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: Gina Pesulima, freelance copywriter for Glamour and Flair.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
For my coffee fix, cappuccino with almond milk, I often go to Toki (Japanese for time of opportunity). This hotspot is located on a side street of the Haarlemmerstraat and itâs the hang-out for creative people. Besides the coffee, the vibe and the playlist is good, so I also like to work there.
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
On Sundays I love to brunch at Cottoncake, a cosy concept store near the Albert Cuyp with delicious brunch. On the menu youâll find organic treats and home-made cake. My fave? The New York style waffles with avocado and egg. Finger licking good!
Where to go to dancing all night long?
The weekly clubbinâ nights are no longer a thing for me,, so when I go dancing I always go to parties around festivities, such as ADE or Museumnacht. But I heard that Club MaĂŻa is good!
Whatâs your guilty pleasure when youâre hungover?
White chocolate, lots of white chocolate with puffed rice.
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
The Big French Toast at Little Collins. But itâs just as good as for brunch!
What is your favorite store to go shopping?
Recently I found some vintage treasures at Thrift Shop. I try to buy less clothes for my daughter and me (but if Free People has sale I make an exception) so I can spend more on interior stuff. My shop tips when it comes to concept stores? All The Luck In The World, Gekaapt and Sissy Boy Homeland.
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
Iâm a sucker for stroopwafels, I buy them at the market where they are fresh and hot.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
I just went to WONDR Experience Amsterdam, a hysterical interactive museum. Besides that, Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum are always good. P.s.. for smaller cool expoâs or inspirational talks make sure you keep an eye on the agenda of The Hoxton Hotel.
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
Lion Noir, the interior is very warm because of the beautiful colors, a really nice place to sit in the winter! I go to this hotspot in the center of the city for delicious food and the tastiest cocktails in town. My all-time favorite cocktail? Honey Bee with Licor 43, the sweeter, the better. P.s. after drinking a few cocktails my girls and I go a few doors down to Duke of Tokyo, for some good old karaoke.
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
Defâ De Pijp. Especially the ‘Van Woustraat’. Youâll find cute stores, such as Broer en Zus (I go there for my daughter Mex), JuiceBrothers and Coffee Company (2 of them!) and – in a side street – Studio 191. I go there for the best barre class.
Letâs talk self care. Whatâs your favorite spot?
Since I am a mother (and I donât get to sleep more than 5-6 hours a night) I like to treat myself to a facial or face massage once in a while. My go-to? Soap Treatment Store, the one in the Spuistraat. The âGreen Peel Facialâ is magical, I feel always reborn.
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? Whatâs special about that spot?
Hands down the Volkshotel! Everything falls into place, from the cool crowd to the ambiance, the people that work there and the Instagram worthy view. If youâre lucky, youâll catch one of their great parties in the rooftop bar or in the basement.
And last but not least, what is by far your most favorite spot in Amsterdam?
Toki has good coffee, good vibes, a good playlist: itâs my all-time fave go-to when it comes to a work day in a coffee spot
