Olya Kartcheva

Amsterdam

Spotter since 2022

About me

About me
I originally come from Bulgaria, was raised in Paris & Geneva, and have been calling Amsterdam home for over a decade.

A project manager by day, in my free time, I practice magic tricks, I love traveling, bird watching, and am passionate about food and music!

I am interested in various topics like different cultures, art, music, fashion, travel, diversity, inclusion, international business, globalization, and food.

As I love learning about cultures and traveling, I spent a year around the globe in 2017 while completing my MBA research, which explored how to improve performance in cross-cultural virtual teams. This further made me realize how difficult it can be to find these hidden local spots!

Why Amsterdam?
The reason I love Amsterdam is its variety of international cuisines, the ability to cycle (nearly) everywhere, all the cultural events (like music, art), and when it's sunny, all the beautiful canals.

Here at Spotted by Locals, I would like to share with you all these little gems, that I usually look for when traveling myself!

Online presence
Instagram

My spots (26)

Zuiderziel Amsterdam

Zuiderziel – My favorite bohemian store

"Zuiderziel" in Amsterdam is a shop with a great selection of home decoration items, flowers, artistic jewelry and more. I can't resist buying something!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Feb 2, 2025
Bar Oldenhof Amsterdam

Bar Oldenhof – Old-fashioned cocktail bar

"Bar Oldenhof" is an old-fashioned, hidden, intimate, high-end cocktail bar located right in the trendy Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam...

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Bars

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Feb 2, 2025
Local Hero Amsterdam

Local Hero – My all-day brunch!

"Local Hero" is a spot in Amsterdam West that offers an all-day brunch menu! What can be better than that? Forget getting brunch just at 11:00...

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Restaurants

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Feb 2, 2025
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What is Happening Here Gallery – Once a bank

"What is Happening Here Gallery" (or WIHH) in Amsterdam is in a building that used to be a bank. Free to visit, with many exhibitions & installations.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Feb 2, 2025
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Café De Klepel – My sommelier experience

"Cafe de Klepel" is a French bistro in Amsterdam that offers a large selection of wines by the glass. I love its front terrace on a small, vibrant street!

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Feb 2, 2025
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Antiekcentrum – Hidden indoor flea market

"Antiekcentrum" in Amsterdam has been around for more than 35 years, and it is, incidentally, the largest indoor antique market in the Netherlands...

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Art & culture
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Shopping

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Jan 25, 2025
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PONG - House of Ping – Play ping pong!

"Pong - House of Ping" in Amsterdam is a spot where you can play ping-pong while having a drink or enjoying a snack!

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Bars
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Snacks

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Jan 18, 2025
Canvas Amsterdam

Canvas – Breathtaking views

One of the standout features of Canvas is its breathtaking views over Amsterdam. The restaurant is situated on the top floor of a creative hotel, offering panoramic views of the city.

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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

By

Olya

Kartcheva

Jan 18, 2025

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