Amsterdam has a long tradition of café culture. Some say that the first bar opened its doors in the 13th century. If you visit the city, make sure you pay a visit to one of the so called ‘brown cafés’. These pubs are well-known for their picturesque dark interiors and typical Dutch ‘gezelligheid’!

Brown cafes

• Tapperij-slijterij Oosterling (Utrechtsestraat 140, tel. +31 (0)20 6234140)
  One of Amsterdam's oldest pubs, located in a monumental building.

• Royal Café de Kroon (Rembrandtplein 17 I, tel. +31 (0)20 6252011)
  Grand café with a Louis XVI interior and an antique English bar that brings back the grandeur of yore.

• Café Karpershoek (Martelaarsgracht 2)
  Café Karpershoek opened its doors in 1629 and used to be frequently visited by sailors when it was still located at the waterfront. The bar still has sand on the floor, as was common in the 17th century.

• Café Papeneiland (Prinsengracht 2)
  This house with its beautiful step gables, on the corner of the Brouwersgracht bordering the Jordaan area, dates from 1642.

Coffee and cake

• Café de Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, tel. +31 (0)20 6255771)
  Kick off the day with a croissant and coffee on the huge canal-side terrace of Café de Jaren which is open from 10am. Also a good spot for lunch and dinner.

• De Taart van m’n Tante (Ferdinand Bolstraat 10, tel. +31 (0)20 7764600)
  If you have a craving for cake, order a slice of one of the outrageous creations on offer at kitsch café De Taart van m’n Tante.

• Café Americain (Leidseplein 28, tel. +31 (0)20 556 32 32)
  The Café of the American Hotel is the oldest Grand Café in the Netherlands, and dates from 1902. The building as well as the interior are listed as historical landmarks. The café is noted for its large stained-glass windows, and a beautiful Art Nouveau interior with chandeliers and murals. There's an antique reading table with magazines and newspapers abound, and a large outside terrace with a good view of the Leidseplein.

• Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein
  The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are the two main nightlife areas. Here you’ll find many cafés, bars, pubs and clubs. They all have their own unique atmosphere.

• Nieuwmarkt
  The Nieuwmarkt is next to Chinatown. This historic square has numerous eateries, cafés and bars varying from traditional Dutch to hot Thai or Cuban.

• De Jordaan
  De Jordaan is a great area for strolling along by the canals. Take a rest on one of the many outdoor terraces looking at passers by whilst enjoying a Dutch beer or a snack like ‘Bitterballen’.
  Mingle with Dutch celebs in one of the trendy bars and lounges or go traditional ‘Jordanese’ and sing along with the locals to ‘Jordanese’ songs.

• De Pijp
  De Pijp is such a hip and upcoming area that it’s hard to keep track of all the new trendy places opening. Walk along Ferdinand Bolstraat, Albert Cuypstraat and Eerste van der Helststraat and you’ll surely find something to suit your taste.