious and expertly-composed dishes of Qlique, Amsterdam’s Mediterranean escape!

Vanderveen

Have an elevated dining experience in the ‘harmoniously dissonant’ Vanderveen. If you're looking for a refined yet quirky evening, this is the place. Vanderveen’s avant-garde cuisine has been featured in the Michelin Guide. Stylish, creative, and scrumptious plates are guaranteed. With an amazing chef, sommelier, and patissier, your experience here will definitely be well-rounded and special.

The Best Spots For Drinks

Sip, sip and sip!

Club Dauphine

For a fun night out, Benthe Liem has convinced us that Club Dauphine is the place to go! Cocktails, wine, food, live music: a true party! This exciting place has the spirit of an NYC nightclub with a contemporary Amsterdam flair. This is a place where you can be surprised with fun events and dance away the nights to soul, pop, funk, R&B, and much more. Cheers to that!

Celia

For exciting, creative cocktails: Celia is a must! We’ve seen the amazing drinks this place has to offer through Benthe’s eyes and it is promising. The bar at Celia has a specially-selected wine list and bright cocktail options. Pair it all with its decadent cuisine. The modern cocktails Celia offers are California-inspired, they celebrate modern American creativity with the use of market-driven, seasonal ingredients. Simple yet elegant; there is a drink for everyone at Celia!

The Best Things To See

You can't leave the city without experiencing these beautiful sights.

Amsterdam Canals

We’re obsessed with Benthe Liem’s Amsterdam-canal-filled feed! A definite must-visit in the city, whether by foot for a quiet stroll or navigating on a romantic boat ride; when in Amsterdam you cannot miss exploring these historic canals. Relax, enjoy the ride, and take stylish photos of your OOTDs in the picturesque sights these canals have to offer.

Oosterpark

Oosterpark is a local favourite for strolling around greenery and picnicking with a bottle of champagne. It is located in a culturally diverse neighbourhood of Eastern Amsterdam. As seen on Benthe Liem’s Instagram, this park is a unique place in the city; great for clearing one’s mind when wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. Enjoy the fresh air, landscape design, monuments and sculpture garden of the first large park ever created in Amsterdam.

Rae Blooms

The flower and plant studio, Rae Blooms, is a magical place. It is run by Amsterdam-native,  Ariella Hill, who has an eye for design and a long-lasting connection to flowers. She relates to them artistically. 

Rae Bloom is the definite stop for all things flora and fauna. As stated by Benthe Liem, this dreamy place makes “the most beautiful bouquets.” You can fall in love with the studio’s floral styling, installations, art collaborations, custom bouquets, full-range garden creations, and much more. Blossom your love for fauna and design through Rae’s play and exploration of shapes and textures.

The Best Boutiques To Shop

Take a little souvenir home with you. 

Butter & Hazel

Co-founded by Benthe Liem herself and Isidoor van Esch, Butter and Hazel is the womenswear and swimwear brand for the fearless and feminine who want to stand out. Designed in Amsterdam and ethically produced in Europe, sustainability is a major priority for this brand. Add Butter & Hazel to your travel itinerary to take back a piece of Amsterdam with you.

RUM

Turning a fashion agency into a brand, RUM was founded by Marlies Otten. Although the store was born in Oslo, she opened a second, more luxurious location in Amsterdam. This multi-brand boutique is a must visit when in the city. If you’re lucky–visit one of their late night events highlighted by rum-based cocktails. For uniquely stylish slow fashion and amazing collections, visit RUM.

Fabienne Chapot

Amsterdam born and raised designer, Fabienne Chapot’s eponymous womenswear brand is guaranteed to brighten your wardrobe. In-house designed prints, eccentric colour combinations, feminine tailoring, eccentric silhouettes, and quirky details are all constants in Fabienne Chapot collections. The brand has various locations, but do not miss out on visiting the Amsterdam boutique when in the city.

Written by Hannah Gabriella Armstrong Méndez

All images are courtesy of the respective sources, unless otherwise mentioned.

Explore more boutiques in Europe through our city page. Visit our Instagram to know more about the latest seasonal trends.