Uit in Almere

This is a blog by My Travel Booklet

Almere is bustling! That was this city's slogan for years. We laughed heartily at that here in the ring of canals but, who knows, that was not entirely justified. For my awesome job at Metro, I already got to explore Almere two years ago and what I discovered then was not nearly as crazy.

But last week I was highly personally invited by Visit Almere and sailed by speedboat (sorry but how cool is that!?) to Almere. A mega cool experience, not only because we went with the 'fast rib' but also because we were highly personalised by the one and only Almere Water Mayor.

Segs in the City

After a delicious lunch, it was time to explore Almere City. But how would we get there? By car? After all, Almere is known for its easy accessibility and the fact that you can park anywhere.... But no, we went by Segways!!! In the beginning it was a bit exciting, but once you get the hang of it, you go like a train and it's great fun.

Cream Beauticians

Tired of shopping? Then make a pit stop at Cream Beauticians. So this is also what I find so relaxing about Almere huh. In Amsterdam, everything is always so far apart today. You shop here, but your hairdresser is over there and the nail salon is another half an hour's cycle away... But not in Almere Almere Centrum. There, you can just do a round of Zara and H&M and within three minutes you're at the most beautiful beauty salon for a manicure and pedicure.

The Black Cockatoo

Nice lunch with kids in Almere's city centre? No problem, because recently 'Allie centje' gained a new hip (Vegan) and child-friendly hotspot. Besides being hip and cosy, The Black Cockatoo is also fun for kids. There is a small play corner, there are baby cakes and everything is vegan. They have divine vegan cakes, brownies and pies but also vegan whipped cream, oat milk for in your coffee and even vegan croquette sandwiches. Truly a must go if you are in Almere and of course indispensable if you eat plant-based.

But even if you are not vegan, this is a top spot because the bowls and sandwiches are very tasty even for carnivores like me. By the way, did you know that Almere Centrum won the title of best inner city 2017 - 2020? The Platform Binnenstadsmanagement awards this prestigious prize every two years to a city where the most dynamism and renewal has taken place in recent years, or where the best focus has been on the future. Understandably, they are very proud of this in Almere.

Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan

A day out with the kids? Then go to Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan. Stadslandgoed de Kemphaan is located in the middle of Almere's woods and there's lots to do in this nature reserve. Of course, you can walk and cycle endlessly here, but there is so much more fun! The estate offers various activities for young and old. For the real adventurer there is the climbing forest Fun Forest. This is the largest climbing forest in the Netherlands where you have different types of courses where kids can climb on their own, or with parents/guardians.

But there is also a city farm with a cosy restaurant and you can visit Almere Jungle. Almere Jungle is an animal park where exotic animals have found their home and stay in pens very similar to their natural habitat. You really imagine yourself in the desert and the South American jungle here so this is truly an experience!

Vis à Vis

This is a theatre company, with an awesome location near the Almeerderstrand. The venue is impressive, cosy and very central. Within half an hour you can be at Vis à Vis from Amsterdam, Utrecht or Lelystad. And what's really nice is that you can have a bite to eat before the show starts. Eat outside at De Rode Haring 's long wooden tables or inside in the cosy restaurant. De Rode Haring serves an extensive and beautiful buffet consisting of sustainable products and beautiful dishes. Nice detail; you will find decor and props from old shows all over the restaurant.

Bagels & Beans

Got hungry after shopping? Score some treats at Bagels & Beans. At Bagels & Beans you no longer just eat simple bagels with cream cheese. The menu is full of salads, yoghurts, croquettes with truffle mayo and delicious cakes and muffins. The menu also gets a big upgrade every year and this time there are a lot of very special products. This time, for instance, there are not only new bagels on the menu, but also new drinks, juices and breakfasts. The most special ones were the Jungle juice (with broccoli, avocado, spinach and spirulina) , the Golden almond latte (a mix of almond milk, turmeric, maple syrup, cardamom, vanilla and cinnamon) and the Bugs Bagel. Yep, a bagel with maggots, worms and grasshoppers.

Kaky

Shopping for your interiors? Stop by Kaky. Whenever I am in Almere, I always have to stop by Kaky. This great interior design shop is on the Forum and has some really great stuff. Whether you are looking for a new sofa, or just some small cute items for your home. At Kaky they have it all. Looking for a nice gift for someone? Then you just have to check out Kaky too. They have cute little gifts for a good price, but you can also go for a substantial gift. Pretty cushions, cool postcards, paintings for the wall, beautiful tableware, cool lamps and nice candlesticks. I always score something at Kaky!

Hudson

For a hearty appetite or a good drink, Hudson is the place to be. But not just for a hearty appetite or a drink, no, Hudson is the place to be at any time of the day. Be it during the day on the beautiful sunny terrace on het Belfort or in the evening when you want a drink or just something to eat. Hudson has 2 floors, making it ideal if you're with a large group, but they also have all kinds of cosy, cozy corners with relaxed leather chairs that are of course ideal for a romantic date. The menu at this hip American diner features salads, burgers, wraps, Korean and Japanese specialities and delicious milkshakes. Of course, vegetarians are also catered for so really no one goes short here. Oh, and the gin tonics? Those are also top-notch here!