Hotspots

The best spots in Laren: shopping, lunching, and having drinks

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The best spots in Laren: shopping, lunching, and having drinks

For years I have enjoyed coming to Laren. It has a quiet village character, you have the nicest lunch spots and you can shop very well there. In the past, my great-aunt always took me shopping, but now I have made my friends just as enthusiastic. Because it is so small-scale, everything is within walking distance, it is not crowded at all so no one gets in your way like in Amsterdam, and you have many boutiques instead of large chains. These are my favorite places in Laren.

Spun Sugar

At Spun Sugar, it feels a bit like a candy store. You have many sweaters, skirts, and blouses from different brands here. A while ago, I scored a dress from Reiss for €30 (!). Always worth popping in, because sometimes there are quite a few gems among the items.

Brink 39, Laren

Daen

This interior store is a favorite of Daniëlle, you will find unique accessories for your home here. You can also find the perfect gifts for your host, from coffee table games to crocheted baskets and vases.

Brink 25, Laren

Café Kever

Café Kever is located in a historic building with a beautiful conservatory so that you feel like you are sitting outside on a terrace even in cold weather. I can always be found here after shopping for a drink.

Sintjanstraat 1, Laren

Spring

This is hands down my favorite clothing store in Laren. I rarely leave this boutique without something I didn't necessarily need but couldn't resist. They sell the cutest dresses, from party dresses to summer dresses. You can also find cute jackets, boho blouses, and tailored blazers and pants here. You know for sure that you have something unique, and not a dress from Zara that everyone happens to have bought.

Nieuweweg 10, Laren

Chocolaren

The best high tea is at Chocolaren. As an Amsterdammer, I am still amazed by the price difference, because you can have a high tea here starting from €16. You will also find the tastiest chocolates, macarons, and pastries here, which are also nice to take with you if you are invited to dinner.

Sintjanstraat 9, Laren

De Hoop

De Hoop has been named Ice Cream Parlor of the Year multiple times for a reason. Just a few minutes' drive from Laren, you will find the most beautiful ice cream parlor in the Netherlands, a real hangout spot. With more than 70 artisanal flavors, there is plenty of choice. They also have sundaes, with countless toppings. I have been coming here since I was young, and every year there is a long line at the opening.

Huizerweg 10, Blaricum

George L.A.

In Amsterdam, there are of course many George locations, but this one is much cozier. Among the hydrangea bushes, I can spend hours on the terrace in the evening with friends. They have the tastiest fries, bites, and desserts here.

Naarderstraat 46, Laren

Whether you walk over the Brink to window shop or grab a terrace, Laren never disappoints. I like to go there when I want to shop but want to escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. The nature in the area is also beautiful, so if you feel like taking a walk, you can enjoy the heath afterwards.