This place has the best handpicked natural wines and great, great food. Lovely, friendly and helpful staff. You can easily sit here for hours, have a bite once in a while and try great wines. An absolute must to visit.

Not a big fan of zoos and animals behind cages, but if you can spot Flamingos in the east-centre of Amsterdam, then count me in <3 ! You can actually see them while riding the bike on Plantage Middenlaan, quite a beautiful scene.  Note: De Plantage next to zoo is quite cool cafe/restaurant, with a mix of vintage style and industrial elements of the old buildings of Artis. Great atmosphere, and ideal for a more sophisticated outing. 

Lost & Found is a monthly artist salon held in one of the medieval towers of the Waag on the Nieuwmarkt. In the room where Rembrandt's 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp' once took place have since 1997 over 80 sessions of stray images and sound been organized. Artists show material which doesn't fit comfortably into regular gallery contexts; work which demands more concentration than the usual walk-by. Check the Lost & Found website for dates & times.

To get out of the hustle of the city, my husband and I love to bike down to Amsterdam's Forest to see the goat farm, or picnic in the sun.  There are also little spots to swim :)

Cafe Modern Amsterdam is located in an old bank building in the north of Amsterdam. Authentic elements remind of the previous life of the building. You eat a delicious daily changing 4-course menu. Every day the freshest ingredients of the season.