The Netherlands: Amsterdam
Areas in the city:
In a nutshell...
Among the diverse cultural attractions in Amsterdam, visits to Anne Frank's house and the Van Gogh museum give a glimpse of the historical and artistic riches of the city. The capital is home to no fewer than 50 museums from the truly bizarre to the most classic collections of Dutch national heritage.
Vondel Park and the canals make up the backdrop of the city, ideal for family picnics and romantic strolls, with out for getting an essential visit to the flower market, the most famous in the world, near Muntplein. On bike or by foot, a stop at one of the city's numerous squares is a great way to get a feeling for the vibrancy of daily life in Amsterdam: in Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein, the most famous squares, you will find the well-known "brown café's".
To end the visit with a panoramic view of the city, make your way the Westerkerk and its bell tower, the tallest in Amsterdam, located in the heart of Jordaan, one of the fashionable quarters.
Amsterdam: Bars
DE JAREN - Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22
In the university neighborhood, De Jaren café is by far the most spacious in Amsterdam providing a meeting place for intellectuals and artists. The architecture is particularly stunning, bringing(...)
CAFE KOBALT - Singel 2, Jordaan
At the far end of the Singel, near the central train station, this cafe welcomes customers in a warm and rustic environment with large sculpted beams and massive pillars, the style is relatively(...)
CAFE DE PELS - Huidenstraat 25
In the 9 Street district, the Pels Cafe is recognized by intellectuals, journalists and writers. The ambiance is bohemian and relaxed, if not a bit elitist towards new-comers. The cafe mascot is the(...)
KADINSKY - Rosmarijnsteeg 9
Between Dam and Spui, this recently renovated coffeeshop is a popular and very cool address. It has been done in a very minimal decor giving clients a zen feeling, even if they are only drinking(...)
ROYAL CAFE DE KROON - Rembrandtplein 17
If the outside of this establishment doesn't seem very inviting, it takes just going up to the second floor for a breathtaking view of the Rembrandtplein. The design is something in principally(...)
CAFE KANIS EN MEILAND - Levantkade 127
This cafe, on the Levantkade boardwalk on the KNSM (Royal Netherlands Company for Steamships) island, keeps more or less to its maritime theme. The interior is very colonial: club style armchairs(...)
CAFE VERTIGO - Vondelpark 3
Does the name Vertigo mean anything to you? Hopefully you are thinking of the Hitchcock film as this cafe in the basement of the Film museum would want. This is an ideal place to go after a stroll(...)
BIERPROEFLOKAAL IN DE WILDEMAN - Kolksteeg 3
This brewery of ale prepares 17 draughts and 200 varieties of bottled beer and it is the only establishment in Amsterdam to offer a non-smoking section. The principle of a "proeflokaal" is to ask(...)
KAPITEIN ZEPPOS - Gebed zonder End 3-5
This restaurant in a former monastery is hidden in a passage known well mainly to students. It is a retro style bistro offering a second floor dining room and a large winter garden. The cuisine is(...)
BAZAR - Albert Cuypstraat 182
In the middle of Albert Cuypstraat, famous for the market, a stop at Bazar for an authentic mint tea is a must! Both the decor and the amibance are Mid-Eastern and the building itself is a halfway(...)
DANTZIG - Zwanenburgwal 15
Dantzig is a great place to stop in just before or after a performance at the Opera. Customers may choose between a cozy salon decorated like a library with plenty of filled bookcases or a gallery(...)
COBRA CAFE - Museumplein, Hobbemastr 18
For a break between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum, stop off at this ultra modern cafe done entirely in glass and metal. The abstract paintings and the light illusions, and the large(...)
GREENHOUSE - O.Z. Voorburgwal 191-2h
In the heart of the Red Light District, this coffeeshop, winner of numerous HighTimes awards, is the third to have been opened by Argan since 1985. It was then at the age of 20 that he met an old(...)
BIERBROUWERIJ T IJ - Funenkade 7
Constructed in the building which used to house the public baths, this brasserie is adjoined to the De Googer wheat mill, the only mill still standing of 5 in the area which were construced in the(...)
CAFE VAN PUFFELEN - Prinsengracht 375-377
This large cafe offers privacy in the form of numerous alcoves throughout the space allowing customers to relax and speak openly. The chalkboard in the middle lists the large choice of tapas (meats,(...)
CAFE DE SLUYSWACHT - Jodenbreestraat 1
This lock keeper's house at the edge of the canal is so tilted that it seems ready to fall over at any moment, but it has resisted since 1965! One of Amsterdam's most recognized traditional cafes,(...)
BIERCAFE T ARENDSNEST - Herengracht 90
The fact that owner of this pub is called "Tap Master" should clear up any confusion about what is consumed on these premise. (Hint: Not soda). More than 12 beers on tap and 150 others in bottle,(...)
CAFE DE WAARD - Leidseplein 14
This trendy bar in Leidseplein serves as a meeting place for its young customers who come to have a drink and listen to music. The house emblem is a bartender holding a mug of ale, and is taken(...)
TOUSSAINT CAFE - Bosboom Toussaintstraat 26
Toussaint Cafe, with its inviting family ambiance, is located in a calm residential neighborhood about a five minute walk from Leidseplein. Utensils for every imaginable use are suspended from above(...)
LETTING - Prinsenstraat 3
Nicole and Ingrid, founders of this new little restaurant, serve breakfast from 8am until 3pm, perfect for those who like to sleep until midday. The decor is simple and tasteful, ideal for waking up(...)
CAFE FINCH - Noordermarkt 5
This retro style cafe/lounge is the hot spot for artists and other hip locals to hang out. Located near the market place, it is the preferred cafe to meet friends for people and tourist(...)
AMERICAIN HOTEL - Leidsekade 97
This hotel which dominates the Leisdseplein features a very stylish bar that seems to come straight out of the 50s. The walls are covered in photographs of celebrities who have popped in to have a(...)
HET PROEFLOKAAL WYNAND FOCKINK - Pijlsteeg 31
On the edge of the Red Light District in a little alley called Pijlsteeg, well-known by locals, but very easy for tourists to miss is a small bar that has been open since 1679 called Wynand Fockink. (...)
LOKAAL T LOOSJE - Nieuwmarkt 32-34
This cafe is 200 years old, and it shows! Located in a former tramway warehouse, this place, both neglected and quite popular, is often busy with the student crowd. The bistro ambience is(...)
WINSTON - Warmoesstraat 129
Between Dam and Nieumarkt, at the southern end of the Red Light District, this hip bar is popular with a younger crowd. Large comfortable booths invite customers to make themselves at home while(...)
