Jozefien’s local guidebook of Amsterdam

Jozefien
Jozefien’s local guidebook of Amsterdam

History

The Anne Frank house is an absolute must when you stay in our apartment. It is only a 1 minute walk away. Don't waste your time standing in line and book your timeslot online: https://www.annefrank.org/nl/museum/tickets/
2775 locals recommend
Anne Frank House
20 Westermarkt
2775 locals recommend
The Anne Frank house is an absolute must when you stay in our apartment. It is only a 1 minute walk away. Don't waste your time standing in line and book your timeslot online: https://www.annefrank.org/nl/museum/tickets/

Neighbourhoods

The Jordaan is my favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam. It is much less touristy than the '9 straatjes' or the city centre. On Monday and Saturday morning there is a lovely market at the Noordermarkt. When you're there, go and have a coffee and apple pie (best in AMS) at cafe Winkel. For lunch in the Jordaan I would recommend Libertine, Madre. For dinner in the Jordaan I would recommend Toscanini, Kiki, Parlotte, cafe Parel or Donna Sofia. For drinks I would recommend de Nieuwe Lelie (old school), cafe Nol (typical old Jordaan) de Blaffende Vis (party), cafe Thijssen (local) or cafe de 2 prinsen (hip).
66 locals recommend
Jordaan
66 locals recommend
The Jordaan is my favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam. It is much less touristy than the '9 straatjes' or the city centre. On Monday and Saturday morning there is a lovely market at the Noordermarkt. When you're there, go and have a coffee and apple pie (best in AMS) at cafe Winkel. For lunch in the Jordaan I would recommend Libertine, Madre. For dinner in the Jordaan I would recommend Toscanini, Kiki, Parlotte, cafe Parel or Donna Sofia. For drinks I would recommend de Nieuwe Lelie (old school), cafe Nol (typical old Jordaan) de Blaffende Vis (party), cafe Thijssen (local) or cafe de 2 prinsen (hip).
The area between the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht contains an intimate shopping area known as ‘De Negen Straatjes’ (The Nine Streets). These picturesque streets connecting the canals are filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, stylish cafés and galleries. De Negen Straatjes are only a 5 minute walk away. Have a coffee at Bussia or in the garden of the Pulitzer hotel. For lunch go to Wolf bakery or Pluk Amsterdam. It's great to have a drink at cafe van Puffelen at the Prinsengracht, or cross the water to the Elandsgracht and sit down at cafe Eland.
1405 locals recommend
De 9 Straatjes
1405 locals recommend
The area between the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht contains an intimate shopping area known as ‘De Negen Straatjes’ (The Nine Streets). These picturesque streets connecting the canals are filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, stylish cafés and galleries. De Negen Straatjes are only a 5 minute walk away. Have a coffee at Bussia or in the garden of the Pulitzer hotel. For lunch go to Wolf bakery or Pluk Amsterdam. It's great to have a drink at cafe van Puffelen at the Prinsengracht, or cross the water to the Elandsgracht and sit down at cafe Eland.

Museum

The Royal Palace at the Dam square is sometimes opened to the public. The palace has been a home to the royal family of the Netherlands, the municipality of Amsterdam and even the Napoleon family. It has a very rich history and beautiful art and furniture! I recommend you book your time slot in advance through the website: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/visit/. Note that it is sometimes closed, as it is still in use.
360 locals recommend
Royal Palace Amsterdam
147 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
360 locals recommend
The Royal Palace at the Dam square is sometimes opened to the public. The palace has been a home to the royal family of the Netherlands, the municipality of Amsterdam and even the Napoleon family. It has a very rich history and beautiful art and furniture! I recommend you book your time slot in advance through the website: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/visit/. Note that it is sometimes closed, as it is still in use.
Probably the Netherlands' most famous museum. It is almost impossible to see the entire collection in one day, but just a visit to the 'Eregalerij' (Gallery of Honours) is worth it. Go and see Rembrandts' famous Nightwatch. Order tickets online: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/tickets/artikelen
3186 locals recommend
Rijksmuseum
1 Museumstraat
3186 locals recommend
Probably the Netherlands' most famous museum. It is almost impossible to see the entire collection in one day, but just a visit to the 'Eregalerij' (Gallery of Honours) is worth it. Go and see Rembrandts' famous Nightwatch. Order tickets online: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/tickets/artikelen
Are you into modern art? Then go to the 'Stedelijk Museum' at the Museum square. I can also really recommend the cafe inside the museum. Order tickets: https://www.stedelijk.nl/en
1544 locals recommend
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
10 Museumplein
1544 locals recommend
Are you into modern art? Then go to the 'Stedelijk Museum' at the Museum square. I can also really recommend the cafe inside the museum. Order tickets: https://www.stedelijk.nl/en
This museum used to be a hidden catholic church and it is situated right in the Red Light District. Tickets: https://opsolder.nl/
172 locals recommend
Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder
38-40 Oudezijds Voorburgwal
172 locals recommend
This museum used to be a hidden catholic church and it is situated right in the Red Light District. Tickets: https://opsolder.nl/
Do you love photography? This museum for photography is situated in a beautiful canal house at the Keizersgracht. You can walk there from our apartment. Check out the current exhibition on the website: https://huismarseille.nl/en/
99 locals recommend
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography
401 Keizersgracht
99 locals recommend
Do you love photography? This museum for photography is situated in a beautiful canal house at the Keizersgracht. You can walk there from our apartment. Check out the current exhibition on the website: https://huismarseille.nl/en/
Another great museum for photography lovers, also situated at the Keizersgracht. Check out their current exhibition: https://www.foam.org/
792 locals recommend
Foam
609 Keizersgracht
792 locals recommend
Another great museum for photography lovers, also situated at the Keizersgracht. Check out their current exhibition: https://www.foam.org/

Sightseeing

Amazing light show in an old factory building. Book tickets in advance: https://www.fabrique-lumieres.com/nl
7 locals recommend
Fabrique des Lumières
37 Pazzanistraat
7 locals recommend
Amazing light show in an old factory building. Book tickets in advance: https://www.fabrique-lumieres.com/nl

Food & Drinks

No nonsense food in a great ambiance, great value for money. Highly recommend making a reservation: https://cradam.nl/en/
284 locals recommend
Café Restaurant Amsterdam
6 Watertorenplein
284 locals recommend
No nonsense food in a great ambiance, great value for money. Highly recommend making a reservation: https://cradam.nl/en/
Great place for food and drinks and has a fantastic terrace.
428 locals recommend
Pacific Parc
23 Polonceaukade
428 locals recommend
Great place for food and drinks and has a fantastic terrace.
This super relaxed terrace is hidden behind a parking garage. When the sun's out, this is where you'll find the locals.
436 locals recommend
Waterkant
55 Kapelweg
436 locals recommend
This super relaxed terrace is hidden behind a parking garage. When the sun's out, this is where you'll find the locals.
Discover Noord, aka the North of Amsterdam by taking the (free) boat behind Central Station. Have a beer and/or burger at Oedipus brewing. My favourite beer is 'Mannenliefde'.
105 locals recommend
Oedipus Brewing Taproom
85 Gedempt Hamerkanaal
105 locals recommend
Discover Noord, aka the North of Amsterdam by taking the (free) boat behind Central Station. Have a beer and/or burger at Oedipus brewing. My favourite beer is 'Mannenliefde'.
Get some drinks and quick bites in this old tram depot right in the beating heart of Amsterdam-West.
615 locals recommend
De Hallen Amsterdam
47 Hannie Dankbaarpassage
615 locals recommend
Get some drinks and quick bites in this old tram depot right in the beating heart of Amsterdam-West.
Good restaurant in an exceptional building, make reservations: https://cafenieuwamsterdam.nl/reserveren/
Café Nieuw Amsterdam
75 Haarlemmerstraat
Good restaurant in an exceptional building, make reservations: https://cafenieuwamsterdam.nl/reserveren/
Cute restaurant for lunch or dinner, which is super close to the apartment. Make reservations: https://brasseriedeluwte.nl/
14 locals recommend
De Luwte
26-28 Leliegracht
14 locals recommend
Cute restaurant for lunch or dinner, which is super close to the apartment. Make reservations: https://brasseriedeluwte.nl/
Have a drink on the Prinsengracht at cafe de twee prinsen!
56 locals recommend
Café De Prins
124 Prinsengracht
56 locals recommend
Have a drink on the Prinsengracht at cafe de twee prinsen!
Cute lunch spot. The chicken and the melanzane sandwich are the best. Recommend to make a reservation: https://bonnie.goudvisch.nl/en/
10 locals recommend
Bar Bonnie
226h Amstelveenseweg
10 locals recommend
Cute lunch spot. The chicken and the melanzane sandwich are the best. Recommend to make a reservation: https://bonnie.goudvisch.nl/en/
A favourite in the Pijp: having a drink at Het Paardje. Great place to relax after having visited the Albert Cuijp market.
105 locals recommend
The Paardje B.V.
1 Gerard Douplein
105 locals recommend
A favourite in the Pijp: having a drink at Het Paardje. Great place to relax after having visited the Albert Cuijp market.
My favourite place in the Rivierenbuurt!
43 locals recommend
Tap Zuid
70 Maasstraat
43 locals recommend
My favourite place in the Rivierenbuurt!
Lovely place to have lunch, because of the menu and the interior!
141 locals recommend
Bar Botanique
581 Eerste Van Swindenstraat
141 locals recommend
Lovely place to have lunch, because of the menu and the interior!
Want to spend a bit more and have a fine dinner? Go to Kaagman & Kortekaas. Book a table: https://kaagmanenkortekaas.nl/en/
51 locals recommend
Kaagman & Kortekaas
43 Sint Nicolaasstraat
51 locals recommend
Want to spend a bit more and have a fine dinner? Go to Kaagman & Kortekaas. Book a table: https://kaagmanenkortekaas.nl/en/
This cafe is well known for it's terrace overlooking the Amstel.
119 locals recommend
Café de Jaren
20-20 Nieuwe Doelenstraat
119 locals recommend
This cafe is well known for it's terrace overlooking the Amstel.
Local favourite to hang out at the terrace and look at the boats passing by on the Amstel.
399 locals recommend
Café Restaurant De Ysbreeker
23 Weesperzijde
399 locals recommend
Local favourite to hang out at the terrace and look at the boats passing by on the Amstel.
Great food and natural wines in a hip restaurant. They don't take reservations!
57 locals recommend
Café Binnenvisser
36 Bilderdijkstraat
57 locals recommend
Great food and natural wines in a hip restaurant. They don't take reservations!
Winebar
146 locals recommend
Glou Glou
3 Tweede van der Helststraat
146 locals recommend
Winebar
The perfect breakfast, brunch or lunch place.
71 locals recommend
TEDS
60 Bosboom Toussaintstraat
71 locals recommend
The perfect breakfast, brunch or lunch place.
Cute cafe for breakfast or brunch.
8 locals recommend
Pluk Amsterdam
19 Berenstraat
8 locals recommend
Cute cafe for breakfast or brunch.
Bit more fancy restaurant. Make reservations: https://www.pekelhaaring.nl/#menu
232 locals recommend
Fa. Pekelhaaring
127 Van Woustraat
232 locals recommend
Bit more fancy restaurant. Make reservations: https://www.pekelhaaring.nl/#menu
This restaurant is situated right next to Artis Zoo and from the terrace you can see the flamingo's. I would recommend making a reservation: https://www.caferestaurantdeplantage.nl/
224 locals recommend
De Plantage
36 Plantage Kerklaan
224 locals recommend
This restaurant is situated right next to Artis Zoo and from the terrace you can see the flamingo's. I would recommend making a reservation: https://www.caferestaurantdeplantage.nl/
This cafe serves Dutch craft beers and has many of them on draft. I love this place!
65 locals recommend
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
90 Herengracht
65 locals recommend
This cafe serves Dutch craft beers and has many of them on draft. I love this place!

Party

The place where the locals like to end a night at the Rembrand square.
Live Amsterdam Pianobar
16 Thorbeckeplein
The place where the locals like to end a night at the Rembrand square.
Techno club on the other side of the IJ, in the North area.
78 locals recommend
Shelter
3 Overhoeksplein
78 locals recommend
Techno club on the other side of the IJ, in the North area.
Music venue and culture centre that has great live music. See what's on: https://www.melkweg.nl/en/
444 locals recommend
Melkweg
234A Lijnbaansgracht
444 locals recommend
Music venue and culture centre that has great live music. See what's on: https://www.melkweg.nl/en/
Club and live music venue. See what's on: https://www.paradiso.nl/en/
937 locals recommend
Paradiso
6-8 Weteringschans
937 locals recommend
Club and live music venue. See what's on: https://www.paradiso.nl/en/
Nice bar in which a relaxed evening can turn into dancing!
46 locals recommend
Escobar
10 Eerste Sweelinckstraat
46 locals recommend
Nice bar in which a relaxed evening can turn into dancing!
Club/cultural institution. See if there's something going on for you: https://radionamsterdam.stager.nl/web/tickets
98 locals recommend
RADION Amsterdam
1 Louwesweg
98 locals recommend
Club/cultural institution. See if there's something going on for you: https://radionamsterdam.stager.nl/web/tickets
A night in the East of Amsterdam isn't complete without a stop at cafe Kuijper.
115 locals recommend
Café Kuijper
79 Linnaeusstraat
115 locals recommend
A night in the East of Amsterdam isn't complete without a stop at cafe Kuijper.
A local pub-like cafe, great to end your night at!
40 locals recommend
Tapmarin
130 Van Woustraat
40 locals recommend
A local pub-like cafe, great to end your night at!

City advice

Getting around

Car parking

Park your car in one of the P+R parkings. When you travel back to the parking using public transport, you will receive a huge discount. Do read the instructions very carefully and check out parking availability on the website: https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/parking/park-ride/
Getting around

Tourist traps

In my opinion there are some places you can skip. Even though I work for Heineken, I really would not recommend going to the Heineken experience. The Red Light district is something you can skip as well, it has become a trashy district full of drinking bachelor parties.