What Philip Engleberts doesn’t know about travel isn’t worth knowing. Helping some of the highest profile travel and tourism clients spread their news through his agency, PEPR Publicity, Philip obviously travels extensively. Yet fewer places make him smile more than Amsterdam, a city close to his heart.
As there’s no better way to find out the best a destination has to offer than by asking a local, that’s exactly what we did.
Best coffee
Café WALEM – Keizersgracht 449 (corner Leidsestraat) – preferably on the canal terrace, overlooking the traffic on the water and the bridge including boats, trams and thousands of bicycles!
Best cocktail
In the courtyard gardens of Sofitel Legend The Grand, its courtyard is a haven of peace on the edge of the red light district. The beautiful art deco building was Amsterdam’s town hall for a large part of the 20th century.
Best breakfast
Café De IJsbreker, on the Amstel River. Jazz café by night, eatery by day. Stunning views over the river that gave Amsterdam its name. Lovely egg dishes, friendly service.
Best local view
Cafe ‘t Smalle – overlooking the corner of Egelantiersgracht and Prinsengracht. Famous for its typical Dutch wood panelled interiors and tapestry carpets on the tables! Enjoy a Dutch or Belgian craft beer and a serve of bitterballen at cocktail hour (or anytime of the day)!
One fun thing you can do for free
Explore Amsterdam’s green lungs, the local version of Hyde Park: the Vondel Park and its beautiful rose gardens.
Something only a local knows about
The best fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and fish on either the Dappermarket in the inner western suburbs or Albert Cuyp market just south of the Heineken Museum. Higher quality, but less expensive flowers than at the flower markets on the Singel.
Favourite thing to do in and around the city/region/town
It has two wheels, a bell and no helmets required: explore Amsterdam by bike!
Why do you love this town?
Loving this city because of the friendly locals, its compact size and the stunning collection of art galleries. The city’s history really talks to me and it is easy to explore by foot or on two wheels!
