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PATRICE BAUMEL TALKS HIS TOP TIPS TO AMSTERDAM

Ahead of his brand new Balance mix out this month...

​​Patrice Bäumel is on fire. The Dutch DJ/producer has long been the darling of German techno imprint Kompakt, and now he's back with a brand new mix for respected Australian DJ compilation, Balance Series. We sit down with the man himself, to find out his top tips for visiting his favourite city: Amsterdam!

Patrice Bäumel's Balance Series compilation was released in Europe on Friday and will drop in the US on 29th April.

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"A good morning for me starts with brunch at Bakers and Roasters. There are two of these in town and they are popular spots. Get there early or prepare to wait for a table. It's the right place for all kinds of eggs and a cheeky morning cocktail. My favourite is the Strawberry Collins — lush.

"After that, it's time for a bit of culture. If you are into the old masters, there is no better place in the world than the Rijksmuseum. I am more into modern art, that's why I would go straight to the Stedelijk Museum, the big contemporary art museum of Amsterdam. It is a vast place with changing exhibitions. I always leave this place inspired. Still hungry for more art? Check out FOAM, the photography museum. This place is superb and can be done in less than an hour.

"Time to get some shopping done. By far the best area​ ​is ​what we call "De Negen Straatjes" or "The Nine Streets", a collection of small streets right on the canal belt of central Amsterdam. Lots of cool indie clothing stores and small cafés can be found here. I buy my clothes at either Denham or Hope, but there are loads of other shops.

"After that it's time to hit the best bar in town, the Hoxton Hotel. The cocktails are great and the place oozes the kind of understated sophistication that makes you feel good about yourself. Killer cocktails. Due to its popularity it can be hard to find a seat and the bartenders are often swamped with orders. Patience!

"When the sun is out my favourite hangout in Amsterdam is undoubtedly De Ceuvel. It's a wonderfully hippie-esque open-air hangout in the booming "Noord", the northern part of town. Take the free ferry from behind Central Station and walk for about 10 minutes. Especially around sunset this place is pure magic, packed with the right kind of people and surrounded by a scenery of house boats and open water. People even skinny-dip there on a hot, drunken summer nights. There's music and wood oven pizza​ ​too.

"Noord is my hood, it's where I live and work and have my secret spots to relax in the beautiful nature, only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Get on a bike and cycle down Nieuwendammerdijk and Schellingwouderdijk. You will find some of the most authentic Dutch village life and beautiful nature. It's like entering a different world. I love sitting in the grass by the water and watching the swans and ducks go about their business.

"On the way home and still in Noord, have dinner at my favourite restaurant: Hotel De Goudfazant. This converted open warehouse space right by the water looks amazing. The French-inspired food is down to earth and delicious, they have a ping pong table to work off some calories in between courses and the owners park their vintage cars in the back of the restaurant. It's all very photogenic. Book a table in advance.

"In terms of night time entertainment, I would recommend three places. ​​De Marktkantine is home to my Midnight Sun residency and the place to see the biggest house and techno DJs in an unforced and fun environment. De School is a cool club with strict door policy and very leftfield programming in a beautifully converted school building.​​ Cruquiusgilde is a local favourite with some of the best underground parties in town, I love the atmosphere there, it reminds me of ​​Panorama​ ​Bar in Berlin."