A love letter to Amsterdam (and everything I did, ate, and wore there)
A design-forward city guide to my most unexpected favorite: where I stayed, shopped, wandered, and dined
This is From the Window Seat, a series of deeply researched, design-forward dispatches for people who believe in the art of traveling well. From immersive itineraries to standout hotel reviews, each one offers everything you need to experience a place—or a property—with intention and great taste.
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I’m a city girl, through and through. So when we booked our trip to Amsterdam, I figured of course I’d like it, but I didn’t give it too much thought. I wasn’t expecting to be completely taken. But I was.
Amsterdam charmed me in a way that very few cities do. It was the kind of trip where everything aligned: the canals glittered in the sun, every street we turned down felt like it belonged in a postcard, and the people were stylish and kind. It felt intimate, walkable, lived-in. A city I could truly see myself in.
Read on for:
My favorite Amsterdam hotel recs, from city center charm to canal-side cool (and which celeb we spotted staying at our hotel)
What to pack for layering weather
The best spots to eat and drink (vibes as good as the food & drinks)
The shops and souvenirs I’d fly back for
Why I’ll always check which KLM plane I’m flying before I book
We went in late September, and the weather had that classic shoulder-season unpredictability: crisp in the mornings, sunny by afternoon, and chilly again by dinner. Layers, obviously, are non-negotiable.
Here’s what worked best (and what I wish I packed):
A trench coat: The hero of the Amsterdam shoulder-season wardrobe. I wore a classic trench but have been loving the car coat look as of late.
Button-down shirts: Breathable, polished, easy to layer. My current favorite plus a dark denim option.
A light sweater: Ideal for layering under your trench or tossing over your shoulders canal-side. I reached for this one on multiple occasions.
Walkable shoes: I wore boat shoes and felt chic and comfortable. I’d also recommend a second pair like sleek sneakers or weatherproof loafers in case of rain.
Here’s what no one tells you about flying KLM business class: the older plane might actually be better. (I know, I can’t quite believe it either.)
Our outbound flight was on a 777, and our inbound flight was on a 787—and despite the 787 being a newer plane (and my favorite, by the way), the 777 setup is far superior. There are two key reasons why:
Privacy doors. The 777 business class seats come with full sliding doors, which is a huge win, especially if you’re flying overnight, as the doors made a noticeable difference in how restful the flight felt. On the 787, there are no doors, but I will say the design still manages to feel semi-private thanks to a large wing that blocks side views. I sat by the window, Dylan had the aisle seat next to me, and I couldn’t see a single part of him—which isn’t always the case with business seats that don’t have doors.
Seat massages. I’ve flown a lot of lie-flat seats, and this is the first time I’ve seen this: the 777 seats have built-in back massagers. Are they incredible? No. But they’re decent, and if you tend to get stiff or sore after sitting for long periods (hi, it’s me), it’s a genuinely helpful feature. Unfortunately, the 787 doesn’t have them. Don’t ask me why!
Beyond the seats, the entire experience was a delight. One thing about me is I love a souvenir, and KLM gives you one of their signature Delft Blue canal houses on every business class flight. There’s even a dedicated app to learn the history of each one and track which numbers you’ve collected so far. And true to Dutch hospitality, the service was genuinely warm.
My one and only gripe: no slippers. KLM, why?? Please don’t encourage being barefoot on planes…
