This gorgeous interiors boutique specialises in shabby-chic furniture (think pastel-coloured, country-kitchen tables, white-washed, glass-fronted bookcases and wicker garden rockers) alongside unusual accents – a vintage apothecary cabinet, say, or a mounted ram’s skull. Everything, whether a hand-made contemporary piece or a vintage one-off, is carefully chosen – you won’t be the first to ask helpful staff whether they can deliver abroad (they can!).

The Dutch are renowned for their green fingers, and this bloom boutique has been attesting to the national talent for more than two decades. Staff are passionate, encyclopedic in their knowledge and committed to quality – they’ll happily tailor seasonal bouquets to your budget, using high-quality cut flowers that last for weeks. Potted plants, too, are anything but run-of-the-mill.

Run by two friends – Madrid-born chef Miguel and Dutch manager Florian (who’s a genius with a cocktail shaker) – Pikoteo is no ordinary tapas bar: it mixes Spanish favourites such as serrano-ham croquetas with South East Asian and Latin American-inspired small plates. Our tips? Start with the punchy, beautifully balanced sangria cocktail – and don’t leave without trying the runny-centred, truffled tortilla.

When children’s author Karina Schaapman decided to illustrate her books with dioramas painstakingly built from scrap materials, she didn’t expect the characters and sets to take on a life of their own! This quirky family business: a shop-cum-museum-cum-studio selling the (widely translated) books, build-your-own model kits and other mousey souvenirs is a unique experience not to be missed.

A peaceful haven to discover, around the corner from the Jordaan and the most popular areas on this side of town.

A peaceful haven for urban explorers looking for a stylish apartment with modern comforts amid the historic charm of the Jordaan district.