I first visited Amsterdam over five years ago now, in that time I have experienced it as a tourist, moved there, studied and now work there whilst living in Rotterdam. As you can imagine I have visited my fair share of bars, restaurants and attractions and wanted to give an insight into some of my favourite spots as not everywhere is worth the insta hype.
Dinner in the city
- Loetje - A well-known spot amongst Dutchies and for good reason! Loetje is located across the Netherlands but in Amsterdam, they have a gorgeous bar and restaurant located on the water right beside Amsterdam Central Station.
- Japanner - This is one of my favourite hidden gem restaurants in the city. If you are a fan of authentic Japanese food this is one for you.
- Ron Gastrobar Oriental - A top class asian style restaurant that really has the wow factor. The perfect mix between Chinese and Indonesian flavours and an overall beautiful setting.
- Ron Gastrobar - Another Ron Gastrobar with a broader section of food choices so if you are not a particular fan of Indonesian and Chinese style food this may be a better option for you.
- Happy happy joy joy west - An authentic Asian street style restaurant with four spots across Amsterdam city.
- Spaghetteris pastabar - This franchise is all over the city, a really nice, casual pasta bar.
- Impero Romano - One of my favs in Amsterdam, a little slice of Italy in one restaurant.
- De Pizzabakkers De Pijp - A cosy pizza spot with incredible wood-fired pizzas. Do reserve to avoid disappointment as their location at De Pilp is on the small side.
Brunch, lunch and treats
- Lourens Amsterdam - My favourite coffee spot in Amsterdam (Tikok video). Incredible takeaway coffee with fresh pastries every day by their talented staff.
- Pluk Amsterdam - A gorgeous lunch and brunch spot in the city centre....V instagram friendly ;)
- Benjis - A top brunch spot in Amsterdam which is a little less central, a must if you are a brunch connoisseur.
- Ree 7 Amsterdam - You can tell Ree 7 has the same owners as Pluk Amsterdam. A cute brunch/lunch spot with delicious food and drink options plus a fab aesthetic.
- Corner bakery - If you have a VERY sweet tooth or have children on your trip the shakes at Corner bakery are a must...maybe just a bit too sweet for me.
- Blue Amsterdam - Take the lift up and enjoy a drink or bite to eat with an incredible 360 view of Amsterdam city.
- Locals all day brunch - I have been here a couple of times for brunch and loved it! A gorgeous area in Amsterdam, minutes by walk to the Rijksmuseum. A little tip, their pancakes are 10/10.
- The Lebanese Sajeria - Looking for a quick bite on your adventures around the city? The Lebanese sajeria makes slow fast food fresh off the saj.
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Reestraat 7, 1016 DM Amsterdam
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Lourens, Oude Leliestraat 15, 1016 BD Amsterdam
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Corner Bakery, Amsterdam
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| Blue Amsterdam, Winkelcentrum Kalverpassage, Singel 457, 1012 WP Amsterdam |
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| Blue Amsterdam, Winkelcentrum Kalverpassage, Singel 457, 1012 WP Amsterdam |
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| Locals all day brunch, Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 27-H, 1072 BC |
Where to go as a tourist
- The Foodhallen - For anyone visiting Amsterdam for the first time this is something you should put on the top of your list. The Foodhallen is a large indoor food hall with a huge variety of food and drink options. If you are a Vietnamese fan you need to try the rice rolls at Viet View & sushi at Meneer Temaki.
- Vondelpark - Enjoy a stroll around Vondelpark and take in the beautiful nature whilst you are still being minute's walk from the busy streets. Grab a coffee or something a little stronger at Vondelpark 3 kitchen and bar.
- The Ann Frank house - If you are a history fan paying a visit to the Ann Frank house is something you will not regret. If this is something you want to do make sure to book in advance as you can only get tickets online & they book up very quickly (Linked here).
- Canal cruise or rent a boat - You can book a typical boat tour along the canals with earphones to get an overview of the city and its history or there are less touristy options with drinks etc (Options linked here).
- Van Gogh Museum - I must admit I would not be the biggest lover of art so I do find it hard to appreciate it but this was a really interesting museum, definitely recommend (Linked here).
- The dinner train Amsterdam - A cosy train, fully furnished as a restaurant serving your meal as you travel around the area by train. I did this with my Mam when I was studying a couple of years ago and it was such a nice treat. Something a little different so if you only have 2 or 3 days it is not a top of the list thing to do but we really enjoyed it (Linked here).
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| Foodhallen, Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam |
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| Vondel Park, Amsterdam |
Drinks
- The Hoxton - A franchise I have also visited in Paris and it always has a wow factor. A cosy bar, restaurant and hotel located on the picturesque Amsterdam canals. No matter what time of year you visit it is always perfect.
- De Tulp - This bar is described as a tropical paradise in the middle of De Pijp. If you are looking for a "good vibes" drink spot this is worth the visit. They also have a delicious food sharing concept.
- Pulitzer - Located in 18th and 19th century Amsterdam houses, the Pulitzer is a luxurious hotel where you can stop by for a bite to eat to enjoy a luxurious drink, their cocktail menu is a real treat!
- Cafe de jarden - If you want to really feel like you are in Amsterdam whilst sipping on a drink right by the canals, check out Cafe de jarden.
- W hotel & Mr Porter - Another franchise which never disappoints. The W hotel Amsterdam is a trendy spot with an incredible bar and terrace, perfect also for a night out.
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The Hoxton, Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam
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I hope this guide gives you some inspiration for your upcoming trip to the city of Amsterdam. If you have some extra time and you want to explore other cities here in the Netherlands, check out my Exploring Rotterdam - The Ultimate Guide.Éadaoin x
