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Best Coffee Shops In Amsterdam
Your guide to the 20 best Amsterdam coffee shops.
Published February 7, 2022
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Erik Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Amsterdam is a beautiful city steeped in history and renowned for its liberal, worldly view. While there are many places to explore in the Dutch capital, there’s nothing quite like hopping on a bike and traversing the many canals. Popular attractions in Amsterdam include the harrowing Anne Frank’s House Museum, the Heineken Factory, and the Rijksmuseum. While there are plenty of places to keep anyone busy, it’s always beneficial to wind down and enjoy some peace and quiet. Luckily, Amsterdam serves up some of the greatest cups of coffee that will have you rejuvenated in no time. With that in mind, we will guide you through the best coffee shops in Amsterdam that will see you have a satisfying caffeine fix.
1. Paradox Coffee
Paradox Coffee is the best coffee shop Amsterdam TripAdvisor, an interesting coffee shop that has an air of artistic character about it. The walls are strewn with international and local works, which is perfect if you’re searching for inspiration. Set away from the beaten track, this is the perfect coffee destination for that much-needed unwind. You will find board games, pleasant staff, and the perfect cup of Dutch brew. If you wish to relax further, you should know that they have an open policy when it comes to smoking weed; keep in mind that tobacco is prohibited inside. When it’s time to get back out into the hustle and bustle, you won’t have far to walk.
2. Back to Black Coffee
Spiegelkwartier, also known as mirror quarter, is a must-visit neighborhood for the art lovers out there. When it comes to coffee here, the best place to be is Back to Black Coffee. The interior of this coffee is quaint, and there are plenty of outdoor tables for you to soak up the passing world. If you work remotely and need to concentrate, you will easily find your groove at Back to Black Coffee. As well as serving up some of the tastiest coffee in Amsterdam, this coffee shop serves up tasty treats and has its very own Tea Bar.
3. Scandinavian Embassy
If you visit Amsterdam in the warmer months, you should pay a visit to the scenic “Sarphatipark,” which is named after Samuel Sarphati. Tucked away just next to this historic park is the Scandinavian Embassy coffee shop, which is a well-received gourmet coffee bar. You are always welcome at this coffee shop, and their creamy milk coffees are some of the best in Amsterdam. As you sit down to enjoy your coffee, you may as well pull out their menu that’s full of Nordic-inspired food. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect to see the likes of Scandinavian soups, bear sausage, foraged greens, and fresh fish. When it comes to Amsterdam, this coffee shop truly is one of the more impressive hidden gems.
4. al Ponte Caffè Italiano
If you’ve ever been to Amsterdam Noord, you will know how frustrating it is to miss the ferry. However, you shouldn’t let this get you down; it just means you have more time to explore and visit the al Ponte Caffè Italiano coffee shop. Once you’ve got your coffee here, with a classic side of Italian “Prego,” you can sit upon the terrace and watch the ferries go by. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can grab your favorite cup of joe to go and enjoy it on the ferry. For the hungry crowd out there, al Ponte will serve you delicious snacks and sandwiches.
5. Segafredo Espresso Bar
If you’ve just had a long flight and need some relaxation, you should find Segafredo Espresso Bar at Schiphol for the best coffee Amsterdam airport. With all of the foot traffic through the airport, you will usually find this place busy. Unfortunately, this means that you can be waiting a while to get served. However, if all you need to tick off your list is a rest after your flight, Segafredo Espresso Bar has got your back. If flying has left you feeling hungry, you will find a menu of typical coffee shop sandwiches and cakes, which will more than fill the gap. Although there are two locations within the airport, you can only visit the post-security Segafredo Espresso Bar at this time.
6. Caffe il Momento
Located on the Singel Canal, which used to act as a moat during the Middle Ages, Caffe il Momento should be on every coffee-lovers list. il Momento is arguably one of the best coffee shops near Central Station Amsterdam, as it is only a short ten-minute walk away. The interior is small but has an industrial feel to it, with crumbling brick walls and wood furnishings to finish. The coffee counters add even more contrast, with stunning marble to perfectly complement the art of the barista. If you’re in the city center and need a caffeine fix, this coffee shop should be on the list.
7. Trakteren Koffie
If you’re in the Oud-West area of Amsterdam, Trakteren Koffie should be on your list of coffee shops to visit. The people in the local area generate a great buzz for the delicious coffee served here. The owners of this unique coffee shop, Erik Oosterhuis and Edward Beumer, are full of knowledge and are happy to get into insightful conversations with customers. If you take a look at their website, you will see smiles all around and expert latte milk art in the shape of bears and dragons.
If you are into your coffee more than the average person, Trakteren Koffie runs a unique masterclass in coffee tasting. You will learn about the different beans on offer and find out which taste comes from which region. The workshops take place every first Sunday of the month and will only set you back 10 Euros.
8. de Koffie Salon
A visit to de Koffie Salon will put you inside one of the best coffee places in Amsterdam. When it comes to the growing espresso phenomenon, de Koffie Salon is considered a founder. The decor is chic, and the walls are full of celebrities nursing their favorite cup of coffee. There are seven spots to choose from, and they are all open from 7 am to 7 am - even on a Sunday. If you need a minute to escape the busy canals of Amsterdam, you will be welcomed with open arms and can dive into the creamiest cappuccino around. As well as being home to one of the best coffee beans Amsterdam, de Koffie Salon serves up a scrumptious menu of sandwiches and desserts.
9. Coffee Bru
As one of the award-winning best coffee shops to work in Amsterdam, Coffee Bru, is said to serve the greatest coffee on the East side of the city. All of their coffee is brewed by experts, and they even have their own brand of tea for you to try. The interior of the coffee shop screams cute, and the plant-covered back room is perfect for adding shine to a stormy day. Alternatively, if you’ve been soaking up the beauty of Oosterpark Amsterdam and you’re feeling worn out, let Coffee Bru pump you full of caffeinated goodness; you can also enjoy a menu of pastries and other delicacies. With a Google rating of 4.5, you can tell that they know what they’re doing.
10. Green House
If you turn to the online community, Green House is the best coffee shop Amsterdam Reddit. Before you head to this cafe, you should know that it also doubles as a “coffeeshop,” where people head to enjoy cannabis. That being said, the decor is fun and vibrant, and their coffee comes in at a reasonable price. Despite the low price, the coffee served here gives other traditional cafes a run for their money. If you pay Green House a visit to take a load off, you should try one of their cheesecakes, which is said to be the best cheesecake ever.
Thanks to their affiliation with the weed market in Amsterdam, the Green House pulls in celebrities from all over the world. If you head over to their website, you can see their gallery. Arguably one of the most interesting figures to make it to the venue is Sacha Baron Cohen, who poses outside of the venue in his video “Borat walks in Amsterdam.”
11. Espressofabriek
If specialty coffee is what you’re passionate about, then Espressofabriek should be a must on your Amsterdam itinerary. In an impressive milestone, this coffee shop was the first in Amsterdam to roast their own beans on-site. Now, they have evolved their service and roast beans for other businesses. Arguably, Espressofabriek is the best coffee house Amsterdam owing to its unique approach and specialty coffee. If you head over to their website, you will be able to purchase their roasted beans as well as all of the coffee-brewing hardware you could possibly need. There are three different branches within the city, but the location at Ijburg wins us over - there’s something quite cathartic about sitting outside with a cup of coffee while watching the trams pass by.
12. Screaming Beans
If shopping is your Amsterdam kryptonite, you will love a visit to Screaming Beans. Located deep within the Negan Straatjes area, which is full of quirky shops and picturesque views, the canal-side cafe screams delicately at passersby. The cafe attracts a lot of foot traffic thanks to its cute style and has a gorgeous outdoor seating area that’s perfect for sunny days. The service at the best coffee roasters in Amsterdam is top quality, the food is mouth-watering, the coffee is creamy, and the name is smart. Thanks to Screaming Beans’ two floors, there is a shop in the front where you can purchase craft chocolate and coffee kits. As with many narrow buildings in Amsterdam, the majority of seating is outside.
13. White Label Coffee
When something boasts a “White Label,” you know that you’re going to get high class. This is exactly what the guys over at White Label Coffee deliver. They are renowned for their diverse range of coffee, with a focus on specialty coffee. One of the best parts about this cafe is that the owners were born and bred in Amsterdam. When you step through their welcoming doors, you will be greeted by delicious aromas that come from the in-house roasting process. If you visit their website and check out the stories, you will see that they have extensive knowledge of coffee beans and roasting, which is obvious once you’ve tried it.
If you run a business or enjoy creating your own coffee at home, you can order roasted coffee beans from White Label Coffee. You can either purchase individual bags or find wholesale prices to save money for your business. Further, you can subscribe to their service and benefit from a regular dose of coffee sent straight to your doorstep. For those of you wanting to get into the coffee-brewing craze, you can purchase all of the gear you could possibly need.
14. Hotel Espresso
Although this isn’t strictly a coffee shop on its own because it comes with comfy rooms, Hotel Espresso City Centre is the best place to stay in Amsterdam close to coffee shops. If you choose to stay here, you can grab the perfect cup of coffee in the morning before you set out to explore for the day. You will be within walking distance of famous clubs and restaurants, as well as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. For one of the best hotels in Amsterdam near coffee shops, Hotel Espresso has got you covered. If you arrive late to check-in, the coffee machine here is always operational; no one is putting a limit on your caffeine consumption.
15. The Coffee Virus
Part of the A-Lab office complex in Amsterdam Noord, The Coffee Virus cafe, sits on the bottom floor. Before this building looked how it does today, it was owned by Shell Laboratory, which abandoned it in 1939. For years, the dark building was left derelict before it was redesigned. Now, it is light and inviting, with many businesses working from here. Fortunately for them, The Coffee Virus is there to keep them going through the day. When it comes to their coffee, you won’t find it much better to keep your brain ticking through a hard day of work.
During the pandemic, they have been supplying people working from home with packages, which are all tailor-made to get them through the day. The Coffee Virus is dedicated to the spirit of freelancers, and they love to place their coffee shops in areas of intellect. So far, you will find this virus has spread to Matrix VI, A-Labs, and Startup Village.
16. Coffee Concepts
The Coffee Concepts cafe graces the presence of Reguliersdwarsstraat, which is renowned as one of the most colorful gay streets in Amsterdam and home to many clubs and bars. That being said, with all that exploring, you can be left feeling famished and in need of an energizer. Luckily, Coffee Concepts is capable of achieving both. Inside this brilliant venue, you will find comfy sofas, fun artwork, and the sweet smell of freshly brewed coffee. If you need to get work done here, you can make the most of their welcoming offices across the street.
Coffee Concepts is interesting because they’ve taken coffee and blended it with the ever-growing need for PR. If you own a business and need help with your social media, brand identity, or content creation, you should pay a visit to Coffee Concepts now. Already, they work with some of the largest brands, including BaByliss, Mazda, and Bar Kaspar.
17. Cafe De Pijp
De Pijp, which is a narrow street full of eateries, is home to Cafe De Pijp, considered to serve up the best coffee in De Pijp Amsterdam. Over the last couple of decades, the neighborhood has exploded in popularity. The Heineken Factory Experience finds its home here as well as beautiful English-style gardens. In comparison to other reviews in this list, Cafe De Pijp offers more in the way of food, with a full menu available to browse on their website. The menu includes tasty burgers, salads, and desserts that will all make your mouth water. Despite the broad menu offering wines, beers, and soft drinks, this cafe knows how to brew a mean coffee. If you have the pleasure of enjoying this location in the morning, their coffee will be the perfect accompaniment to their cooked breakfast.
18. Bakers & Roasters
Another coffee shop nestled away in De Pijp, Bakers & Roasters, is an interesting location with an aqua color schemes and injections of pink. You will find tasty breakfasts, lunches, and assorted baked goods in this cafe. When it comes to their espresso-based coffees, the expert baristas clearly know what they are doing. The flat white here is arguably the greatest in all of Amsterdam. This coffee shop is so popular that they have opened a second location in Kadiksplein. If you enjoyed a coffee here, you could head over to their webshop where you can order baked goods to your door. As well as baked goods, you can give someone the luxury of premium coffee thanks to their gift cards.
19. Bocca Coffee
The roasters over at Bocca Coffee have made a fantastic name for themselves in the Netherlands, and you will find their beans served in many popular cafes and restaurants. Located a stone’s throw away from Leidseplein, Bocca Coffee has built up its flagship store. In their store and online, you can purchase thair regular rotation of high-quality beans.
As well as being a coffee shop that serves smooth coffee and tasty treats, you will also find an incredible training center. Bocca coffee will teach you how to brew barista-quality espresso from the comfort of your own home. Further, they will have you creating latte-worthy microfoam to suit any taste. If you’ve ever looked at latte art and imagined being able to do it, look no further. We highly recommend booking yourself into the “creating latte art” workshop as well as simply enjoying the coffee.
20. Bulldog Leidseplein
An overview of Amsterdam’s best coffee joints wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Bulldog brand. Dubbed as “The Living Room of Amsterdam,” Bulldog has been a welcoming icon in the city since 1974. Considered to be one of the best Amsterdam weed coffee shops, especially when it comes to tourists, The Bulldog locations are capable of serving up a mean cup of java. Just like Green House, this is on the Amsterdam best coffee shops Reddit list. As well as their delicious coffee and cannabis sales, you can purchase trendy merchandise from the store as well branded Iced Coffee cans, perfect for a hot summer’s day.
For the past 25 years, the Bulldog has been providing accommodation at the Bulldog Hotel. Located in the notorious Red-Light District, this is considered among the best place to stay in Amsterdam for coffee shops. Although the nightlife can become overwhelming, throughout the daytime, you will find quaint canals lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. If you prefer to experience the “Bulldog for the locals,” you can head over to The Bulldog Port 26 for a bite to eat and some relaxation in their courtyard.
Amsterdam is the city of canals that offers pure beauty on top of some dark history. There is always something going on in Amsterdam, and you will find something for the entire family to enjoy. You should visit Anne Frank’s House Museum to learn about the persecution of the Jews during the holocaust, venture over to Body Worlds Amsterdam to enjoy light-hearted fun, and then cap off your day with a relaxing cup of joe. Amsterdam’s cafes offer a style to suit everyone who passes through the Dutch capital. You will find dazzling latte art, perfectly brewed specialty coffee, and an abundance of snacks to go with them. While you’re busy taking in the city, make sure you don’t forget to take a moment to recharge your batteries; you will be well taken care of.
About the author
Erik Hedlund
With Era of We and The Coffee Lab, I hope to share knowledge, increase the value of coffee – and secure the future of coffee.
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