Guidebook for Amsterdam

Alice Jane
Alice Jane
Guidebook for Amsterdam

Food Scene

Good food & great people watching. Four-seasons indoor-outdoor seating (heated/shaded). Considered by many Oud Zuid locals as a swanky living room away from home. Lunch & dinner. Great breakfast, too.
63 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Brasserie Van Dam
8-10 Cornelis Schuytstraat
63 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Good food & great people watching. Four-seasons indoor-outdoor seating (heated/shaded). Considered by many Oud Zuid locals as a swanky living room away from home. Lunch & dinner. Great breakfast, too.
Friendly and cosy. Good wine, a lovely terrace, and decent food. This is one of our locals, and it's literally a block away from our house. This restaurant is only open for evening dining.
24 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Affourtit Eten & Drinken
209 Koninginneweg
24 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Friendly and cosy. Good wine, a lovely terrace, and decent food. This is one of our locals, and it's literally a block away from our house. This restaurant is only open for evening dining.
Local cafe with good light meals and WiFi. They call it all day brunch and it is less than a block away.
Casa E Cucina
218 Koninginneweg
Local cafe with good light meals and WiFi. They call it all day brunch and it is less than a block away.
Good location and basic, but satisfying, fare. You can get breakfast or lunch here.
165 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Le Pain Quotidien
2 & 4 Cornelis Troostplein
165 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Good location and basic, but satisfying, fare. You can get breakfast or lunch here.
Charming, friendly, little cafe for breakfast, lunch, or happy hour. Great people watching and only a block from our house. They also have WiFi. This is a top pick for breakfast in the neighbourhood.
Amstelveenseweg 196, Schinkelbuurt
196 Amstelveenseweg
Charming, friendly, little cafe for breakfast, lunch, or happy hour. Great people watching and only a block from our house. They also have WiFi. This is a top pick for breakfast in the neighbourhood.
Called the Nine Streets because of the grid of nine streets that criss-cross the canals here, this district is a lovely shopping and cafe destination.
92 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Wolvenstraat
Wolvenstraat
92 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Called the Nine Streets because of the grid of nine streets that criss-cross the canals here, this district is a lovely shopping and cafe destination.
Killer-strong coffee if that's what you need. They usually have muffins so you could tell yourself it's breakfast, too.
Brandmeester's B.V
84 Van Baerlestraat
Killer-strong coffee if that's what you need. They usually have muffins so you could tell yourself it's breakfast, too.
A favourite stop for lunch. The food is delicious, not too expensive, and the staff is renowned for their good-natured friendliness.
98 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Small World Catering
14 Binnen Oranjestraat
98 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A favourite stop for lunch. The food is delicious, not too expensive, and the staff is renowned for their good-natured friendliness.
Big plates of tasty lunch much-frequented by local students. On a fine day, you can sit outside by the canal. Great location near everything downtown, but without a tourist feel. Service is relaxed.
34 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eetcafe Singel 404
404 Singel
34 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Big plates of tasty lunch much-frequented by local students. On a fine day, you can sit outside by the canal. Great location near everything downtown, but without a tourist feel. Service is relaxed.
This is a favourite place for lunch or dinner. They don't take reservations. The menu is mostly verbal. But the food & drink are delicious and inventive. Arrive early to ensure an evening table. Yum!
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Café restaurant van Kerkwijk
41 Nes
18 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is a favourite place for lunch or dinner. They don't take reservations. The menu is mostly verbal. But the food & drink are delicious and inventive. Arrive early to ensure an evening table. Yum!
Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting. A bit spendy, but worth it for the tasty food. Delicious, inventive pizzas like beef and rucola. Lunch and dinner. Yum!
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
De Italiaan
29 Bosboom Toussaintstraat
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting. A bit spendy, but worth it for the tasty food. Delicious, inventive pizzas like beef and rucola. Lunch and dinner. Yum!
An excellent neighbourhood cafe with cozy indoor and airy outdoor tables. The food is surprisingly good and not too pricey. Great for lunch or dinner any day.
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
De Italiaan
29 Bosboom Toussaintstraat
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
An excellent neighbourhood cafe with cozy indoor and airy outdoor tables. The food is surprisingly good and not too pricey. Great for lunch or dinner any day.
A bistro feel in a neighbourhood setting. Great people watching. Lunch and dinner.
64 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
GEORGE W.P.A.
74 Willemsparkweg
64 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A bistro feel in a neighbourhood setting. Great people watching. Lunch and dinner.
A beautiful location to enjoy a delicious coffee or very-Amsterdam-style fresh-mint tea (verse munt thee) in the heart of Vondelpark.
292 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Blue Tea House
5 Vondelpark
292 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A beautiful location to enjoy a delicious coffee or very-Amsterdam-style fresh-mint tea (verse munt thee) in the heart of Vondelpark.
Authentic, delightful Japanese cuisine at a reasonable price. Eat-in dinner or takeaway.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Issa
249 Stadionweg
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Authentic, delightful Japanese cuisine at a reasonable price. Eat-in dinner or takeaway.
A Michelin-starred restaurant just a couple of blocks from my house. Make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Pricey but delicious.
181 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ron Gastrobar
55 Sophialaan
181 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A Michelin-starred restaurant just a couple of blocks from my house. Make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Pricey but delicious.
The best neighbourhood bakery that I have found. Dangerously delicious bread, cake, and other goodies.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Broodbakker Simon Meijssen
162 Van Baerlestraat
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The best neighbourhood bakery that I have found. Dangerously delicious bread, cake, and other goodies.
Excellent Thai food. Open for evening dining.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ko Chang Thai restaurant
91 Westerstraat
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Excellent Thai food. Open for evening dining.
Excellent Thai food. Open for evening dining.
Ko Chang Thai Restaurant
60 Bosboom Toussaintstraat
Excellent Thai food. Open for evening dining.
Lovely, down-to-earth, hidden cafe that only locals seem to know about. Inexpensive, tasty food. This is a charming spot for lunch and dinner.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
WG Café
52 Marius van Bouwdijk Bastiaansestraat
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lovely, down-to-earth, hidden cafe that only locals seem to know about. Inexpensive, tasty food. This is a charming spot for lunch and dinner.
Chocolate. Coffee. Light lunch. All in the heart of the nine streets.
41 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Chocolaterie Pompadour
12 Huidenstraat
41 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Chocolate. Coffee. Light lunch. All in the heart of the nine streets.
Lovely canalside location for lunch or dinner. Close to the Anne Frank House. You can be near the water if you sit outside, or go upstairs inside and snag a window seat. In either case, great views.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Spanjer en van Twist
60 Leliegracht
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lovely canalside location for lunch or dinner. Close to the Anne Frank House. You can be near the water if you sit outside, or go upstairs inside and snag a window seat. In either case, great views.
Authentic, delicious Italian food and friendly Italian staff in a canalside location with great views from any window table upstairs. This location is open for evening dining.
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Casa di David
426 Singel
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Authentic, delicious Italian food and friendly Italian staff in a canalside location with great views from any window table upstairs. This location is open for evening dining.
Local pub turned eatery. You can lounge on the terrace and feel like a local because tourists don't seem to know about it. You can eat here, too (lunch or dinner).
Verhulst, food and drink
105 Johannes Verhulststraat
Local pub turned eatery. You can lounge on the terrace and feel like a local because tourists don't seem to know about it. You can eat here, too (lunch or dinner).
Lovely, relaxed local bar and eatery. Go for a drink or a meal (lunch or dinner). Sit by the canal, but not in the touristic centre. Not many tourists know about this place. Enjoy it!
314 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Stadscafé Van Mechelen
96/97 Sloterkade
314 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lovely, relaxed local bar and eatery. Go for a drink or a meal (lunch or dinner). Sit by the canal, but not in the touristic centre. Not many tourists know about this place. Enjoy it!
A sunny spot for coffee and I think they have free WiFi, too. This is a local hang out about a block from my house. The terrace is relaxed, languid, and unbeatable on a sunny day.
Biscuit
4A Valeriusplein
A sunny spot for coffee and I think they have free WiFi, too. This is a local hang out about a block from my house. The terrace is relaxed, languid, and unbeatable on a sunny day.
Lovely, unusual, artisanal restaurant with a casual atmosphere and delicious food. You can have lunch or supper here. Largely unknown by tourists. Win!
41 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Restaurant As
19 Pr. Irenestraat
41 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lovely, unusual, artisanal restaurant with a casual atmosphere and delicious food. You can have lunch or supper here. Largely unknown by tourists. Win!

Getting Around

Reliable, affordable, bicycle rental. Bring ID and a credit card for a deposit.
57 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
MacBike | Bike Rental Amsterdam | Museum District - Leidseplein
2 Weteringschans
57 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Reliable, affordable, bicycle rental. Bring ID and a credit card for a deposit.
This is where you get on/off bus 197 to/from Schipol. The bus ride takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 5 euro. (A taxi is at least 35 euro.)
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
MACY'S Haarlemmermeerstation
266 Amstelveenseweg
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is where you get on/off bus 197 to/from Schipol. The bus ride takes 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 5 euro. (A taxi is at least 35 euro.)

Arts & Culture

Famous, large, lovely park. This is the green, beating heart of our neighbourhood. There are cafes at either end and two in the middle: Groot Melkhuis and 't Blauwe Theehuis (great for breakfast).
67 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Vondelpark Openluchttheater
5a Vondelpark
67 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Famous, large, lovely park. This is the green, beating heart of our neighbourhood. There are cafes at either end and two in the middle: Groot Melkhuis and 't Blauwe Theehuis (great for breakfast).
Jazz and other shows. Look online for programme details.
120 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bimhuis
3 Piet Heinkade
120 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jazz and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Music and other shows. Look online for programme details.
937 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Paradiso
6-8 Weteringschans
937 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Music and other shows. Look online for programme details.
World-class music-student shows almost always free. The quality is usually so amazing that you will think you have paid top price. Look online for programme details.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cva Online | Online Music Courses
151 Oosterdokskade
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
World-class music-student shows almost always free. The quality is usually so amazing that you will think you have paid top price. Look online for programme details.
Amsterdam's new library building rated in the top 3 worldwide with a restaurant on the top floor -- unparalleled views and not at all touristy.
188 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
OBA Library of Amsterdam
143 Oosterdokskade
188 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Amsterdam's new library building rated in the top 3 worldwide with a restaurant on the top floor -- unparalleled views and not at all touristy.
Dance, theatre, music, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
136 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
26 Leidseplein
136 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dance, theatre, music, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Jazz, world, classical, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
105 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
1 Piet Heinkade
105 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jazz, world, classical, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Classical, voice, jazz, world, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
476 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Concertgebouw
10 Concertgebouwplein
476 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Classical, voice, jazz, world, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Music and other shows. Look online for programme details.
444 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Melkweg
234A Lijnbaansgracht
444 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Music and other shows. Look online for programme details.

Parks & Nature

Very large, lovely, forested park with all kinds of outdoor activities including a climbing centre (Fun Forest), boating, cycling, running, and even a carefully hidden naturist meadow for sunbathing.
547 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gubat ng Amsterdam
547 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Very large, lovely, forested park with all kinds of outdoor activities including a climbing centre (Fun Forest), boating, cycling, running, and even a carefully hidden naturist meadow for sunbathing.
Want to go for a refreshing run or walk? Head towards the Olympiaplein. This big green rectangle has a fountain at one end, a skateboard park at the other, and is surrounded by tall, graceful trees.
Sportpark Olympia Square
31 Olympiaplein
Want to go for a refreshing run or walk? Head towards the Olympiaplein. This big green rectangle has a fountain at one end, a skateboard park at the other, and is surrounded by tall, graceful trees.
A lovely, large park bordering the Amstel river. Great for a bike ride or a leisurely wander. If you ride down as far as Oudekerk aan de Amstel, there is a seasonal ferry you can take; then take back.
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Amstelpark
Amstelpark
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A lovely, large park bordering the Amstel river. Great for a bike ride or a leisurely wander. If you ride down as far as Oudekerk aan de Amstel, there is a seasonal ferry you can take; then take back.
A large lake with a small ferry that can take you and your bicycle across, and swimming spots known only to locals. Unforgettable, lazy restfulness on a hot day. A pleasant jaunt on a cooler day.
40 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Nieuw en Meer
53A1 Oude Haagseweg
40 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A large lake with a small ferry that can take you and your bicycle across, and swimming spots known only to locals. Unforgettable, lazy restfulness on a hot day. A pleasant jaunt on a cooler day.
A lovely, large park with waterways, meandering paths, and lazy areas to relax in. Not as busy as Vondelpark, but absolutely worth visiting.
167 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Beatrixpark
21 Diepenbrockstraat
167 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A lovely, large park with waterways, meandering paths, and lazy areas to relax in. Not as busy as Vondelpark, but absolutely worth visiting.

Shopping

A long, busy, vibrant street market open every day except Sunday. If it exists, you can probably find it here.
1832 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Palengke ng Albert Cuyp
Albert Cuypstraat
1832 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A long, busy, vibrant street market open every day except Sunday. If it exists, you can probably find it here.
Excellent high-end shopping, people watching, and lots of cafes (although I find the food lackluster). If you are here to look at gorgeous things, a stroll down the PC Hooftstraat is not to be missed.
tiffany
86-88 Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat
Excellent high-end shopping, people watching, and lots of cafes (although I find the food lackluster). If you are here to look at gorgeous things, a stroll down the PC Hooftstraat is not to be missed.
The best chocolate maker that I have found. So, so good. Spendy. Worth it. This is one of two locations (the other one is behind the Waterlooplein).
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Puccini Bomboni
17 Staalstraat
65 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The best chocolate maker that I have found. So, so good. Spendy. Worth it. This is one of two locations (the other one is behind the Waterlooplein).

Sightseeing

Upmarket shopping street second only to the PC Hooftstraat. This street is more neighbourhood-y and cosy. There are lots of cafes here, too.
90 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cornelis Schuytstraat
Cornelis Schuytstraat
90 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Upmarket shopping street second only to the PC Hooftstraat. This street is more neighbourhood-y and cosy. There are lots of cafes here, too.
The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, and the Stedelijk museum are all here on the museumplein. You can spend a day looking at art safe in the knowledge that home is within easy walking distance.
1480 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Museumplein
Museumplein
1480 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, and the Stedelijk museum are all here on the museumplein. You can spend a day looking at art safe in the knowledge that home is within easy walking distance.
Lots of bookshops and a culture market on Fridays.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Spui
Spui
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lots of bookshops and a culture market on Fridays.
A great neighbourhood for a wander round, either by bike or on foot. Lovely galleries and narrow, charming streets.
756 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jordaan
756 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A great neighbourhood for a wander round, either by bike or on foot. Lovely galleries and narrow, charming streets.
A great neighbourhood for a wander round, either by bike or on foot. Lovely galleries, high-end art shops, and charming streets. You can get unexpected, un-touristy souvenirs here.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A great neighbourhood for a wander round, either by bike or on foot. Lovely galleries, high-end art shops, and charming streets. You can get unexpected, un-touristy souvenirs here.
You can climb the Westerkerk tower, but you must step into the entrance to book a slot. The views are wonderful no matter what the day is like, and you are very close to the Anne Frank House.
154 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Westerkerk
279 Prinsengracht
154 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
You can climb the Westerkerk tower, but you must step into the entrance to book a slot. The views are wonderful no matter what the day is like, and you are very close to the Anne Frank House.
Do not forget or underestimate Amsterdam Noord. This fascinating area has galleries, weird art installations, parks, cafes, and great views of Amsterdam. Take your bike on the ferry from Centraal.
1052 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pllek
59 T.T. Neveritaweg
1052 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Do not forget or underestimate Amsterdam Noord. This fascinating area has galleries, weird art installations, parks, cafes, and great views of Amsterdam. Take your bike on the ferry from Centraal.

Essentials

Jumbo has everything -- And it is unbeatably close to home!
514 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jumbo
55H Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat
514 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Jumbo has everything -- And it is unbeatably close to home!
A local supermarket with everything you need.
22 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
AH Johannes Verhulststraat
149 Johannes Verhulststraat
22 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A local supermarket with everything you need.
A local supermarket with everything you need.
105 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
AH Amstelveenseweg
186 Amstelveenseweg
105 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A local supermarket with everything you need.
A healthy food shop with everything you need -- and a lot of lovely organics.
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Krits Natuurvoeding
176-178 Amstelveenseweg
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A healthy food shop with everything you need -- and a lot of lovely organics.
A naturist spa (bathing suits on Tuesdays only) with gorgeous landscaped grounds, a swim-in-to-out pool, many saunas & jacuzzis, and all the expected spa treatments. Spendy but romantic and relaxing.
78 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver
8 Koenenkade
78 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A naturist spa (bathing suits on Tuesdays only) with gorgeous landscaped grounds, a swim-in-to-out pool, many saunas & jacuzzis, and all the expected spa treatments. Spendy but romantic and relaxing.
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All Daring
110 Scheldestraat
Need a manicure or a pedicure for your stressed hands and feet? The All Daring team use up-to-the-moment products including OPI, gels, Essie, and more.
Looking for a manicure or a pedicure? Looking for waxing or a facial or another beauty treatment? SOAP does it all with the best products including OPI, Essie, and more. Closest location.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Soap Treatment Store
122 Van Baerlestraat
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Looking for a manicure or a pedicure? Looking for waxing or a facial or another beauty treatment? SOAP does it all with the best products including OPI, Essie, and more. Closest location.
Looking for a manicure or a pedicure? Looking for waxing or a facial or another beauty treatment? SOAP does it all with the best products including OPI, Essie, and more. Spuistraat location.
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
SOAP TREATMENT STORE - SPUISTRAAT
281 Spuistraat
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Looking for a manicure or a pedicure? Looking for waxing or a facial or another beauty treatment? SOAP does it all with the best products including OPI, Essie, and more. Spuistraat location.