City Guide: Amsterdam

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam is truly a feast for the senses, with its iconic winding tree-lined canals, overflowing with charming houseboats and stair-stepped gabled architecture. Romantic bridges arc over the waterways (over 1200 in the city!) while cyclists whiz by, adding to the enchanting scene. With Dutch delicacies like stroopwafel, Dutch apple pie, and poffertjes, you won’t find yourself hungry in this city! It’s no wonder Amsterdam has been dubbed the “Venice of the North!”Amsterdam’s captivating canal ring was established in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, when the city was one of the most important ports in the world. Wealth from maritime trade allowed the expansion of the city’s concentric canal system and the construction of stately merchants’ houses that still stand proud today as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Dutch East India Company was headquartered here, helping establish Amsterdam as a global economic force.

There’s no shortage of attractions and activities either. You can explore gems like the world-class Rijksmuseum filled with paintings by the Dutch Masters, the poignant Anne Frank House, the lush Vondelpark, and quirky spots like the Heineken Experience brewery tour. A classic glass-topped canal cruise is an absolute must for first-time visitors.

While the canals are the iconic backdrop, the food scene is another major draw for visitors to Amsterdam. You’ll find delicious Dutch treats like poffertjes (tiny puffed pancakes – my favorite!), bitterballen (crispy meat snacks), and thick-cut fries served with an array of decadent sauces like peanut, joppie, and Dutch mayo. For something more upscale, Amsterdam boasts innovative modern dining with a host of Michelin-starred restaurants. If it’s your first time in Amsterdam, you’ll have to hit Gartine, Ree 7, Louf, or Bakerij Wolf for breakfast or brunch! There are so many casual cafés for lunch, but some of my favorites are Little Collins and Le Salonard. With so many tasty treats, you’ll have to carve out some time in the afternoon for fries at Fabel Friet, stroopwafel from Rudi’s, and a Dutch apple pie at Winkle 43! If you’re still hungry by the time dinner rolls around, Nnea Pizza, Mister Gyoza, and Café De Klepel are all great options!

Breakfast & Brunch

• *Gartine – This cozy, antique-filled café feels like a little countryside escape in the middle of Amsterdam. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea feature ingredients from their own kitchen garden—just be sure to reserve ahead!
• Omelegg – An Amsterdam brunch favorite serving just about every kind of omelet you can imagine. They don’t take reservations, but don’t let the line scare you—it usually moves pretty quickly!
• Cafe Blue – Come for breakfast or lunch, but stay for the incredible 360-degree views over Amsterdam. It’s tucked at the top of a glass tower and feels like one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
• *Two Story – Part café, part gallery and part beautifully designed home, Two Story is almost too “Scandi” to be real. Stop in for breakfast, toasted sourdough and specialty coffee, then browse the rotating art and design upstairs.
• BagelBoy – Amsterdam might not be the first place you think of for bagels, but BagelBoy’s freshly baked sourdough versions are seriously good. Pair one with their signature matcha—and don’t leave without a chocolate-chip cookie!
• The Pancake Bakery – Housed inside a historic 17th-century canal-side warehouse, this is the place to try a classic Dutch pancake. The menu is huge, with everything from powdered sugar and syrup to fully loaded savory creations.
• *Ree 7 – A cozy little café in the Nine Streets that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon sweet treat. Their homemade breads, cakes and picture-perfect French toast make it an ideal break between shopping stops.
• Lagome – A stylish all-day brunch spot serving everything from eggs and pancakes to burgers and loaded fries. It’s a great option when you want brunch food well beyond traditional brunch hours!

Lunch & Sandwiches: 

• Janz – Set inside the beautiful Pulitzer Amsterdam, Jansz serves polished small plates, salads and sandwiches in a series of elegant, art-filled dining rooms. It’s an especially lovely choice when you want lunch to feel a little more elevated.
• De Wasserrette  – A bustling daytime café in De Pijp that’s perfect for brunch, lunch or a sunny seat on the terrace. The menu covers everything from eggs and pancakes to fresh sandwiches and salads.
• *Zero Zero – This Italian-inspired sandwich shop makes generously stuffed schiacciata using fantastic sourdough bread. The mortadella with stracciatella, pistachio and Parmesan is the one to order!
• Buffet van Odette – A stylish canal-side favorite serving fresh, seasonal lunches in a bright and beautifully relaxed space. Grab a table on the terrace when the weather cooperates—it’s perfect for a long lunch and a glass of wine.
• Bon Burger  Bar– One of Amsterdam’s buzziest burger spots, known for juicy burgers, great ingredients and creative monthly specials. It’s casual, cool and absolutely worth getting a little messy for.
• *Kikkie – A lively canal-side spot with an all-day menu, excellent people-watching and one seriously good smashburger. Come for lunch and don’t be surprised if a quick meal turns into afternoon drinks.
• Bistro Neuf – A cozy, authentic French bistro near Central Station serving lunch, dinner and plenty of wonderful wine. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch when you’re craving a little taste of Paris.
• Maijard – Maijard takes the smashburger very seriously, using locally sourced Dutch ingredients whenever possible. The crispy edges and soft buns make this one of the city’s most satisfying quick lunches.
• *Leauf –  Leauf combines freshly baked bread with seasonal ingredients and house-made spreads. The menu changes regularly, which gives you an excellent excuse to keep coming back. Their chicken Caesar sandwich was incredible!!
• *Fort Negen – A destination bakery known for its dark-crusted sourdough, incredible pastries, and inventive weekend specials. The sandwiches and toasties are just as impressive, but arrive early—the best things have a habit of selling out!
• *Chun – This viral café is famous for its Korean-inspired stuffed toast served inside buttery, perfectly crisp brioche. Go early to beat the line and try the rib-eye bulgogi or egg with garlic shrimp.
• Dough Studio – Dough Studio serves enormous Italian schiacciata sandwiches that are easily big enough to share—although you may not want to. The porchetta with truffle pecorino, arugula and caramelized onions is a standout.
• Rosèl – A tiny takeaway spot serving a tightly edited selection of excellent sourdough sandwiches. Try the signature Rosèl with Dutch ham, guanciale compote, pickles and mustard mayo, then enjoy it beside one of the nearby canals.
• Stacks Deli – A retro-inspired neighborhood deli making its own breads, sweets, sauces and seriously stacked sandwiches. The classic club and BLT are both winners, but keep an eye out for their rotating specials.
• Mr. Brasa Foodtruck – Follow the smoky barbecue aroma—and probably a line—to find this popular food truck at markets around Amsterdam. The crispy pork-belly sandwich is the star and completely worth tracking down.
• KID – Nostalgic comfort food gets a cool, modern update at this neighborhood spot overlooking Frederik Hendrikplantsoen. Their ultra-crispy fried-chicken burger is one of Amsterdam’s best!
• Davie’s – This tiny Jordaan sandwich shop makes nearly everything in-house, from smoked salmon to pastrami, and pairs each filling with its own specially baked bread. Order the Lelie—smoky pastrami, mustard and pickles on marbled rye.
• Paindemie – Paindemie is less of a traditional sandwich shop and more of a wonderfully weird culinary playground. Expect Japanese milk bread filled with everything from truffled egg salad to eel, goat burgers and other combinations you won’t find anywhere else.
• Foodhallen – This enormous indoor food hall brings some of Amsterdam’s best casual eats together under one roof. With everything from burgers and dumplings to tacos and cocktails, it’s ideal when everyone wants something different.
• *Le Salonard – Part French deli, part neighborhood sandwich shop and an absolute picnic essential. Grab one of their excellent cold-cut sandwiches—or stock up on meats, cheeses and wine to take with you.

Dinner: 

• De Reiger – longtime Jordaan favorite serving French-inspired seafood, meat and fish dishes in a charming Art Deco setting. It has that wonderfully cozy, old-school Amsterdam atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening.
• *De Kas – Set inside a gorgeous glass conservatory, De Kas turns ingredients grown in its own gardens into beautiful, seasonal Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s a true farm-to-table experience and one of Amsterdam’s most special meals!
• Balthazar’s Keuken – This intimate Jordaan restaurant serves a creative, ever-changing menu from its tiny open kitchen. The rustic space is incredibly cozy—and it’s the sister restaurant to another favorite, Bar Parry!
• Little Collins – An Australian-inspired neighborhood favorite serving creative brunch dishes and excellent cocktails. Be sure to order the fried feta—it was one of my favorite things I ate!
• Toscanini – A beloved Amsterdam institution serving soulful, regional Italian cooking in a bright, rustic space. The open kitchen and family-style atmosphere make it feel both lively and wonderfully relaxed.
• The Duchess – Located inside the former KAS Bank, this glamorous Michelin Guide restaurant feels straight out of the Belle Époque. The French-inspired menu is inventive, but the jaw-dropping dining room is almost reason enough to visit.
• Kartika – This cozy, softly lit restaurant serves traditional Indonesian dishes surrounded by colorful Javanese puppets. Order the rijsttafel so you can sample a little bit of everything!
• *Café De Klepel – A wonderfully cozy French wine bar with more than 300 bottles and an ever-changing selection available by the glass. Pair your wine with the seasonal three- or four-course menu—or stop by for a few French snacks and Champagne.
• Salmuera – A buzzy, beautifully designed restaurant bringing together bold Argentinian and Mexican flavors. Come hungry, order several dishes to share, and don’t skip the mezcal cocktails!
• Cornerstore – This effortlessly cool spot in Noord pairs Asian-inspired small plates with a fantastic selection of natural wines. The minimalist space, vinyl soundtrack and creative menu make it perfect for a laid-back dinner.
• *Nnea Pizza – Some of the best Neapolitan pizza in Amsterdam, with beautifully airy crusts and inventive, high-quality toppings. Reservations are notoriously difficult to get, so set a reminder for the moment your date becomes available!
• Bak – Set inside a former warehouse overlooking the water, BAK serves beautifully composed, produce-driven tasting menus. Its organic ingredients, thoughtful cooking and extensive wine list have earned it a place in the Michelin Guide.
• De Tros – This laid-back neighborhood café in Amsterdam-Oost pairs an easygoing atmosphere with a surprisingly creative menu. Order the smashburger, stay for a glass of wine and absolutely save room for the brioche perdue.
• Little Bonfire – A cozy day-to-night restaurant serving contemporary comfort food straight from the grill. Grab a sunny terrace table in summer or cozy up beside the fireplace during the colder months.
• Weinlokal Stern – This modern German wine bar gives classics like schnitzel, bratwurst, spätzle and pretzels a fresh, contemporary spin. Naturally, the German wine selection is fantastic!
• Café Wilhelmina – A relaxed neighborhood café that works equally well for lunch, dinner or drinks with friends. The welcoming atmosphere and sunny terrace make it the sort of place you’ll wish were around the corner from home.
• Gitane – This stylish Oud-West restaurant serves colorful, Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a warm, retro space. It’s open from morning until late and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent food and approachable prices.
• *Café Binnenvisser – A lively, low-lit wine bar pairing natural bottles with seasonal, vegetable-forward comfort food. It gets wonderfully buzzy at night, so come ready to share plates and stay for another glass.
• Kafé Kontrast – One of Amsterdam’s most original restaurants, bringing Swedish and Indonesian flavors together on the same plate. The combination sounds unexpected, but the elevated comfort food makes it work beautifully.
• Bennie’s – A modern, casual eatery with an effortlessly cool atmosphere and a simple philosophy: keep it tasty. It’s an easy choice for a relaxed lunch, dinner or a few plates and drinks with friends.
• Ferry – Housed aboard a converted century-old ferry in the Houthavens, this waterside restaurant is worth visiting for the setting alone. The globally inspired menu, intimate cocktail bar and huge sunny terrace make it even better.
• Copain – Part restaurant, part creative culinary studio, Copain serves seasonal tasting menus inside an industrial space in Noord. The experience is refined and inventive without ever feeling overly formal.
• The Marlin Bar – A polished seafood-focused restaurant near the Concertgebouw where land and sea meet. Come for Dover sole, bouillabaisse or steak—and it’s an especially convenient choice before a concert.
• The Siren – An ultra-glamorous restaurant made for a celebratory night out. The sprawling menu moves from crudo, caviar and handmade pasta to seafood, Wagyu and showstopping cocktails.
• Vermut – This neighborhood aperitivo bar brings a little slice of Southern Europe to Oud-West. Stop by for vermouth, spritzes and Mediterranean plates, ideally during their early-evening Vermut Hour.
• Peps – A lively Spanish wine and tapas bar serving the kind of food that encourages you to order far too many plates. Come for vermouth and classic Mediterranean flavors, then settle in for the evening.
• Café Enté – This “nouveau brown café” blends the warmth of a traditional Jordaan pub with the food of a modern French bistro. Stop by for wine and oysters or settle in for a full meal of seasonal sharing plates.
• V&A Bistro Bar – This intimate canal-side restaurant has been reinvented as a relaxed French bistro. Expect French classics, locally sourced seafood and natural wines in a cozy, date-night-worthy setting.
• La Parole – A charming neighborhood restaurant with the warmth of a classic European bistro. The seasonal menu and easygoing atmosphere make it ideal for a cozy dinner and a bottle of wine.
• Arles – This intimate De Pijp restaurant serves modern French cooking with a creative, seasonal edge. The romantic courtyard and excellent-value tasting menu make it one of the neighborhood’s loveliest hidden gems.
• Mister Gyoza – Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, our cozy Gyoza bar offers a diverse menu of creative Gyoza dishes, Japanese sides, and delicious drinks. They also have a great lemon pie for dessert!
• Dumpling – This tiny Westerpark takeout window serves some of Amsterdam’s best Chinese street food. Order the pork dumplings, bao buns and an enormous Peking-duck crepe, then take everything across the street for a picnic in the park.
• Ken Sushi – An intimate omakase experience where the chefs prepare each piece directly in front of you and explain every ingredient along the way. Leave the ordering to them and enjoy 20 beautifully crafted bites of sushi!
• Bar Mash – A tiny, easygoing bar in De Pijp pairing Thai comfort food with cold beer and homemade cocktails. The large terrace is perfect for sunny afternoon drinks—order the pad Thai while you’re there!

Coffee & Bakery:

• Uncommon – A stylish specialty café roasting its own beans and taking coffee very seriously. The sleek, minimalist space makes it a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a perfectly made cup.
• *Louf – This bread-obsessed bakery makes incredible sourdough, beautifully laminated pastries and delicious coffee. It was one of my favorite discoveries in Amsterdam! Their Pain Suisse is a favorite and everything they have is just delicious! Also, visit their ‘de molen’ location for a giant windmill in the backyard!
• Café Thijssen – A wonderfully relaxed neighborhood café serving breakfast, sandwiches and casual snacks. Stop by for an afternoon coffee—or stay a little longer and turn it into cocktails!
• *Winkle 43 – This lively corner café is famous for serving one of Amsterdam’s most iconic slices of Dutch apple pie. There will probably be a line, but it moves fairly quickly and the warm pie with whipped cream is worth the wait!
• *The Papeneiland Café –  A historic canalside café serving coffee, beer and its own beloved Dutch apple pie. Locals often claim this one is even better than Winkel 43, so naturally you’ll have to try both and decide for yourself!
• Screaming Beans – A specialty coffee favorite roasting its own beans and serving some seriously good espresso. It’s an easy stop when you need a quality caffeine break while exploring the city.
• Wandu Café – A sweet little café serving coffee, tea, matcha and a tempting selection of pastries. The stylish space makes it perfect for a peaceful morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Bakers & Roasters – his bright, lively café combines New Zealand coffee culture with colorful Brazilian-inspired brunch dishes. Come hungry—the portions are generous, the baked goods are homemade and cocktails are always an option!
• *Toki – Excellent coffee meets effortlessly cool neighborhood energy at this laid-back café. Grab a seat, order something sweet and settle in with Amsterdam’s creative crowd.
• Selma’s – A family-run Nordic bakery serving Scandinavian pastries alongside excellent coffee. It’s a cozy spot to try traditional bakes you won’t find at every café in Amsterdam.
• Café ‘t Smalle – This wood-paneled corner pub has one of the prettiest little canalside terraces in Amsterdam. Stop by for coffee during the day or settle in with Belgian beer and something hearty later on.
• *Bakerij Wolf – Part artisan bakery, part sit-down café, Wolf serves exceptional breads, pastries and seriously memorable sandwiches. I had a religious experience with the chicken sandwich—and I’m already planning my return for the smashburger!
• De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam – This specialty deli is a cheese lover’s dream, packed with Dutch and imported varieties alongside meats, salads, wine and beer. Pick up a sandwich or build the ultimate canal-side picnic.
• STROOM in de Pijp  – A relaxed all-day café that works equally well for breakfast, lunch or afternoon drinks. The sunny terrace is especially lovely when Amsterdam’s weather decides to cooperate!
• Coffee & Coconuts – Set inside a soaring former cinema, this airy café serves specialty coffee, fresh coconut juice and an eclectic all-day menu. The beachy interiors bring a little tropical escape to the middle of De Pijp.
• *Saint-Jean – This completely plant-based bakery in the Jordaan is famous for pastries that taste far too decadent to be vegan. The pistachio cruffin is the star, but the excellent specialty coffee deserves some attention too!
• Haku – A serene, minimalist café serving carefully prepared specialty coffee and matcha. It’s the perfect escape when you want something quieter than Amsterdam’s busier brunch spots.
• *Cafe Coos – A bright neighborhood café serving beautiful pastries, fresh coffee and satisfying granola bowls. It’s an easy choice for a light breakfast or relaxed morning catch-up.
• Nook – A cozy little coffee spot where excellent drinks come with seriously tempting cookies. Order one warmed up alongside your coffee—you won’t regret it!
• Yusu – This lively Amsterdam-Oost café combines specialty coffee with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Come for the coffee and stay for the colorful drinks, creative food and sunny terrace.
• Luuk’s Coffee – An Amsterdam specialty roaster focused on making genuinely good coffee approachable enough for every day. The cafés are stylish without feeling precious—exactly what you want from a neighborhood coffee spot.
• Skina – The coffee menu here is playful, creative and far from ordinary, with fluffy whipped drinks and unexpected flavor combinations. Try the cold brew with orange for something especially refreshing!
• Scandinavian Embassy – One of Amsterdam’s original destinations for serious Nordic-style coffee and beautifully executed Scandinavian food. It’s small and understated, but the quality of both the brewing and the kitchen is exceptional.
• *Layers – A pastry counter filled with creative, beautifully laminated bakes that are almost too pretty to eat. The smashburger croissant is incredible.. and don’t skip the gochugang fries!
• *Canela – Cinnamon rolls are the main event at this sweet little bakery, with both classic flavors and more indulgent seasonal creations. The red velvet roll is particularly dangerous!
• *Farine – A French-inspired bakery serving flaky pastries, crusty breads and generously filled sandwiches. It’s equally good for a quick croissant and coffee or a proper grab-and-go lunch.
• *Lournes – Home to the gloriously over-the-top cookie croissant: a buttery croissant stuffed and topped with chocolate-chip cookie dough. It’s rich, ridiculous and absolutely worth sharing—or not!
• 4850 – By day, 4850 serves La Cabra specialty coffee, homemade pastries and Scandinavian buns; later, it transforms into a relaxed wine bar. Head over on the weekend for afternoon wine, snacks and one of Amsterdam-Oost’s best café atmospheres.
• *BunBun – Claiming the title of Amsterdam’s smallest bakery, BunBun specializes in sweet and savory buns made from flaky, layered croissant dough. They’re beautifully crisp outside, soft inside and packed with inventive fillings.
• *Salvo Bakehouse – This creative bakery is known for indulgent treats like its gooey cookie and pistachio cornetto. The selection constantly changes, so arrive hungry and let the pastry case make the decision for you.
• *Fabel Friet – This touristy French fry spot is worth the type. Crunchy, golden fries with several toppings to choose from – I got the parmesan shaved on top with truffle mayo! The line is worth the wait (and moves pretty quickly!) but I’d recommend going at a funny time of day.

To Drink:

• Hiding in Plain Sight – Hidden behind an unassuming entrance near the Red Light District, this intimate speakeasy serves some of Amsterdam’s most beautifully crafted cocktails. Reservations are a good idea—the secret is definitely out!
• *Café Twee Prinsen – This lively corner wine bar combines natural bottles, delicious little snacks and some of the best people-watching in the Jordaan. The crowd is always fun, especially when everyone spills onto the terrace.
• Blauwe Theehuis – Set inside a striking circular pavilion in Vondelpark, this laid-back beer garden is made for sunny afternoons. Grab one of Brouwerij ’t IJ’s craft beers and settle in on the huge terrace.
• Lotti’s at the Hoxton Hotel – The Hoxton’s buzzy lobby bar is perfect for cocktails, casual bites and a little people-watching. Don’t leave without squeezing into the vintage photo booth for a souvenir!
• *Pulitzer’s – This glamorous hotel bar pairs old-world elegance with beautifully crafted cocktails and polished service. It’s moody, intimate and one of my favorite places in Amsterdam for a proper drink.
• *Festina Lente – A cozy corner café along the Looiersgracht serving everything from local beer and cocktails to casual international dishes. It feels wonderfully unpretentious—and the canalside terrace is especially charming.
• Glouglou – One of Amsterdam’s original natural-wine bars, pouring funky bottles in a relaxed and wonderfully unfussy setting. Ask the team for a recommendation and order a few snacks to share.
• *Bar Parry –
• This buzzy little Jordaan wine bar was one of my favorite discoveries in Amsterdam. The wine selection is excellent, but the delicious small plates make it worth arriving hungry!
• *Club NYX – My pick for the best queer club in Amsterdam! Spread across multiple colorful floors, NYX delivers great DJs, drag performances and a wonderfully mixed, open-minded crowd.
• De Tulp – This ivy-covered tropical bar brings vacation energy to the middle of De Pijp. Come for colorful cocktails, globally inspired sharing plates and a lively terrace.
• Bar Mimi – Tucked into a residential corner of Amsterdam-Oost, Mimi feels like the neighborhood bistro everyone wishes they had nearby. Stop in for wine, seasonal dishes and a relaxed dinner away from the tourist crowds.
• RADION Amsterdam – An industrial cultural venue combining exhibitions, events, food and some seriously late club nights. The seasonal terrace is great for casual drinks before heading inside to dance.
• Cannibale Royale – This dark, wonderfully theatrical spot is part bar and part carnivore’s paradise. Come for towering burgers, generous cuts of meat and a late-night atmosphere that feels just a little bit mischievous.
• Bar Brasserie OCCO (at the Dylan Hotel) – The Dylan’s gorgeous all-day bar serves refined cocktails and brasserie dishes in an effortlessly elegant setting. Its secluded courtyard terrace is one of the loveliest places in the city for a quiet drink.
• Cafe Gambrinus – A warm, traditional neighborhood pub with an enormous beer selection and plenty of relaxed sidewalk seating. It’s perfect when you want a proper local beer without any fuss.
• Waterkant – This colorful canalside hangout combines cold beer, cocktails and Surinamese-inspired food with one of the city’s liveliest waterfront terraces. It’s especially fun on a sunny afternoon that turns into evening.
• Biertuin – A lively beer garden with dozens of draft and bottled options alongside hearty comfort food. Gather a group, claim a picnic table and prepare to stay much longer than planned.
• Brouwerij de Prael – This laid-back brewery in the historic center pours its own Amsterdam-made beers alongside classic pub food. The lively tasting room is perfect for sampling a flight and finding a new favorite.
• Hannekes Boom – This quirky dockside bar feels like Amsterdam’s answer to a bohemian beach shack. Grab a table beside the water for drinks, live music and casual dishes as the sun goes down.
• Bar Bukoski  – Inspired by the famously thirsty writer, this energetic corner bar serves coffee by day and cocktails well into the night. The terrace is always buzzing, and the casual food makes it easy to stay awhile.
• Café Ruk en Pluk  – A true old-school Amsterdam “brown café” filled with wonderfully eccentric decorations, Dutch music and neighborhood regulars. Come for a beer, embrace the kitsch and don’t be surprised if the entire room starts singing.
• Brouwerij t IJ -This beloved Amsterdam brewery sits beside the enormous De Gooyer windmill and pours its beers straight from the source. Order a flight on the terrace and be sure to try one of its refreshing wheat beers.
• Mooie Boule – Drinking becomes a little more competitive at this playful indoor pétanque hall. Book a lane, order drinks and challenge your friends to a round of the classic French game jeu de boules.
• Contra – A romantic restaurant, cocktail bar and live-music venue hidden in the heart of Amsterdam. The French-inspired food, intimate performances and canal-side setting make it a fantastic date-night spot.
• Door 74 – Hidden behind an unmarked door in the historic center, this intimate speakeasy serves refined, inventive cocktails in a dark, classic setting. Reservations are highly recommended, and all guests must be 21 or older.
• Soundgarden – An unapologetically old-school rock bar with cheap drinks, a pool table and a surprisingly lovely canalside terrace. It’s a little gritty, a lot of fun and refreshingly free of polish.
• Café de Linden – A modern neighborhood café that transitions effortlessly from morning coffee and lunch to evening snacks and late-night drinks. It’s relaxed, welcoming and the kind of place that works at almost any hour.
• Cima Rooftop – This Mexican-inspired rooftop pairs skyline views with tequila, mezcal, cocktails and shareable bites. Time your reservation for sunset, then stay as the DJs and city lights take over.
• Tuftuf – Designed as an after-dinner club for the 25-plus crowd, Tuftuf lets you ease from cocktails into a full night of dancing. Expect disco balls, throwback music and a stylish atmosphere without the intensity of a massive nightclub.
• Fabus – This women-led neighborhood wine bar pours natural bottles from lesser-represented regions alongside fantastic Levantine dishes. It’s inclusive, cozy and exactly the sort of place where one glass becomes several.
• Café Lomans – A classic neighborhood café with an easygoing local crowd and plenty of casual Dutch bar snacks. Get the vlammetjes—crispy little spicy-meat spring rolls that are dangerously good with a cold beer.
• Sissi’s – This stylish dinner-to-dancing spot begins with food and cocktails before gradually turning up the music. It’s ideal when you want a full night out without coordinating separate dinner and club reservations.
• Eddy’s Bar – A proper no-frills dive bar with dark interiors, cold beer and plenty of local character. It’s particularly good in winter, when the cozy, slightly worn-in atmosphere feels exactly right.
• Café Nol – A legendary Jordaan sing-along bar where Dutch classics play, and the entire room eventually joins in. You may not know any of the words, but that won’t stop you from having an unforgettable night!
• The Paskamer – An intimate wine bar and restaurant in De Pijp pairing interesting bottles with seasonal sharing plates. Let the team guide your wine choice and arrive hungry—the food deserves just as much attention.

To Do:

• *Visit the Anne Frank House – make a reservation online before your trip!
• Run through or picnic in Vondelpark
• *Visit the Vincent Van Gogh Museum
• Rent a boat and see the city from the canal!
• *Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Sip your way through the Heineken Experience
• Shop along the Nine Streets “De 9 Straatjes“
• Visit the Albert Cuyp Market
  • Eat a raw herring at Volendammer vismarket
  • try a “Baka Bana” at Warung Swietie Lelydorp
  • Grab a freshly baked stroopwafel at Rudi’s (the original!)
  • Try some “poffertjes” – traditional tiny Dutch pancakes
  • Grab a Surinamese sandwich Tjin’s Toko (“Pom” is the best one)
• Visit the Rembrandt House Museum
• Take a bike to Amsterdam-Noord and explore the northern neighborhood (take the free ferry!)
  • Tolhuistuin
  • FC Hyena for drinks
  • De Goudfazant for dinner
  • Cornerstore for dinner 
  • Skatecafe for drinks
  • Pllek is a cute beach town
• See the Kroller-Muller Museum
• Rent a bike and ride the streets like a local!
• Visit the Hortus Botanicus
• Farmers Market on Noordermarkt
• Shop:
  • Casa Gitane – Furniture & home goods
  • Mercer Amsterdam – Men & Women’s sneakers
  • De Bijenkorf – Department store
  • Wildernis – very cute plant shop
  • The Otherist – Cool taxidermied butterflies & insects
  • Concrete Matter – vintage American-inspired menswear
  • Closed – German brand of menswear
  • Margriet Nannings -curated designer menswear
  • Porcelien – Beautiful ceramics
  • Kapten & Son – German brand of backpacks, glasses
  • De9heren (The 9 Gents) – resort menswear
  • Project AMS – menswear
  • De Oliewinkel Amsterdam – Oils & tinned fish

To Stay:

• Pulitzer Amsterdam – A 5-star hotel nestled amongst Amsterdam’s most iconic canals
• Conservatorium – This luxury hotel is located right in the middle of the Museum district
• The Waldorf Astoria – Located in the UNESCO-listed city center, the hotel spans six 17th and 18th-century palaces on the Herengracht Canal. Enjoy an exceptional culinary experience in their two Michelin-starred restaurant, Spectrum, and indulge in personalized treatments at their Guerlain Spa.
• The Andaz – Housed in the former public library, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is one of the most creative luxury lifestyle hotels in the city,
• The Dylan – For a luxury 5-star experience, this boutique hotel offers a unique stay. It’s where Beyoncé stays when she’s in town!
• The Hoxton – Set in storied canal houses, this chic, contemporary hotel has a hopping lobby bar!
• Hotel De L’Europe – This iconic canal-side hotel blends old-world Amsterdam glamour with beautifully updated rooms, exceptional dining and some of the city’s dreamiest views. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring, although the luxurious interiors may convince you never to leave!

With its blend of historic charm, cultural diversity, and renowned cozy culture, Amsterdam makes for an utterly engaging city break. Just be prepared for the possibility of impromptu rain showers during your visit to this beguiling “Venice of the North.” Have you been to Amsterdam yet? You’ll have to let me know some of your favorite things to do in the city!

Stay Risky,

– John