We have much to thank Eastpak for. The famous travel bag company was apparently the first firm to put wheels on luggage. This momentous gift to the world of travel isn’t the only thing they’ve done for us though.
Eastpak have recently put together a growing website of city guides from influential local bloggers, aimed at giving you the best of the best in a 24-hour period. We’ve highlighted a few of the tips below, but for a full list, head to their site.
1) Amsterdam
Picked by Anne de Buck, entrepreneur and blogger.
Amsterdam Roest
Anne says that the Amsterdam Roest was one of the first city beaches in the Dutch capital. People can cut a rug amongst the sand at night and browse market stalls during the day, all set within a cavernous former industrial area.
Canvas op de 7e
This nightclub is set on the seventh floor of the slick Volkshotel, allowing both hotel guests and party-goers to mingle amongst the flashing lights. During the day, Canvas serves food too. Anne says the views over Amsterdam East are incredible.
2) Antwerp
Picks by Joy Anna Thielemans, actress and columnist.
M KHA
Antwerp’s top modern art museum, Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen, is also home to a cafe with a terrace famed for its views of the city skyline.
Badboot
The Badboot is a ship converted into an activity centre, with its crowning glory an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by Antwerp’s famous dock. Joy says it feels like you’re swimming in the dock itself.
3) Berlin
Picks by Julia Schoierer, photographer and blogger.
Martin Gropius Bau Museum
Being a professional photographer herself, Julia heartily recommends the Barbara Klemm exhibits at the Martin Gropius Bau Museum. The museum hosts all sorts of visual and musical events all year and is a must-do for culture vultures.
Garage / Colours
Vintage clothes sold by the kilo? Yes, please! Julia reckons Garage and Colours may well be the only vintage clothes shops in the world that offer happy hours.
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4) Copenhagen
Picks by Frederikke Toftsø, fashion blogger and student.
Rezet Sneaker Store
If you have a weakness for sneakers, as Frederikke professes, then you’ll definitely want to check out Rezet. The store’s hand-crafted interior offers a snazzy backdrop to all the footwear and other gear.
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Beau Marche
Frederikke says she can happily spend hours in Beau Marche, the French vintage shop. Not surprising when you consider you can lubricate your browse with a coffee or some wine.
5) Dublin
Picks by Michael McDermott, publisher.
3FE
Michael says that 3FE is run by one of the godfathers of Dublin’s coffee scene, Colin Harmon. It’s now so successful the coffee shop now has its own roastery and distribution business.
The Bernard Shaw
Named after one of Dublin’s most famous residents, George Bernard Shaw, this hip bar is a haven for DJ sets and art exhibitions. Michael says the pizza served from the Big Blue Bus in The Bernard Shaw’s beer garden is rather moreish too.
6) Istanbul
Picked by Selim Köroglu, stylist, artist and columnist.
Salt
Salt is a multi-purpose arts venue housed in what used to be the Imperial Ottoman Bank during the 19th century. Selim recommends stopping by when visiting nearby Galata Tower and that you consider partaking in one of their many workshops.
Şehir Hatlari Ferry
Crossing the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia is a must, according to Selim. He says that as well as being a chance to clear your mind in this lively city, the Sehir Hatlari Ferry offers great views of some of Istanbul’s most famous sites, including the Blue Mosque.
7) London
Picked by Ayishat Akanbi, stylist.
Hoi Polloi
This brasserie nestled within the Ace Hotel is open from early until late everyday, serving all sorts of creative dishes. Hoi Polloi is a natural extension of Ace Hotel’s eclectic yet luxurious attitude to accommodation and nightlife. Ayishat feels they represent the forward-thinking attitude of her beloved Shoreditch.
Beyond Retro
One of Ayishat’s favourite treasure troves for vintage clothes in London is Beyond Retro. If, like her, you’re addicted to retro, then this may be your cure (or rather a happy exacerbation of your symptoms).
8) Madrid
Picks by Brianda Fitz James, fashion designer, illustrator and DJ.
El Huerto de Lucas
Brianda’s top pick for food shopping in Madrid is this 450m2 organic market. El Huerto de Lucas covers everything, from baking to butchery and is a delight to walk around, even on an empty stomach.
Shoko
When it comes to clubbing, Brianda reckons Shoko is one of the hippest venues in Madrid. They host live music and dancing into the wee hours.
9) Manchester
Picked by Lee Isherwood, graphic designer and founder of Manchester’s Finest.
Piccadilly Records
Manchester is famous for being a hotbed of musical innovation, so Lee’s choice of Piccadilly Records, the award-winning independent record shop, makes perfect sense. He says it’s a Manchester staple and both staffed and frequented by music connoisseurs.
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home, Lee’s choice for a great breakfast in the Northern Quarter, is also loved by many for its mouth-watering selection of cakes. Lee quite rightly uses the expression “Oh. My. God.” to relate his approval.
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10) Seoul
Picked by Hyojin Lee, fashion blogger and model.
Sulbing
Recommended for everybody with a sweet tooth, Sulbing specialises in fusing traditional and inventive desserts. Hyojin loves the place, giving a special mention to the sherbet on toast with traditional Korean rice cake.
Handongkwan
Hadongkwan makes Hyojin’s favourite gomtang, a variety of Korean beef broth. Their delicious recipe has stayed the same for almost seven decades, and you can just feel the tradition.
