Guidebook for Amsterdam
Food Scene
Only for the serious carnivores; big steaks, burgers and hands-down the best spare ribs in the city. The supersized cocktails served in a glass human skull add to the overindulgence.
81 locals recommend
Cannibale Royale Handboogstraat
17a HandboogstraatOnly for the serious carnivores; big steaks, burgers and hands-down the best spare ribs in the city. The supersized cocktails served in a glass human skull add to the overindulgence.
This tiny hole-in-the-wall establishment sells what many consider to be the best french fries in the city. The assortment of sauces is impressive, the Belgian mayonaise is my personal favourite!
53 locals recommend
Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx
33 VoetboogstraatThis tiny hole-in-the-wall establishment sells what many consider to be the best french fries in the city. The assortment of sauces is impressive, the Belgian mayonaise is my personal favourite!
It's a good sign when an Italian deli based in Holland is always full of Italians. Great spot for a quick bite if you're in the Dam Square area. I always go for the Mondello sandwich on Focaccia.
13 locals recommend
Caldi e freddi
102 SpuistraatIt's a good sign when an Italian deli based in Holland is always full of Italians. Great spot for a quick bite if you're in the Dam Square area. I always go for the Mondello sandwich on Focaccia.
This place is tucked away behind the Dam Square. It serves a tasty lunch menu but the real highlight are their cakes!
68 locals recommend
De Drie Graefjes
130 RokinThis place is tucked away behind the Dam Square. It serves a tasty lunch menu but the real highlight are their cakes!
This is a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. They do fried eggs, bacon etc. All for a good price.
26 locals recommend
Broodje Bert
321 SingelThis is a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. They do fried eggs, bacon etc. All for a good price.
Greenwoods is a small English style cafe who serve great breakfast and lunch dishes. They are a small establishment and they're very popular so be prepared to wait outside for a table.
49 locals recommend
Greenwoods Singel
103 SingelGreenwoods is a small English style cafe who serve great breakfast and lunch dishes. They are a small establishment and they're very popular so be prepared to wait outside for a table.
A charming place to stop and have a coffee. They are also renowned for their Dutch apple pie.
506 locals recommend
Winkel 43
43 NoordermarktA charming place to stop and have a coffee. They are also renowned for their Dutch apple pie.
Nothing fancy but just a good place to have a burger and fries. It's right next to a Burger King but this is the place to go instead!
47 locals recommend
Bar De Burgh
2 KolksteegNothing fancy but just a good place to have a burger and fries. It's right next to a Burger King but this is the place to go instead!
This Middle Eastern restaurant is housed in a stunning converted church. The menu is exotic but affordable. You can usually get a table without booking.
258 locals recommend
De Bazar Amsterdam B.V.
182 Albert CuypstraatThis Middle Eastern restaurant is housed in a stunning converted church. The menu is exotic but affordable. You can usually get a table without booking.
Our favourite breakfast spot in Amsterdam. Unusually high levels of service for Amsterdam and delicious food. Not the cheapest but totally worth it, ticks every box!
315 locals recommend
Bakers & Roasters
54 Eerste Jacob van CampenstraatOur favourite breakfast spot in Amsterdam. Unusually high levels of service for Amsterdam and delicious food. Not the cheapest but totally worth it, ticks every box!
Hands down the best lunch spot in the neighbourhood. Everything this tiny Parisian style cafe serves is super flavourful and indulgent. One of my favourites is the sandwich with chicken, cheese and onion compote. They stay open until late so also a good option for a simple dinner. Tasty!
79 locals recommend
De Laatste Kruimel
4 LangebrugsteegHands down the best lunch spot in the neighbourhood. Everything this tiny Parisian style cafe serves is super flavourful and indulgent. One of my favourites is the sandwich with chicken, cheese and onion compote. They stay open until late so also a good option for a simple dinner. Tasty!
Nice falafels with a healthy salad bar. The place is tiny and always full of tourists but you can also take a to-go box. If you do that, buy some pita breads at the supermarket and you have a really affordable and tasty meal to have at home!
21 locals recommend
Maoz Vegetarian
1 MuntpleinNice falafels with a healthy salad bar. The place is tiny and always full of tourists but you can also take a to-go box. If you do that, buy some pita breads at the supermarket and you have a really affordable and tasty meal to have at home!
This place is tucked away in a narrow alley but it's really worth tracking down. They serve a variety of sweet and savoury goods, from delicious salmon quiche to gooey chocolate cake.
Traiterie Chef
5 RaamsteegThis place is tucked away in a narrow alley but it's really worth tracking down. They serve a variety of sweet and savoury goods, from delicious salmon quiche to gooey chocolate cake.
Cozy little spot for breakfast or lunch right around the corner from the apartment. Their large toasted sandwiches are a highlight.
23 locals recommend
Toastable Koningsplein
441 SingelCozy little spot for breakfast or lunch right around the corner from the apartment. Their large toasted sandwiches are a highlight.
Top-notch restaurant, from the service to the fresh produce. Definitely worth the money.
59 locals recommend
The Seafood Bar Spui
15 SpuiTop-notch restaurant, from the service to the fresh produce. Definitely worth the money.
For an authentically Dutch meal and atmosphere, try Restaurant 't Zwaantje. Located in the heart of the charming Nine streets, this cosy living-room like space makes for a cheerful, unpretentious experience.
17 locals recommend
Restaurant 't Zwaantje
12 BerenstraatFor an authentically Dutch meal and atmosphere, try Restaurant 't Zwaantje. Located in the heart of the charming Nine streets, this cosy living-room like space makes for a cheerful, unpretentious experience.
Tucked away in a charming alleyway in one of the oldest parts of town lies cheerful Kapitein Zeppos. Affordable, tasty food with live music most evenings.
33 locals recommend
Kapitein Zeppos
5 Gebed Zonder EndTucked away in a charming alleyway in one of the oldest parts of town lies cheerful Kapitein Zeppos. Affordable, tasty food with live music most evenings.
An intimate dining experience in the stylish nine streets neighbourhood. Fine food served in a typically Amsterdam basement setting. Great for date night.
22 locals recommend
Restaurant de Struisvogel
312 KeizersgrachtAn intimate dining experience in the stylish nine streets neighbourhood. Fine food served in a typically Amsterdam basement setting. Great for date night.
One part games arcade, one part restaurant. Both the games and the food present an exciting fusion of Japanese and American culture. Enjoy the popular ramen burger and then dance it off at the Dance Revolution arcade game.
120 locals recommend
TonTon Club West
27 PolonceaukadeOne part games arcade, one part restaurant. Both the games and the food present an exciting fusion of Japanese and American culture. Enjoy the popular ramen burger and then dance it off at the Dance Revolution arcade game.
Sleek, glass-fronted cafe and bar at the top of a modern shopping complex, for panoramic city views - which in a city without mountains is a rare feature.
48 locals recommend
Blue Amsterdam
457 SingelSleek, glass-fronted cafe and bar at the top of a modern shopping complex, for panoramic city views - which in a city without mountains is a rare feature.
Tastiest bowl of ramen in town, in a bright, clean space. Efficient service, young vibe.
58 locals recommend
Fou Fow Ramen
2A ElandsgrachtTastiest bowl of ramen in town, in a bright, clean space. Efficient service, young vibe.
One of the better food franchises in Amsterdam. Fresh ingredients, efficient, friendly service.
16 locals recommend
Salsa Shop
32 AmstelstraatOne of the better food franchises in Amsterdam. Fresh ingredients, efficient, friendly service.
Hummus at the centre of every meal. Perfect, heart warming meals on a vegan oriented menu. Surprising flavours and down to earth atmosphere.
Hummus House
25C Sint AntoniesbreestraatHummus at the centre of every meal. Perfect, heart warming meals on a vegan oriented menu. Surprising flavours and down to earth atmosphere.
Authentic Italian deli food in a cosy setting. Located on the historic Elandsgracht. On warm days grab the window seat and watch the Jordaan residents go by.
8 locals recommend
Cibo & Vino
89 ElandsgrachtAuthentic Italian deli food in a cosy setting. Located on the historic Elandsgracht. On warm days grab the window seat and watch the Jordaan residents go by.
Looking for something tasty, healthy and easy on the pocket? Soup en zo is just off the hustle and bustle of the Leidseplein area and has wonderful quick, hearty meals on offer. Stay and eating for excellent people watching as they zip by on their bicycles.
31 locals recommend
Soup en Zo - Spiegel
54 Nieuwe SpiegelstraatLooking for something tasty, healthy and easy on the pocket? Soup en zo is just off the hustle and bustle of the Leidseplein area and has wonderful quick, hearty meals on offer. Stay and eating for excellent people watching as they zip by on their bicycles.
Well priced, sizeable portions of tasty Chinese food served hot and fast. When even the complimentary condiments are exciting you know they know their food - wonderful chilli oil on each table adds that extra zing if you're so inclined.
9 locals recommend
Asian Kitchen
5-A VijzelstraatWell priced, sizeable portions of tasty Chinese food served hot and fast. When even the complimentary condiments are exciting you know they know their food - wonderful chilli oil on each table adds that extra zing if you're so inclined.
Super tasty and well affordable quick dining. The after work, mid week indulgence of many a local.
Pasta Factory
7 MuntpleinSuper tasty and well affordable quick dining. The after work, mid week indulgence of many a local.
A vast hall with various food and drinks stands. A meeting place for a quick bite in a social atmosphere.
1500 locals recommend
Foodhallen Amsterdam
16 BellamypleinA vast hall with various food and drinks stands. A meeting place for a quick bite in a social atmosphere.
Being just off the 'bursting at the seams' Leidsestraat, this wholesome gem of a cafe offers some peace and lightness. With a health oriented menu, it's a great spot for a breather in between inner city shopping.
46 locals recommend
Lavinia Good Food
176 KerkstraatBeing just off the 'bursting at the seams' Leidsestraat, this wholesome gem of a cafe offers some peace and lightness. With a health oriented menu, it's a great spot for a breather in between inner city shopping.
Tasty, authentic everyday Lebanese food. Welcoming staff, peaceful decor, Unpretentious excellence.
11 locals recommend
The Lebanese Sajeria
1 Wijde HeisteegTasty, authentic everyday Lebanese food. Welcoming staff, peaceful decor, Unpretentious excellence.
Drinks & Nightlife
If beer is your thing then Arendsnest is the place to go. They specialise in Dutch beers, more than 100 to choose from, including 30 on tap!
65 locals recommend
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
90 HerengrachtIf beer is your thing then Arendsnest is the place to go. They specialise in Dutch beers, more than 100 to choose from, including 30 on tap!
As the name suggests, this tiny bar specialises in Belgian beers. Most nights they also have DJ's playing vinyl records, lots of reggae, funk, soul etc. It's a real little hidden gem!
25 locals recommend
Cafe Belgique
2 GravenstraatAs the name suggests, this tiny bar specialises in Belgian beers. Most nights they also have DJ's playing vinyl records, lots of reggae, funk, soul etc. It's a real little hidden gem!
This place was recently voted the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam. Their drinks are sublime and the place has a great atmosphere. It's not cheap but it's worth it. Book ahead if you can.
87 locals recommend
Tales & Spirits
5-7 LijnbaanssteegThis place was recently voted the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam. Their drinks are sublime and the place has a great atmosphere. It's not cheap but it's worth it. Book ahead if you can.
Watch the boats go by in this unpretentious bar/restaurant situated next to the water. This is a very popular spot with young locals, it's busy here all year round.
533 locals recommend
Hannekes Boom
4 DijksgrachtWatch the boats go by in this unpretentious bar/restaurant situated next to the water. This is a very popular spot with young locals, it's busy here all year round.
Pacific Parc is a cool local hangout away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. They serve dinner most evenings and on weekends there are DJ's and occasional live bands.
428 locals recommend
Pacific Parc
23 PolonceaukadePacific Parc is a cool local hangout away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. They serve dinner most evenings and on weekends there are DJ's and occasional live bands.
This recently renovated nightclub is on the 7th floor of an old newspaper building. You have to pay to get in but it's worth it. The lineups are varied so check out what's on before you go.
346 locals recommend
Canvas
150 WibautstraatThis recently renovated nightclub is on the 7th floor of an old newspaper building. You have to pay to get in but it's worth it. The lineups are varied so check out what's on before you go.
With its creative themed cocktail menu and atmospheric decor, Door 74 is not one to miss. That is easier said than done; they have a secret hidden entrance. Good luck finding it!
149 locals recommend
Door74
74 ReguliersdwarsstraatWith its creative themed cocktail menu and atmospheric decor, Door 74 is not one to miss. That is easier said than done; they have a secret hidden entrance. Good luck finding it!
Amsterdam's only bar dedicated to Hip-Hop music! Most nights live DJ's play a selection of classics and/or new school. Be warned: it can get seriously crowded at the weekends.
10 locals recommend
Café De Duivel
87 ReguliersdwarsstraatAmsterdam's only bar dedicated to Hip-Hop music! Most nights live DJ's play a selection of classics and/or new school. Be warned: it can get seriously crowded at the weekends.
Bitterzoet is a bar/club where anything goes, from singer/songwriter nights to banging electro. It's not open every weekend and their website is only in Dutch so just walk past to see what's on.
89 locals recommend
Bitterzoet
2 HS SpuistraatBitterzoet is a bar/club where anything goes, from singer/songwriter nights to banging electro. It's not open every weekend and their website is only in Dutch so just walk past to see what's on.
If you want a grungy, authentic A'dam nightlife experience then check out OT301. Their club nights are not every weekend so consult their schedule before you go. The music tends to be bass orientated.
89 locals recommend
OT301
301 OvertoomIf you want a grungy, authentic A'dam nightlife experience then check out OT301. Their club nights are not every weekend so consult their schedule before you go. The music tends to be bass orientated.
This cute bar/restaurant is housed on a boat that's moored in front of the Amsterdam Public Library. It tends to attract a lot of students from the neighboring music school.
7 locals recommend
Cafe restaurant Barco
4d DijksgrachtThis cute bar/restaurant is housed on a boat that's moored in front of the Amsterdam Public Library. It tends to attract a lot of students from the neighboring music school.
This fancy bar is located at the top of the DoubleTree Hilton hotel. Just go into the hotel and take the lift to the top floor. The bar has stunning views of the city.
228 locals recommend
SkyLounge Amsterdam
4 OosterdoksstraatThis fancy bar is located at the top of the DoubleTree Hilton hotel. Just go into the hotel and take the lift to the top floor. The bar has stunning views of the city.
Although it might not look it from the outside, the Melkweg is the standout venue for live music in Amsterdam. Throughout the year they play host to the biggest names in all spheres of popular music.
444 locals recommend
Melkweg
234A LijnbaansgrachtAlthough it might not look it from the outside, the Melkweg is the standout venue for live music in Amsterdam. Throughout the year they play host to the biggest names in all spheres of popular music.
Katsu is what a coffeeshop should be. The staff is friendly and the cannabis selection is top-notch. They have a welcoming interior with good added touches like boardgames and a glass vaporizer.
26 locals recommend
Katsu Coffeeshop
70 Eerste van der HelststraatKatsu is what a coffeeshop should be. The staff is friendly and the cannabis selection is top-notch. They have a welcoming interior with good added touches like boardgames and a glass vaporizer.
For a quiet spot of nightlife, this is your low key brown bar experience. With decor untouched since the 1600's this authentic living room bar welcomes the gentle beer seeking patron.
46 locals recommend
Café de Wetering
37 WeteringstraatFor a quiet spot of nightlife, this is your low key brown bar experience. With decor untouched since the 1600's this authentic living room bar welcomes the gentle beer seeking patron.
If an immersive clubbing experience is what you're after, this is the place. Special attention has been paid to the sound and minimal decor, lighting, etc. Strict admin at the door though, so make sure you stay low key for that bit.
78 locals recommend
Shelter
3 OverhoekspleinIf an immersive clubbing experience is what you're after, this is the place. Special attention has been paid to the sound and minimal decor, lighting, etc. Strict admin at the door though, so make sure you stay low key for that bit.
De Nieuwe Anita is your left-of-centre-good-old-fashioned-get-down-disco in one of Amsterdam's slowly gentrifying neighbourhoods - the Staatsliedenbuurt. If good times with the locals is what you're after, check out their site to see what's on.
116 locals recommend
De Nieuwe Anita
111 Frederik HendrikstraatDe Nieuwe Anita is your left-of-centre-good-old-fashioned-get-down-disco in one of Amsterdam's slowly gentrifying neighbourhoods - the Staatsliedenbuurt. If good times with the locals is what you're after, check out their site to see what's on.
Nightclub venue with techno DJs by night, art project venue by day. Check out their website to see what's on.
355 locals recommend
De School
3 Doctor Jan van BreemenstraatNightclub venue with techno DJs by night, art project venue by day. Check out their website to see what's on.
Entertainment & Activities
The facilities at this local indoor pool are clean and modern. There is a warm pool for relaxing and a colder pool for swimming lengths. Check their website for the swimming schedule.
72 locals recommend
Het Marnix
1 MarnixpleinThe facilities at this local indoor pool are clean and modern. There is a warm pool for relaxing and a colder pool for swimming lengths. Check their website for the swimming schedule.
The Amsterdam Zoo (officially called Natura Artis Magistra) is a great day out for the whole family. The planetarium and aquarium are highlights!
1622 locals recommend
ARTIS
38-40 Plantage KerklaanThe Amsterdam Zoo (officially called Natura Artis Magistra) is a great day out for the whole family. The planetarium and aquarium are highlights!
Science Center NEMO is a really hands-on experience and is sure to entertain the kids for hours. It's accessible to all ages and it's open all year round.
603 locals recommend
NEMO Science Center
2 OosterdokScience Center NEMO is a really hands-on experience and is sure to entertain the kids for hours. It's accessible to all ages and it's open all year round.
This local art-house cinema has been around since 1912. Some of the screening rooms are a little small but it makes up for it in atmosphere. Order any drink at the bar and take it into the screening!
429 locals recommend
The Movies
159 - 163 HaarlemmerdijkThis local art-house cinema has been around since 1912. Some of the screening rooms are a little small but it makes up for it in atmosphere. Order any drink at the bar and take it into the screening!
With its impressive mix of architectural styles, this is without doubt one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. If you can, go and see a film in screening room 1, it will take your breath away!
340 locals recommend
Pathé Tuschinski
26-34 ReguliersbreestraatWith its impressive mix of architectural styles, this is without doubt one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. If you can, go and see a film in screening room 1, it will take your breath away!
This striking building is as impressive from the inside as it is from the outside. It boasts two large cinemas, a bar/restaurant and an exhibition space.
36 locals recommend
IJpromenade
IJpromenadeThis striking building is as impressive from the inside as it is from the outside. It boasts two large cinemas, a bar/restaurant and an exhibition space.
Parks & Nature
Amsterdam's Central Park, a beautiful stretch of green in the middle of the city. It's great for walking/jogging or just hanging out. There are also some nice cafes and playgrounds for kids.
4196 locals recommend
Vondelpark
Amsterdam's Central Park, a beautiful stretch of green in the middle of the city. It's great for walking/jogging or just hanging out. There are also some nice cafes and playgrounds for kids.
The Westerpark is a great alternative to the Vondelpark, which can get really crowded in the summer. There are also a host of great bars/cafes and loads of green space.
1599 locals recommend
Westerpark
4 HaarlemmerwegThe Westerpark is a great alternative to the Vondelpark, which can get really crowded in the summer. There are also a host of great bars/cafes and loads of green space.
Shopping
This was once a ship building hanger but now houses a full-time artist studio complex. It also plays host to the 'IJ-Hallen' for one weekend every month, it's the biggest flea market in Europe!
143 locals recommend
Vlooienmarkt IJhallen
This was once a ship building hanger but now houses a full-time artist studio complex. It also plays host to the 'IJ-Hallen' for one weekend every month, it's the biggest flea market in Europe!
The Albert Cuyp Market is an Amsterdam institution. It has been running daily for over 100 years, you can get anything from clothes and accessories to fresh fruit and vegetables.
1832 locals recommend
Albert Cuyp Market
Albert CuypstraatThe Albert Cuyp Market is an Amsterdam institution. It has been running daily for over 100 years, you can get anything from clothes and accessories to fresh fruit and vegetables.
The 'Nine Streets' or 'Negen Straatjes' are full of small boutique shops selling all sorts of goods.
92 locals recommend
Wolvenstraat
WolvenstraatThe 'Nine Streets' or 'Negen Straatjes' are full of small boutique shops selling all sorts of goods.
The Haarlemmerstraat (which turns into the Haarlemmerdijk) is one of the nicest shopping streets in Amsterdam. There are some big-brand stores but mostly it's populated by small independent shops.
411 locals recommend
Haarlemmerstraat
HaarlemmerstraatThe Haarlemmerstraat (which turns into the Haarlemmerdijk) is one of the nicest shopping streets in Amsterdam. There are some big-brand stores but mostly it's populated by small independent shops.
A large farmers market is held here every Saturday morning and afternoon. The prices are a little steep but the produce is outstanding!
892 locals recommend
Noordermarkt
42B NoordermarktA large farmers market is held here every Saturday morning and afternoon. The prices are a little steep but the produce is outstanding!
Sightseeing
The NDSM Werf is an old industrial area that has since been given a new lease of life as a cultural and creative hub. Just take the free ferry from the back of Centraal Station, it takes 10 min.
11 locals recommend
Mt. Ondinaweg
Mt. OndinawegThe NDSM Werf is an old industrial area that has since been given a new lease of life as a cultural and creative hub. Just take the free ferry from the back of Centraal Station, it takes 10 min.
Essentials
This supermarket is a little further than the other Albert Heijn but the selection here is much bigger. There's also a liquor store and drug store attached to it.
108 locals recommend
AH Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
226 Nieuwezijds VoorburgwalThis supermarket is a little further than the other Albert Heijn but the selection here is much bigger. There's also a liquor store and drug store attached to it.
German chain supermarket with wider variety and more affordable prices than the central Albert Heins. Further afield but worth it on a sunny day.
150 locals recommend
ALDI
56C Admiraal de RuijterwegGerman chain supermarket with wider variety and more affordable prices than the central Albert Heins. Further afield but worth it on a sunny day.
Singel 429
429 SingelClosest ATM to the apartment. Less than a minute walk around the corner.