5x the best chill places in the Netherlands to curl up with a good book
Are you still able to do it? Grab a book every now and then and disappear for a while and escape the hustle and bustle around you? Admittedly, it often takes some effort, but this drizzly weather calls for a lovely armchair to sink into, a large cup of tea and a good book. Where are you located? Komtie, our favorite 'hiding places' in the Netherlands. Don't mention it.
A no-brainer, but should not be missing from this list. In this old bookstore on Noordeinde in The Hague you can sit wonderfully surrounded by books (because yes, it is still Bookstor also a bookstore) to read your book. The advantage is that if you suddenly finish it faster than expected (it's such a nice place to be there, you know?), you can immediately score a new one (and get a free cup of coffee with it). Wonderful corners and chairs to disappear into, surrounded by books and next to the Beauty & the Beast bookcase stairs. Just dream away.
Matching book tip: The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair – Joël Dicker. Mystery and drama surrounding a writer in his process of writing a book while unraveling a mystery. A book about writing a book, you can only read it in a bookstore, right?
Insanely beautiful gold bar in 50s style. You know, when the colors were all just slightly grayed (so beautiful, so fan), the shapes were round and flowing, and the materials were timeless and high-quality. That 50s idea is not surprising, because in 1952 the editorial staff of the newspaper “Het Vrije Volk” was still busy typing at this location, that's why. Bar Didot34 (named after the font of the former newspaper) has an international cuisine with dishes meant to share. Luxurious 50s marble, gold details and globe lamps everywhere. You sit right next to the window on beautiful leather sofas and velvet chairs, and the speakers emit wonderful jazzy easy listening. Perfect for the background of your reading moment.
And have you been reading for too long and don't feel like going home? Or do you just want to continue that reading session completely stretched out (it looks a bit strange on the bench of the bar)? Bar Didot34 is part of hotel The Slaak, so you can easily move upstairs for an insanely beautiful hotel room. Read and watch and book via Bart
Matching book tip: The Versions of Us – Laura Barnett. A delicious one what if? story, and 50s vibes galore!
It may be shitty weather (pardon my French), rain or shine The Shore it is always a matter of leaning back. Outside with your feet in the sand, but just as cozy inside among all the pleasant surfers. And nowadays it is more covered with a large transparent party tent including atmospheric lights. This way you still have your feet in the sand, but with dry feet. Open a book with a good cup of filter coffee next to it and you won't hear us anymore. Personal favorite so see you there! I promise not to disturb you when you are deep in your book.
Matching book tip: Normal People – Sally Rooney. An incredibly frustrating - and therefore so human love story (or not?) between two, yes, you guessed it, ordinary people.
And *ahem*, who says that sinking in with a book is only possible during the day with a cup of tea next to it? In Maastricht we just grab a cocktail and relax Mr. Smith away in a chesterfield in the dark catacombs of this beautiful building. Speak easy style, gentlemen style, a bar with class. And wonderful jazz music, which is not too loud or too soft to allow you to concentrate on your book.
Matching book tip: The Kind Worth Killing (translation: a deserved death) – Peter Swanson. Plot twisting with a capital P, Perfect for in the darkness of Mr. Smith. You can call me after page 187, I'm here for you.)
What is it with chesterfields and a good book? Just sounds like the perfect combination. And you will also find it here. In the hidden category, but still in busy Amsterdam, there is the city farm Gilding Unicorn (name remains fairytale, we love it). A bit hidden, but still close to the Wibautstraat, you will find this farm, where you immediately feel like you are in a quiet atmosphere and that is quite nice for book reading purposes. Relax indoors by the cozy fireplace (is it too early for hot chocolate?), or if it clears up (you never know lately with the changeable weather) you can have a picnic in the garden. Delicious salads, sandwiches and drinks on the menu. And even room for a game of pétanque in between. Top spot, we keep our fingers crossed that that beautiful spot by the fireplace is available.
And you can also sleep at the Vergulden Eenhoorn (also bathe by the way, look what a picture.) We are happy with a glass of wine, a candle and a book there in that bathroom.
Matching book tip: Come here so I can kiss you – Griet op de Beeck. A story about why we become who we are, told in three different phases of life. Full of shameless honesty. Is your hot chocolate there yet?
