Judith Goudsmit

The first location of this London mini-empire is the perfect place to pop in for lunch or dinner when you're wandering through Shoreditch. It's a riot of flavour and spice, so heat-averse beware.

It’s about damn time that Amsterdam got another spot to have top-notch Mexican food. We think it is more than worth the trek across the IJ to indulge in some killer tacos in a stunning converted industrial garage, so long as we get an ice-cold drink as soon as we step inside. Don’t expect Tex-Mex standbys because Bacalar is the real deal.

Casual but still cosy, Coulisse is the kind of place you can easily envision becoming part of your dining out routine, though we also think it’s fantastic for special occasions. Like so many of our go-to spots, Coulisse is hyper-focused on sourcing quality ingredients from local farmers, fishermen & producers (the chef is ex-Noma, so it's really no surprise). That means, whatever you’re eating – spring, summer or fall – it’s going to be fresh, fresh, fresh.

Chill & down-to-earth, Gertrude is quintessentially Amsterdam. Though it’s new to the dining scene in the city, it feels like one of those places that we’ve been going to for years. The combination of warm service, a carefully considered wine list & a sun-drenched terrace makes Gertrude an especially lovely place to go for a ‘heerlijke’ bite & a crisp ‘wijntje’. 

Killer croquettes? No problem! Top notch coffee? Easy! But pizza? Well, that’s a different story here in Amsterdam. Or at least it used to be until Euro Pizza burst onto the scene in the midst of the city's restaurant boom of 2020. This laidback restaurant is good for more than just excellent pizza, however. Head here for delicious natural wines and thoughtful small plates. Or, for a more fine-dining experience snag a table at their sister spot, Restaurant Europa, next door.

One of our absolute favourite things to do in Amsterdam is to take to the streets at the golden hour. As the sun begins to set, the windows start to light up, and prime time peeping begins. Nearly every window affords a little taste of how Amsterdammers live – and decorate. When the inspiration becomes overwhelming, we head straight to Mobilia for a little design refresh. We recommend you do the same.

Book a room at this luxury hotel situated in a 19th-century palazzo right in the centre of Rome. Drinks in the courtyard garden at Stravinskij Bar are a must.

One of our evergreen favourites for our morning jolt, Coffee District is beautiful & inviting whether you're lucky enough to snap up a spot on the bench outside in or simply grabbing a cappuccino to go. Not only is their coffee some of the best in town – & certainly some of the very best in the ‘hood – but their pastries are also too moreish to resist. Snag a few extra chocolate chip cookies to bring home with you for when the craving inevitably strikes.

The museums of Oud-Zuid aren’t the only ones who rule the roost, despite how it may seem. This culture-soaked neighbourhood is also home to many a fantastic gallery. Chief amongst them is EENWERK. Designed by Barend Koolhaas & opened in 2017, this contemporary exhibition space has quickly become one of our favourite spots in the city.

Retro murals, swanky interiors, and unmatched vibes. The Monkey Bar, born in 1936, has been an icon in New York City with its timeless fare and exceptional service. Enjoy the people watching as only the coolest of the cool come here.