In the first of our insider guides to some of our favourite European cities, we head to Amsterdam to meet Antler traveller, Juan Gómez.
Originally from Colombia, he now calls Amsterdam home and has built a loyal following on his Instagram @JuaniMalistic, where he shares menswear, lifestyle and architecture inspiration. Here he lets us in on all the places to bookmark for your next trip.
The first thing you should do on arrival in the city is…
You should get yourself a bike. Biking around the city is the best way to get a real feel of it and will allow you also to get faster to different places. The city has been adapted with plenty of bicycle lanes and are somehow respectful of bikes. You will also blend in easier with locals.
For coffee I always go to…
I’m not a coffee drinker in reality, although I come from one of the best coffee producer countries, Colombia. All I can say is that when I really want to grab a coffee, accompanied with some good pastry, my go to places are Public Space, Uncommon Amsterdam or Toki. THERE Gallery opened recently and has a good coffee shop at the entrance too.
My favourite brunch spot is…
For brunch I enjoy going to Box Sociaal for their Tandoori Chicken Bowl or the Sociaal Royaal burger. Don’t forget also to pay a visit to Public Space which has some good selection of choices like the Beef tartare or the Stracciatella. Dignita Hoftuin in the gardens of Hermitage offers all day brunch menu and you cannot miss the Benny Boy Salmon.
The best casual lunch locations are…
If you are looking to grab a bite for lunch, you can visit one of my favourite spots called Bacalar Taqueria. Make sure to grab a Taco de pulpo and a Lost of the Oaxocans cocktail with lime, Marashino, Mezcal and Japeno.
For cocktails or a unique wine bar I'd recommend…
Head to Morgan and Mees to grab some cocktails after a long day cycling in the city. Bar Botanique has also a good atmosphere and a good selection of drinks. GlouGlou, in the Pijp, has a lot to offer when it comes to natural wine made just from grapes, with no additives.
I love going for dinner at…
Gertrude is a lovely cosy place situated in Oud-West, offering some amazing buns at the moment. Don’t forget to try the lobster one! Another option could be Café Caron, a French classic, bistro-style restaurant.
To relax in the city I head to…
I would normally bike towards Gerechtshof area on my bike and seat by the water. I would then find my way to the ferry to cross to Noord and find a nice spot by the Eye Film Museum grass to chill.
My favourite independent shops are…
Normally when I go for a stroll in the city, I would visit Athenaeum to grab the latest issues of my fav magazines, Oallery for some clothing, shoes or accessories and Misc-Store for some good stationary.
For a slice of culture, you can’t beat…
Noord has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, from NDSM to the NXT museum or the Eye Film Museum. Stedelijk Museum is also a good option if you are into modern and contemporary art and design.
The best places to stay in the city are…
When it comes to a good night sleep you have plenty of options. For hotels I would go to The Hoxton, Sir Albert or Hotel Arena. You shouldn’t miss also a very stylish and well design Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Amsterdam called La Remise, owned by a former French Ballet Dancer with plenty of tips for the city.
What would you pack in the front pocket of your Clifton Cabin with Pocket suitcase, so you have it immediately to hand?
My travel essential are always my camera to capture to architecture and interior design, my phone and airpods to have always some good tunes playing, a good mag like Cereal or Hey Gents to pass the time waiting at the airport or unwinding from a long day at the hotel and of course, a good piece of chocolate.
Juan travels with the Clifton Cabin with Pocket suitcase in black that you can shop here. Shop all Clifton luggage here.
Up next — everything you need to know for a weekend in Hamburg.
