Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives, their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Charlie van der Ligt, PR and Marketing specialist & Influencer.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
De Wasserette is one of my favorite spots for coffee. It feels like home, itâs around the corner and it was one of the first places I visited when I moved to Amsterdam. I will sit outside lost in my own thoughts or meet up with a friend. In the weekends I like to walk to the Utrechtsestraat and stop by De Koffie Salon for a good cup of wake-up weekend coffee.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
I have a few favorites. The Lobby Nesplein for a brunch and a good glass of champagne, the place is so warm and cozy. Gâs in De Pijp is one of my favorite brunch spots, try their chicken and waffles while enjoying a mimosa and it will feel like heaven. If youâre in for a quick brunch stop by Le Salonard in De Pijp for the most delicious sandwiches and cheeses and youâll feel like youâre in Paris.
Where to go to dancing all night long?
I donât recommend just one place. Go drink cocktails and see where the city takes you. Whether itâs dancing in a bar, singing Dutch songs at Cafe Nol all night long or shaking your booty at the ChinChin club. I like to go to the place where the music is good and I can do some serious dancing. Wherever they mix in a BeyoncĂŠ song thatâs the place Iâll be.
Whatâs your guilty pleasure when youâre hungover?
MC DONALDS. HANDS DOWN. Quite ashamed by this. And the pasta of Spaghetteria with a good glass of red wine. Comfort food.
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
Petit Caron has the best tarte tartin and cheese platter. Go on a date or with your girlfriend, sit at the bar or their outside terrace, order yourself a gin and tonic or a good glass of red wine and enjoy that cheese platter.
What is your favorite store to go shopping?
I love wandering around in the Bijenkorf while I know most people hate this.. it gives me a soothing feeling to disappear in the mass of people. Anna + Nina and All the luck in the world. I always find little treasures there. Thrift Shop on the Albert Cuypstraat for the best vintage and the American Book Center for books, I can be here for hours. It makes me feel happy.
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
Go to the Albert Cuyp Market and try the âpoffertjesâ, which are tiny Dutch pancakes. THEY ARE LIFE.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
I think our city and its people are art by itself, walk around the canals and youâll have the feeling of an open air museum. Rijksmuseum is a must visit and at the Stedelijk museum they have my favorite kind of modern art. For a good talk, check the agenda of âDe rode hoedâ they have evenings about politics, discussions, philosophy and every other subject you might find interesting. Itâs one of my favorite things to do on a date night đ
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
I love a good cocktail. My favorite places to drink some are Kampai, a little Japanese bar with the best sushi and even better cocktails. Lolita, a newly opened brasserie in the heart of De Pijp, they make a killer pornstar or espresso martini.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
Because I live in De Pijp I love to go to West and De Jordaan and stroll around starting at the Noordermarkt, eating the best apple pie at âWinkelâ and from there Iâll see where Iâll end up.
Letâs talk self care. Whatâs your favorite spot?
SOAP Treatment store. I could tell you otherwise but they are just my favorite.
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? Whatâs special about that spot?
The best rooftops are the rooftops of friends, where you have barbeques, sit outside, have parties and dance the night away. If you donât know anybody with a rooftop, I know the Volkshotel, SoHo House and W hotel have good rooftops.
And last but not least, what is by far your most favorite spot in Amsterdam?
American Book Center is my favorite store in Amsterdam, especially on those rainy days. I walk right up to the second floor where the novels, non-fiction, politics and philosophy books are. I find comfort and beauty in the words and stories of others. I learn by reading. It sooths me. It feels like for a moment I forget the world around me. Reading has always been my favourite thing. I turned my room in to a library when I was 9 and asked everyone who wanted to come in for âŹ0,50 and then I would read to them. My love for reading and learning never stopped. American Book Center, which is open for everyone, and with its quiet little corners makes me happy everytime I step foot in that place. There is a different book for each emotion, feeling or question. Pick up a book once in a while; you may find that it surprises you.. Oh and btw never judge a book by itâs cover.
