Guidebook for Amsterdam
Food Scene
Only place on Rembrantplein locals will also frequent. Nice, brasserie type place. Happens to be venue local late night show is recorded.
36 locals recommend
Schiller
24-A RembrandtpleinOnly place on Rembrantplein locals will also frequent. Nice, brasserie type place. Happens to be venue local late night show is recorded.
Food court in our largest department store; don't let that scare you, the food is good and affordable, there is a breakfast buffet for 3.75 E until 11.00 and there is plenty of space, also on balcony!
11 locals recommend
La Place Amsterdam Kalverstraat
201-203 KalverstraatFood court in our largest department store; don't let that scare you, the food is good and affordable, there is a breakfast buffet for 3.75 E until 11.00 and there is plenty of space, also on balcony!
Grab a coffee and a quick breakfast, or a take away meal and bottle of chilled wine-- this deli is open 09.00-22.00 and serves delicious treats. Only one block away.
45 locals recommend
STACH Food
1A Nieuwe HoogstraatGrab a coffee and a quick breakfast, or a take away meal and bottle of chilled wine-- this deli is open 09.00-22.00 and serves delicious treats. Only one block away.
Best kept secret: Idyllic garden tucked away behind the Hermitage, amid beautiful 17th century estates. The terrace has sun the entire afternoon, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing! Our fav spot!
85 locals recommend
Dignita Hoftuin
18a Nieuwe HerengrachtBest kept secret: Idyllic garden tucked away behind the Hermitage, amid beautiful 17th century estates. The terrace has sun the entire afternoon, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing! Our fav spot!
Well loved chain of bread bakeries and sandwich shops, also know for its pastries and sweets (Belgian Style). Perfect for a quick and hearty breakfast- opens at 08.00 weekdays, 09.00 weekends.
25 locals recommend
Vlaamsch Broodhuys A'dam B.V.
109 VijzelstraatWell loved chain of bread bakeries and sandwich shops, also know for its pastries and sweets (Belgian Style). Perfect for a quick and hearty breakfast- opens at 08.00 weekdays, 09.00 weekends.
Another breakfast spot close to our house. We're from NYC so we are totally biased when it comes to bagels, which we won't get into here, but this will def do for quick BF and coffee. Opens at 09.00
40 locals recommend
Vegetarisch Restaurant Betty's
75 RijnstraatAnother breakfast spot close to our house. We're from NYC so we are totally biased when it comes to bagels, which we won't get into here, but this will def do for quick BF and coffee. Opens at 09.00
Iconic Grand-Cafe along the Amstel, nice place/terrace to rest after strolling along Weesperzijde, the east bank of said river. Opens 08.00 for breakfast and closes late- serves food until 22.30.
399 locals recommend
Café Restaurant De Ysbreeker
23 WeesperzijdeIconic Grand-Cafe along the Amstel, nice place/terrace to rest after strolling along Weesperzijde, the east bank of said river. Opens 08.00 for breakfast and closes late- serves food until 22.30.
Take the free ferry across 't IJ and visit EYE-restaurant/cafe overlooking the water and city.
1109 locals recommend
Eye Film Museum
1 IJpromenadeTake the free ferry across 't IJ and visit EYE-restaurant/cafe overlooking the water and city.
The Waag is a 15th-century building on Nieuwmarkt square which now houses Restaurant Cafe In de Waag.Opens at 09.00 for coffee and pastries, also serves lunch, high tea and dinner. Nice historic venue
59 locals recommend
Waag
4 NieuwmarktThe Waag is a 15th-century building on Nieuwmarkt square which now houses Restaurant Cafe In de Waag.Opens at 09.00 for coffee and pastries, also serves lunch, high tea and dinner. Nice historic venue
Grab a local (micro) brew and some comfort food at this always busy beer factory. The hipster answer to the Heineken Experience- and much closer too (in case you like the beer a little too much :))
61 locals recommend
Bierfabriek Amsterdam
67 NesGrab a local (micro) brew and some comfort food at this always busy beer factory. The hipster answer to the Heineken Experience- and much closer too (in case you like the beer a little too much :))
Best about Nel's is the location, beautiful terrace overlooking the crossing of Prinsengracht and Reguliersgracht, famous for it's beautiful arch bridges. Good to sit, rest and a drink, food is OK.
68 locals recommend
Brasserie Nel
12 AmstelveldBest about Nel's is the location, beautiful terrace overlooking the crossing of Prinsengracht and Reguliersgracht, famous for it's beautiful arch bridges. Good to sit, rest and a drink, food is OK.
Straight up Chinese restaurant in the middle of Amsterdam Chinatown. Everything you expect from a decent Chinese place: gigantic menu, good food, fast service and Heineken beer :)
94 locals recommend
Nam Kee
111-113 ZeedijkStraight up Chinese restaurant in the middle of Amsterdam Chinatown. Everything you expect from a decent Chinese place: gigantic menu, good food, fast service and Heineken beer :)
Spanish Tapas joint- run by Spaniards. Local favorite, especially enjoyable if you are not in a rush.
200 locals recommend
Pata Negra
124 UtrechtsestraatSpanish Tapas joint- run by Spaniards. Local favorite, especially enjoyable if you are not in a rush.
BEST Indonesian place in town(and arguably the Netherlands). Walk in ahead of time to reserve a table, especially with larger parties. Hot pepper lovers should try the tasting menu! Highly recommend.
34 locals recommend
Tempo Doeloe
75 UtrechtsestraatBEST Indonesian place in town(and arguably the Netherlands). Walk in ahead of time to reserve a table, especially with larger parties. Hot pepper lovers should try the tasting menu! Highly recommend.
Our favorite local Thai place, food and service are excellent. Place is quite small but never disappointing food-wise. Please note the address is RAAMGRACHT 9- around the corner from our house.
Raan Phad Thai 2
9 RaamgrachtOur favorite local Thai place, food and service are excellent. Place is quite small but never disappointing food-wise. Please note the address is RAAMGRACHT 9- around the corner from our house.
Lunchroom that also offers outdoor seating. Serves breakfast and lunch, opens at 09.00.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Tisfris
142 Sint AntoniesbreestraatLunchroom that also offers outdoor seating. Serves breakfast and lunch, opens at 09.00.
Cafe that serves breakfast, lunch amid the mostly Chinese and Asian places on Zeedijk (Amsterdam's Chinatown). Opens at 08.00.
63 locals recommend
Latei
143 ZeedijkCafe that serves breakfast, lunch amid the mostly Chinese and Asian places on Zeedijk (Amsterdam's Chinatown). Opens at 08.00.
Zuivere Koffie
39 UtrechtsestraatLocal spot- breakfast and lunch. Opens at 08.00
If you're looking for something familiar- this is the closest Starbucks. Opens early: 07.00.
Starbucks Coffee Netherlands BV
If you're looking for something familiar- this is the closest Starbucks. Opens early: 07.00.
One of our favs: Great bakery. Delicious selection of sweets and savory delights, sandwiches, quiches, etc. Small but homey and quirky, good service. Food all organic. Open 08.00 to 20.00.
79 locals recommend
De Laatste Kruimel
4 LangebrugsteegOne of our favs: Great bakery. Delicious selection of sweets and savory delights, sandwiches, quiches, etc. Small but homey and quirky, good service. Food all organic. Open 08.00 to 20.00.
Local literary cafe, lunch, dinner and outdoor terrace. Live Jazz on weekends.
46 locals recommend
The Garden
59HS KloveniersburgwalLocal literary cafe, lunch, dinner and outdoor terrace. Live Jazz on weekends.
Best authentic Thai restaurant in Amsterdam set in a fine dining atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic dinner just a few minutes walk from our house.
10 locals recommend
Krua Thai Classic
22 StaalstraatBest authentic Thai restaurant in Amsterdam set in a fine dining atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic dinner just a few minutes walk from our house.
California=style burritos (Chipotle, anyone?) fast food style. The best installment of Mexican-South-West (fast) food Amsterdam has to offer. If you're craving comfort food, texmex style, this is it!
16 locals recommend
Salsa Shop
32 AmstelstraatCalifornia=style burritos (Chipotle, anyone?) fast food style. The best installment of Mexican-South-West (fast) food Amsterdam has to offer. If you're craving comfort food, texmex style, this is it!
Adjacent to this low key hotel is a vegetarian breakfast/lunchroom, very cute and on nice days you can sit outside on pretty tables and enjoy the view of the Amstel. Restaurant is called BeteaBonDieu.
720 locals recommend
Amsterdam
Adjacent to this low key hotel is a vegetarian breakfast/lunchroom, very cute and on nice days you can sit outside on pretty tables and enjoy the view of the Amstel. Restaurant is called BeteaBonDieu.
Nice local coffee-breakfast-lunch place in one of our favorite streets!
65 locals recommend
Puccini Bomboni
17 StaalstraatNice local coffee-breakfast-lunch place in one of our favorite streets!
Best breakfast Lunch in the neighborhood! Make a reservation, or be prepared to wait. In any case, take your time, as this place is worth the while. From there stroll to the Begijnhof for sightseeing!
55 locals recommend
Gartine
7 TaksteegBest breakfast Lunch in the neighborhood! Make a reservation, or be prepared to wait. In any case, take your time, as this place is worth the while. From there stroll to the Begijnhof for sightseeing!
Arts & Culture
Beautiful, art deco cinema, now run by Pathe but still offers art house movies as well. For a rainy afternoon, don't hesitate- this is the perfect location :-) Can book tix online in advance.
340 locals recommend
Pathé Tuschinski
26-34 ReguliersbreestraatBeautiful, art deco cinema, now run by Pathe but still offers art house movies as well. For a rainy afternoon, don't hesitate- this is the perfect location :-) Can book tix online in advance.
Everything Else
Best, most diverse and authentic market in Amsterdam. Food, retail and groceries all lined in perfect stalls along Dapperstraat. The donerplace on the mauritskade side alone is worth the trek!
673 locals recommend
Dappermarkt
383 Eerste Van SwindenstraatBest, most diverse and authentic market in Amsterdam. Food, retail and groceries all lined in perfect stalls along Dapperstraat. The donerplace on the mauritskade side alone is worth the trek!
Visit the market and surrounding area for fun shops and cafe's. This area is called De Pijp and well loved among Amsterdammers.
1832 locals recommend
Albert Cuyp Market
Albert CuypstraatVisit the market and surrounding area for fun shops and cafe's. This area is called De Pijp and well loved among Amsterdammers.
This street and surrounding area are the heart of the Jordaan and host numerous great restaurants, pubs and cafe's. La Oliva, Assaggi and Los Pilones just to name a few. Walk around-explore-discover!
8 locals recommend
Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat
Tweede AnjeliersdwarsstraatThis street and surrounding area are the heart of the Jordaan and host numerous great restaurants, pubs and cafe's. La Oliva, Assaggi and Los Pilones just to name a few. Walk around-explore-discover!
Art lovers must see the Rijksmuseum (Gallery of Honour alone is worth the visit!) as well as the Van Gogh and the Stedelijk. If the lines are too long, check out the Diamond museum across the street.
1480 locals recommend
Museumplein
MuseumpleinArt lovers must see the Rijksmuseum (Gallery of Honour alone is worth the visit!) as well as the Van Gogh and the Stedelijk. If the lines are too long, check out the Diamond museum across the street.
Closest bike rental shop for the 'I am a tourist' giveaway red bikes. We highly recommend renting bikes to discover the city outside the center. Note to familiarize yourself with rules/codes, etc.
77 locals recommend
MacBike Repair Shop Waterlooplein
289 WaterloopleinClosest bike rental shop for the 'I am a tourist' giveaway red bikes. We highly recommend renting bikes to discover the city outside the center. Note to familiarize yourself with rules/codes, etc.
Doctors Office (General Practitioners). Walk in consultations weekdays between 07.45 and 09.00 (costs 26 euro). For medical care outside office hours call: 088 003 06 00. Emergency # in NL is 112
Huisartsenpraktijk Keizersgracht
2 WestermarktDoctors Office (General Practitioners). Walk in consultations weekdays between 07.45 and 09.00 (costs 26 euro). For medical care outside office hours call: 088 003 06 00. Emergency # in NL is 112
Local pharmacy. Small but has knowledgeable and friendly staff. Please note there are no medicines for flu/colds available in the Netherlands without a doctors script.
Dam Apotheek
2 DamstraatLocal pharmacy. Small but has knowledgeable and friendly staff. Please note there are no medicines for flu/colds available in the Netherlands without a doctors script.
World class photography museum, a must see for modern art lovers. Walking distance.
792 locals recommend
Foam
609 KeizersgrachtWorld class photography museum, a must see for modern art lovers. Walking distance.
Affordable breakfast and sandwich place very close to our house. Opens at 08.00.
15 locals recommend
Broodbar
18 KloveniersburgwalAffordable breakfast and sandwich place very close to our house. Opens at 08.00.
Our favorite flower shop on Bloemenmarkt (the flower market), high quality fresh flowers, great service by family owned and operated business. One of the few that hasn't succumbed to 'touristtrapcrap'
Klaas Timmer Flowers B.V.
Our favorite flower shop on Bloemenmarkt (the flower market), high quality fresh flowers, great service by family owned and operated business. One of the few that hasn't succumbed to 'touristtrapcrap'
Beer shop where you can find almost any kind of artisanal beer. A must visit for beer lovers :)
11 locals recommend
De Bierkoning
125 PaleisstraatBeer shop where you can find almost any kind of artisanal beer. A must visit for beer lovers :)
Essentials
Beautiful delicatessen that serves fresh made food and groceries. Perfect for take away breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also for a great cheese selection to bring back home ;-) One of our favorites!
11 locals recommend
V.O.F. 'n Sterk Staaltje
12 StaalstraatBeautiful delicatessen that serves fresh made food and groceries. Perfect for take away breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also for a great cheese selection to bring back home ;-) One of our favorites!
Smaller store of Netherlands' largest grocer, good for quick errands or basics to take back to your room. Larger store is located on Jodebreestraat (see above).
127 locals recommend
Albert Heijn
47 H ZeilstraatSmaller store of Netherlands' largest grocer, good for quick errands or basics to take back to your room. Larger store is located on Jodebreestraat (see above).
Larger store of Netherlands' main supermarket chain. Great for stocking up on basics. Smaller store for quick grocery runs is located below at Nieuwmarkt.
125 locals recommend
AH Jodenbreestraat
21 JodenbreestraatLarger store of Netherlands' main supermarket chain. Great for stocking up on basics. Smaller store for quick grocery runs is located below at Nieuwmarkt.
High end, local, organic, sustainable etc etc grocery store. Great products, high quality. Bring your wallet...:)
857 locals recommend
Marqt
402 CeintuurbaanHigh end, local, organic, sustainable etc etc grocery store. Great products, high quality. Bring your wallet...:)
Sightseeing
The Museum is a must see, but whether you get the chance or not: take a moment to visit the gardens surrounding the museum. The southeast part has an art installation fountain and a little bar :) FREE
3186 locals recommend
Rijksmuseum
1 MuseumstraatThe Museum is a must see, but whether you get the chance or not: take a moment to visit the gardens surrounding the museum. The southeast part has an art installation fountain and a little bar :) FREE
Take the free ferry across 't IJ and visit EYE- film museum, movie theater and architectural curiosity. Great gift shop and even better (gigantic!) cafe overlooking the water and city.
1109 locals recommend
Eye Film Museum
1 IJpromenadeTake the free ferry across 't IJ and visit EYE- film museum, movie theater and architectural curiosity. Great gift shop and even better (gigantic!) cafe overlooking the water and city.
17th-century Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam, with adjacent Jewish museum is worth checking out. Make sure to check when it's open to the public as it is still in use during Jewish holidays/events.
55 locals recommend
Portuguese Synagogue
3 Mr. Visserplein17th-century Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam, with adjacent Jewish museum is worth checking out. Make sure to check when it's open to the public as it is still in use during Jewish holidays/events.
Rembrandt House Museum is the house in the Jodenbreestraat where the Master himself lived and painted for a number of years-- just a few bridges from our house.
301 locals recommend
Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)
4 JodenbreestraatRembrandt House Museum is the house in the Jodenbreestraat where the Master himself lived and painted for a number of years-- just a few bridges from our house.
Local office for the Canalboat 'hop on hop off' tours. Buy your tickets here and take the boat across the water at the landing in front of the Stopera, home to the national Ballet/Opera and City Hall.
Canal Company - Shop Blauwbrug
200 AmstelLocal office for the Canalboat 'hop on hop off' tours. Buy your tickets here and take the boat across the water at the landing in front of the Stopera, home to the national Ballet/Opera and City Hall.
Amsterdam's city zoo- historic place; the zoo was built on local plantations mid to late nineteenth century. Very interesting as city zoo's go, if you have a spare afternoon, plan a visit.
1622 locals recommend
ARTIS
38-40 Plantage KerklaanAmsterdam's city zoo- historic place; the zoo was built on local plantations mid to late nineteenth century. Very interesting as city zoo's go, if you have a spare afternoon, plan a visit.
Amsterdam's Botanic gardens. Few blocks from our house, wonderful to combine with a visit to the Zoo or the Hermitage.
299 locals recommend
Hortus Botanicus
2a Plantage MiddenlaanAmsterdam's Botanic gardens. Few blocks from our house, wonderful to combine with a visit to the Zoo or the Hermitage.
Shopping
Great shop-gallery of design and curiosities. This entire street is super nice to stroll along and visit the little shops, from delicatessen to design and clothing, you're bound to find something fun!
47 locals recommend
@droog amsterdam
7B StaalstraatGreat shop-gallery of design and curiosities. This entire street is super nice to stroll along and visit the little shops, from delicatessen to design and clothing, you're bound to find something fun!
Artisanal Bonbons/chocolaterie with adjacent coffeeshop (real coffee, that is :)). Expensive, but worth it for chocolate lovers.
65 locals recommend
Puccini Bomboni
17 StaalstraatArtisanal Bonbons/chocolaterie with adjacent coffeeshop (real coffee, that is :)). Expensive, but worth it for chocolate lovers.
Visit Netherlands, take home some cheese! This specialty cheese shop is perfect to stop, taste and choose your favorite kinds.
50 locals recommend
Kaashuis Tromp
90 UtrechtsestraatVisit Netherlands, take home some cheese! This specialty cheese shop is perfect to stop, taste and choose your favorite kinds.
Heaven for wine lovers. Talk to knowledgeable staff and you are sure to get great recommendations for wine you will love.
12 locals recommend
Grapedistrict De Pijp
54 Van WoustraatHeaven for wine lovers. Talk to knowledgeable staff and you are sure to get great recommendations for wine you will love.
Fun, authentic shopping area with small, mostly private shops and establishments located in nine side streets each a block long. Also gateway to the Jordaan another area well worth the stroll.
1405 locals recommend
De 9 Straatjes
Fun, authentic shopping area with small, mostly private shops and establishments located in nine side streets each a block long. Also gateway to the Jordaan another area well worth the stroll.
Drinks & Nightlife
Local brewery 't IJ is located by old Dutch windmill and brews micro, craft beers. Fun outing, especially when weather is nice there is a big terrace where locals and tourist alike love to hang out.
1100 locals recommend
Brouwerij 't IJ
7 FunenkadeLocal brewery 't IJ is located by old Dutch windmill and brews micro, craft beers. Fun outing, especially when weather is nice there is a big terrace where locals and tourist alike love to hang out.
Locals love this tiny place with a giant terrace, especially when weather is nice. Great for a rest if you plan to visit the Public Library, Nemo, the VOC ship or the National Maritime Museum.
533 locals recommend
Hannekes Boom
4 DijksgrachtLocals love this tiny place with a giant terrace, especially when weather is nice. Great for a rest if you plan to visit the Public Library, Nemo, the VOC ship or the National Maritime Museum.