Alice Metge
Exploring Amsterdam & Antwerp
Living in Paris, art directing by day, and always on her way somewhere new.
Published
Mon, 7 April 2026
Meet Alice, a Paris-based art director who's spent years finding the places most people walk straight past. While she explores Amsterdam and Antwerp, she shares her thoughts on travel, routine, finding the right corners, what makes a place worth remembering, and where she wants to go next. And if you want to see more of her favorite spots from around the world, find her at spotsyoushouldknow.
N: Plan ahead or explore as you go?
A: Always planning everything, but keeping a few options open, just in case.
N: Cities you’re drawn to?
A: The bigger the city, the better. I love that feeling of getting lost and not knowing where to start. I don’t mind busy cities at all, I actually crave them. I could walk for hours and stop at every corner.
N: Window seat or aisle?
A: Window seat, always. I love watching the sky.
N: Flight mode: reading, movie, music or sleep?
A: Music for short flights, and movie marathons for long ones.
N: How do you find the right spots?
A: It takes time. I’m constantly saving places on my phone, whether from YouTube vlogs, friends’ recommendations, or magazines. I have addresses saved in over 20 countries I’ve never even visited, but I know I’ll be ready when I go. I also love following locals from those places, it’s the best way to discover more authentic spots.
And sometimes, I just go with the flow and let my intuition guide me when I explore a new city.
N: First sign a place is special?
A: No tourists, haha. The most memorable places aren’t crowded, just regulars and maybe the owner sharing their story. It’s all about connection.
N: Spaces you’re drawn to?
A: I’m drawn to places with character. I love cosy, thoughtful spaces with a unique vibe: unexpected furniture, interesting artwork... And I like a small menu. For restaurants, I love when they specialise in one thing.
N: What makes a place shareable?
A: It has to feel inspiring. Something you can’t quite explain, but feel instantly.
N: How do you work while traveling?
A: I’m lucky to travel mostly for work, and I can work remotely, which really helps with my schedule. I stay pretty flexible.
N: One travel essential?
A: My film camera, it's my favorite way to capture memories. Or my portable charger.
N: When does a city feel like home?
A: When I find a coffee shop so good I want to go back every morning. I love staying somewhere long enough to build a routine. When I travel, I want to feel like I live there.
N: A city you return to?
A: Tokyo, for sure.
N: Next city to explore?
A: Maybe Shanghai.
