24 hours in Zwolle

Now don't get jealous, Amsterdam, you will always have a special place in my heart. You are the place of our Amayzine office, the place of the coolest parties, and the city we say ‘everything happens here’. But it's time to broaden the horizon. Literally. So it was time for a staycation to the other side of the country.

I was 24 hours in Zwolle. Wow, what a lovely city that is, I must say. Fancy a night away in this historic Hanseatic city? Alright, I'll share my favorites with you.

Sleeping

Remember this name if you love boutique hotels: Pillows Grand Hotel Ter Borch. The lobby? There isn't one. You are welcomed with a glass of bubbles on the designer couch. Everything is simply exactly how you want it: the service, the soft beds, the scented candle upon arrival, and the perfect location. It is right across from Zwolle's train station, so you are in your hotel in no time. Walk five minutes and you are in the center. Yes, this was the best night in ages. I can't make it much different.

Shopping

Zwolle is a wonderful city to go completely crazy about shopping. It is bursting with cozy boutiques, characteristic buildings, and authentic streets. If you are looking for the shopping street: it is the Diezerstraat, although I would rather force you to step into all the cozy little shops and concept stores Moonloft and Pistache.

Coffee break

Here and There is a super hip, vintage-like place where you mainly want to pop in for coffee. Also, write in big letters on the hotspot list: De Gillende Keukenmeiden. MAN MAN, those pastries they have are dangerously good.

Lunch

Look, the Italian Vito’s is just a real institution in Zwolle, you can't skip it. I don't know exactly what they do with those warm focaccias from the oven, but they are insanely delicious. For a lovely typical Italian family feel, but also just to grab a sandwich if you want to shop further. Buon appetito!

Lunch 2.0

More of the sashimi, seaweed crisps, and Japanese rice rolls? Hi. I think we can be friends. If you really want to eat in a cool environment at the office? That’s a whole different story. And it really feels super deluxe. (for both lunch and dinner by the way), go to Blue Sakura. You can stuff yourself with raw fish in the stunning former church, and that's exactly what makes us happy.

Dining out

A classic in Zwolle: Ingeburgerd. Yes, that's a burger restaurant. No frills, just good, pure meat. More in the mood for high-quality haute cuisine stuff for a decent price? Then go to my latest discovery: the Coperto Restobar. The refined flavors, ambiance, risotto, wine, presentation: everything here is a party. And perfect to combine with a night at Pillows. Really saving up for chic frills? Go to De Librije. That is an experience you must have at least once in your life.

Shit, Zwolle, next time I'm going for 48 hours. Seems better.