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Host community
Like the most attentive restaurants, Amsterdam has teams of hospitality ambassadors to help you navigate the city. They share their insiders’ tips on the best of Amsterdam.
text Lauren Comiteau
ERWIN PERDOK, 30 Assistant Manager and Host, I amsterdam store, Central Station • Exercise, drink or party at the Westerpark , ‘a cultural hub of people coming together and mixing smoothly.’ • Eat at REM Eiland , an oil platform-style restaurant atop a once legendary pirate broadcaster where the food rivals the astounding views over the IJ. • Head to the Foodhallen for another successfully eclectic mix of good food, people and vibes. ELDERT DAMHOF, 24 Host, I amsterdam store, Central Station • Take a boat ride on the Amstel • Steer clear of the crowds by hanging out at the Westerpark , where you can catch a great summer festival. • Head to a café or bar in De Pijp for conversation and gezelligheid (cosiness).
JORDI MAASKANT, 21 Host, Rembrandtplein • With three halls and five bars, Jantjes Verjaardag off the Rembrandtplein will give you a strong shot of Dutch music and culture. • Café Bubbels in the Leidseplein has the house and dance music Maaskant enjoys – minus the crowds. • The Cooldown Café Rembrandtplein right on his turf is something ‘between a club and a bar’ that features pop hits four nights a week.
GILBERTO ARANGO (59) AND CATO KLOMP (65) Welcome Team members, Museumplein Arango’s Top 3: • Take a boat ride because Amsterdam is built on water. • Visit one of the museums on the Museumplein • The Red Light District is in a league of its own. Klomp’s Top 3: • Take a canal boat to see the city from another angle. • The Vondelpark is a quiet oasis in the busy city. • Visit any museum, from the big to the small, such as Our Lord in the Attic . ‘It’s a little pearl, but no one knows it.’