Blair's Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
A quick overview of some of the main areas in the city
De Pijp (the pipe) is just around the corner (the area behind the Heineken museum). It’s the local hang out - loads of bars and restaurants, has a cool vibe. Also the biggest market - daily except Sunday. I love this area, it is definitely worth an explore - very vibrant on a Friday night near the bars like Het Paardje (the horse).
500 (рекомендации местных жителей)
De Pijp
De Pijp (the pipe) is just around the corner (the area behind the Heineken museum). It’s the local hang out - loads of bars and restaurants, has a cool vibe. Also the biggest market - daily except Sunday. I love this area, it is definitely worth an explore - very vibrant on a Friday night near the bars like Het Paardje (the horse).
The Jordaan (pronounced like "the yordarn") is super cute area, one of my faves! It’s quintessential Amsterdam. walk around and get lost in the small streets and canals. Lots of hidden shops and small cafes and bars and many small boutiques.
756 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Jordaan
The Jordaan (pronounced like "the yordarn") is super cute area, one of my faves! It’s quintessential Amsterdam. walk around and get lost in the small streets and canals. Lots of hidden shops and small cafes and bars and many small boutiques.
The West: more traditional Dutch, loads of cafes and restaurants around. Vondelpark is really nice - the city's largest park. From there you can then head up Jan Peiter Heijestraat(JPH) for the cafe scene. Is super cool if you’re here for some time. Also in this area is the Foodhallen, it's a big indoor foodhall with foodtrucks - definitely worth a visit. Also in the same building (it used to be the house for the trams) is Filmhallen - a boutique cinema.
45 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Amsterdam Oud-West
The West: more traditional Dutch, loads of cafes and restaurants around. Vondelpark is really nice - the city's largest park. From there you can then head up Jan Peiter Heijestraat(JPH) for the cafe scene. Is super cool if you’re here for some time. Also in this area is the Foodhallen, it's a big indoor foodhall with foodtrucks - definitely worth a visit. Also in the same building (it used to be the house for the trams) is Filmhallen - a boutique cinema.
The East: this is a newer area, some up and coming bars and restaurants. Head to Oosterpark and then venture from there - bars and cafes in most directions. Good ones include Louie Louie, Bar Bukowski, Beirtuin, and Bar Botanique. The Javastraat also has several good bars and eateries.
Closeby is also the Brouwerij't iJ - a brewery in a windmill!
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Amsterdam-Oost
The East: this is a newer area, some up and coming bars and restaurants. Head to Oosterpark and then venture from there - bars and cafes in most directions. Good ones include Louie Louie, Bar Bukowski, Beirtuin, and Bar Botanique. The Javastraat also has several good bars and eateries.
Closeby is also the Brouwerij't iJ - a brewery in a windmill!
The Center: note - this can be chaotic! Those that live here generally avoid it most of the time, but in saying that it’s a must see! Wander around is the best way, through the red light district , around the canals. There are some hidden gems for sure! You can do walking tours from Dam Square for free too.
115 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Amsterdam-Centrum
The Center: note - this can be chaotic! Those that live here generally avoid it most of the time, but in saying that it’s a must see! Wander around is the best way, through the red light district , around the canals. There are some hidden gems for sure! You can do walking tours from Dam Square for free too.
Here's my general tips on the city!
Coffee: Here’s some of my favorites:
- lot 61 on the kinkerstraat (oud west)
- Toki - jordaan
- Naked espresso - center
- Bocca - center
- Back to black - around the corner
- Frederix - around the corner
- Scandinavian embassy - de Pijp
Shopping
- the nine streets: super nice streets between canals with boutique shopping
- De Pijp: lots of shops on the high street, but some cool boutiques on the side streets too
- Haarlemmerstraat: close to central and has some cool stores plus loads of coffee shops
Brunch
- bakers and roasters (kiwi), in De Pijp
- Little Collins (Aussie)
- Drovers dog (Aussie)
- Dignita (Aussie/kiwi)
- Moak (gourmet pancakes)
- Avocado show (insta worthy Avo meals)
- Hoxton
- coffee and coconuts (expect to queue)
- Benji’s
Dinner
Generally book for a dinner out, brunch often won’t take bookings, and some restaurants don’t either - but you can try.
- Los Pelones (margarita jugs)
- Food Hallen (indoor food hall)
- De klos (great ribs!)
- Castell (bbq/steak)
- Salmuera (Argentinian, great meat)
- Mossel and gin (mussels and gin! In the westerpark)
- Gastro bar Ron (fancyish)
- Choux (fancy)
- Pesca (fish)
- Scheepskameel (great service, in a cool setting)
Summer Bars with terrace / beach
- waterkant
- Roest
- Plekk
- Hannekkes boom
East bars
- Ij brewery (it’s in a windmill)
- Bar botanique
- Louie Louie
Center bars:
- 5&33
- Hoxton
- The w
- adam Tower (after 9pm free entry for a good view of the city from the noord)
Speak easy cocktails
- Tales and spirits (central and great menu and service)
- Hiding in plain sight (book, it’s popular - a little out of the center)
- Door 74 (have to WhatsApp them to get a table)
Clubs
- Parties at paradiso or Melkweg (check their event schedules)
- Shelter
- De school
- NYX
Markets
- albertcuyp (de pijp) , no Sunday
- Westerpark, museumplein (alternating Sundays)
Nature:
- de bos (forest)
- Parks (vondel, wester, ooster)
-
Museums:
Try to book and skip the lines wherever possible.
- museumplein has Van Gogh (my fave), stedelijk (modern art) and rijks (loads of stuff, but A bit stuffy).
- There’s the eye (film), foam (photo) plus one million others.
- Heineken experience
- Yousuem (Instagramable photo experience)
- Anne frank house (you have to book a slot, except times - but except a considerable line if you opt for that)
Other to do’s:
- Escape rooms (there’s a lot now!)
- Boat cruise (those dam boat guys)
- Free walking tours from dam square
- Ferry to the noord (free) and go up de toren, the eye is there,
- Hire bike and go for an adventure
- Walk around and get lost
-
Weed:
There’s a lot of choice, most very touristy. These are some my friends recommended:
- Boerejongens
- Grey area: jordaan (open only 12-8)
- Happy feelings
Day trips:
Take a train out to a nearby city to see something a bit different.
- weesp
- Utrecht (cute wee town)
- Hague (parliament, museums, beach)
- Haarlem (brewery in a church, cute town)
- Beach (zandvort by train, bloemndaal)
- Zanse schans (windmills)
- Muiderslot castle
720 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Amsterdam
Here's my general tips on the city!
Coffee: Here’s some of my favorites:
- lot 61 on the kinkerstraat (oud west)
- Toki - jordaan
- Naked espresso - center
- Bocca - center
- Back to black - around the corner
- Frederix - around the corner
- Scandinavian embassy - de Pijp
Shopping
- the nine streets: super nice streets between canals with boutique shopping
- De Pijp: lots of shops on the high street, but some cool boutiques on the side streets too
- Haarlemmerstraat: close to central and has some cool stores plus loads of coffee shops
Brunch
- bakers and roasters (kiwi), in De Pijp
- Little Collins (Aussie)
- Drovers dog (Aussie)
- Dignita (Aussie/kiwi)
- Moak (gourmet pancakes)
- Avocado show (insta worthy Avo meals)
- Hoxton
- coffee and coconuts (expect to queue)
- Benji’s
Dinner
Generally book for a dinner out, brunch often won’t take bookings, and some restaurants don’t either - but you can try.
- Los Pelones (margarita jugs)
- Food Hallen (indoor food hall)
- De klos (great ribs!)
- Castell (bbq/steak)
- Salmuera (Argentinian, great meat)
- Mossel and gin (mussels and gin! In the westerpark)
- Gastro bar Ron (fancyish)
- Choux (fancy)
- Pesca (fish)
- Scheepskameel (great service, in a cool setting)
Summer Bars with terrace / beach
- waterkant
- Roest
- Plekk
- Hannekkes boom
East bars
- Ij brewery (it’s in a windmill)
- Bar botanique
- Louie Louie
Center bars:
- 5&33
- Hoxton
- The w
- adam Tower (after 9pm free entry for a good view of the city from the noord)
Speak easy cocktails
- Tales and spirits (central and great menu and service)
- Hiding in plain sight (book, it’s popular - a little out of the center)
- Door 74 (have to WhatsApp them to get a table)
Clubs
- Parties at paradiso or Melkweg (check their event schedules)
- Shelter
- De school
- NYX
Markets
- albertcuyp (de pijp) , no Sunday
- Westerpark, museumplein (alternating Sundays)
Nature:
- de bos (forest)
- Parks (vondel, wester, ooster)
-
Museums:
Try to book and skip the lines wherever possible.
- museumplein has Van Gogh (my fave), stedelijk (modern art) and rijks (loads of stuff, but A bit stuffy).
- There’s the eye (film), foam (photo) plus one million others.
- Heineken experience
- Yousuem (Instagramable photo experience)
- Anne frank house (you have to book a slot, except times - but except a considerable line if you opt for that)
Other to do’s:
- Escape rooms (there’s a lot now!)
- Boat cruise (those dam boat guys)
- Free walking tours from dam square
- Ferry to the noord (free) and go up de toren, the eye is there,
- Hire bike and go for an adventure
- Walk around and get lost
-
Weed:
There’s a lot of choice, most very touristy. These are some my friends recommended:
- Boerejongens
- Grey area: jordaan (open only 12-8)
- Happy feelings
Day trips:
Take a train out to a nearby city to see something a bit different.
- weesp
- Utrecht (cute wee town)
- Hague (parliament, museums, beach)
- Haarlem (brewery in a church, cute town)
- Beach (zandvort by train, bloemndaal)
- Zanse schans (windmills)
- Muiderslot castle