Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [114]
De Sluyswacht Jodenbreestraat 1. This pleasant little bar occupies an old and now solitary gabled house that stands sentry by the lock gates opposite the Rembrandthuis. A great spot to nurse a beer on a warm summer’s night, with a lovely view down the canal towards the Montelbaanstoren.
Eating and drinking | Bars |
The Museum Quarter and Vondelpark
Ebeling Overtoom 52. Dark and cosy lounge bar converted from an old bank. The toilets are in the vaults, and the whole thing is a pretty far cry from the traditional brown café vibe. There’s Guinness on tap, decent music and a modern, comfortable environment. Mon–Sat from 11am (from noon on Sun) till late.
Welling J.W. Brouwersstraat 32. Situated right behind the Concertgebouw, this traditional haunt of gloomy Amsterdam intellectuals is usually packed solid with performers and visitors alike before and after evening performances.
Wildschut Roelof Hartplein 1. Five-minute walk from the Concertgebouw. Just around the corner from the College Hotel, this busy bar-café is famous for its congenial, spacious Art Deco interior and outdoor seating in summer. By far the nicest place to drink in the area, with a decent menu too.
Eating and drinking | Bars |
The outer districts
Bazar Albert Cuypstraat 182. This cavernous converted synagogue is usually buzzing with activity long after the market traders have packed up. A lively place to share a bottle of wine or eat dinner; choose from the Middle Eastern- and South African-influenced menu. Mon–Fri 11am–1/2am, Sat & Sun 9am–midnight/2am.
Café Krull Sarphatipark 2. On the corner of 1e van der Helststraat, a few metres from the Albert Cuypstraat, this is an atmospheric and lively place. Drinks and snacks all day long from 11am.
Chocolate Bar 1e Van der Helststraat 62a. Cool, disco-inspired café-bar that’s open for tasty food and cocktails at any time of the day. Perch at the bar on leather stools or lounge in the cosy room out back. It’s a shame, though, that the service can be somewhat lackadaisical. Mon–Thurs 10am–1am, Fri & Sat 10am–3am, Sun 11am–1am.
East of Eden Linnaeusstraat 11. See map "Amsterdam Oost". A wonderfully relaxed café-bar across the road from the Tropenmuseum, providing inexpensive food and good cocktails. There’s an appealing combination of high-ceilinged splendour and gently waving palm trees – with James Dean pictures thrown in to boot. A good place to spend a sunny afternoon.
De Groene Vlinder Albert Cuypstraat 130. There are great views of the bustling market from this pleasant split-level café, with cheap daily specials and bulky salads. Daily 10am–1am (Fri & Sat till 3am).
Kingfisher Ferdinand Bolstraat 24. A nice neighbourhood café that’s good for lunch or just a drink if you want to continue imbibing after the Heineken Experience – it’s right around the corner. Mon–Thurs 11am–1am, Fri & Sat 11am–3am, Sun noon–1am.
Pilsvogel Gerard Douplein 14. A favourite drinking spot for style-conscious thirty-somethings enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and decent tapas, as well as the good selection of Spanish wines. Daily 10am–1am (Fri & Sat till 3am).
Eating and drinking |
Cafés and tearooms
Amsterdam has plenty of cafés and tearooms, serving good coffee, sandwiches, light snacks and cakes at very affordable prices throughout the day. Some may serve alcohol but you wouldn’t class them as bars. Usual opening hours are 9am or 10am to 5pm or 6pm; some are closed on Sundays.
Eating and drinking | Cafés and tearooms |
Old Centre
De Bakkerswinkel Warmoesstraat 69. Part of an immensely popular chain where you can expect to queue up for a table at lunchtime. Mouth-watering scones with lemon curd and jam, muffins and home-made pies. Tues–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm. Other branches at Roelof Hartstraat in the Old South and at the Westergasfabriek complex.
Café Beurs van Berlage Beursplein 1. The best chance to glimpse the interior