The complete guide to exploring Amsterdam

Our favorite spots: where to eat well in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s food scene is a non-stop feast. The city is a culinary melting pot where flavors from all over the world come together in sometimes tiny streets. We tried dozens of restaurants during our stay, and here are the ones that truly won us over. All of them are under €50 per person.

International and Fusion Cuisine

1. Restaurant Barracuda Amsterdam ⭐ 4.5/5

One of our absolute favorites. The vibe is warm, the dishes are generous, and the menu is all about sharing. We actually went back twice during our trip, which says it all. The cocktails pair perfectly with the food, and the service is attentive without being overbearing. The setting mixes exposed brick with cozy lighting—perfect for dinner with a partner or hanging out with friends.

Damage: 25-40€/pers | €€ Google Maps

2. Rijsel ⭐ 4.6/5

Think chic canteen vibes with generous French-Flemish dishes. This place has been an Amsterdam staple for years, and for good reason: the value for money is unbeatable. The portions are so hearty that you’ll rarely have room for dessert. It’s bustling and friendly, the kind of spot where you feel right at home instantly.

Accès : 25-40€/pers | €€ Google Maps

3. Wilde Zwijnen ⭐ 4.5/5

Seasonal dishes, all locally sourced. A real hidden gem that tourists tend to miss, which is absolutely fine by us. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, making every visit a fresh discovery. The setting is warm and cozy, featuring exposed brick walls and soft lighting. Plus, they have a great selection of natural wines.

Accès : 30-45€/pers | €€ Google Maps

4. Restaurant Smelt (9 Straatjes) ⭐ 4.4/5

Tucked away in the famous Nine Streets, this spot serves up simple, beautifully executed market-fresh food. It’s the perfect pit stop for lunch between strolls along the canals. The terrace is tiny, but the charm is instant. The dishes are fresh, the menu changes often, and prices are quite reasonable for the area.

Accès : 20-35€/pers | €€ Google Maps

5. Scheepskameel ⭐ 4.4/5

Located on the historic shipyards, offering stunning views over the IJ. The converted industrial setting is fascinating, and the food is excellent. It’s the kind of place you visit as much for the vibe as for the plate. Even the free ferry ride to get there is part of the adventure.

6. Brothers Hartering ⭐ 4.3/5

Creative cuisine in a laid-back setting. The sharing plates are top-notch and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming. It feels just like hanging out at a friend’s place—if your friend happened to be an amazing chef. The tapas-style menu lets you taste a bit of everything without breaking the bank.

7. Sonny ⭐ 4.3/5

Brunch and lunch in a bright, modern space. The menu is short but beautifully crafted, with solid vegetarian options. The pancakes are a must-try, and the coffee is excellent. Perfect for a slow, gentle start before a day out on the bike.

Accès : 15-25€/pers | € Google Maps

Asian Cuisine: Our Best Finds

Amsterdam boasts an incredible Asian food scene. A mix of Indonesia’s colonial heritage, a historic Chinese community, and recent waves of immigration have created a wonderfully rich culinary ecosystem. Here are our absolute favorites.

1. Order Sichuan / Territory ⭐ 4.4/5

This is authentic Sichuan right in Amsterdam, complete with that signature lip-numbing Sichuan pepper. The mapo tofu and dan dan noodles are as traditional as they get. If you love spicy food, you can’t miss this place. It’s a simple, no-frills spot, but you come here for the amazing flavors, not the decor.

2. Fuku Ramen ⭐ 4.3/5

Steaming, flavorful bowls of ramen. Simple, hearty, and comforting. Absolutely perfect for rainy days (which are pretty common in Amsterdam). The tonkotsu is wonderfully creamy, and the homemade gyoza are the perfect pairing. It gets busy at lunchtime, so try to get there early.

Accès : 12-18€/pers | € Google Maps

3. Kim’s So Korean Food Oost ⭐ 4.5/5

Bibimbap, homemade kimchi, and a cozy family vibe. The Oost neighborhood is full of hidden gems like this one. The owner is lovely, and the portions are huge for the price. The bulgogi melts in your mouth, and they are super generous with the side dishes (banchan).

Accès : 12-20€/pers | € Google Maps

4. HINATA Amsterdam ⭐ 4.4/5

Carefully crafted Japanese cuisine in a minimalist setting. The sushi is incredibly fresh, and the lunch bento boxes are a fantastic value. The evening omakase is quite an experience, but you’ll definitely need to book ahead.

Street food and snacks: eating well on a budget

Amsterdam is a pricey city, but street food is a fantastic way to eat well without breaking the bank. Here are the must-try local snacks and the best spots to find them.

Bitterballen are the absolute number one. These crispy, deep-fried breaded meat croquettes can be ordered in any “brown café” alongside a cold beer. Expect to pay 6 to 8€ for a portion. A warm stroopwafel, straight from the Albert Cuyp market, is another classic: two thin waffles joined by a gooey caramel filling (2-3€). Fries (friet) are a true institution here, served in a paper cone with a sauce of your choice. Manneken Pis and Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx are the two best-known spots.

For a quick and budget-friendly lunch, raw herring (haring) is the quintessential local tradition. You eat it standing up at a street stall, topped with onions and pickles. It’s fresh, healthy, and costs just 4 to 5€. The city’s markets are also a goldmine: Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp features food stalls from all over the world, from Turkish grills to Indonesian pancakes.

Another hidden gem is the broodje (sandwich) with North Sea shrimp, which you can find in the market fish shops. It’s fresh, simple, and priced at a fraction of what you’d pay in sit-down restaurants in the center (5-7€). Grabbing a kroket (meat croquette from a vending machine) at FEBO is more of a quirky cultural experience than a gourmet meal, but it’s definitely worth trying once for the fun of it.

Bars, cafés, and patios: where to grab a drink

Going out for a drink in Amsterdam is practically a sacred ritual. Between century-old brown cafés, hidden speakeasies, and canal-side terraces, you have everything you need for some unforgettable nights out. Here is a quick tour of our favorite spots.

Brown Cafés and Cozy Bars

1. Café De Ceuvel ⭐ 4.5/5

A bar-restaurant set in a recycled eco-village in Amsterdam Noord. The setting is truly unique: converted boats, permaculture gardens, and an alternative vibe. People go for the local craft beer and the great community spirit. You can get there via a free ferry from Central Station, which is already half the adventure.

Accès : 5-10€/verre | € Google Maps

2. Brouwerij ‘t IJ ⭐ 4.5/5

A craft brewery located right under a windmill. This is an iconic Amsterdam spot. The terrace is huge and the vibe is super laid-back. You can taste beers brewed on-site, and the brewery tour (free on Fridays) is really interesting. The Columbus and the Zatte are our absolute favorites.

Accès : 4-7€/verre | € Google Maps

3. Café Papeneiland ⭐ 4.5/5

One of Amsterdam’s oldest brown cafés (since 1642). It features legendary apple pie, dark wood paneling, and a timeless atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for a coffee and suddenly find you’ve happily lost two hours. A must-visit in the Jordaan.

Accès : 3-8€/verre | € Google Maps

Cocktails and Speakeasies

4. Door 74 ⭐ 4.6/5

A hidden speakeasy, booking by SMS only. The cocktails here are on another level. This is by far our favorite bar in Amsterdam. No sign outside, just an anonymous door. Inside, it’s cozy and intimate, the bartender is a true artist, and every cocktail is a unique creation. It’s easily one of the best cocktail bars in Europe, regularly sitting in the world’s top 50.

Accès : 12-16€/cocktail | €€ Google Maps

5. Bar Centraal ⭐ 4.2/5

Located close to the station, with a great cocktail menu and a lively vibe. It’s a handy starting point or final stop for an evening out. The happy hours are definitely worth checking out.

Accès : 8-14€/cocktail | €€ Google Maps

Terraces & Chill Spots

6. Kikkie van de Prinsensluis ⭐ 4.4/5

A little kiosk right on the edge of a bridge. Grab a drink and sit with your feet dangling over the canal. Simple, pure magic. This is the kind of Amsterdam moment you won’t forget. It’s only open when the weather behaves, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Accès : 4-8€/verre | € Google Maps

7. Café Ente ⭐ 4.3/5

A canal-side terrace with a gorgeous view at sunset. This is one of the best spots to wind down the day with an apéro. Watching the golden reflections on the canal water with an Aperol Spritz in hand is the definition of simple bliss.

8. De Koffieschenkerij ⭐ 4.6/5

Tucked away in the courtyard of the Oude Kerk, this is a real haven of peace right in the middle of the Red Light District. The contrast is unbelievable: just 50 yards from the windows, this quiet garden café serves excellent coffee and homemade cakes. We would go back just for the peace and quiet.

Accès : 3-6€/café | € Google Maps

Tours and experiences: our absolute favorites

We won’t bore you with the usual list of museums (the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank – you know those already). Instead, here are the experiences that truly took us by surprise and that we highly recommend.

Our top things to do in Amsterdam

1. NEMO Science Museum ⭐ 4.5/5

Housed in a striking ship-shaped building, this spot features a rooftop terrace with one of the best views over Amsterdam. The terrace is free to access and easily ranks as one of the best photo spots in town. While the museum is designed with kids in mind, adults have just as much fun here. The hands-on, interactive exhibits are brilliantly put together.

Admission: 17,50€ (terrace is free) | € Google Maps

2. Volkshotel ⭐ 4.3/5

A former newspaper HQ turned hotel-bar-club. The rooftop, complete with a jacuzzi and sauna, offers an amazing panoramic view. The vibe is alternative, creative, and strictly Amsterdam style. You can just head up to the bar for a drink even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Access: Bar is free, sauna ~25€ | € Google Maps

3. Nxt Museum ⭐ 4.4/5

Immersive art meets new tech over in Amsterdam-Noord. Every exhibition is a full sensory experience. The installations change regularly, so it’s always worth a repeat visit. Easily reachable via the free ferry. Book online to skip the line.

Access: 24,50€ | €€ Google Maps

As a bonus: the bike ride along the Amstel river to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is beautiful. Expect about a 45-minute ride each way, complete with windmills, grazing pastures, and riverside cafés. It’s the best way to get out of the city without really leaving it behind.

The honest guide to coffeeshops

Coffeeshops are a huge part of Amsterdam’s culture, and skipping them means missing out on an important side of the city. Whether you’re genuinely interested or just a bit curious, here is what you need to know. No judgment here, just the facts to keep you informed.

The setup is straightforward: coffeeshops are licensed to sell cannabis in small quantities (up to 5g per purchase). Keep in mind that smoking in restaurants, hotels, or out on the street is a no-go (and could get you a fine). Stick to licensed coffeeshops, which are the only legal spots. We personally tested two that we really liked for their great atmosphere and reliable service.

1. Katsu Coffeeshop ⭐ 4.3/5

Located in De Pijp, well away from the tourist crowds. It has a great chill vibe, plenty of locals, and helpful recommendations. The staff really take the time to explain the different options, which is a lifesaver if you’re new to it all. The place is clean and has a wonderfully relaxed feel.

Accu00e8s : 5-15€ | € Google Maps

Our favorite neighborhoods

De Pijp

The bohemian quarter and our home base during our stay. Centered around the Albert Cuypmarkt, you’ll find restaurants from all over the world, lively bars, and a contagious energy. This is where we spent most of our evenings, and for good reason: the vibe is lively without being showy. The Albert Cuyp market is the largest open-air market in the Netherlands, and you can literally find everything there. The terraces along Gerard Doustraat are absolutely perfect for an early evening drink. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that mixes locals and travelers in a festive but laid-back atmosphere, this is it.

Oost (East)

Our absolute favorite neighborhood for food. It’s multicultural, vibrant, and has Oosterpark as its green lung. Fewer tourists, more Amsterdammers. Oost is where you’ll find the best ethnic restaurants in the city, from Korean to Surinamese. The Dappermarkt is a truly authentic neighborhood market where prices are much gentler than at Albert Cuyp. The Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics) is well worth a visit just for its architecture and exhibitions on world cultures.

Jordaan

The most photogenic spot in town. Think narrow canals, leaning houses, vintage boutiques, and art galleries. It is touristy, but it’s so beautiful you just can’t skip it. The Nine Streets (9 Straatjes) are the commercial heart of the area, packed with independent shops and charming cafes. On Monday mornings, the Noordermarkt hosts an organic market that is well worth a visit. The “brown cafes” here are some of the most authentic in the city.

Noord

Alternative Amsterdam, just across the IJ. Take the free ferry from Central Station (a 5-minute ride, leaving every 10 minutes). Here you’ll find street art, old factories converted into workshops and restaurants, and a creative energy you can really feel. The NDSM Wharf is the epicenter of this alternative scene, hosting festivals, flea markets, and food trucks on weekends. It’s also home to the Nxt Museum and Café De Ceuvel. This neighborhood is changing fast and new spots are opening up all the time.

Our interactive map

Find all our recommended spots, safety zones, and points of interest directly on our Google Maps.

Pro tip: If you’re not sure how to use our Maps, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you out!

Find all our addresses, safety zones, and points of interest directly on our Google Maps map.

Tip: If you’re not sure how to use our Maps maps, we’ve put together a dedicated article to help you out!

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Quick Amsterdam FAQ

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Mistakes to avoid

First mistake: focusing only on the city center. Damrak, Dam Square, and the Red Light District are the most touristy, expensive, and least authentic parts of Amsterdam. The best restaurants, bars, and local spots are in De Pijp, Oost, Jordaan, and Noord.

Second mistake: walking when you should be pedaling. Amsterdam is a cycling city. Walking from one neighborhood to another takes 30 to 45 minutes, whereas it only takes 10 to 15 minutes by bike. The time saved keeps your energy up so you can enjoy more of the city. Just be sure to follow the rules: stay on the right, signal your turns, and never, ever stop in the middle of a bike lane.

Third mistake: eating on the main streets. The restaurants on Damrak, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein are tourist traps with inflated prices and mediocre food. You only need to wander 5 minutes off the beaten path to find spots that are twice as good and much friendlier on your wallet.

Fourth mistake: not booking popular museums in advance. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank House sell out days, if not weeks, in advance. Book online before you arrive. Pro tip: the Anne Frank House releases new ticket slots every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Fifth mistake: ignoring the weather. It rains often in Amsterdam, even during the summer. Always have a backup indoor plan ready (a museum, a cozy “brown cafe”, or an indoor market) and pack a light rain jacket. An umbrella is useless on a bike—a good hood is your best friend.

Summaries