Amsterdam Hotels

Introduction

The amazing number of cafes and bars makes Amsterdam a perfect place to hangout in. In order to enjoy the feel of being in a vibrant lively city the most, the cafes are the best place. There is a café in almost every corner of Amsterdam catering to both locals and tourists. The cafes of Amsterdam serve various kinds of beverages and light meals. There are different kinds of cafes each having individual specialties. The spectrum begins with the traditional and relaxed brown cafes and branches out to the lively, young and crowded bars. The cafes and tearooms embody a unique cosy ambience allowing you to unwind in an intimate, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. It is this concept that each cafe or bar tries to express in its own customized way.

Every establishment has its own specialty, and uniqueness and none of it resembles the other. Spread out in major districts to minor areas, the wide coverage of the cafes makes you feel more like a local. The cafes usually remain open from 11.00 hours to 01.00 hours and if you find yourself in Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein, the hours typically go a little longer, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

When it comes to service, you will be pleasantly surprised to receive more than what you pay. Almost all these places offer excellent value for money. Depending on the hour, it is a traditional practice (in case of alcoholic drinks) that if in a group, one person foots the bill for a round, and the next round is on the next person and so on.

Amsterdam has a variety of cafes each having its own typical characteristics and attracting particular kinds of visitors. Some of the better-known types are:

Brown cafes
These are traditional Dutch local pubs.

Grand cafes and designer bars
Emerging way back in the 19th century, these large and opulent venues are still popular among visitors who go for class and style.

Coffee shops and salons
The more conventional type of coffee shop where well-to-do ladies go for a chat over cups of coffee and snacks.

Smoking coffee shops
Where cannabis is smoked in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

What to drink
The Dutch national drink is beer and it is available in abundant supply almost everywhere.
Amsterdam offers as many as 1500 cafes and bars to pamper your taste buds. Some of the more popular ones are situated at the busier locations of the city.

 

Rembrandtplein

Freddy’s
Cozy and stylish this is a favorite meeting place for businesspeople.
Address: Hotel de l'Europe, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Other side
The clientele at the Other Side is primarily gay tourists and locals.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 6, Amsterdam, Netherlands

De Kroom
It is a grand café with intimate seating arrangements and a U-shaped bar particularly meant for the well-heeled populace.
Address: Rembrandtplein 17, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Schiller
It is a wonderfully decorated café, perfect for students enjoying a tipple.
Address: Rembrandtplein 26
Transport: Tram 4, 9 and 14.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-2am: Fri, Sat. Kitchen: 5.30-10pm daily.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

 

The Old Side

Kapitein Zeppos
Earlier used as a storage house for horse-carriages and then as a cigar factory, Kapitein Zeppos is now a café with a fairy-tale-like-illuminated terrace and restaurant. It hosts eclectic live music every Sunday.
Address: Gebed Zonder End 5
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, and 25.
Opening Hours: 11am-1am: Mon-Thu, 11am-2am: Fri, Sat, noon-1am: Sun.
Credit Cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

’T Tuinfeest
This café serves delightful food at affordable rates. Being situated near the metro it attracts a young crowd.
Address: Geldersekade 109
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 / Metro Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

VOC Café
VOC Café has two terraces overlooking the Geldersekade. The excellent sitting arrangement adds to its charm and popularity. The café is so spacious that you can celebrate festivals and organize big wedding receptions.
Address: Schreierstoren, Prins Hendrikkade 94-5
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm: Mon, 10am-1am: Tue-Thu, 10am-3am: Fri and Sat, noon-8pm: Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Cuba
Housed in the Nieuwmarkt Square and deemed to be one of the most beautiful cafés in the area. This place is renowned for being spacious and also for its beautifully painted walls.
Address: Nieuwmarkt 3
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 / Metro Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours: 1pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 1pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Fonteyn
An intimate cosy feel is what attracts locals and tourists alike to this café.
Address: Nieuwmarkt 13-15
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 / Metro Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours: 9.30am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9.30am-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Stevens
Places in the corner of Nieuwmarkt, and its peaceful surroundings with friendly service; grabs the attention of every passer by!
Address: Geldersekade 123
Transport: Tram 4, 9 / Metro Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours: 11.30am-1am: Mon -Thu and Sun, 11.30am-3am: Fri and Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

 

The New Side

Bep
This is a fashionable hangout and is conveniently located in the New Side amongst its similarly cool neighbours Diep and the Getaway.
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 260
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 5.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri and Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café het Schuim
This café is mainly popular among students and the creative crowd because of the cool music played by the DJs.
Address: Spuistraat 189
Transport: Tram 13, 14 and 17.
Opening Hours: 11am-1am: Mon-Thu, 11am-3am: Fri, Sat, 1pm-1am: Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Luxembourg
Making the most use of its space and described as an elegant café. It has a vantage point overlooking the city, with well-groomed staff and a well-planned menu.
Address: Spui 24
Transport: Tram 16, 24 and 25.
Opening hours: 9am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Diep
Diep’s brown-café-meets-opulent-disco interior should ring bells with anyone who likes their bars eclectic and a little cramped. DJs spin their wheels of steel here at weekends
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 256
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 5.
Opening hours: 5pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 5pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

De Drie Fleschjes
The café is calm and picturesque, and ever since its inception in 1650 the place has specialized in traditional Dutch liqueurs and wine.
Address: Gravenstraat 18
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: noon-8.30pm: Mon-Sat, 3-7pm: Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

The Getaway
Hipped with the famous DJs playing good music there is massive turn out of crowds There’s a lunch and dinner menu, too.
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 5.
Opening Hours: noon-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, noon-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Henri Prouvin
This café offers a spectacular range of reasonably priced fine wines and champagnes - either by the bottle or served in glasses. The place also serves a few meat dishes and complimentary snacks.
Address: Gravenstraat 20
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 3-11pm: Tue-Fri, 2-9pm: Sat.
Credit Cards: MasterCard and Visa.

Hoppe
This brown café along with its two bars is a popular joint with guests who enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.
Address: Spui 18-20
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 5.
Opening hours: 8am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 8am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

 

Photo Gallery

Western Canal Belt

’T Arendsnest
Offering mainly Dutch brews served at ‘The Eagle’s Nest’, around 250 seasonal beers from 50 breweries at different parts of Netherlands.
Address: Herengracht 90
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 13 and 17.
Opening Hours: 4pm-midnight: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Het Molenpad
Located on the canal-side this place serves good food. It also has a cosy little restaurant where you can enjoy delicious lunches and dinners.
Address: Prinsengracht 653
Transport: Tram 7, 10.
Opening Hours: noon-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, noon-2am: Fri, Sat. Kitchen: noon-4pm, 6-10.30pm daily.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Van Puffelen
One of the oldest Irish pubs in Amsterdam, it is always ablaze with cheer and fun. On offer are Irish staples such as Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, as well as a large selection of Irish whiskies. Authentic Irish musicians play live music – mostly Celtic based, four times a week. Every Sunday there's an Irish music open-stage where amateur musicians are welcome to join in, and every second Monday of the month the MacSuibhne Dancers perform where everyone can participate.
Open Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu, 2pm-3am: Fri-Sat.

Sunggest brown café
A great place to enjoy some good quality wines and have a sumptuous dinner as well. Popular for its relaxed ambience and the perfect balance of quality and price this is a great hangout for all sorts of people
Address: Prinsengracht 375-7
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10.
Opening Hours: 3pm-1am: Mon-Thu, 3pm-2am: Fri, noon-2am: Sat, noon-1am: Sun. Kitchen: 6-10pm daily.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

De Zotte
De Zotte is a lovely place to dine and the beer served here is famous both for its quality as well as for the warmth of service. A good choice of wines is also available.
Address: Raamstraat 29
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 5.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

De Admiraal
Decorated in a unique style, De Admiraal stays open until late in the evening. There is a wonderful seating arrangement equipped with sofas and armchairs. There are 55 different types of liquors and a lip smacking snacks menu.
Address: Herengracht 319
Opening Hours: 4.30pm-11pm: Mon – Sat, closed on Sundays.

De Prins
This former coffee shop is located in the beautiful Prinsengracht area and has now become a popular meeting point for students and craftsmen. The place is renowned for its unique cooking style that varies seasonally.
Address: Prinsengracht 124 1015 AE Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Kitchen: 7 days, 10.00 - 22.00 hours, Cafe: 7 days, 10.00 - 01.00 hours.
Credit cards: Visa, American Express, PIN and MasterCard.

 

Southern Canal Belt

Moko
Enjoy the amazing cocktails served in the lounge and terrace of this former wooden church.
Address: Amstelveld 12
Transport: Tram 16, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 11.30am-1am: Tue-Thu and Sun (also on Mondays during summer), 11.30am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

 

Leidseplein

Aroma
This spacious café-bar is done up in white in the classic 60s retro style. Serving healthy, Mediterranean cuisine, real fruit shakes and Chai tea this place is frequented by visitors of all ages. Happy hour runs from 6pm to 7pm daily.
Address: Leidsestraat 96
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10.
Opening Hours: 9am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Americain
The American Hotel's café is fantastically decorated in Art-Deco style and remains one of the most elegant in Amsterdam. There is a large terrace outside with a good view of the Leidseplein.
Address: Leidseplein 28
Opening Hours: 7am – 1am, Kitchen: 12 – 3pm & 6-11 pm.

Cafe Aroma
Aroma offers ample space to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The menu at Aroma is original and changes occasionally. Reasonable prices and a cozy intimate atmosphere characterize this famous café.
Address: Leidsestraat 96
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10
Opening Hours: 9am – 1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-3am: Fri-Sat.
Credit Cards are not accepted.

De Balie
This large and airy café possesses a restaurant as well as a bar. Visitors to the political and cultural areas close by frequent this place before a lecture or a meeting. However, its pleasant interiors attract all sorts of people.
Address: Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10.
Opening Hours: 11am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 11am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café de Koe
‘De Koe’ refers to a cow. There is a bar upstairs and a restaurant downstairs that can accommodate up to 25 people. The interior is done up in a cute cow theme.
Address: Marnixstraat 381
Transport: Tram 7, 10.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri, Sat. Kitchen: 6-10.30pm daily.
Credit Card: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Hard Rock
Nestled near Leidseplein area the world famous Hard Rock Café is a child-friendly café, which offers great food as well. The American quality customer service is rather impressive.
Address: Max Euweplein 59
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10.
Opening Hours: June-Aug -10am-midnight: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-1 am: Fri, Sat. Sept-May - noon-midnight: daily.
Credit Cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

Cafe “de Waard”
Set up for regular visits from the fraternity house nearby, this cafe has a restricted atmosphere. The walls display framed collages of theme parties.
Address: Leidseplein 14, 1017 PT Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 10:00 am to 01:00 am (3:00 am weekends)

 

Waterfront

Kanis & Meiland
K&M is a bright and spacious café perfect for hanging out in summer - and the food is terrific too.
Address: Levantkade 127
Transport: Bus 28, 32 and 59.
Opening Hours: 10am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Odessa
This café is ideal for all kinds of visitors and it even possesses a stylish lounge bar in it.
Address: Veemkade 259
Transport: Bus 28 and 39.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

 

The Jordaan

Café Nol
The Nol is the favourite haunt for native Amsterdammers. It is also one of the must-visit places for visitors to this area. The informal intimate atmosphere really helps you unwind and relax.
Address: Westerstraat 109
Transport: Tram 10.
Open 9pm-3am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9pm-4am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Soundgarden
Popular with the grungy crowd, this place has a lovely garden terrace favoured by visitors during summertime. The bar has lots of entertainment options such as pool, darts, pinball and table football to while away dull rainy afternoons. If you’re drinking to forget, try the incredible Flater’s Kater.
Address: Marnixstraat 164-6
Transport: Tram 10, 13, 14 and 17.
Opening Hours: 1pm-1am: Mon-Thu, 1pm-3am: Fri, 3pm-3am: Sat, 3pm-1am: Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Du Lac
This grand café is decorated in an artistic style with cosy corners and a raised gallery. DJs rock the café during weekends. The building itself attracts interest owing to its outrageous look contributed by an eclectic mixture of bizarre styles. This vibrant place is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 118
Transport: Bus 18 and 22.
Opening Hours: 4pm-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 4pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Finch
Located in one of the scenic squares of the city it particularly attracts young crowd. Famous for its cosy interiors, cool lounge music and quality food this place is great for hanging out in groups.
Address: Noordermarkt 5
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 and 20.
Opening Hours: 7am-1am: Mon, 10am-1am: Tue-Thu, 10am-3am: Fri, Sat, 11am-1am: Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

De Kat In’t Wijngaert
This café has a clear view of the infamous 1886 Eel Riot site. The interiors evoke the true spirit of the surrounding Jordaan neighbourhood.
Address: Lindengracht 160
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 5, 13 and 17.
Opening Hours: 10am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-3pm: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Miss Riss
The multi-tasking bar staff serves drinks and cook up some great dishes right behind the bar at this bright new café. This is arguably the best place in this area to mingle with some interesting locals.
Address: Fannius Scholtenstraat 26hs
Transport: Tram 10.
Opening Hours: noon-11pm: Tue-Sun.
Credit cards are not accepted.

’T Smalle
This comfortable candle-lit café offers the best of service in the midst of an intimate charming atmosphere created by some very rare artifacts. The place now earns its reputation as a charming café and even a brown bar.
Address: Egelantiersgracht 12
Transport: Tram 13, 14, 17 and 20.
Opening Hours: 10am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

De Reiger
This is a chic café that serves as Jordaan’s main meeting place. Very popular with tourists, this place serves great food and drink.
Address: Nieuwe Leliestraat 34, Amsterdam, Netherlands

De Twee Zwaantjes
If you want to hear locals sing folk songs on Sunday afternoons, De Twee Zwaantjes is the best place to be in.
Address: Prinsengracht 114, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cafe de Jordaan
Conveniently located near the Prinsegracht, the Cafe de Jordaan serves traditional dishes and drinks.
Address: Elandsgracht 45, 1016 TN Amsterdam
Opening Hours: 10.00- 01.00: Mon – Thu and Sunday, 10.00 – 03.00: Friday/Saturday

Paradox
Paradox is more like a health-oriented café than a coffee shop. This charming café suits health conscious people perfectly.
Address: 1e Bloemdwarstraat 2, Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

The Museum Quarter, Vondelpark & the South

Het Blauwe Theehuis
Literally meaning ‘The Blue Teahouse’, this place was designed by HAJ Baanders and J Baanders in 1936. There are two well-stocked bars and snacks are available throughout the day.
Address: Vondelpark
Transport: Tram 1, 2 and 6.
Opening Hours: 9am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Toussaint
This is a very pleasant café-cum-bar. Being small and sweet it efficiently serves great dishes round the clock.
Address: Bosboom Toussaintstraat 26
Transport: Tram 1, 3, 6, 7, 12 and 17.
Opening Hours: 10am-midnight: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-1am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Café Cox
The Café Cox is the ideal place to eat, drink and be merry.
Address: Marnixstraat 429, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Café Vertigo
The Café Vertigo has a spacious interior and a stunningly scenic terrace where you can while away sunny afternoons with your favourite drink and an amazing range of light snacks.
Address: Vondelpark 3, Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

The Pijp

De Engel
This is the ideal place to relax after a tiring day of shopping. You will feel at complete ease when you enter this café characterized by its beautifully painted angelic walls. The Sunday brunch served here will simply bowl you over.
Address: Albert Cuypstraat 182
Transport: Tram 16, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 10am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-2am: Fri, Sat. Kitchen: 10am-10pm Mon-Thu and Sun, 10am-10.30pm: Fri, Sat.
Credit Cards: MasterCard and Visa.

Kingfisher
Has a wonderfully balanced menu and impeccable, friendly service.
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 24
Transport: Tram 16, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 11pm-1am: Mon-Thu, 11pm-3am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

 

Dam Square

Dwaze Zaken - Kunst eetcafe
This pleasant café offers both freshness and great value.
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 50 1012 AC Amsterdam
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12.00-24.00, Sun: 12.00-18.00

Wynand Fockink
Around 50 Old Dutch liquors and 20 jenevers are served in this charming café. Most of the stuff is produced just next door.
Address: Pijlsteeg 31
Transport: Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25.
Opening Hours: 3-9 pm: daily.
Credit cards are not accepted.

 

Plantage

Café Sluyswacht
Its charming patio overlooks the Oudeschans. Frequented by beer-lovers, this place also serves a nice choice of snacks.
Address: Jodenbreestraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bierbrouwerij 't IJ
The Bierbrouwerij’t IJ is a microbrewery and is a wonderful place in its own right.
Address: Funenkade 7, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 3-8

Dantzig
This Paris-style grand café is the best place to unwind after shopping at Waterlooplein market or catching a show at the Stopera.
Address: Zwanenburgwal 15
Transport: Tram 9, 14 / Metro Waterlooplein.
Opening hours: 9am-1am: Mon-Fri, 9am-2am: Sat, 10am-1am: Sun. Kitchen: 11am-10pm daily.
Credit Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa

De Ponteneur
Come and enjoy the beers and the hearty meals served in this famous café.
Address: 1e van Swindenstraat 581
Transport: Tram 9 and 14.
Opening Hours: 9am-1am: Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-2am: Fri, Sat.
Credit cards are not accepted.

 

The Red Light District

In de Waag
Situated on the Nieuwmarkt this place is widely regarded as a great place to chill out in. The café cum restaurants serves a wide choice of great food and drink in the midst of a stylish décor.
Address: Niuewmarkt 4
Opening Hours: 10am-1am: daily. Kitchen (lunch) 10:00-16:30 and (dinner) 17:00-22:30

Café Pacifico
Renowned for being one of Europe 's first Mexican restaurants/cafés, this place is still a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Address: Warmoesstraat 31
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 5.30 to 11.30

 

Nieuwe Zijde and Spui

Abraxas
Serves a delicious menu of Ganga cakes and shakes in a delightful atmosphere evoked by a fabulous blend of trendy and fantastic styles.
Address: Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14, Amsterdam, Netherlands

De Still
Serving as many as 600 varieties of wines, this place is haunted by wine-connoisseurs, families, students, tourists and local citizens.
Address: Spuistraat 326, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kandinsky
Kandinsky offers a wonderful collection of cookies and drinks in an atmosphere made vibrant by delightful jazz music.
Address: Rosmarijnsteeg 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands