Over the last few years, the popularity of coffee appears to have grown massively. A quick glance down any European high street and you will find a series of hipster establishments specialising in artisan, caffeinated beverages. From the elegant Caramel Macchiato to the trendy Flat White, it seems we have all gone coffee mad.
As with anything to do with food or drink it’s always best to experience things first hand, so we sent our favorite Dutch Vlogger Floortje Loves to investigate. Check out the guide below for a few of our favorite cafes and Coffeehouses in Amsterdam!
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Coffeeshop vs Coffeehouse
In Amsterdam, cafes and Coffeeshops are two very different entities. One is world renowned for selling cannabis and the other, coffee. Just to add to the confusion, many of the Coffeeshops that specialize in cannabis also sell pretty good coffee. So to clear things up, if you are looking to get ‘stoned’ head to a ‘Coffeeshop’, but if you are looking for a good ole’ fashioned cup of joe, and a tasty pastry then head to a regular cafe or ‘coffeehouse’.
Top Tip: Coffeeshops display a green and white sign in the front window that identifies them as places that sell pot/hash/cannabis edibles. So if your looking for chocolate brownies made with cannabis then head to one of these.
Our Favorite Coffeehouse’s
1. Betty Blue
If you like your coffee accompanied by a slice of homemade cake or perhaps a cheeky pastry, then head to Betty Blue. With tasty treats in abundance, this hipster hotspot is certainly worth a visit. We recommend trying their breakfast Pizza – admittedly a slightly unusual item to have for breakfast, but traveling is all about leaving your comfort zone. And besides, who doesn’t love Pizza for breakfast?!
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 08.30 – 18:00
Sat: 9.00 – 18.00
Sun: 10.00 – 18:00
Image courtesy: http://www.bettyblueamsterdam.nl/
2. De Koffie Schenkerij
This historical cafe and adjoining garden is a hidden jewel in the heart of the Red Light District. Nestled in an 800-year-old church, this cafe provides a taste of history as well as some fantastic coffee and cake. The cafe also boasts a beautiful, spacious garden – ideal for a relaxing afternoon coffee break with friends.
Top tip: If you’re feeling hungry they serve a delicious English pie and soup – both are very popular with the locals.
Opening times:
Mon – Sat: 9.00-18.00
Sun: 9.00-17.00
Image courtesy: Sprudge.com
Coming to the city with friends? Read our guide ’10 ridiculously fun things to do with your friends in Amsterdam!’
Mellys Cookie Bar
Next on our guide to the best places to grab a coffee in Amsterdam is Mellys Cookie Bar and Artisan Bakery. Located just a few minutes walk from Dam square, this cute cafe is one not to be missed. Although slightly small for a central Amsterdam cafe, what this establishment lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality coffee, tasty pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. With its cozy vibes and rustic feel, Melly’s Cookie Bar is the perfect spot for a tranquil afternoon latte! Unfortunately, due to the cafes size, it might be a little tricky to find a seat, so we recommend treating yourself to a cookie (or two) and a takeaway coffee then heading to Dam square to soak up the city sights.
Top tip: If you are keen to enjoy a coffee sitting down in this cute cafe then we recommend visiting on a weekday, the weekends in central Amsterdam can get very busy, especially close to the more touristy areas.
Image courtesy: Tripadviser.com
Looking for late night activities? Here’s some of the most interesting things you can do in Amsterdam at night!
Café de Sluyswacht
If your looking for yet another dose of historic Amsterdam then head to Cafe de Sluyswatch. Formerly a 17th-century lockhouse, this charming, crooked house is overflowing with character. Today the wonderfully wonky house has been beautifully restored and transformed into a cafe/bar. Just across the street is the famous Rembrandthuis museum which is also well worth a visit. For a true taste of Amsterdam history, we recomend visiting the museum and then grabbing a coffee at Cafe de Sluyswatch. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in the summer, then head to the terrace just outside the cafe, it’s the perfect spot sit with a coffee and enjoy the afternoon rays (unfortunately we can’t promise good weather).
Cool fact: Once upon a time, lockhouses like these were home to the lock operator who was tasked with managing the canal water level.
Opening times:
Mon – Thur: 12:30 – 01.00
Fri – Sat: 12.30 – 03.00
Sun: 13.00 -19.00
Image courtesy: webstagram.com
Adesso Espresso
Last but not least on our guide to the best places to grab a coffee in Amsterdam is Italian coffee specialists Adesso Esspresso. Famed for their no-nonsense approach, this cafe prides themselves on their Italian style espresso, the foundation of all great coffee. If hipster decor is not your thing and you just want an awesome coffee without hearing a conversation about falafel and craft beer then this is the cafe for you.
Top Tip: Grab yourself a coffee and head to the Staalmeestersburg bridge just around the corner from the cafe, it’s an ideal selfie spot!
Opening times:
Mon – Fri: 07.30 – 20.00
Sat: 08.30 – 20.00
Sun 09.30 – 17.00
Image courtesy: Tripadviser.com
There we have it – our guide to the best places to grab a coffee in Amsterdam. So, if you are a coffee lover heading to the Dutch capital make sure you check out some of these places, we promise the won’t disappoint and if you find any places you think we should be shouting about get in touch! And remember if you are looking for a cup of a coffee then head to a cafe not a Coffeeshop.
Follow Floortje as she explores the best places to grab a coffee in Amsterdam!
Have we whet your appetite for a visit to Amsterdam? Why not check availability at Clink now or get in touch with one of our friendly team on live chat!
