AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Photo Gallery
Amsterdam is an easy and effortless city to enjoy. Scenic bridges and canal views, cobble-stone streets, gabled facades, and a refreshingly laidback atmosphere - it makes for a delightful city break with a small-town feel. Amsterdam is known for many things, but it also has plenty to offer in architecture and design, art and fashion, as well as an exciting culinary scene. Almost purely designed for pedestrians and cyclists, it's all the more enjoyable to wander and explore on foot. Vibrant and lively, yet relaxed and leisurely - it's a perfect balance for all.
TO STAY
Housed in a 1930s Art Deco building called The Bungehuis, with many of its original features and stylish interiors to match, Soho House Amsterdam is one of the coolest places to stay (open to both members and outside guests). Set on the edge of Singel Canal, just steps away from the busy Spuistraat and a short walk to the central Grachtengordel, Soho House enjoys a quiet but ideal location in the city hub. With vintage Art-Deco style rooms, a cosy lounge and scenic rooftop, signature Cowshed Spa, and the fashionable Cecconi's restaurant & bar, the hotel is always lively but laidback with an enjoyable ambiance. Perfect for a more exclusive but well-connected stay.
For a comfortable laidback stay in an ideal location, this boutique design hotel from The Hoxton group is another excellent choice. Set in the heart of the historic centre along the Herengracht, which is one of the three main canal streets of De 9 Straatjes in Grachtengordel (the most famous canal belt in the city), it's right in the middle of everything. Designed in The Hoxton's signature retro style, with equally vibrant bedrooms, a buzzing lounge area and restaurant, the hotel is fun and atmospheric for both guests and visitors.
FOOD & DINING
BREAKFAST & BAKERIES
ULMUS BAKKERIJ
This small sourdough bakery is among the best in Amsterdam for artisanal pastries, grain bread, and specialty coffee. What makes their pastries so good is their deep sourdough flavour profile; and if you like crisp but buttery croissants with a slightly dense and chewsy texture, you'll love the ones at Ulmus. If the kouign-amann and kaneelcroissant are on, these are also essential. Located on Cabralstraat in the Amsterdam-West district, it's a little farther out from the historic centre but very much worth a visit (it's really only 2-3km from De 9 Straatjes).
BAKKERIJ MATER
This family-run bakery in De Pijp is another excellent spot for sourdough pastries and specialty coffee, but specifically one of the best cinnamon rolls in the city. If you enjoy more of a flaky pastry than a bready texture, Mater's kaneelbol is the one - soft and sticky on the inside with a caramelised bottom and a golden crisp top. This is definitely the house specialty and it does sell out quickly. Surrounded by a hip-bohemian neighbourhood, it's perfect for a quick breakfast before exploring the area.
FORT NEGEN
This is one of the more popular bakeries in Amsterdam whose name is bound to come up again and again. They make a variety of sourdough bread as well as pastries, baked goods like filled cruffins and pound-cakes, and seasonal specials like soft-serve croissants. If you prefer fluffy and airy pastries with a buttery flavour, Fort Negen is it. Located in Amsterdam-West and just around the corner from the canal to enjoy your pastries with a view.
LOUF
Bakery, coffee house, and hangout spot in one, Louf is a hotspot among locals with a cool and laidback atmosphere. They have three locations across Amsterdam (Oud West, De Pijp, Westerpark) but the one in Oud West has the best vibe and crowd. They serve house-made pastries & specialty coffee, as well as daily sandwiches for lunch. Go more for the social vibe than food.
SAINT JEAN
Most famous for their filled cruffins, Saint Jean often has long queues outside just for this signature pastry (especially the pistachio one). If you're near Noordermarkt in the historic centre and the wait isn't too long, it's a nice spot for an afternoon coffee & treat to go.
CARMEN
This canal-side, mid-century concept store in Grachtengordel serves an excellent brunch menu in an intimate café & terrace upstairs - just above their fashion boutique, and right next door to their guesthouse. A Scandi-style menu of eggs, granola bowls, and bread with spreads is served in the morning; followed by small seasonal plates in the afternoon, and house-made cakes to finish. Lovely for a home-style breakfast in the historic centre.
OFICINA
An all-day gastro-café and design studio, with ultra-cool modern interiors and a seasonal menu, Oficina is as much for the aesthetics as it is for food. Serving a small and mostly vegetarian brunch menu, as well as specialty coffee, matcha, and loose leaf teas from Japan, China and Taiwan. Located in Amsterdam-West, just a short walk from Ulmus and Fort Negen.
LUDWIG'S DELI
A chic deli shop for daily salads, freshly prepared baguette sandwiches, artisanal products and wine; with vintage interiors, marble-top counters and swerving leather stools for a touch of refined nostalgia. Perfect for grabbing something to go or a simple window-counter lunch.
RESTAURANTS
An iconic institution in Amsterdam since 1945. Eetsalon Van Dobben is an old-school sandwich bar for typical Dutch broodjes (soft roll sandwiches) and krokketten (croquettes). With canteen-style seating, deli bar and staff in white coats; a nicely nostalgic atmosphere and a crowd of old regulars, Van Dobben is a very authentic experience of a Dutch-style lunch. The menu serves a variety of broodjes toppings like cheese, eggs, fish and meat; but the filet americain is particularly remarkable - the softest, leanest raw meat pounded into a smooth paste-like texture, unseasoned and undressed because the quality is so good (pair it with white onion and yellow mustard for a punch). The krokketten are also essential to order - hot, crispy and always fried to order. Simple, authentic, and very enjoyable. Located in the historic centre near Rembrandtplein.
Set in the engine room of a former industrial building, this old-school restaurant is another Amsterdam institution and a long-standing favourite among locals. A light-filled, canteen-style dining hall with tall ceilings, white-cloth tables and a communal atmosphere, Cafe-Restaurant Amsterdam is charming and nostalgic; the type of place you go to for Sunday lunch or a family celebration. The menu serves European-bistro fare with a nice variety of French, Dutch and even some Italian dishes, with lighter meals at lunch and proper dinner in the evenings. Go more for the atmosphere than the food. Reservations recommended.
The Caron name has a culinary reputation well-loved and respected among locals. With French cuisine as their base and family tradition as their anchor, this family-run group of restaurants now has four locations across Amsterdam. The original Café Caron in De Pijp is a charming and intimate space with a small French-inspired menu for casual fine-dining. Just around the corner, Petit Caron is a contemporary-bistro for a more modern take & small plates to share. Cantine de Caron, housed in a former industrial building in Westerpark, is very familial and communal with a light-filled dining hall and a French-Mediterranean menu. Finally Tannay is the most sophisticated of the group, with a fine-dining style menu in a laidback setting. Each restaurant is very different but equally delightful and guaranteed to please.
For traditional home-style food, this family-run restaurant serves typical Dutch cuisine in a cosy setting. Wood-panelled interiors, blue china plates on the wall, vintage rug placemats, Heemelrijck is warm and inviting. The menu is equally comforting with classics like bitterballen, meatballs, stews and traditional stamppot (a Dutch specialty of mashed potatoes literally stamped with veggies, gravy, and a type of meat). Simple and hearty. They have two dining locations, the main restaurant on Van Woustraat in De Pijp and a smaller one on Singel.
A stylish and upscale restaurant at Soho House, the world-famous Cecconi's is always a safe bet for an enjoyable lunch or dinner. With chic-contemporary interiors in a light-filled space, a delectable Italian menu and a fashionable crowd, the restaurant delivers on all sides. Go earlier or stay afterwards for drinks & music at the gorgeous Art-Deco bar. Reservations required.
An intimate, contemporary restaurant for casual fine-dining; Christiaan Smit offers a small but nicely varied menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients and delicacies, and an excellent selection of wine. Refined but laidback for a delicious meal and a pleasant atmosphere. From the same team behind Kikkie on Prinsenstraat (more on that below), which is a guarantee of good service, quality, and vibe. Within walking distance to Noordermarkt on one side and De 9 Straatjes on the other.
Casual fine dining in a candle-lit bistro, adorned with old paintings, vintage tableware and a moody-romantic atmosphere, Gertrude is a pleasant little place for dinner. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and market-fresh produce, the dishes are minimal yet vibrant and creative. Located in Oud-West, within walking distance to De 9 Straatjes.
Market-fresh seafood in a casual bistro setting, Brut De Mer is an excellent oyster & wine bar for small plates and seasonal delicacies. The menu offers a variety of fish dishes designed to share as well as daily specials. It's a small, intimate space with mostly countertop seating, and side-walk tables when the weather is nice. Go for a light, fresh meal and expert wine-pairing. Located in De Pijp near Albert Cuyp Markt.
An all-day modern bistro for European cuisine in a casual but elegant setting, Cafe Nieuw is a nice little place for a quick snack or a leisurely meal. The menu offers a selection of snack plates, fresh salads and sandwiches for lunch, and heartier dishes for dinner. Simple and delightful. Located on the vibrant Haarlemerstraat near Central Station.
SMALL PLATES & WINE BARS
This canal-side gastrobar on Prinsenstraat is one of the most popular hangout spots for afternoon snacks & drinks in a buzzing atmosphere and a cool crowd. Kikkie also serves an all-day menu of snack plates and entree dishes, and the food is actually really good; the menu-staple smashburger deserves a special mention, and you'll likely find one on every table. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a fun night out.
On a canal-side corner on Prinsenstraat, just across from Kikkie, Twee Prinsen is a young and hip natural wine bar. They have a nice little set-up outside when the weather is warm, perfect for day-drinking, people-watching and sweeping canal views. Fun, lively and laidback. For more of a restaurant set-up and dining menu, Binnenvisser is their sister location in Oud-West. Serving a seasonal and vegetable-forward menu of small plates with natural wines in a loud, buzzing atmosphere; open only in the evenings.
A hip and trendy neighbourhood spot for drinks, wine and comfort food. The menu offers a selection of snacks and starters, as well as bigger platesfor lunch and dinner; go specifically for their famous smashburger and 1000-layer crispy lasagna (for dinner). Nice for a cool and casual afternoon hangout, or a snacky dinner with drinks.
For a proper burger fix, this place is dedicated to serving just that and is currently one of the hottest spots for it. With only one smashburger on the menu (veggie or chicken alternative) and a few snacks to pair, BonBurger keeps it simple and straightforward. With a bistro-bar setting and a few terrace tables, it's a nicer atmosphere for a burger.
DUTCH SPECIALTIES
For the most famous Dutch Appletaart in the city, Winkel is an Amsterdam icon. This small, old-fashioned café serves hundreds of slices every day with the same quality of an artisanal bakery or a fresh homemade pie. Chunky, buttery biscuit crumb, a soft-poached apple filling, subtle cinnamon spice and a dollop of cream on the side. It's generous, comforting and consistently good. If you have only one apple pie in Amsterdam, this should be it. Located in Noordermarkt, open from early morning to midnight.
Another Amsterdam classic and second to Winkel on the appletaart list, Het Papeneiland is a traditional canal-side café with historic interiors and a rustic charm. It's specifically famous for one of its corner tables, set against a vintage stove and a blue ceramic wall (which you might recognise from photos). Visit for the cosy interiors and a slice of Apple Pie. Located on Lindengracht, just on the edge of Noordermarkt and a short walk from Winkel.
Enjoying a canal-side stroopwafel is a quintessential part of visiting Amsterdam, and Hans Egsfort makes some of the best. Made fresh to order with a deliciously golden waffle-biscuit and a deep caramel filling, you can smell these a mile away. Located on Spuistraat, just a short walk from De 9 Straatjes and right down the street from Soho House. Enjoy them warm from the waffle-maker or let them cool down for a crispier bite.
For the most traditional and unique stroopwafel, Lanskroon follows an original hundred-year-old recipe unlike any other. What sets them apart is that they're not made in a waffle iron nor do they take a caramel filling; instead, Lanskroon's is more of a crispy biscuit with honey syrup. It's almost completely different but very delicious; and in fact, they might be the only ones who make it like that. Definitely worth a try. Located on a corner of Singel Street, just a short walk from Hans Egsfort and Soho House, and around the corner from Spuistraat.
Known for its signature chocolate cookie, Van Stapele is a very popular and very busy bakehouse in the historic centre; baking and serving hundreds of fresh cookies every day, with long queues that stretch down the street and sometimes over the bridge across. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. These dark chocolate cookies have a fudge-brownie flavour with a creamy white chocolate filling for balance. If you like Oreos, you'll love these. The line moves fairly quickly and it's worth a one-time visit to try. Best enjoyed fresh on the day.
A specialty shop for Dutch mini-pancakes, made fresh to order and served warm with a choice of toppings. Perfect for a quick stop or a sweet-treat to go. They have two locations: one one Oude Leliestraat near Singel/Spuistraat if you're in the historic centre, and another near Haarlemmerstraat.
Fries is one of the most popular street snacks in Amsterdam and with a fry-shop on almost every corner, you'll be spoilt for choice. Vlaams Vleminckx is one of the better ones to go for. Simple and old-school with no extra frills; perfectly crisp and fluffy on the inside, always fried to order and served in a hand-held cone with your choice of sauce. Ideally located in the centre, just around the corner from Singel Street and within walking distance to Spruistraat. Go for a cone and a stroll through the charming streets around.
For a more gourmet and upscale option, Fabel Friets serves high quality, thick-cut potatoes fried twice to a golden colour; served on a paper plate to-go with a variety of homemade sauces. Their central location on Runstraat is in the heart of De 9 Straatjes for a quick and convenient snack if there isn't too long of a queue.
It's no secret that Dutch cheese is among the most renowned in the world, specifically Gouda and Edam, which calls for a tasting when in Amsterdam. De Kaaskamer is a cheese haven with over 400 types from around the world. Mountains of cheese blocks, wedges and wheels fill every inch of the shop and it's absolutely wonderful. They also have a small deli bar in the back for fresh sandwiches made to order. Ideally located on Runstraat in de 9 Straatjes, go for a browse and a tasting when in the area.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
NEGEN STRAATJES (9 STREETS)
This 9-street neighbourhood perfectly captures the heart & soul of Amsterdam. Forming the inner-hub of the Centrum, it's one of the most significant areas in the city and a great place to start exploring on foot. Busy, lively and vibrant with plenty to see. Known for its scenic canals, narrow streets, and Amsterdam's unique gabled facades; lined with boutique shops, cafés and restaurants, and many of the best hotels - it's a wonderful and charming neighbourhood to wander, and within walking distance to almost everything else.
MUSEUMPLEIN
There's plenty of art to see in Amsterdam and most of the major museums are conveniently concentrated in one area:
1. Rijksmuseum for Dutch art & history, and world-famous masterpieces (look for Rembrandt's 'Night Watch'. Don't miss Cuypers Library, the largest and oldest historic library in the Netherlands.
2. Van Gogh Museum for many of his iconic paintings (look especially for 'Sunflowers', 'Self-Portrait with Felt Hat', and 'Almond Blossoms').
3. Stedelijk for modern art & design, and contemporary exhibitions.
4. MOCO for contemporary art, immersive exhibitions, and modern masters like Warhol, Keith Haring, Basquiat and Banksy.
LINDENGRACHT MARKET
This food & produce market is one of the most entertaining weekend activities in Amsterdam. It's busy and lively, with plenty of artisanal stalls and vendors to try. Everything from fruits & vegetables, farm cheese, bread & pastries, to fish & oysters, sandwiches, and all kinds of traditional dessert. It's one of the best places to try Dutch snacks like kibbeling, bitterballen, or pickled herring. Set along a canal just north of Grachtengordel and De 9 Straatjes, it's within walking distance to the historic centre and makes for a very fun afternoon wander. Open Saturdays only.
TUSCHINSKI THEATRE
An architecture and design treasure dating back to 1919. The Tuschinski Theatre is an iconic example of the Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Amsterdam School movements with prominent features of each style. It's a whimsical-looking building with an alluring atmosphere. Located near Rembrandtplein and just a short walk from Eetsalon Van Dobben, it's certainly worth a quick look.
VONDELPARK
This is the largest park in Amsterdam and a popular gathering spot, with acres of gardens and ponds to enjoy. Just a short walk from Museumplein, it's wonderful for a relaxing break or a scenic stroll.
CANAL CRUISE
A boat cruise is a great way to enjoy Amsterdam's charming canals and views when the weather is right. It's almost a cultural tradition in the spring/summer, when there's a lively stream of boats on every canal, playing music and day drinking. Ask your hotel to help with hire.
STREET-SIDE HANGOUTS
As a young and lively city of hotspots, hip crowds, and vibrant energy, Amsterdam has a very enjoyable social culture. In warmer weather, especially, the city loves to spread out onto the streets with open terraces, side-walk set ups and canal-side seating; and this is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam's social scene. Some of the best places to hangout like a local include: Prinsenstraat (specifically at Kikkie and Twee Prinsen), Louf Bakerij in Oud West, GlouGlou in De Pijp. Walk around De 9 Straatjes and you'll find plenty of options as well.
SHOPPING
DE BIJENKORF
The largest department store in Amsterdam, located at Dam Square.
For vintage designer and re-imagined one-of-a-kind pieces, Ensō is the place to go. They've built a global brand name and cult following online, and this is their flagship store in Amsterdam near De 9 Straatjes.
DILLE & KAMILLE
For charming rural-style homeware, Dille & Kamille is a beloved Dutch brand of lifestyle accessories for the home, kitchen, and garden. Everything from hand-painted table ware, cutlery and linen, to kitchen utensils & pantry organisers, bathroom products & accessories, gardening tools, seasonal decorations & gift wrapping... there's a little bit of everything for everyone. Three locations in Amsterdam: Oud-West, De Pijp, Niewendijk.
GOLDEN BEND
One of the most unique shops you'll ever step foot in and certainly a landmark of its own. Selling vintage porcelain and tableware sourced from different time periods and from places all over the world (including prestigious hotels and restaurants), Golden Bend has a one-of-a-kind collection of treasures in an equally unique setup. Towers of porcelain cover every inch and corner of this tiny shop, so much so that you can hardly see the floor; with a very narrow footpath to move around and piles of porcelain on every side of you. It's certainly no place to be clumsy but it is a sight to be seen. Located on Herengracht near Rembrandtplein, Eetsalon Van Dobben and the Tuschinski Theatre. Open Thursdays to Saturdays.
TRAVELING TIPS
1. Whether you're going for an active visit or a leisure holiday, a full three days is enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer at a relaxed pace.
2. Plan your visit around the weather. Amsterdam is nice and cosy in the winter, but it is a largely pedestrian city with more to do outside than in. The Spring/Summer seasons are the perfect time to really enjoy its charming streets and scenic canals, explore the city foot, and get a feel of its vibrant atmosphere.
3. Stay somewhere in or around De 9 Straatjes for both pleasure and convenience. It's a very lively and popular neighbourhood with lots to see and do, and almost everything else within walking distance.