Top 7 Amsterdam cafes from famous coffee shops to Scandinavian and exotic ones

Amsterdam is home to many traditional and old cafes and a large number of trendy and offbeat establishments. Ignorant travellers can be puzzled when visiting local coffee shops as cannabis is sold here. When you are looking for cafes in Amsterdam to drink a cup of coffee or tea and eat a delicious dessert, you need a koffiehuis (coffee house). We are going to talk about the latter.

If you are a fan of unique and cool cafes, with their own special aesthetics and charisma, then you did the right thing to come to Amsterdam. Coffee culture is thriving here, so the best places to enjoy a cup of flavoured drink and delicious snacks can be found all over the city. Stop during your bike ride at the best cafes in Amsterdam to replenish your energy with caffeine, sweets, and a beautiful view of the canal. To make it easier for you, we've rounded up some great cafes in Amsterdam that are worth a visit while in the Netherlands.

1. Back to Black

This famous cafe was founded by two Amsterdam locals: Noortje Vlutters and Inge Bulthuis. Their friendship, which began when they were 12 years old, gave rise to a company that includes two coffee shops, a small bakery, an online store, and a training centre. This is one of Amsterdam's most famous cafes, which has gained popularity thanks to its top-notch home-roasted coffee and pastries from its own bakery. Most likely, your route around the city will take you to the coffee shop in the centre of Weteringstraat. Its space is very cozy, with a homely interior and a cute cat that lives there, so the cafe fills up with visitors quickly. The second café is located in West Amsterdam on Van Hallstraat and has outdoor seating as well. The café in the centre is open daily: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends, while the second branch closes an hour earlier on weekdays.

2. Hartje Oost

Amsterdam has many good and unusual cafes, as mentioned earlier, and here is one of the prime examples of such. This place on Javastraat Street is not only about having coffee or tea but also about having a snack, wine, or cocktails and interesting shopping. Hartje Oost calls itself a coffee boutique and it really does have everything you need to spend a good part of your day here. Stop by here to browse and maybe buy some of the interesting decor items, home goods, fashion jewellery and clothing and then take a seat at the cafe with a latte and original sandwiches or pastries. This is one of those cool cafes in Amsterdam suitable for any occasion: stop in for lunch or dinner, look for curious gifts, and celebrate your purchase with a drink, or sit at a table with your laptop, washing down your dessert with flavoured tea. The café is open daily from 9:00 (10:00 on weekends) to 17:00.

3. Café de Sluyswacht

This old house on the Oudeschans immediately catches the eye with its facade and angle. It dates back to 1965 and was the home of the lockmaster of the city's canals. It is now home to one of the cutest cafes in Amsterdam and a bar with stone floors, wooden beams, and large windows overlooking the canal. You'll find older regulars, students, and tourists stopping in for a bite to eat and a drink after visiting the Rembrandt House Museum across the street. There are a dozen beers on tap, cocktails, and good coffee. The food is mostly typical Dutch appetizers, such as deep-fried meatballs with sauce or croquettes. This is the place to admire the beautiful view from the window or terrace and have a drink in a relaxing atmosphere. The café is open every day from 11:30 to 1:00 Monday through Thursday, until 3:00 on Friday and Saturday and until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

4. CT Coffee & Coconuts

This nice bohemian cafe is located in an old theater building in Amsterdam, built in the 1920s. It brings a touch of the exotic to the best cafes in Amsterdam: yes, you can indeed get coffee and coconuts served with straws and lime, as well as various desserts with this ingredient. The cafe is spacious, with several levels, a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, as befits a tropical oasis, and Hawaiian-style decor. Beautiful stained glass windows on the outside are replaced by a bright room with whitewashed wood, brick walls, and industrial light fixtures inside. The menu is perfect for top Amsterdam establishments, with healthy fusion cuisine and an extensive range of coffee drinks, teas, and coconut water. Stop by for brunch and try the coconut cream pancakes, accompanied by freshly squeezed juice or coffee. The cafe is open daily from 8:0 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m.).

5. Scandinavian Embassy

The best cafes in Amsterdam work hard to develop their own interiors and atmosphere, and this place justifies its curious name. The Scandinavian aesthetic is evident in the minimalist and cozy decor of the room, the seasonal dishes on the menu inspired by Scandinavian cuisine, and the top-quality coffee beans, which are purchased from small roasters in Scandinavia. It gives the impression that you have actually moved to another country. This place is popular for brunch, which can even gather lines outside. Enjoy light snacks like sandwiches and salads, don't miss the cinnamon buns - arguably the best in the city - and try a great coffee at one of the most atmospheric cafes in Amsterdam. It's open every day from 8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 17:00 on weekends).

6. Winkel 43

This traditional-style building is one of Amsterdam's top cafes on the corner of Westerstraat and Noordermarkt, with a terrace ideal for lunch or coffee on sunny days. Don't be surprised if you see a line out front: they don't take reservations, but it's one of the most popular cafes in Amsterdam, so it's always lively. Their homemade apple pie has become an iconic dessert, so a slice is a must in your order. The rest of the menu changes throughout the day from breakfast offerings to lunch and dinner specials. There is a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Prices are reasonable, the interior is simple, and the atmosphere is homely as this place was to the liking of both locals and tourists. The cafe is open every day: it opens early in the morning (from 7:00 to 9:00 depending on the day of the week) and closes at 1:00 from Sunday to Thursday and at 3:00 on Friday and Saturday.

7. De Bakkerswinkel

A cozy café and bakery store in the Red-light district has gained popularity among locals for breakfast with coffee and a newspaper, lunch, or a small snack with tea and cake. Therefore, you will hear more Dutch speech here than English, which is unusual for a tourist area. The interior and furnishings follow the "Bakkerswinkel style" - a pleasant, homely place for a delicious lunch and a break from the day's hustle and bustle. Many of the best cafes in Amsterdam, Netherlands have become famous for their sweets, and this is no exception: the local custard tart is divine and you must try it. The scones with homemade jam, melted cream and cottage cheese deserve special attention. In addition to pastries, Bakkerswinkel offers a large selection of breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices. The cafe is closed on Tuesday, while on other days it is open from 8:00 (8:30 on weekends) to 16:30.