7 questions to Riad Farhat founder of THE hotspots in Amsterdam East!
Did you ever drink a coffee at Bar Bukowski, had dinner at Smokin’ Barrels or a beer at De Biertuin? The person behind al these nice spots is Riad Farhat. It all started in 2008 with bar Maxwell in Amsterdam East, and nowadays this young (34!) entrepreneur is owner of already 8 successful bars and restaurants! This explains why he’s also called one of the “wise men of the east”. This week he shares HIS Amsterdam with you guys!.
Tip: Check out all of Riad’s hotspots on:
barbukowski.nl, smokinbarrels.nl, maxwellcafe.nl, biertuin.nl, waterkantamsterdam.nl, cafekuijper.nl, eddyspaghetti.nl, henrysbar.nl
Favourite coffee spot
“I like to drink coffee at Bar Bukowski, not only because I’m there a lot but also because the bartenders make delicious coffee”
My ideal Sunday ..
“Is definitely sunny!! I love having breakfast at Vinnies Deli at the Haarlemmerstraat. Followed with a trip to the beach with my girl.”
What I still want to do in Amsterdam..
” I really want to start a hotel in Amsterdam. Not too big, not too small, but just big enough to turn it into something special. The main function of hotels is to make people relax. At least, thats the case for me. I always associate them with a peaceful, holiday feeling. That’s why I would like to contribute and start one of my own!”
Top 3 Restaurants
1. Cannibale Royale 2. Toscanini 3. Hotel de Goudfazant
Holiday hotspot
“La Bocca Grande/Chicca, Barcelona. A great fish-restaurant where you can have a lovely dinner at the ground floor, and have a drink afterwards at the bar on the first floor. On top of this they have a cocktail bar with rooftop terrace!! Amazing spot! You won’t be bored any minute at this place, even the toilets are entertaining.”
Favourite Dish..
“Burger & ½ Lobster with tasty french fries and a fresh side salad @ Smokin’ Barrels”
Bucket List
“Would love to discover South-America. This is one of the few places I haven’t been yet, and I read and hear amazing stories about it. The food, the culture.. it all interests me!”
Favourite tracks:
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Amsterdam Bucketlist
THINGS TO DO:
⋙ Canal Cruise by day or in the evening
⋙ A bike tour through Amsterdam OR Rent a bike by yourself
⋙ The best view over Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ MOCO Museum for street art
⋙ Photography museum FOAM
SEASONAL:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter months)
⋙ Cruise like a local with your own boat (great with good weather!)
ONE OF A KIND:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Red Light District tour
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels:
AFFORDABLE // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Student Hotel: budget proof in trendy East.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with locations at
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Park Plaza Vondelpark: located next to Vondelpark and beautifully renovated.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Pillows Anna van den Vondel: great hotel close to Vondelpark.
☾ Hotel Mercier: new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city.
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with a great skybar.
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ W Amsterdam: with great restaurants and a rooftop bar with swimming pool.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
| PS: Traveling to Amsterdam with kids? My other website Travelkids.co & @travelkids.co is dedicated to family friendly travel. Check it out here >>
