The best bars and cafés Amsterdam

Just around the corner from Leidseplein, this long bar is a real institution, trendy 20 years ago, trendy today. And it's still going strong. You only have to go down the stairs to the basement to understand: wide sofas, comfortable armchairs, soothing candlelight and even a small greenhouse await you in a delightfully tranquil setting. The beer is a little pricey, but aren't you right in the center of the Leidseplein district? A great place to drink, see and be seen.

An incredible bar housed in the Kimpton De Witt hotel complex, it is first noticed for its unusual appearance. Super Lyan combines ultra-modern design elements with this incredible bar, a sort of spaceship straight out of a science-fiction film in a building dating back to the ^17th century. You'll feel right at home in a unique, sexy and hushed atmosphere, ideal for an exceptional evening. The audience is a mix of hotel guests and locals enjoying the excellent house cocktails. An address we recommend.

Waterkant is an unlikely address at first glance: behind a garage, on the water's edge, but on a not very glamorous bank where alternative but harmless fauna often congregates, Waterkant has enjoyed an excellent reputation since it opened, and it's justified. The inspiration for the ambience and menu comes from Surinam, with succulent dishes and finger food. It's great to enjoy a beer on the sun-drenched terrace (why not dream) or in the evening under the glow of multicolored garlands.

Our favorite address in the Leidseplein district. Café Eijlders, just around the corner from Leidseplein, opened in 1940 in the midst of the German occupation and became a place of resistance frequented by artists. This brown café seems to have remained unchanged, and the city's literary and artistic fauna still make it their haunt. An oasis of peace in the heart of this bustling district. Exhibitions and poetry afternoons are regularly held here. It's amusing to observe the circus of the city's trendy population trying to get into the local clubs.

This is the first brewery in Amsterdam to open its doors as a tasting room! The beers from this microbrewery, located in the east of the city, can be tasted in the idyllic setting of a very pretty real mill, after a pleasant bike ride. Although the address is well known on the tourist circuit, it's a classic among locals, so the atmosphere is always authentic. A mill, a terrace, good beers, heaven on earth? Beware, the place closes early, so plan to keep it in your schedule.

If it sometimes seems a shame that Starbucks cafes are popping up like mushrooms in the Netherlands these days, this one, just a stone's throw from Rembrandtplein, is well worth the trip. Located in The Bank building, it is actually housed in the former bank vault... and the interior is simply amazing. The space is conceived as an amphitheater, and it is first of all the long bar table (17 meters!) which catches the eye, shows and various parties are hosted on the different levels.

Superb microbrewery on the West Side. We go there to savor the various beers on the menu and to enjoy the zen, industrial setting. Troost is an established brand with several establishments in the capital. We really like this one, nestled in the beautiful brick building of the Westergasfabriek. The menu offers a wide choice of beers, from lagers to malts and IPAs, as well as a menu of small dishes and burgers.

Our favorite meeting place, so pleasant, central and successful. We love its intimate room, decorated with copper and weathered woodwork, which looks as if it once belonged to a brown café. Conveniently located on the square where a book market is held several times a week, you can sit in the pleasant glass roof, sip a beer and eat savory snacks. Concerts are often held here on Sundays at the end of the day. It's also a favorite spot for a morning café croissant.

Bubbles & Wines is an excellent historic wine bar in the city. Well, historic, that's not an exaggeration either, as it's only about two decades old, but it's got the seniority in this genre. Here, it's all about tasting flights, an assortment of three half-glasses of wine from the same grape variety. The menu also includes some delicious, sexy and trendy dishes, such as caviar and snails. An elegant address with a dark, uncluttered design. The ambience is international and modern, making a change from brown cafés for once.

This amazing bar-igloo is located right next to Rembrandtplein. An amazing and unique place, as it is the ice bar of Amsterdam. The highlight of the place is of course the minus 10°C part. Designer decor, the work of a Dutch designer. You will be provided with a down jacket, moonboots and gloves. And you will last about thirty minutes, the average according to the staff who must be replaced every two hours according to the directives of the labour inspection. Fun and especially to show off a bit when you get back from your stay.

An address in the student district that we really like: a brown café, with patinated furniture, offering good beers in a timeless atmosphere. In summer, the tables extend out onto the sidewalk, and some are even on a platform over the water, so watch out for seasickness! You can also brunch or have breakfast here, albeit a little late. De Doelen is a sure bet in the neighborhood, attracting customers of all ages. The atmosphere is pleasant and conducive to socializing, especially in the evenings. We highly recommend it.

Did you know that this typically Dutch café dates back to the 1950s? When you enter, you're immediately enveloped in typical Dutch Gezelligheid, brown wood, more brown wood, always brown wood. Strangely enough, the whole place is full of charm, just a stone's throw from the Place du Spui. "La cabane du roi" in French is a place to enjoy an evening, drinking a good lager or a typical genever. You'll also find Dutch liqueurs and the famous jenever, of course. A great address!

A superb wood-panelled bar tucked away in the grounds of Hotel The Grand, it has been completely renovated and welcomes you in a refined, retro decor. Situated between one of the city's oldest canals and the hotel's private garden, this rustic, traditional bar is well worth a visit for a quiet evening away from prying eyes. Enjoy a glass of champagne or sip a gin in a quiet, cosy setting. An à la carte menu will satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Prices are in keeping with the location.

Soundgarden, named after the band, is a café that, as you'd expect, puts rock in the spotlight. For exactly 30 years, it's been a firm fixture in the capital, close to the hypercentre. The ambience is particularly good, and the superb terrace is very popular. It was even voted Amsterdam's most beautiful terrace. Concerts are held regularly and are very popular with the public. In winter, you can always play a little billiards indoors, while you wait for something more serious.

That would be the oldest! This café dates back to 1624. Well, it has to be said that several Amsterdam establishments claim this title, which apparently has a high value on the authenticity market... We know for a fact that Rembrandt, who lived in the neighborhood, was a customer. The wood panelling and beautiful billiard room give this "brown café" a very warm atmosphere. In the chiaroscuro of Café Chris, anything seems possible.

Once a classic brown café, it has undergone a successful metamorphosis to become a trendy café without forgetting its authentic roots, and we're delighted. Strategically located on the Singel, not far from the station, it attracts a varied public to its beautiful, welcoming bar. Come alone or with friends to enjoy the lovely, photogenic brick-wall decor. The menu includes broodjes as well as snacks that go perfectly with the evening's beer. In summer, the pretty, typical terrace is just waiting for you.

A place where you can eat the best burgers in town (with Aberdeen Angus beef, among others...) since 2012, in the heart of Amsterdam's biggest market. Sure, it may look like a restaurant at first glance, but that's not why we're here (only). In fact, this butcher has a well-kept secret: at the back of the room hides an exclusive bar, which can be accessed by ringing the bell and giving the password communicated when booking. You can make your reservation on their website. We'll say no more... A pleasant evening guaranteed!

For over 100 years, Hegeraad has been an Amsterdam classic, like an antidote to all those trendy cafés. It looks as if it hasn't changed in a century, and the decor is charming. This is the place to enjoy their incomparable apple pie, and leave the hordes of ill-informed tourists at the neighbor's. We come here to talk, to read the paper during the Saturday morning organic market or the Monday flea market, and also to enjoy a good genever in a timeless setting. Beware that service can be a little gruff at times.

Hannekes Boom has long since become one of the city's must-sees. It's a meeting place, a bar-restaurant and a cultural platform located in a beautiful spot, seemingly floating on the water opposite the Nemo Museum, next to the public library. We come here more for the setting than for the ultimately very average food. The setting is unique and truly idyllic, and you'll find it hard to leave. The place offers a varied cultural program celebrating the Dutch Gezelligheid. The menu features simple, local dishes.