A Local's Advice on Amsterdam - where to stay/eat/and play

After living here for three years, this is a curated collection of my favorite restaurants and bars. I have broken it out by general neighborhood so you can find places based on where you are staying/spending the day.

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Hotel Recommendations

High-End - can't go wrong with any of these beautiful properties

Pulitzer Amsterdam

@haleysangster

A unique hotel in the middle of bustling Jordaan. The hotel is made up of an entire city block of houses acquired through the years - Pulitzer bar is my ultimate favorite hotel bar with a huge courtyard for drinks/lunch/dinner. Speakeasy bar for cocktails as well. Make a reservation for the outdoor seating and PERFECT for a sunny, long lunch

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W Amsterdam

@haleysangster

Near Dam square, couldn’t be better located. Great rooms with a funky style, and a very chic spa. There is also a wonderful rooftop bar and pool.

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Conservatorium Hotel

@haleysangster

Stunning hotel near Museumplein with an incredible spa, multiple restaurants, and huge rooms

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Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - a Concept by Hyatt

@haleysangster

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The Hoxton, Amsterdam

@haleysangster

One of my favorite hotel bars. There is a restaurant with food or you can sit in the lounge and have drinks. Check the website for live music schedule!

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Kimpton De Witt

@haleysangster

Attached to one of my favorite hotel bars and has an amazing restaurant

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Mid-Tier Hotels

Ambassade Hotel

@haleysangster

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Amsterdam Canal Hotel

@haleysangster

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Hotel Estherea

@haleysangster

Gorgeous canal-side hotel with a private bar only for hotel guests. Each room is uniquely decorated. You really feel like you are in the heart of Amsterdam

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INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery

@haleysangster

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Zoku Amsterdam

@haleysangster

The perfect hotel if you need space to work remote. Each room is set up with a desk space and the top floor is an incredible co-working area with great vibe

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Activity Recommendations

Moco Museum

@haleysangster

Banksy artworks inside this funky museum - buy tickets in advance!

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House of Bols, the Cocktail & Genever Experience

@haleysangster

Unique activity to pair with a Moco Museum tour - the museum experience ends with a cocktail in a unique bar!

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Amsterdam Boat Tours | Small open boat cruises

www.amsterdamboatadventures.com

Welkom bij Classic Boat Dinners - high end dinner in a beautiful canal boat

www.classicboatdinners.nl

De Pijp Recommendations

De Pijp

@haleysangster

Lively neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market

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Higher-End Restaurants

Café Caron

@haleysangster

Hidden gem on a quaint neighborhood street - French food, small menu that has been perfected and if the weather's nice, book a table outside (Need a reservation)

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Maris Piper Brasserie

@haleysangster

Meat & Seafood restaurant perfect for a special occasion or celebration. White tablecloth, incredible service, and cozy ambiance

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De Waaghals

@haleysangster

Coursed Vegan/Vegetarian menu - amazing food and experience even if you are not either of those. Fresh ingredients rotating on seasonality and cozy atmosphere

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Mid-Tier Restaurants

Kaasbar Amsterdam

@haleysangster

If you love cheese - this is your place. Cheese conveyer belt to satisfy any cheesy night out!

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Bar Bellini

@haleysangster

Italian restaurants with 70s retro vibes - amazing cocktails and pasta dishes

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Mana Mana - De Pijp

@haleysangster

If you love Mediterranean food, this should be on your list. Hummus & cauliflower are to die for. Really yummy cocktails to pair as well

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Sjefietshé

@haleysangster

Along one of the neighborhood canals, this restaurant is always packed. Serving different types of ceviche & daily specials. Would recommend a reservation

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Porchetteria

@haleysangster

Wood-fired pizza. Enough said.

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Rainbowls Amsterdam

@haleysangster

One of the must-haves if you are craving a healthy lunch or breakfast. They aren't speedy, but they put love into every bowl.

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Linguini de Pijp

@haleysangster

Homemade pasta, super cozy ambiance, serve the pasta still in the pan!

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Wine Bars

Rayleigh & Ramsay Van Wou

@haleysangster

Interact wine bar where you have a card to pour your glasses of wine. Saturdays they have dollar oysters

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La Dilettante Amsterdam - Natural Wine Bar

@haleysangster

Stop in for a glass of natural wine - owner knows so much about his product and is really fun to chat with

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Oud West

Amsterdam Oud-West

@haleysangster

Quiet neighborhood close to Vondelpark

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Higher-End Restaurants

Night Kitchen Amsterdam

@haleysangster

AMAZING restaurant that is really fun with bigger groups - highly recommend the "dinner with friends" menu for 50 EUR pp. They will keep bringing courses out until you are full and it is family-style dining.

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De Italiaan

@haleysangster

Neighborhood Italian restaurant with big patio covered by trees. Make a reservation and enjoy delicious pizza/pasta dishes. Cozy/quaint ambiance

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Gustatio oud west

@haleysangster

Another Italian restaurant with top-notch food - my favorite pasta dish in Amsterdam. Cacio e pepe is one of the best I have ever had.

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Casual Restaurants

Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis

@haleysangster

Great place to grab a drink inside Vondelpark - food isn't anything special but can be easy for a snack. On a sunny day it gets afternoon sun - no reservations needed

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De Vondeltuin

@haleysangster

Another restaurant/bar inside Vondelpark. Really cute at night with patio lights.

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Miuz Gelato & Coffee

@haleysangster

BEST gelato - rotating flavors based on what ingredients are in season. Highly recommend the vanilla & strawberry

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Jordaan Recommendations

Jordaan

@haleysangster

Populated, trendy neighborhood filled with restaurants and bars.

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Higher-End Restaurants

Pesca Vis Seafood Restaurant Amsterdam

@haleysangster

One of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam for experiential dining. Reservation needed and you must LOVE seafood

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Mesiba

@haleysangster

Could not recommend ENOUGH!!! Such a good vibe, amazing middle eastern food, huge disco ball and turns into more of a party vibe the later the night goes

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Salmuera

@haleysangster

High quality meat dishes & cocktails

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Fiaschetteria “Pistoia”

@haleysangster

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Rafi

@haleysangster

BEST PASTA IN AMSTERDAM. Cozy little restaurant in a busy neighborhood. Hot tip - if you are across the street in the bar called "Palm Springs" you can order their food and have it delivered!

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o bistro

@haleysangster

One of the highest rated French restaurants in the city - adorable outdoor seating on a nice day

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Casual Restaurants

d&a hummus bistro

@haleysangster

Some of the best hummus I have ever had - make sure to get the spicy sauce as well. Three locations in Amsterdam and all three are high quality

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Winkel 43

@haleysangster

Famous apple pie - HUGE slice so splitting may be necessary - definitely get the whipped cream

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De Noordermarkt Kantine

@haleysangster

Saturday market in a big square - highly recommend walking around. Food trucks are available (get the pork belly) and amazing grocery/flower selection

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Café Thijssen

@haleysangster

Canal side bar perfect for a drink! Not much food but great spot for beers

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Bar Parry

@haleysangster

Small menu with sharing dishes and huge wine selection. Very cozy and reservations are usually necessary for weekend nights

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Canal Ring Recommendations

Higher-End Restaurants

Bistro Suzette

@haleysangster

Gorgeous restaurant along the canal. Great ambiance, service, and high-quality food

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Ceppi's

@haleysangster

Yet another amazing Italian restaurant, really amazing vibe and high quality food and cocktails

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Secret Garden

@haleysangster

Very trendy new restaurant. Need a reservation and can either sit in the drink/dj/bar area or the restaurant. VERY instagramable

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Lion Noir

@haleysangster

Cozy hotel restaurant/bar with a patio out back on a nice day.

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The Hoxton, Amsterdam

@haleysangster

One of my favorite hotel bars. There is a restaurant with food or you can sit in the lounge and have drinks. Check the website for live music schedule!

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Pulitzer Amsterdam

@haleysangster

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Mid-Tier Restaurants

Shiraz Jardin des Vins

@haleysangster

If you only go to one place on this list - GO HERE!!! No reservations taken so you may have to wait a few minutes for a table. It is right on the canal so amazing tables on a sunny day. On a rainy day, cozy ambiance with candles and cute corner tables. Get the risotto and try ALL the wine

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Bar Dó

@haleysangster

Perfect place for a casual lunch - great sandwiches/pizza/cocktails. Always buzzing with people & have outdoor seating

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Tia Rosa

@haleysangster

Perfect cold weather/rainy day tapas restaurant. Very cozy

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Zero Zero

@haleysangster

Grab and go sandwiches on focaccia bread - everyone in the city is obsessed right now!!

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Bars

Duke of Tokyo

@haleysangster

Very fun bar with themed cocktails - you can also rent private karaoke rooms (must do that in advance). It is on the Pride street so tons of other bars in walking distance if you start your night here!

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Café de Jaren

@haleysangster

One of the best quintessential "Amsterdam view spots" they don't take reservations so walk all the way back and wait for a table when you enter. Service is slow and food isn't great so just stay for the drinks and the view on a sunny day :)

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