Guidebook for Amsterdam

Zahira
Guidebook for Amsterdam

Food Scene

Great for a cup of coffee, lunch & to do some work with their free wi-fi. There is lounge area with fire place for the chillier days, or a nice terrace outside to enjoy the sun.
371 locals recommend
Café Zurich
2b Mercatorplein
371 locals recommend
Great for a cup of coffee, lunch & to do some work with their free wi-fi. There is lounge area with fire place for the chillier days, or a nice terrace outside to enjoy the sun.
Great Indian food! For dining in or ordering out.
Postjesweg 17
17 Postjesweg
Great Indian food! For dining in or ordering out.
THE BEST THAI FOOD in town. Super budget friendly. You can eat with two people for around €15! We choose the 'snackbar' side of the street, but you also have Bird the restaurant, the prices are a bit higher. Same food quality.
167 locals recommend
Bird Thais Restaurant
72-74 Zeedijk
167 locals recommend
THE BEST THAI FOOD in town. Super budget friendly. You can eat with two people for around €15! We choose the 'snackbar' side of the street, but you also have Bird the restaurant, the prices are a bit higher. Same food quality.
Discover traditional Dutch food by going to Moeders ("Mothers"). The food is fresh and authentic and really does taste like how my grandma and mother used to make these dishes. Reservation needed, because it's a popular spot.
252 locals recommend
Restaurant Moeders
251 Rozengracht
252 locals recommend
Discover traditional Dutch food by going to Moeders ("Mothers"). The food is fresh and authentic and really does taste like how my grandma and mother used to make these dishes. Reservation needed, because it's a popular spot.
Have a taste of different cuisines in a really cool building. Old synagogue. Super nice waiting staff (quite unique in Amsterdam) and delicious foods for decent values. This is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are definitely recommended.
258 locals recommend
De Bazar Amsterdam B.V.
182 Albert Cuypstraat
258 locals recommend
Have a taste of different cuisines in a really cool building. Old synagogue. Super nice waiting staff (quite unique in Amsterdam) and delicious foods for decent values. This is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are definitely recommended.
For your sugarless and vegan options; great brunch/lunch, but also for a nice cup of tea (get a pot!) and a scone or muffin. Sugar free, yay! www.sugarless.nl
11 locals recommend
Sugarless
92 HS Bilderdijkstraat
11 locals recommend
For your sugarless and vegan options; great brunch/lunch, but also for a nice cup of tea (get a pot!) and a scone or muffin. Sugar free, yay! www.sugarless.nl
www.ilovesla.com The best salads of all the Netherlands I've had the opportunity to munch on. Thank goodness for creatives with lettuce etc! It's super healthy and delightful. Cool ambiance too.
Ceintuurbaan 149
www.ilovesla.com The best salads of all the Netherlands I've had the opportunity to munch on. Thank goodness for creatives with lettuce etc! It's super healthy and delightful. Cool ambiance too.
Pure vegan and raw food. Friendly staff. Nice ambiance.
Overtoom 409
Pure vegan and raw food. Friendly staff. Nice ambiance.
A non-subsidized project (former squat), self-managed by volunteers. Offers one set meal (all organic) with soup and main for €7-10. Dessert €1.50 In a former squat. Dining only by reservation from: 7-8:30pm. www.depeper.org
12 locals recommend
Overtoom 301
301 Overtoom
12 locals recommend
A non-subsidized project (former squat), self-managed by volunteers. Offers one set meal (all organic) with soup and main for €7-10. Dessert €1.50 In a former squat. Dining only by reservation from: 7-8:30pm. www.depeper.org
A restaurant with an edge; daring performances while you dine on a cruise. I perform here often.
6 locals recommend
Supperclub Cruise
6 locals recommend
A restaurant with an edge; daring performances while you dine on a cruise. I perform here often.
For a quick, typical Dutch snack (like kroket and frikandel), very nice Dutch fries, the best peanut sauce, and the nicest owner!
Jan Tooropstraat 87
87 Jan Tooropstraat
For a quick, typical Dutch snack (like kroket and frikandel), very nice Dutch fries, the best peanut sauce, and the nicest owner!
This is ONLY take-away. The best Italian pizza!!! It's a night shop where you can also get drinks, snacks, and some household necessities. Their pizzas are really really awesome, which was a pleasant surprise! We take out at Luna Rossa almost every week :-)
August Allebéplein 6
6 August Allebéplein
This is ONLY take-away. The best Italian pizza!!! It's a night shop where you can also get drinks, snacks, and some household necessities. Their pizzas are really really awesome, which was a pleasant surprise! We take out at Luna Rossa almost every week :-)
Yes! New in our area are the Food Hallen inside the Hallen (I listed it as a street market, because that's the feeling you may get, but it's definitely inside). The Hallen are arranged inside an old tram garage. It has been transformed in a cool hipster place with a hair dresser academy, a bike store, a library, some other small boutiques, a really cool film house/movie theater, and the awesome Food Hallen. It's a large hall inside with various food stands with foods from all over the world: Korean BBQ, Indian grill, sushi, frozen yogurt, Dutch bitterballen, and much more, plus a big bar and a gin&tonic bar. AWESOME! You can definitely enjoy an evening here, movie and food :-)
1500 locals recommend
Foodhallen Amsterdam
16 Bellamyplein
1500 locals recommend
Yes! New in our area are the Food Hallen inside the Hallen (I listed it as a street market, because that's the feeling you may get, but it's definitely inside). The Hallen are arranged inside an old tram garage. It has been transformed in a cool hipster place with a hair dresser academy, a bike store, a library, some other small boutiques, a really cool film house/movie theater, and the awesome Food Hallen. It's a large hall inside with various food stands with foods from all over the world: Korean BBQ, Indian grill, sushi, frozen yogurt, Dutch bitterballen, and much more, plus a big bar and a gin&tonic bar. AWESOME! You can definitely enjoy an evening here, movie and food :-)
Delicious dim-sum in a gigantic floating restaurant! Reservations are recommended.
18 locals recommend
Sea Palace Restaurant
8 Oosterdokskade
18 locals recommend
Delicious dim-sum in a gigantic floating restaurant! Reservations are recommended.
You can go here for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's just right across the street in that tall building called Change= Indoor & outdoor options for seating (depending on the weather).
Eten bij MAMA
You can go here for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's just right across the street in that tall building called Change= Indoor & outdoor options for seating (depending on the weather).

Parks & Nature

To enjoy a stroll in the park, right outside the house
194 locals recommend
Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark
194 locals recommend
To enjoy a stroll in the park, right outside the house
Take a stroll, have a coffee, people watch, ride with your bike straight through to get to Leidseplein. Vondelpark has various great purposes.
4196 locals recommend
Vondelpark
4196 locals recommend
Take a stroll, have a coffee, people watch, ride with your bike straight through to get to Leidseplein. Vondelpark has various great purposes.
Every first Sunday of the month there's a really cool market at Westerpark. You can find delicious foods of all kinds of cuisines, vintage clothes, furniture, etc.
1599 locals recommend
Westerpark
4 Haarlemmerweg
1599 locals recommend
Every first Sunday of the month there's a really cool market at Westerpark. You can find delicious foods of all kinds of cuisines, vintage clothes, furniture, etc.
Awesome goats and sweet chickens :-) You can buy the goats' milk, cheese, icecream, and the chickens' happy eggs here. In the middle of the beautiful Amsterdam forest.
62 locals recommend
Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
4 Nieuwe Meerlaan
62 locals recommend
Awesome goats and sweet chickens :-) You can buy the goats' milk, cheese, icecream, and the chickens' happy eggs here. In the middle of the beautiful Amsterdam forest.
It's definitely more a forest and not a park, the way we see this in Amsterdam. Amsterdamse Bos is also home to the eco-farm the Geitenboerderij.
547 locals recommend
Amsterdam Forest
547 locals recommend
It's definitely more a forest and not a park, the way we see this in Amsterdam. Amsterdamse Bos is also home to the eco-farm the Geitenboerderij.

Arts & Culture

For many theater, dance, and other entertaining shows the city theater: Stadsschouwburg is a beautiful and inspiring place to go on the Leidseplein. Gorgeous old theater.
136 locals recommend
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
26 Leidseplein
136 locals recommend
For many theater, dance, and other entertaining shows the city theater: Stadsschouwburg is a beautiful and inspiring place to go on the Leidseplein. Gorgeous old theater.
To find various great museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Or hang out on the lawn on a sunny day.
1480 locals recommend
Museumplein
Museumplein
1480 locals recommend
To find various great museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Or hang out on the lawn on a sunny day.
The Anne Frank House shows a significant portion of the history of Amsterdam during World War II and the experience of the Frank Family as they were hiding out in the attic. The home has been kept in tact as much as possible. It's a very moving experience. Definitely buy your ticket way in advance online, or stand in line for a few hours.
2775 locals recommend
Anne Frank House
20 Westermarkt
2775 locals recommend
The Anne Frank House shows a significant portion of the history of Amsterdam during World War II and the experience of the Frank Family as they were hiding out in the attic. The home has been kept in tact as much as possible. It's a very moving experience. Definitely buy your ticket way in advance online, or stand in line for a few hours.
If you want to learn more about the faaaar history of the Netherlands, the Tropenmuseum is a very interesting place to go. You can spend an entire day here, it's real big.
628 locals recommend
Tropenmuseum
2 Linnaeusstraat
628 locals recommend
If you want to learn more about the faaaar history of the Netherlands, the Tropenmuseum is a very interesting place to go. You can spend an entire day here, it's real big.
In the Heineken Brewery you'll learn all about the history of Heineken, how it's brewed, and drink a couple of beers. It's great fun, with lots of interactive elements to your Heineken Experience.
1283 locals recommend
Heineken Experience
78 Stadhouderskade
1283 locals recommend
In the Heineken Brewery you'll learn all about the history of Heineken, how it's brewed, and drink a couple of beers. It's great fun, with lots of interactive elements to your Heineken Experience.
http://www.willetholthuysen.nl/bezoekersinfo-1 How did people live in traditional canal row houses? The Willet-Holthuysen left their home to the city of Amsterdam.
42 locals recommend
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
605 Herengracht
42 locals recommend
http://www.willetholthuysen.nl/bezoekersinfo-1 How did people live in traditional canal row houses? The Willet-Holthuysen left their home to the city of Amsterdam.
1912 movie theater where you don't see typical Hollywood films, but the more cultural and artistic features. Definitely definitely recommended. http://www.themovies.nl/
429 locals recommend
The Movies
159 - 163 Haarlemmerdijk
429 locals recommend
1912 movie theater where you don't see typical Hollywood films, but the more cultural and artistic features. Definitely definitely recommended. http://www.themovies.nl/
Cool building, artistic place, film showings, or just great coffee with a fantastic view over the canal the IJ, from Amsterdam Noord. Free ferries from Amsterdam Centraal go every 5 minutes (direction Buiksloterweg).
15 locals recommend
IJpromenade 1
1 IJpromenade
15 locals recommend
Cool building, artistic place, film showings, or just great coffee with a fantastic view over the canal the IJ, from Amsterdam Noord. Free ferries from Amsterdam Centraal go every 5 minutes (direction Buiksloterweg).
Enkhuizen is the name of the city. I list this as a museum, because this town is known for their 'open air museum' which is particularly interesting in the summer (when it's actually open). You can see how the Dutch used to live and dress and you can even get dressed up in the traditional attire and play the old games.
72 locals recommend
Enkhuizen
72 locals recommend
Enkhuizen is the name of the city. I list this as a museum, because this town is known for their 'open air museum' which is particularly interesting in the summer (when it's actually open). You can see how the Dutch used to live and dress and you can even get dressed up in the traditional attire and play the old games.
We highly recommend this well-curated museum on the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. Stunning multiple floor building with lots to see and learn. Takes between 1,5-3hours. Get your tickets in advance.
2485 locals recommend
Van Gogh Museum
6 Museumplein
2485 locals recommend
We highly recommend this well-curated museum on the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. Stunning multiple floor building with lots to see and learn. Takes between 1,5-3hours. Get your tickets in advance.

Essentials

LIDL for good products and lower prices. Open until 8pm.
24 locals recommend
Lidl
269 August Allebéplein
24 locals recommend
LIDL for good products and lower prices. Open until 8pm.
Besides having the best pizza, they are also a convenience store with some items you need in case you ran out and the other stores are closed. Open until 2am.
Luna Rossa
6 August Allebéplein
Besides having the best pizza, they are also a convenience store with some items you need in case you ran out and the other stores are closed. Open until 2am.
Pharmacy
7 locals recommend
Pharmacy Overtoomseveld B.V.
26 August Allebéplein
7 locals recommend
Pharmacy

Shopping

The famous Albert Cuypmarkt, a must-go :-) for fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes, fish, chicken, or new socks and wigs :-)
455 locals recommend
Albert Cuypstraat
Albert Cuypstraat
455 locals recommend
The famous Albert Cuypmarkt, a must-go :-) for fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes, fish, chicken, or new socks and wigs :-)
Laura Dols is a famous vintage shop in the Negen Straatjes (9 Little Streets), in the Jordaan area. Often their garments are featured in Dutch fashion magazines. Even though the quality articles can come from anywhere, Laura Dols has become a brand name
10 locals recommend
Laura Dols
7 Wolvenstraat
10 locals recommend
Laura Dols is a famous vintage shop in the Negen Straatjes (9 Little Streets), in the Jordaan area. Often their garments are featured in Dutch fashion magazines. Even though the quality articles can come from anywhere, Laura Dols has become a brand name
This street, as an extension of Haarlemmerstraat, has small shops, boutiques, and cafes, which is a refreshing difference from the highstreet shopping area of the Kalverstraat (which is near the Dam). I really enjoy the Haarlemmerdijk & straat because it exudes the old times of Amsterdam.
269 locals recommend
Haarlemerdijk
Haarlemmerdijk
269 locals recommend
This street, as an extension of Haarlemmerstraat, has small shops, boutiques, and cafes, which is a refreshing difference from the highstreet shopping area of the Kalverstraat (which is near the Dam). I really enjoy the Haarlemmerdijk & straat because it exudes the old times of Amsterdam.

Sightseeing

The famous floating flower market
447 locals recommend
Bloemenmarkt
Singel
447 locals recommend
The famous floating flower market
Back to the 18th century in this Open Air Museum: De Zaanse Schans. Old windmills, "De Kat" is still working and makes chalk (not flour). I can know because I tried it! Definitely worth going. It's also the location of the FIRST Albert Heijn grocery store :-)
51 locals recommend
Zaans Museum
7 Schansend
51 locals recommend
Back to the 18th century in this Open Air Museum: De Zaanse Schans. Old windmills, "De Kat" is still working and makes chalk (not flour). I can know because I tried it! Definitely worth going. It's also the location of the FIRST Albert Heijn grocery store :-)
Every Monday from 9:00am-1:00pm there's the famous Lapjesmarkt on the Westerstraat in the Jordaan. The whole street is then filled with stands of fabrics. Some also sell other things, like scarves. This market attaches to the Noordermarkt with clothes and nicknacks from all over the world. Often the fabric stands stop shop around 12:30pm, so don't wait until the last moment. The Noordermarkt continues a bit longer though.
89 locals recommend
Westerstraat
Westerstraat
89 locals recommend
Every Monday from 9:00am-1:00pm there's the famous Lapjesmarkt on the Westerstraat in the Jordaan. The whole street is then filled with stands of fabrics. Some also sell other things, like scarves. This market attaches to the Noordermarkt with clothes and nicknacks from all over the world. Often the fabric stands stop shop around 12:30pm, so don't wait until the last moment. The Noordermarkt continues a bit longer though.
The obelisk on the Dam Square is the monument to commemorate all who have passed away during the Second World War, and it continued into becoming an icon of commemorating everyone who has and still is suffering in a war around the world.
1419 locals recommend
Dam Square
1419 locals recommend
The obelisk on the Dam Square is the monument to commemorate all who have passed away during the Second World War, and it continued into becoming an icon of commemorating everyone who has and still is suffering in a war around the world.
Haarlem is a smaller city, west from Amsterdam. It's the capital city of the province North-Holland. It's a short train ride from Amsterdam and definitely worth a visit.
372 locals recommend
Haarlem
372 locals recommend
Haarlem is a smaller city, west from Amsterdam. It's the capital city of the province North-Holland. It's a short train ride from Amsterdam and definitely worth a visit.
If the weather allows, it's great to visit the beaches at Zandvoort (aan Zee). It's easy to get to by train.
124 locals recommend
Zandvoort
124 locals recommend
If the weather allows, it's great to visit the beaches at Zandvoort (aan Zee). It's easy to get to by train.
The Hague (Den Haag) is very easily reachable by train. It's the political capital of the Netherlands (Amsterdam is the capital), with the international court. It's a beautiful old city. The town Wassenaar is attached to Den Haag, it's the small city where many royalty and other very wealthy people live. It's amazing to see their houses. Also, Scheveningen, the beach time, is attached to Den Haag. Nice beaches, good foods and drinks, and it also has our national musical theater that hosts all the large musical productions in the Circus Theater.
149 locals recommend
The Hague
149 locals recommend
The Hague (Den Haag) is very easily reachable by train. It's the political capital of the Netherlands (Amsterdam is the capital), with the international court. It's a beautiful old city. The town Wassenaar is attached to Den Haag, it's the small city where many royalty and other very wealthy people live. It's amazing to see their houses. Also, Scheveningen, the beach time, is attached to Den Haag. Nice beaches, good foods and drinks, and it also has our national musical theater that hosts all the large musical productions in the Circus Theater.
Arnhem is a city in the east of the country. The nature here is very different from many places in the Netherlands. It's actually hilly, a bit like San Francisco (only without the sea). It borders Germany. It's only 1,5 hour away from Amsterdam, so a possible day outing.
62 locals recommend
Arnhem
62 locals recommend
Arnhem is a city in the east of the country. The nature here is very different from many places in the Netherlands. It's actually hilly, a bit like San Francisco (only without the sea). It borders Germany. It's only 1,5 hour away from Amsterdam, so a possible day outing.
Utrecht is the capital of the province Utrecht. It is a much smaller city than Amsterdam and less touristic, yet it has its picturesque canals and restaurants and shops. It also has a rich history and again very different from North-Holland province, which includes Amsterdam.
243 locals recommend
Utrecht
243 locals recommend
Utrecht is the capital of the province Utrecht. It is a much smaller city than Amsterdam and less touristic, yet it has its picturesque canals and restaurants and shops. It also has a rich history and again very different from North-Holland province, which includes Amsterdam.

Drinks & Nightlife

Paradiso hosts various musical events, bands, etc. It is an old church that has been transformed into a club.
937 locals recommend
Paradiso
6-8 Weteringschans
937 locals recommend
Paradiso hosts various musical events, bands, etc. It is an old church that has been transformed into a club.
Berlin style living room cafe! Great for an afternoon coffee but also for a drink at night (open until 1:00am) http://www.cafebrecht.nl/
151 locals recommend
Café Brecht
157 Weteringschans
151 locals recommend
Berlin style living room cafe! Great for an afternoon coffee but also for a drink at night (open until 1:00am) http://www.cafebrecht.nl/
Live music, right behind the Leidseplein!
44 locals recommend
Bourbon Street B.V.
44 locals recommend
Live music, right behind the Leidseplein!
A restaurant with an edge (starts at 8pm); daring performances while you dine. Turns into a nightclub (open until 4am). I perform here often. In the former Odeon Theater.
66 locals recommend
Supperclub
460 Singel
66 locals recommend
A restaurant with an edge (starts at 8pm); daring performances while you dine. Turns into a nightclub (open until 4am). I perform here often. In the former Odeon Theater.
Go to the 17th floor LOUNGE to grab a cocktail or dinner and enjoy the magnificent view over the west part of town. You can even see the Jordaan. In the summer they also play films on the rooftop terrace. Super nice, fancy 4 star hotel that welcomes people from the neighborhood to you enjoy its services. Very very nice. The quasedilla is fantastic!
36 locals recommend
Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark
410 Staalmeesterslaan
36 locals recommend
Go to the 17th floor LOUNGE to grab a cocktail or dinner and enjoy the magnificent view over the west part of town. You can even see the Jordaan. In the summer they also play films on the rooftop terrace. Super nice, fancy 4 star hotel that welcomes people from the neighborhood to you enjoy its services. Very very nice. The quasedilla is fantastic!