Exploring Amsterdam and Beyond

Hi, I’m Lily — an Amsterdam-based creative director, writer and photographer, sharing curated travel guides and photo journals that highlight people, places and perspectives — through my own lens of creative curiosity.

Follow along to get inspired, explore with me, and welcome new discoveries — whether traveling near or far.

Start here

My First Time Shooting Half-Frame with the Pentax 17

Curious about the Pentax 17 half-frame camera? I shot my first roll in Amsterdam—here’s what worked, what didn’t, and why it might surprise you. I share my first roll, honest impressions, sample photos, and how this compact film camera compares to my Rolleiflex.

Lily Heaton 5/12/25 Lily Heaton 5/12/25

Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Amsterdam

Discover the best parks to photograph cherry blossoms in Amsterdam.

Lily Heaton 6/20/24 Lily Heaton 6/20/24

Lonely Planet Feature: Amsterdam Local Flavor

A local’s guide for the best places to eat and drink in Amsterdam. Lonely Planet travel writer Lily Heaton shares her favorite independent cafes, restaurants, bars, and sunny terraces in Amsterdam.

Lily Heaton 12/18/23 Lily Heaton 12/18/23

Lonely Planet Feature: Amsterdam's Five Best Independent Shops

Curious about shopping in Amsterdam? Read my latest digital article for Lonely Planet featuring five of my favorite local independent shops in Amsterdam

Lily Heaton 7/31/22 Lily Heaton 7/31/22

Amsterdam LGBTQ+ City Guide

Travel writer Lily Heaton curated this Amsterdam Pride City Guide for LGBTQ+ travelers. Discover safe spaces, queer-owned cafes, bars, clubs, and community organizations—created by and for the LGBTQ+ community—plus tips for celebrating alternatives to Pride in Amsterdam.

Lily Heaton 10/28/20 Lily Heaton 10/28/20

Black-Owned Amsterdam City Guide

Discover where to eat, drink and shop at diverse Black-owned businesses in Amsterdam. Spend a day supporting Black-owned businesses from restaurants to shops and cultural spaces in Amsterdam.

Lily Heaton 7/10/20 Lily Heaton 7/10/20

Amsterdam Walking Tours City Guide

Discover the very best of Amsterdam and explore this amazing city on foot with my Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tours!

Lily Heaton 2/18/20 Lily Heaton 2/18/20

Amsterdam Conscious Shopping City Guide

Discover sustainable brands and conscious shopping in Amsterdam. Travel writer Lily Heaton curates the Amsterdam City Guide for iAmsterdam Magazine. Discover her top picks for sustainable brands, concept stores, and neighborhood tips in this conscious shopping guide to Amsterdam.

Lily Heaton 12/1/19 Lily Heaton 12/1/19

Amsterdam Oost City Guide

Discover the very best of Amsterdam Oost! Explore my favorite places to eat, drink and shop in this diverse neighborhood on the east side of Amsterdam.