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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Brasserie Van Dam
8-10 Cornelis SchuytstraatGood 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Affourtit Eten & Drinken
209 KoninginnewegFriendly 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 KoninginnewegLocal 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Le Pain Quotidien
2 & 4 Cornelis TroostpleinGood 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 AmstelveensewegCharming, 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Wolvenstraat
WolvenstraatCalled 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 BaerlestraatKiller-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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Small World Catering
14 Binnen OranjestraatA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Eetcafe Singel 404
404 SingelBig 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Café restaurant van Kerkwijk
41 NesThis 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
De Italiaan
29 Bosboom ToussaintstraatAuthentic 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
De Italiaan
29 Bosboom ToussaintstraatAn 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
GEORGE W.P.A.
74 WillemsparkwegA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
The Blue Tea House
5 VondelparkA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Issa
249 StadionwegAuthentic, 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Ron Gastrobar
55 SophialaanA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Broodbakker Simon Meijssen
162 Van BaerlestraatThe best neighbourhood bakery that I have found. Dangerously delicious bread, cake, and other goodies.
Ko Chang Thai restaurant
91 WesterstraatExcellent Thai food. Open for evening dining.
Ko Chang Thai Restaurant
60 Bosboom ToussaintstraatExcellent 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
WG Café
52 Marius van Bouwdijk BastiaansestraatLovely, 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Chocolaterie Pompadour
12 HuidenstraatChocolate. 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Spanjer en van Twist
60 LeliegrachtLovely 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Casa di David
426 SingelAuthentic, 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 VerhulststraatLocal 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Stadscafé Van Mechelen
96/97 SloterkadeLovely, 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 ValeriuspleinA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Restaurant As
19 Pr. IrenestraatLovely, 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
MacBike | Bike Rental Amsterdam | Museum District - Leidseplein
2 WeteringschansReliable, 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
MACY'S Haarlemmermeerstation
266 AmstelveensewegThis 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Vondelpark Openluchttheater
5a VondelparkFamous, 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).
Bimhuis
3 Piet HeinkadeJazz and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Paradiso
6-8 WeteringschansMusic 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Cva Online | Online Music Courses
151 OosterdokskadeWorld-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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
OBA Library of Amsterdam
143 OosterdokskadeAmsterdam'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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
26 LeidsepleinDance, theatre, music, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Jazz, world, classical, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
105 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
1 Piet HeinkadeJazz, world, classical, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Classical, voice, jazz, world, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
476 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
The Concertgebouw
10 ConcertgebouwpleinClassical, voice, jazz, world, and other shows. Look online for programme details.
Melkweg
234A LijnbaansgrachtMusic 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Amsterdam Forest
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 OlympiapleinWant 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Amstelpark
AmstelparkA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Nieuw en Meer
53A1 Oude HaagsewegA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Beatrixpark
21 DiepenbrockstraatA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Albert Cuyp Market
Albert CuypstraatA 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 HooftstraatExcellent 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Puccini Bomboni
17 StaalstraatThe 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Cornelis Schuytstraat
Cornelis SchuytstraatUpmarket 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Museumplein
MuseumpleinThe 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.
Spui
SpuiLots 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Jordaan
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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat
Nieuwe SpiegelstraatA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Westerkerk
279 PrinsengrachtYou 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Pllek
59 T.T. NeveritawegDo 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
55H Eerste Constantijn HuygensstraatJumbo has everything -- And it is unbeatably close to home!
A local supermarket with everything you need.
22 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
AH Johannes Verhulststraat
149 Johannes VerhulststraatA local supermarket with everything you need.
AH Amstelveenseweg
186 AmstelveensewegA local supermarket with everything you need.
A healthy food shop with everything you need -- and a lot of lovely organics.
11 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Krits Natuurvoeding
176-178 AmstelveensewegA 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver
8 KoenenkadeA 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.
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.
All Daring
110 ScheldestraatNeed 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
Soap Treatment Store
122 Van BaerlestraatLooking 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 lokale inwoners bevelen aan
SOAP TREATMENT STORE - SPUISTRAAT
281 SpuistraatLooking 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.