Handsome Briefcase. Handsome Amsterdam Brief.

Michiel van Ogtrop runs Travelteq, a beautiful Amsterdam-based leather goods brand fit for the modern traveler. And where does he suggest you take your Florentine vegetable-tanned leather portfolio? First stop: Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM – I was born in Milan, but Amsterdam has been my home since 2001. The liberal and creative city has an international-but-cozy feel to it. Lately, there has been a ton of innovation in hotels, restaurants, and the startup scene. And Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a great hub from which to travel the world. Stop in to check out these spots.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Gebr. Hartering
Peperstraat 10hs; +31-20-421-0699
Pure passion for food. Locally sourced and seasonal dishes. Try the tasting menu and prepare for a long feast.

Noordermarkt
Noordemarkt 1015; +31-20-551-2512
A weekly (Saturday) farmers market in the heart of the Jordaan where you can find the best ingredients for supper or snacking. Don't forget to eat some oysters fresh of the boat.

Cocktail magic. Photo courtesy of HPS.

Hiding in Plain Sight
Rapenburg 18; +31-62-529-3620
HPS is a cocktail bar next to Gebr. Hartering. Expect the best cocktails in town; a chic interior of dark woods, iron, and leather; top-notch service.

Utrechtsestraat
1017 VH Amsterdam; +31-20-670-50570
Eating herring is a Dutch tradition. You get the best and freshest variety at the Haringkar on the Utrechtse Straat and on the Herengracht canal. My favorite is a little house where you can eat herring on the spot, while standing.

Sama Sebo
Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 27; +31-20-662-8146
Best Indonesian rijsttafel in town. A Dutch menu from the old colonial days, various Indonesian dishes are brought to the table all at once: chicken satay, meats in sauces, vegetables prepared many ways, baked banana, rice, grilled nuts, fried onions, etc. It's a beautiful mix of spices.

Dutch cool. Photo courtesy of 1 Store.

WHERE TO SHOP

1 Store
Cornelis Schuytstraat 19; +31-20-671 5239
The best men's shop in town sells high-quality niche brands from Italy, Japan, and the United States. You can also find a range of Travelteq items here (otherwise, we only sell online).

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Paradiso
Weteringschans 6-8
Best venue for concerts. The ultimate pop temple, in  the broadest sense: Big Freedia, Underworld, St. Vincent.

The Marie Zurlohe on the canal. Photo courtesy of Salonbox.

Amsterdam Boat Rental
Various locations
This is the best way to see Amsterdam. Ask for the Marie Zurlohe for the best experience. You can book a dinner ride where you are brought to a different restaurant for each course of the meal.

Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1; +31-20-674-7000
Recently reopened, the spectacular collection give you a proper art history lesson in one day.

The Conservatorium's handsome rooftop suite. Photo courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel.

WHERE TO STAY

Conservatorium Hotel
Van Baerlestraat 27; +31-20-570-0000
By far the best hotel in town. One of the only ones where locals hangout. They have a great bar, restaurant, and spa. The former music conservatory is austere and modernist.