Fangirl Travel Guide: Dutch Grand Prix
I’ve never been to Zandvoort or the Dutch Grand Prix, but a girl can dream. This post kicks off a new series I’m calling Fangirl Travel Guides — curated itineraries for the ultimate fangirl trip, whether that’s a concert, a comedy show, or a grand prix weekend. Think of it as part TikTok trend report, part practical planning tool: heavy on the buzzy cafés and photo-worthy spots, with just enough classics sprinkled in. If you’re plotting your own adventure, these guides are here to help you map it out — or at least daydream a little harder.
Let’s Dive In!
If you’re heading to the Dutch Grand Prix, odds are you’re juggling two things: soaking in the chaos of Zandvoort’s beachside circuit and making the most of your time in Amsterdam. This itinerary is for the girlie who thrives on an iced matcha, won’t miss a buzzy restaurant recommendation, and only cares about two sessions on track: qualifying and the race. No free practice guilt here.
Thursday – Arrival and First Bites in Amsterdam
Touch down in Amsterdam, drop your bags at a central hotel, and fight off the travel fog with a matcha or latte at Chun Café. From there, ease into the city with a stroll through the Nine Streets, where canals wind past boutiques and cafés.
For dinner, you’ve got options. Go playful at Oh My Bun! (the TikTok-famous burger buns) or keep it cozy with Ted’s All Day Brunch. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is the obvious move — Instagram will thank you.
Sleep: Amsterdam.
Friday – Amsterdam Explore Day
Kick things off with a proper breakfast. Pancakes Amsterdam gives you the Dutch classic, while Lot Sixty One is the spot for a flat white. If Chun Café already has your loyalty, no judgment on a repeat visit.
During the day, you can lean artsy or aesthetic. Westerpark offers breweries and food stalls, while Wondr Experience is all about immersive, neon-colored TikTok backdrops. For lunch, think crispy fries from Fabel Friet or a hidden courtyard at La Cantina.
Dinner is where you shift into Dutch coziness at Restaurant ’t Zwaantje. End your night with a ferry ride across the river to Pllek, a container bar strung with fairy lights and overlooking the water.
Sleep: Amsterdam.
Saturday – Qualifying in Zandvoort
It’s time to trade canals for coastline. Hop the train to Zandvoort (about 30 minutes), then fuel up at Hippie Fish or The Republic, both perched right on the sand.
Qualifying at Circuit Zandvoort is exactly as chaotic as you imagine: an orange army, beach winds, and a soundtrack of beer-fueled chants. Grab fries and bitterballen trackside and lean into the energy.
When the grandstands clear, head back to the beach. Golden hour walks hit different here, especially with dinner at Tijn Akersloot — pizza and cocktails on the sand. If you’re chasing content, the swing at Bodhi Beach is waiting.
Sleep: Zandvoort or nearby Haarlem.
Sunday – Race Day
Start the morning with a coffee at Ubuntu Strandbar, where the beach chairs practically beg you to sit still. If you’re an early riser, sneak a short walk through the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen nature reserve to spot deer before the madness.
Then, it’s race day. Arrive at Circuit Zandvoort early enough for merch, music, and the inevitable orange smoke clouds. The main event is sensory overload in the best way.
After the checkered flag, head to Mango’s Beachbar to celebrate with cocktails and music. If you’re riding the train back to Amsterdam, stop at a FEBO vending machine for late-night Dutch fast food you’ll be oddly grateful for.
Sleep: Zandvoort, Haarlem, or back in Amsterdam.
Monday – Wind-Down and Departure
Ease into your last morning. Grab stroopwafels at Van Wonderen if you missed them earlier, or linger in Haarlem’s Grote Markt cafés. If you have time before your flight, check out Zaandam’s cartoon-like Lego hotel for photos or the STRAAT Museum for a hit of street art.
Head to the airport with your phone full of race clips, beach sunsets, and TikTok-approved food shots.
The Vibe Checklist
Matcha/coffee staples: Chun Café, Hippie Fish, Ubuntu Strandbar
Foodie musts: Fabel Friet, Van Stapele cookie, Tijn Akersloot pizza, Van Wonderen stroopwafels
F1 moments: Qualifying Saturday, race Sunday, practice sessions skipped without remorse
Aesthetic shots: Amsterdam canals, Zaandam’s Lego hotel, Zandvoort sunsets, Bodhi Beach swing, Wondr Experience
Classics / Traditional Stops
Pancakes Amsterdam — Dutch pancakes that make for a classic breakfast experience.
Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) — historic canal-lined boutiques—charming and timeless.
Restaurant ’t Zwaantje — a cozy spot for authentic Dutch dinner.
Westerpark — local-favorite green space with breweries and food stalls.
Haarlem’s Grote Markt — quintessential Dutch town square, café-lined and picturesque.
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen — peaceful nature reserve, ideal for deer and fox sightings.
TikTok / Trendy Spots
Chun Café — viral for iced matcha and Korean-style brunch vibes on TikTok as @chun-cafe TikTok+1
Oh My Bun! — TikTok-famous for its burger buns (search directly on TikTok!)
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels — Instagram hotspot for the perfect stroopwafel shot.
Wondr Experience — immersive, content-ready exhibit with a bold TikTok presence at @wondr.experience TikTok
Hippie Fish & The Republic — aesthetic beachfront cafés that scream summer content.
Bodhi Beach SkySwing — sunset swing = TikTok gold.
Zaandam’s Lego-style hotel — colorful and playful spot made for your next viral clip.
