Food, shopping, wellness, nightlife & luxury experiences in Amsterdam
The best places to eat in Amsterdam — from street food to fine dining
A popular falafel bar offering fresh, customizable falafel pitas with a self-service salad bar. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
A uniquely Dutch experience: a walk-up snack bar with hot items served from vending machine-style compartments. Try the kroket or frikandel.
Customizable stir-fry noodles or rice with your choice of ingredients, sauces, and toppings. Fast, fresh, and filling.
Amsterdam's first omeletterie, offering a huge variety of delicious, freshly made omelettes, pancakes, and breakfast dishes. Great for brunch.
A popular New Zealand-style cafe renowned for its fantastic brunch, artisanal coffee, and vibrant atmosphere. Expect a wait on weekends.
Experience traditional Dutch cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy, authentic setting. Focuses on forgotten Dutch recipes and seasonal ingredients.
Serving French rotisserie-style dishes with a focus on quality ingredients and classic techniques. Known for its roasted chicken and relaxed ambiance.
An upscale indoor food market with a wide variety of gourmet street food stalls, bars, and a lively atmosphere. Great for groups as everyone can choose something different.
Dining in a renovated greenhouse, De Kas offers a unique farm-to-table experience with ingredients harvested from their own garden or local suppliers. Michelin Green Star.
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined French cuisine with a modern touch, set in an intimate 18th-century bakery. Exquisite food and impeccable service.
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant focused on plant-forward, 'free-from' cuisine, offering a high-end gastronomic journey with stunning canal views.
Fresh raw herring, usually served with chopped onions and pickles. Eat it whole by holding it by the tail, or on a 'broodje' (bun).
Two thin waffles with a caramel syrup filling in between. Best enjoyed warm and fresh from a market stall.
Thick-cut, twice-fried Dutch fries, served in a paper cone with your choice of sauce (mayonnaise is classic, 'patatje oorlog' is a must-try with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions).
Deep-fried crispy meatballs, typically served with mustard. A quintessential Dutch bar snack.
Small, fluffy Dutch pancakes, typically served with butter and powdered sugar. A sweet, delightful treat.
Battered and deep-fried pieces of white fish (often cod or pollock), served with a garlic-herb sauce.
While not 'street food' in the typical sense, sampling fresh cheese from market stalls is a must. Many offer vacuum-sealing for travel.
A crispy kroket (meat ragout fritter) served on a soft white bun, often with mustard. A popular lunch item.
Amsterdam's largest and most famous street market, offering everything from fresh produce and fish to stroopwafels, clothing, and souvenirs.
An upscale indoor food market located in a beautifully restored tram depot. Features over 20 different food stalls offering international cuisines, along with several bars.
A lively, authentic local market in Oud-West, less touristy than Albert Cuyp. Great for fresh produce, cheese, meat, and local snacks.
On Saturdays, Noordermarkt transforms into a fantastic organic farmers' market (Boerenmarkt) with fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods.
Offers a variety of cooking workshops, including Dutch cuisine, in a professional and fun environment. Great for groups or individuals.
Focuses specifically on traditional Dutch recipes, allowing you to learn how to make classics like 'stamppot' or 'appeltaart' from scratch.
Where to shop in Amsterdam — districts, markets, and bargains
A picturesque area of nine small streets connecting the main canals, filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Amsterdam's main shopping streets, home to major international high-street brands, department stores, and souvenir shops. Can get very crowded.
The city's most exclusive shopping street, featuring luxury international designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermès.
Amsterdam's largest and most famous street market, offering a vast array of goods from food and clothing to electronics and souvenirs.
Amsterdam's oldest flea market, selling second-hand clothing, vintage items, antiques, books, and quirky souvenirs. Great for treasure hunting.
On Monday mornings, this market offers a mix of vintage clothes, antiques, jewelry, and quirky bric-a-brac. On Saturdays, it's an organic food market.
The world's only floating flower market, offering a colorful array of fresh flowers, bulbs (especially tulips), and gardening accessories. Perfect for flower lovers.
Authentic keepsakes and what to avoid
Delicious Dutch waffle cookies with a caramel filling. Buy them fresh from a market or packaged to take home.
High-quality, delicious Dutch cheeses. Many shops offer vacuum-sealed options perfect for travel. Visit a specialty cheese shop for guidance.
Traditional blue and white pottery. Look for authentic pieces from reputable stores or the official Royal Delft brand, rather than mass-produced imitations.
The traditional juniper-flavored spirit from which gin evolved. Try different ages and styles from a 'proeflokaal' (tasting room).
A charming and more authentic alternative to plastic tulips. Look for hand-painted wooden versions for a unique touch.
The distinct blend of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, white pepper) used in traditional Dutch speculaas cookies. You can buy the spice mix or the cookies themselves.
Style hotspots in Amsterdam
Known for its unique mix of vintage shops, independent fashion boutiques, local designers, and trendy accessory stores.
The epitome of luxury fashion, featuring flagship stores of international high-end designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Prada.
A vibrant street known for its eclectic mix of independent fashion boutiques, concept stores, vintage shops, and unique home decor.
Relax and rejuvenate in Amsterdam
A large, modern wellness complex with extensive thermal baths, various saunas, swimming pools, and relaxation areas. Offers a full range of treatments.
A luxurious urban spa featuring a swimming pool, Watsu pool, sauna, hammam, and comprehensive treatment menu. High-end relaxation.
Offers quality massages in a serene environment at accessible prices. Specializes in deep tissue, relaxing, and hot stone massages.
An historic Art Deco bathhouse dating from 1904, offering a unique sauna experience with beautiful interiors, a plunge pool, and relaxation areas.
After dark in Amsterdam
A historic 17th-century jenever (Dutch gin) tasting room and distillery. Sample traditional liqueurs and jenevers in an authentic setting.
A local craft brewery located next to a traditional Dutch windmill. Enjoy their organic beers on a spacious terrace.
An award-winning cocktail bar known for its creative drinks, theatrical presentation, and cozy, speakeasy-like ambiance. Reservations recommended.
Believed to be the oldest pub in Amsterdam (dating back to 1624). A classic 'brown cafe' with a rich history and authentic atmosphere.
One of the world's most renowned concert halls, famous for its exceptional acoustics. Hosts classical music concerts, jazz, and world music.
An iconic music venue housed in a former church, known for hosting international bands and DJs across various genres. A must-visit for music lovers.
A modern concert hall dedicated to contemporary music, with stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront views.
Splurge-worthy experiences in Amsterdam
Experience Amsterdam's canals in ultimate style on a private boat, complete with a gourmet multi-course dinner prepared by a private chef and fine wines.
Indulge in a luxurious stay at this architectural masterpiece, combining historical charm with contemporary design, located in the heart of the Museum Quarter. Features a world-class spa and dining.
Savor an unforgettable tasting menu at one of Amsterdam's several Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Vinkeles (2 stars) or Flore (2 stars), for an exquisite culinary journey.
Visit a renowned diamond factory like Gassan Diamonds or Coster Diamonds for a private tour, learning about the history and craftsmanship, followed by a personalized consultation for purchasing.
Gain deeper insights into Amsterdam's world-class art collections at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum with a private art historian, offering a tailored and intimate experience.
Best cafes and coffee spots in Amsterdam
An incredibly charming cafe and concept store known for its healthy breakfast, delicious cakes, fresh juices, and Instagram-worthy interior.
A minimalist, serious coffee spot for true connoisseurs. Bocca roasts its own beans and offers exceptional espresso-based drinks and pour-overs.
A popular spot for specialty coffee lovers, known for its industrial-chic vibe, friendly baristas, and excellent house-roasted beans.
A cozy, welcoming cafe with a focus on quality coffee, delicious homemade pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for working or unwinding.
Housed in a former cinema, this spacious, trendy cafe offers a relaxed beach-house vibe, great coffee, healthy brunch options, and delicious cocktails.
A well-regarded specialty coffee shop with multiple locations, known for its expertly brewed coffee, friendly service, and a selection of pastries.