Tea and something sweet Coffee and something sweet Traditional brown cafés Tea and something sweet City centre · Oude Hoogstraat 22
Het Kleinste Huis It’s easy to walk past this two-metre-wide house at Oude Hoogstraat 22. Inside, you’ll find fruity and spiced tea blends, Earl Grey, chai and rooibos. Tell the staff what you usually drink and ask them to suggest something new.
My recommendation Book a tasting in the tiny room upstairs. There’s even a little hourglass on the table to time your brew. Ask if their homemade apple pie is available that day.
Book ahead. The tasting room is available by reservation for tastings and workshops, and the stairs are steep.
Shop interior · Wheree Jordaan · Rozengracht 92H
Moychay Tea Culture Club A tea house and shop specialising in loose-leaf tea. Sit down for a cup, shop for tea and teaware, or try a Chinese tea ceremony.
Book ahead for a tea ceremony.
By the Amstel
Amstel Hotel Afternoon tea in the Amstel Hotel lounge, a lovely spot for a special occasion.
Check the menu, prices and availability before booking.
City centre · By the Amstel
De L’Europe Afternoon tea overlooking the Amstel, with tea from Het Kleinste Huis and a selection of sweet and savoury bites.
Book through the hotel in advance.
Back to sections Coffee and something sweet Traditional brown cafés
Coffee and something sweet Photo from the venue’s website
Near Dam Square · Eggertstraat 1
De Drie Graefjes New York cheesecake near the New Church Take the little street behind the New Church (De Nieuwe Kerk) for a coffee break. I recommend asking for a slice of their New York-style cheesecake.
Spui square · Spui 24
Café Luxembourg Coffee and apple pie near the Begijnhof After visiting the Begijnhof, stop at Spui for coffee and apple pie in a spacious café with Art Deco details and a Parisian feel.
City centre · Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20
Café de Jaren Coffee overlooking the Amstel If you’re near Muntplein, this bright, spacious café makes an easy stop. On a clear day, look for a table on the terrace overlooking the Amstel.
City centre · Rokin 9
30ML Rokin Coffee inside a bookshop
On the first floor of Scheltema bookshop, 30ML serves coffee from its own roastery. It’s a quiet spot to sit with a book a short walk from Dam Square.
Oud-Zuid · Ruysdaelstraat 15HS
Akhi ’n Friends Coffee, art and cheesecake
A small café that feels like a living room, with books, zines and changing art displays. Stop for coffee, loose-leaf tea or cheesecake near the museums.
Plantage · Plantage Middenlaan 2A
De Oranjerie Coffee in the botanical garden
Hortus Botanicus serves coffee, cakes and vegetarian lunches in its garden café. The café is accessible to garden visitors.
Amsterdam East · Andreas Bonnstraat 2
YUSU Coffee and matcha with a twist
A good stop when you fancy something different from your usual cappuccino. Look out for iced taro matcha or crème brûlée cake.
Old Town · Oudekerksplein 27
De Koffieschenkerij A café in the historic Oude Kerk building. Stop in for coffee while exploring the Old Town.
Pair it with a walk around the Oude Kerk and Nieuwmarkt.
City centre · Langebrugsteeg 4
De Laatste Kruimel A café and bakery with homemade cakes, pastries and light bites. An easy stop while exploring the centre.
Ask what’s fresh that day.
Museum Quarter · Weteringstraat 48
Back to Black Coffee from their own roastery and cakes from their bakery. A good stop after the Rijksmuseum or a walk along the canals.
Oud-West · Kinkerstraat 112
LOT61 Coffee Roasters A roastery and café with freshly brewed coffee, near De Hallen in Amsterdam West.
City centre · Kerkstraat 96H
Bocca Coffee A spot for espresso or filter coffee if you’d like to get to know Amsterdam’s specialty coffee scene.
De Pijp · Sarphatipark 34
Scandinavian Embassy Specialty coffee and Scandinavian-style pastries next to Sarphatipark. Take a break here while exploring De Pijp.
De Baarsjes · Jan Evertsenstraat 136
White Label Coffee A neighbourhood café with locally roasted coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Back to sections Tea and something sweet Traditional brown cafés
Traditional brown cafés Photo: Sebastian Tröger / Vrije Tijd Amsterdam A bruin café is a traditional Dutch pub, usually with dark wood and a cosy interior. Locals come for conversation, a beer or a local drink. Some also serve coffee and snacks.
Jordaan · Prinsengracht 2
Café ’t Papeneiland A historic brown café at the corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, with tall windows, blue tiles and old furnishings.
I recommend their apple pie.
Jordaan · Egelantiersgracht 12H
Café ’t Smalle A traditional brown café with a wooden interior and a terrace beside the canal. Stop in for coffee, a sandwich, a Dutch snack or a beer.
Outdoor seating depends on the weather and available tables.
City centre · Spui 18–20
Café Hoppe A longtime Amsterdam favourite on Spui with a historic interior. It serves breakfast, sandwiches and snacks.
A handy stop near Spui and the Begijnhof.
Back to sections Tea and something sweet Coffee and something sweet Keep exploring Amsterdam Take a self-guided tour of Amsterdam and stop for a break whenever you like.
My self-guided tours
