Where to Get an Excellent Coffee in Amsterdam
Finding Your Fix
A little-known fact about the Dutch, they love their coffee. They are among the top coffee drinkers in Europe and are believed to drink up to four cups of the good stuff a day. Obviously with that outrageous level of demand, it’s no surprise that there is a café on every corner. Of course not all offer the same quality. But with our list you’ll easily source an excellent coffee in Amsterdam.
On the subject of “cafes” – a quick, but important, note on the terminology of coffee spots in Amsterdam as it can get fairly confusing. For clarities sake we will refer to them how Google lists them in their search results. A coffee shop is exactly what you’d expect, a local spot to load up on oat milk lattes and strong black americanos. A coffeeshop however (notice the small difference of no space here) is where you go to purchase appropriately named items such as Liberty Haze or Amnesia – usually referred to as cannabis shops in Google.
And lest we forget, to make matters even more confusing, cafes elsewhere in the world usually serve tea and coffee. But in the Netherlands they are very often bars where you’ll find alcoholic drinks are the medicine of choice.
In any case you’ll want to double check before venturing out – if you see the word Coffeeshop glaring out at you under the buzz of a neon green light with a strong herbal, earthy scent in the air then you’re probably in line for the wrong type of hit.
Best Beans
Amsterdam is a wonderland for any coffee lover. Quality coffee can be found in adorable spots all over the city. Besides as one of the most walkable cities about it is a pleasure to potter around discovering new places to try.
The places on our list not only serve the best beans about but they are also perfect spots to relax. In fact the coffee culture here is surely one of the greatest perks of this beautiful city. Get your day started the right way. First grab yourself a cup of your hot (or iced) drink of choice, secondly grab a cosy table outside your favourite coffee shop, and lastly sit back, unwind and watch the world go peacefully by.
These are without doubt the best options for top-class, excellent coffee in Amsterdam.
Lot 61 (Oud-West)
A superb spot serving their own house-roasted beans. Beans so good we’d be surprised if you didn’t purchase a few bags to takeaway. Especially considering those precise beans are used in numerous coffee selling establishments across the city. Indeed really delicious coffee in a fashionable part of town
Liev (De Pijp)
A small, very chilled café in the De Pijp neighbourhood of Amsterdam. Somewhere that you are welcome to bring a laptop along to and do a few emails while sipping your cappuccino. Just don’t be that person that orders a tap water and hogs a table for four hours.
Cafecito (Oud-Zuid & Oud-Zuid & Oud-West)
Possibly the most minimalist coffee shop you’ll ever experience in your life. One glance at their machinery and you know that a) they aren’t messing around and b) you’re in line for a perfect cup of coffee. Every detail down to the temperature of the water (just below boiling) has been considered. Exceptional, consistent, and refined coffee is what you’ll get here.
Bocca (Centrum-Oost / Centre district)
Tucked away in tightly packed streets sandwiched between the canals that hug the centre of the city you’ll find Bocca. Usually buzzing with fellow coffee lovers, you’ll also find a tasty pastry selection to enjoy with your drink. Furthermore a great place to visit if you want a minute of the beaten track in this busy area for a quick cup of Joe.
Screaming Beans (Centrum-West / Centre district)
Truly top-notch coffee and some of the best roasted beans you’ll find…anywhere. Plonked right in the middle of the perpetually busy but adorably picturesque De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets). If you’re lucky enough to nab a table outside, it’s the perfect location to watch the comings and goings of Amsterdam. An absolute must for any coffee lover.
Sango (Centrum-West / Centre District)
A charming little shop not far from Amsterdam Centraal. You’ll get your coffee fix with a side of friendliness. It’s a quiet, plant laden sanctuary off the chaotic streets in the centre of the city and the coffee itself is very good. A place to chill and relax without feeling rushed to pay up and get on your way.
Coffee District (Oud-Zuid & Oud-Zuid)
On the weekend you’ll see locals spilling out and chilling out around either of their locations (both in Zuid). Coffee District definitely has one of those intangible appealing vibes about it. A minimalistic style that manages to still feel very welcoming – a place that you know instantly will serve only the best coffee. Their cakes aren’t to be missed either if you’re in the mood for a treat – especially their cinnamon buns.
Koffie Academie (Oud-West, De Baarsjes)
Laptop lovers favourite coffee place. They allow the electronic table-hoggers on the weekday but on busy weekends it’s a laptop free zone. A rule which we are admittedly grateful of. With such a friendly and cosy atmosphere inside we want ample opportunity for a seat to relax and appreciate one of their strong roasted brews.
Coffee Company (All Over)
If you are in desperate need of a reliable, good, and strong coffee but don’t have the time to go searching the city for quaint coffee houses – then the chain that is Coffee Company should get you everything you need. Like any chain it’s difficult to keep up that local charm that takes a regular coffee spot to a favourite hangout space, but it’s perfect if you’re in a hurry for a quick, good coffee.
