cities we love
stays we enjoy checking into
our favorite shops
the most charming cafés
our most beloved restaurants
blog (en)
blog (en)
The late nineties had faded into the past and the enthusiasm of the new millennium was beginning to wane.
I had graduated from the Technical University of Munich as an architect and decided to stash my Buffalo platforms along with the low-rise jeans in the attic.
But slipping into the black turtleneck of the architecture guild in my late twenties didn’t quite feel right.
The creative spark of my studies had fizzled out in the dusty routine of office life, bogged down by liability clauses and dull government regulations.
I couldn’t muster much excitement for the idea of arguing with the building authority.
So my husband and I surprised our parents with the plan to open a café with a concept store.
Tucked away in the enchanted courtyard of the Wilmina Hotel, the Lovis Bar reveals itself behind a black ivy-draped door.
We descend a few steps into a historic vaulted cellar, where French artist Laurent Ajina has adorned the walls with delicate black lines on white lime plaster, giving the space a distinctive charm.
But it’s not just the design that sets the Lovis Bar apart. The drinks are as artful as the setting - imaginative, intricate concoctions crafted from mysterious, unlabeled bottles, measured and mixed with tiny beakers and pipettes.
Alongside these exquisite cocktails, the bar serves refined bar food that not only pairs beautifully with the bold drinks but could easily hold its own as a light dinner.
In fact, arriving a little earlier to enjoy all the Lovis Bar has to offer is a highly recommended plan.
The little store on Leliegracht is filled with lovingly collected works. Butterfly boxes and iridescent green beetles, jewelry and antiques sit alongside handmade candles and artisanal soaps, while art prints hang above marvelous curiosities.
Apothecary cabinets and old glass display cases are filled to the brim, inviting exploration. It’s nearly impossible to leave without a small treasure in tow.
Wandering through Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, a little sustenance is just what you need.
At Breadwinner, hand-rolled sourdough bagels fresh from the stone oven are baked with organic ingredients.
In the small, bright shop with a handful of seats outside, we have our choice of plain sourdough bagels, salted, poppy seed or sesame, onion bagels, jalapeno and cheddar, or two sweet options - cinnamon raisin or chocolate.
A touch of Paris graces the elegant Maison Elle, with its lush green garden.
Breakfast in the morning means croissants, pain au chocolat and café au lait…
And when we enjoy it on pale blue velvet chairs in front of wood-paneled walls, we almost have to remind ourselves that we are not in France, but in Amsterdam and that the famous Rijksmuseum, with its old Dutch masters, is just a five-minute bike ride away.
Slow-roasted tomatoes, candied walnuts, fermented chili, confit Medjool dates, Jerusalem artichoke chips, homemade ricotta dumplings, boozy coffee biscuits, pistachio crème Anglaise… just reading the ingredients on the menu at Night Kitchen is enough to lure us there.
But there’s even more to it than that!
They describe their wonderful concept as “Dinner with Friends.”
This idea hails from Tel Aviv and has been successfully exported not only to Amsterdam but also to Berlin.
Being cooked for by friends, in a familiar atmosphere, with that extra touch of love that only dear ones can infuse into their food, is always a rare delight to find outside one's home.
At Amy and Julius's restaurant, JA, such a cozy feeling washes over you the moment you step into the charming space with its open kitchen. It is here that we learn fine dining can indeed be incredibly familial.
Isn't it the most beautiful thing letting yourself drift without a schedule, daydreaming by the water for an afternoon, guiltlessly transitioning from the finest bakery to the most delightful ice cream parlor or enjoying an endless breakfast?
We believe, this approach can often provide a deeper sense of a metropolis’s rhythm, than a rigid cultural itinerary and sometimes it reveals the true treasures of a city.
Even if it’s just a brief weekend trip, it would be a pity to let haste and stress intrude. After all, when a city is enjoyable, we are bound to return.
Here, we share a few personal tips and secrets on how to savor a wonderful city walk and how to make our day truly perfect.
On Oderberger Straße in Prenzlauer Berg, a cozy retreat awaits just a few steps below street level, next to a charming terrace shaded by a red awning.
The bar’s whitewashed walls, Toile de Jouy curtains, wooden tables, and school chairs with mustard-yellow cushions might easily transport you to Paris.
And there are not just exceptional French wines - the carefully curated selection also features exquisite bottles from Germany, Austria and Spain.
The delicious sharing plates even draw inspiration from across the globe.
MaMi’s is the perfect place to escape the hustle of Berlin for a few hours, immersing yourself in soft music, fine wine and outstanding food, served by warm and welcoming hosts.
Behind large, bright windows in a classic brick building in Amsterdam's Oud West lies the enchanting household goods store, Dille & Kamille.
Enamel dishes, linen tablecloths, bergamot soap, acacia wood cutting boards, wildflower seeds, and garden gloves – everything that makes a home cozy and functional is available here.
Naturally, it’s easy to find a suitable gift for loved ones at Dille & Kamille. But treating yourself here is just as delightful.
We are often asked if we love Amsterdam more than our other favorite - Copenhagen. Thankfully, at the Scandinavian Embassy, we don’t have to choose.
Here, the coffee tastes as exquisite as it does at Noma and the cinnamon rolls are as fragrant and fresh as they are in the far north and yet we find ourselves in the heart of our beloved Amsterdam.
In Jordaan, the former working-class neighborhood, lies this little gem of a hotel, right on the Keizersgracht, perhaps the most beautiful canal in the heart of Amsterdam's canal ring.
The view from the room over the enchanting canal is so dreamy that it truly tempts us to have breakfast in bed.
However, the delicious breakfast lovingly prepared in the large ground-floor salon, with a view of the charming garden, is worth tearing ourselves away from the morning view of the gently swaying canal boats.
And right outside the door awaits one of the most delightful quarters of the Dutch capital.
Little birds flit into the ivy draping the facade.
Their cheerful chirping mingling with the distant hum of the city beyond. They dart out again, diving into a sea of green where waves of white blossoms rise and fall beneath our window.
Red brick walls, weathered by decades of history, frame a series of serene courtyards and lush gardens.
Sunlight dances playfully through delicate ash leaves, casting fleeting patterns of light and shadow.
In Wilmina the bustling metropolis around us falls into oblivion.
Architects Almut and Armand Grüntuch-Ernst have masterfully transformed a former women’s prison from 1896 into the city’s most enchanting oasis.
The hotel feels like a wellness escape, yet it sits at the heart of Berlin - a hidden world within the city and our favorite secret haven.
In many bookstores, a sign greets you at the entrance with a stern warning - no food or drinks beyond this point.
At Shakespeare & Sons, the expectation to treat their carefully curated selection of mostly English-language books with care is no different.
But here, there’s a twist. The inhouse café, Fine Bagels, is an inseparable part of the experience.
Picture this - savoring sweet or salty handmade bagels, chocolate or plain rugelach, cookies and cakes, all while leisurely browsing through the shelves.
Every visit tempts us to take at least one treasure home - a delicious one or a written one.
Hotel Frantz in Södermalm, near the Stockholm locks, exemplifies how to masterfully execute small luxury.
The historical rooms have been lovingly transformed into a charming, sophisticated city hotel.
The large, cozy bed, stylish bathroom, high-quality fabrics, and soft colors align perfectly with our tastes.
And the breakfast, served in the pretty Frantz Restaurant, is among the best we’ve ever encountered in a hotel.
Specializing in „Akzidenzen“, a traditional method for printing small-batch or one-of-a-kind pieces, like family announcements, flyers, business cards or menus - this charming shop keeps the art of printing alive.
From letterpress and embossing to high-quality digital printing, Marta & Paul offers a range of bespoke services.
For those curious to delve into the world of printing and bookbinding, the shop also hosts workshops where even beginners can get hands-on experience.
Owner Dörte Regel’s artistry shines in her whimsical, occasionally surreal nature-inspired designs.
They are available as postcards or in larger formats like DIN A3 and A4.
The island of Djurgården, a green oasis in the heart of Stockholm, is a wonderful place for daydreaming.
Wandering through Rosendal Trädgård, established by the Swedish Garden Society between 1861 and 1911, to the greenhouses and gardens with the charmingly romantic café, makes for a perfect outing on a long Swedish midsummer day.
The atmosphere here is unpretentious and friendly, while the food is incredibly refined and artistic without being affected.
Traditional Swedish dishes, crafted with careful handwork by Stefan Ekengren and his team, are presented with a modern twist and sometimes a touch of humor.
There is also a bar where experienced, cool bartenders mix remarkably good cocktails with great passion.
For those interested, a "Spritbordet" five-course menu is available, perfectly paired with cocktails or mocktails.
A short stroll, an extensive walk with the dog or a daily jogging route through the city park – all become even more delightful with a cup of coffee, an ice-cold drink or a tasty snack.
All this comes together at Flindt & Ørsted in Copenhagen’s Ørstedparken.
Isn't it the most beautiful thing letting yourself drift without a schedule, daydreaming by the water for an afternoon, guiltlessly transitioning from the finest bakery to the most delightful ice cream parlor or enjoying an endless breakfast?
We believe, this approach can often provide a deeper sense of a metropolis’s rhythm, than a rigid cultural itinerary and sometimes it reveals the true treasures of a city.
Even if it’s just a brief weekend trip, it would be a pity to let haste and stress intrude. After all, when a city is enjoyable, we are bound to return.
Here, we share a few personal tips and secrets on how to savor a wonderful city walk and how to make our Amsterdam-Day truly perfect.
The settlement where this charming apartment is located is framed by the King’s Garden, the Rose Park, the Botanical Garden, Østre Park, and the Kastellet fortress. What sounds like a rural idyll is actually super centrally located and a perfect retreat between exciting city days.
Isn't it the most beautiful thing letting yourself drift without a schedule, daydreaming by the water for an afternoon, guiltlessly transitioning from the finest bakery to the most delightful ice cream parlor or enjoying an endless breakfast?
We believe, this approach can often provide a deeper sense of a metropolis’s rhythm, than a rigid cultural itinerary and sometimes it reveals the true treasures of a city.
Even if it’s just a brief weekend trip, it would be a pity to let haste and stress intrude. After all, when a city is enjoyable, we are bound to return.
Here, we share a few personal tips and secrets on how to savor a wonderful city walk and how to make our Munich-Day truly perfect.
For many, the epitome of Danish cuisine is the Smørrebrød.
At Selma, near the Copenhagen Market Halls, this classic dish is elevated to an exquisite delicacy, crafted with the finest ingredients and a lot of love.
In a relaxed, familial atmosphere, it’s a joy to explore the imaginative versions of this traditional favorite.
A really good pair of scissors, a pretty notebook with a matching pen, glue that we won’t want to hide in a drawer…don’t we all wish for everyday items that look beautiful and bring us joy?
At Carta Pura, you’ll find all of this, from writing utensils to bookbinding supplies and fine stationery.
Plus, there are artistic sheets for paper enthusiasts who truly appreciate them.
Stockholm's market hall thrives on its unique blend of historic architecture and a delightful selection of exquisite delicacies.
Whether we're looking for fresh ingredients to cook in our Airbnb, searching for culinary souvenirs for loved ones back home or just craving a quick snack among the old market stall - Saluhall is the perfect place.
So, grab your shopping bags and let yourself be tempted!
Katrin, Flo, and Johannes run Sorry Johnny together. Katrin takes care of the guests, Flo mans the bar, and Johannes handles the kitchen.
Well, technically… because just as often, they switch roles, with each stepping in for the other.
Everything here flows effortlessly, hand in hand.
It’s clear at first glance - and taste, that these friends love being hosts.
That’s why this tiny café in Haidhausen isn’t just our top breakfast spot in Munich, but, above all, a place where you feel right at home - in the truest sense - with friends.
It’s only fair to warn you that we can hardly write about Il Piccolo Principe with any degree of neutrality—we are completely in love with this place.
This small, family-run restaurant in Glockenbachviertel has been around for over 30 years.
It doesn’t try to follow the latest trends, nor does it aim for perfect Instagram appeal.
What truly matters here is a deep love for exceptional food, wonderful wines, close connections to producers, and the joy of being a gracious host.
“The true joy is the joy of others,” as it says in the book The Little Prince.
If that’s true, then at Piccolo Principe, the joy is undoubtedly mutual.