Rob & Lauren’s guidebook

Rob & Lauren
Rob & Lauren
Rob & Lauren’s guidebook

Our Amsterdam Top Picks

Check out this list for our favorite places in Amsterdam including restaurants, bars, museums, clubs and parks!
This is some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. It's quick walk from our apartment. You can go grab a coffee to go or enjoy their small courtyard in the back. The food is also delicious. We really like their cheese plate or fresh pastries. Their drip coffee is also delicious.
21 locals recommend
Friedhats FUKU Cafe
136 HS Bos en Lommerweg
21 locals recommend
This is some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. It's quick walk from our apartment. You can go grab a coffee to go or enjoy their small courtyard in the back. The food is also delicious. We really like their cheese plate or fresh pastries. Their drip coffee is also delicious.
A neighborhood pizza place with lovely outdoor seating right on Erasmuspark. This charming restaurant is very closely our house and you're sure to feel welcome.
117 locals recommend
Eetwinkel Buurman & Buurman
171 Mercatorstraat
117 locals recommend
A neighborhood pizza place with lovely outdoor seating right on Erasmuspark. This charming restaurant is very closely our house and you're sure to feel welcome.
A family-friendly Italian restaurant with large communal tables and a cozy feel. They have a rotating menu of 6 pasta dishes that range from vegetarian to meat lovers. It's reasonably priced and a nice place to go for a low-key dinner.
8 locals recommend
Spaghetteria Rijpgracht
1 Gerard Callenburgstraat
8 locals recommend
A family-friendly Italian restaurant with large communal tables and a cozy feel. They have a rotating menu of 6 pasta dishes that range from vegetarian to meat lovers. It's reasonably priced and a nice place to go for a low-key dinner.
This is one of our favorite pizza places in Amsterdam. It's run by super hospitable Italians who make you feel at home when you go in. The pizza is fantastic thin crust and they have delicious starters including roasted beets with mozzarella or caviar with creme fresh and homemade focaccia.
96 locals recommend
Pazzi De Clercqstraat
93III De Clercqstraat
96 locals recommend
This is one of our favorite pizza places in Amsterdam. It's run by super hospitable Italians who make you feel at home when you go in. The pizza is fantastic thin crust and they have delicious starters including roasted beets with mozzarella or caviar with creme fresh and homemade focaccia.
A must see in Amsterdam the Foodhallen is part of the larger De Hallen complex, which used to be an old tram repair warehouse. They often hold weekend events in the main hall where they have art shows, flea markets and more. There's a movie theater playing independent films, a fantastic store called the Marker's Store featuring local vendors and the Foodhallen. Stop by at any time of the day, but be prepared for a crowd if you go during lunch or dinner time. It's an indoor foodhall with diverse local restaurants. You can't go wrong.
1500 locals recommend
Foodhallen Amsterdam
16 Bellamyplein
1500 locals recommend
A must see in Amsterdam the Foodhallen is part of the larger De Hallen complex, which used to be an old tram repair warehouse. They often hold weekend events in the main hall where they have art shows, flea markets and more. There's a movie theater playing independent films, a fantastic store called the Marker's Store featuring local vendors and the Foodhallen. Stop by at any time of the day, but be prepared for a crowd if you go during lunch or dinner time. It's an indoor foodhall with diverse local restaurants. You can't go wrong.
Want some meat? Head to Rotisserie for juicy burgers, moist fried chicken and all the sides your heart could want. The fried chicken burger with cheese and a chili crunch is sure to please. Order a local craft beer to wash it down, and you're in for a great night.
92 locals recommend
Rotisserie Amsterdam
81H De Clercqstraat
92 locals recommend
Want some meat? Head to Rotisserie for juicy burgers, moist fried chicken and all the sides your heart could want. The fried chicken burger with cheese and a chili crunch is sure to please. Order a local craft beer to wash it down, and you're in for a great night.
The loft is a great local coffeeshop with good service. Remember coffeeshop here is where you can buy weed, edibles and mushrooms. For a coffee, head to a cafe. If you're keen to find some good weed, walk around the corner to the Loft. The staff is happy to help if you have questions or want recommendations.
Coffeeshop Loft
285HS Jan van Galenstraat
The loft is a great local coffeeshop with good service. Remember coffeeshop here is where you can buy weed, edibles and mushrooms. For a coffee, head to a cafe. If you're keen to find some good weed, walk around the corner to the Loft. The staff is happy to help if you have questions or want recommendations.
1 block away from our apartment is Erasmuspark. It is a lovely park surrounded by a moat. There's a little track to run around as well as some outdoor workout equipment. It's a lovely way to start or end a sunny day.
373 locals recommend
Erasmusparkbuurt
373 locals recommend
1 block away from our apartment is Erasmuspark. It is a lovely park surrounded by a moat. There's a little track to run around as well as some outdoor workout equipment. It's a lovely way to start or end a sunny day.
Rembrandtpark is larger than Erasmuspark and is about 2 blocks away from our apartment. If you want to go on a longer run, I'd recommend heading to Rembrandt and running around there. Lots of greenspace with minimal traffic. It's a beautiful place to explore the city and get away from the hustle and bustle.
24 locals recommend
Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark
24 locals recommend
Rembrandtpark is larger than Erasmuspark and is about 2 blocks away from our apartment. If you want to go on a longer run, I'd recommend heading to Rembrandt and running around there. Lots of greenspace with minimal traffic. It's a beautiful place to explore the city and get away from the hustle and bustle.
If you're looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, we highly recommend Morgan & Mees. It's a delicious asian fusion menu that rotates seasonally. Lunch is very reasonably priced, and for the quality of service dinner is well priced as well. You can go grab a drink at their bar before dinner. You can make reservations on their website.
158 locals recommend
Morgan & Mees
2-6 Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat
158 locals recommend
If you're looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, we highly recommend Morgan & Mees. It's a delicious asian fusion menu that rotates seasonally. Lunch is very reasonably priced, and for the quality of service dinner is well priced as well. You can go grab a drink at their bar before dinner. You can make reservations on their website.
Razmataz is a local favorite. It has a café, a gin bar, a restaurant and a private events space. The service is always friendly and welcoming and the food is very reasonably priced. If you're feeling up for it, I'd recommend having a tasting menu of 3 or 4 courses with wine pairings. It's quite reasonably priced and the food is amazing! You can make reservations on their website.
225 locals recommend
Razmataz
7HS Hugo de Grootplein
225 locals recommend
Razmataz is a local favorite. It has a café, a gin bar, a restaurant and a private events space. The service is always friendly and welcoming and the food is very reasonably priced. If you're feeling up for it, I'd recommend having a tasting menu of 3 or 4 courses with wine pairings. It's quite reasonably priced and the food is amazing! You can make reservations on their website.
A small restaurant at Hotel De Hallen. This restaurant is a little under the radar, but still very charming. The owner of the hotel has an amazing art collection that they rotate through the hotel. The food is creative and they have a small bar if you'd like a drink before or after dinner.
8 locals recommend
Remise47
47 Bellamyplein
8 locals recommend
A small restaurant at Hotel De Hallen. This restaurant is a little under the radar, but still very charming. The owner of the hotel has an amazing art collection that they rotate through the hotel. The food is creative and they have a small bar if you'd like a drink before or after dinner.
De Japanner is based on izakaya or small plates. You can go and order a bunch of things off the menu to share with the table and wash it down with some delicious sake. They have a small seating area out front if the weather is nice.
33 locals recommend
De Japanner West
203 Bilderdijkstraat
33 locals recommend
De Japanner is based on izakaya or small plates. You can go and order a bunch of things off the menu to share with the table and wash it down with some delicious sake. They have a small seating area out front if the weather is nice.
Troost is a local brewery with a few locations around town. They have a great location in Westerpark with outdoor seating to take in the sun. This location is closer into the city and is great to grab a burger and beer. They also have great salads and bar food. Well worth a stop to quench your thirst and taste local craft beer.
9 locals recommend
Brouwerij Troost Oud West
205 Bilderdijkstraat
9 locals recommend
Troost is a local brewery with a few locations around town. They have a great location in Westerpark with outdoor seating to take in the sun. This location is closer into the city and is great to grab a burger and beer. They also have great salads and bar food. Well worth a stop to quench your thirst and taste local craft beer.
Head to this location of Troost in Westerpark. They have a lovely outdoor seating area to soak in the sun. If the weather's not great, you can head inside and check out their brewery space. Grab a craft beer, a flatbread, salad or burger and relax.
137 locals recommend
Brouwerij Troost Westergas
27 Pazzanistraat
137 locals recommend
Head to this location of Troost in Westerpark. They have a lovely outdoor seating area to soak in the sun. If the weather's not great, you can head inside and check out their brewery space. Grab a craft beer, a flatbread, salad or burger and relax.
One of our favorite places in Amsterdam. Westerpark is really where the locals go. If you want to spend some time outside and avoid all the tourists in Vondelpark, head to Westerpark. Lots of space to bike, run, walk or sunbath.
1599 locals recommend
Westerpark
4 Haarlemmerweg
1599 locals recommend
One of our favorite places in Amsterdam. Westerpark is really where the locals go. If you want to spend some time outside and avoid all the tourists in Vondelpark, head to Westerpark. Lots of space to bike, run, walk or sunbath.
This is one of the best kept secrets in Amsterdam. If you're a meat lover, you have to go here. The owner is from Kentucky and brought his love of BBQ and slow cooked meats to Amsterdam. We highly recommend starting with the fried brisket ends. If you're 2 very hungry people or 3, we recommend getting The Spread, which lets you pick 3 entrees and 2 sides. The beef ribs, brisket and pork cheeks do not disappoint. I personally love De Max mezcal cocktail, but they also have great selection of bourbon, whiskey and rye.
27 locals recommend
Pendergast
14 Groen van Prinstererstraat
27 locals recommend
This is one of the best kept secrets in Amsterdam. If you're a meat lover, you have to go here. The owner is from Kentucky and brought his love of BBQ and slow cooked meats to Amsterdam. We highly recommend starting with the fried brisket ends. If you're 2 very hungry people or 3, we recommend getting The Spread, which lets you pick 3 entrees and 2 sides. The beef ribs, brisket and pork cheeks do not disappoint. I personally love De Max mezcal cocktail, but they also have great selection of bourbon, whiskey and rye.
Looking for a great restaurant that also has a trendy club attached? Look no further. De School is a renovated school building that houses a delicious restaurant and also a club that hosts great electronic music acts. Check out their website to see their upcoming events. We'd recommend buying tickets in advance.
356 locals recommend
De School
3 Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat
356 locals recommend
Looking for a great restaurant that also has a trendy club attached? Look no further. De School is a renovated school building that houses a delicious restaurant and also a club that hosts great electronic music acts. Check out their website to see their upcoming events. We'd recommend buying tickets in advance.
A very famous concert venue in Amsterdam in a converted church. They host a wide variety of acts. If you're looking to catch a live show in a super unique space, we recommend checking out their lineup. Buying tickets in advance is always a good choice.
937 locals recommend
Paradiso
6-8 Weteringschans
937 locals recommend
A very famous concert venue in Amsterdam in a converted church. They host a wide variety of acts. If you're looking to catch a live show in a super unique space, we recommend checking out their lineup. Buying tickets in advance is always a good choice.
Head to Shelter for some dark deep music in a converted bunker under the Amsterdam Tower. They host mostly electronics music and touring DJs. Their sound is unique and their clientele diverse. Check out their website for their upcoming shows. We recommend buying tickets in advance and showing up late. It doesn't usually get busy until after midnight.
78 locals recommend
Shelter
3 Overhoeksplein
78 locals recommend
Head to Shelter for some dark deep music in a converted bunker under the Amsterdam Tower. They host mostly electronics music and touring DJs. Their sound is unique and their clientele diverse. Check out their website for their upcoming shows. We recommend buying tickets in advance and showing up late. It doesn't usually get busy until after midnight.
The Rijksmuseum is a national treasure. The building was recently renovated over the course of 10 years. It is a spectacularly beautiful museum with a huge collection of art and a great rotating gallery. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
3186 locals recommend
Rijksmuseum
1 Museumstraat
3186 locals recommend
The Rijksmuseum is a national treasure. The building was recently renovated over the course of 10 years. It is a spectacularly beautiful museum with a huge collection of art and a great rotating gallery. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
The Amsterdam photography museum is always worth a stop. They have great rotating galleries so it's always fresh art waiting for you. It's a manageable size so it shouldn't take more than an hour or two for you to soak it in before heading on to your next adventure. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
794 locals recommend
Foam
609 Keizersgracht
794 locals recommend
The Amsterdam photography museum is always worth a stop. They have great rotating galleries so it's always fresh art waiting for you. It's a manageable size so it shouldn't take more than an hour or two for you to soak it in before heading on to your next adventure. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
Well worth a stop, the Van Gogh museum houses many of Van Gogh's most famous works. It's well curated and quite vibrant. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
2485 locals recommend
Van Gogh Museum
6 Museumplein
2485 locals recommend
Well worth a stop, the Van Gogh museum houses many of Van Gogh's most famous works. It's well curated and quite vibrant. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
If you're a lover of modern art, this is the place for you. Amsterdam's modern art museum is quite expansive. Plan on spending at least 1-2 hours here before hitting up some other museums in the area. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
1544 locals recommend
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
10 Museumplein
1544 locals recommend
If you're a lover of modern art, this is the place for you. Amsterdam's modern art museum is quite expansive. Plan on spending at least 1-2 hours here before hitting up some other museums in the area. If you're an art lover, we highly recommend you get a museum pass so you can enter all museums with 1 ticket. It will certainly be worth it if you go to 2+ museums.
A great local club with good electronic acts and DJs. It's called the Marktkantine, or the Market Canteen, as it's right next to Amsterdam's largest food market. Check out their website to see what acts will be in town. You can buy tickets at the door or in advance via the website.
191 locals recommend
De Marktkantine
6 Jan van Galenstraat
191 locals recommend
A great local club with good electronic acts and DJs. It's called the Marktkantine, or the Market Canteen, as it's right next to Amsterdam's largest food market. Check out their website to see what acts will be in town. You can buy tickets at the door or in advance via the website.
This is a fantastic charming bar called HPS or Hiding in Plain Sight. It is in a quiet residential neighborhood with really knowledgeable bartenders and fantastic craft cocktails. Be warned that they are more expensive than at most other bars in the city, but the atmosphere and the service make it well worth it. It is a very small place so we always recommend making reservations beforehand.
99 locals recommend
Hiding in Plain Sight
18 Rapenburg
99 locals recommend
This is a fantastic charming bar called HPS or Hiding in Plain Sight. It is in a quiet residential neighborhood with really knowledgeable bartenders and fantastic craft cocktails. Be warned that they are more expensive than at most other bars in the city, but the atmosphere and the service make it well worth it. It is a very small place so we always recommend making reservations beforehand.
A super charming local craft brewery that also has a windmill. Very Dutch experience with delicious beers. It's definitely a staple beer of the city. If you're a beer aficionado, I highly recommend swinging by here.
1100 locals recommend
Brouwerij 't IJ
7 Funenkade
1100 locals recommend
A super charming local craft brewery that also has a windmill. Very Dutch experience with delicious beers. It's definitely a staple beer of the city. If you're a beer aficionado, I highly recommend swinging by here.
Looking for a cozy place to grab brunch or lunch? Check out The Breakfast Club. It can get busy on the weekends so you may need to wait a little bit for a table. However, it is well worth the wait. Here you'll find healthy options and more filling plates if you're starving. I love the Mexican breakfast, but their pancakes are also not to be missed.
219 locals recommend
The Breakfast Club
2-h Bellamystraat
219 locals recommend
Looking for a cozy place to grab brunch or lunch? Check out The Breakfast Club. It can get busy on the weekends so you may need to wait a little bit for a table. However, it is well worth the wait. Here you'll find healthy options and more filling plates if you're starving. I love the Mexican breakfast, but their pancakes are also not to be missed.
Check out the Ten Kate Market, which is run daily on Monday through Saturday from around 10 - 4. Here you can grab fresh produce, fish, flowers and cheese. The vendors are friendly and the food is very reasonably priced.
371 locals recommend
Ten Kate Markt
32 Ten Katestraat
371 locals recommend
Check out the Ten Kate Market, which is run daily on Monday through Saturday from around 10 - 4. Here you can grab fresh produce, fish, flowers and cheese. The vendors are friendly and the food is very reasonably priced.
Stop by Bar Centraal at any time of the day. You can grab some appetizers to share, a bottle of wine or local beer. The menu is seasonal and the terrace is great for people watching while the Ten Kate Market is on.
51 locals recommend
Bar Centraal
16 Ten Katestraat
51 locals recommend
Stop by Bar Centraal at any time of the day. You can grab some appetizers to share, a bottle of wine or local beer. The menu is seasonal and the terrace is great for people watching while the Ten Kate Market is on.
Some of the best coffee in Amsterdam with a fantastic and peaceful interior. If you need to hunker down and work or are just looking for some fuel to keep you going, we highly recommend Bocca. It's served at many restaurants and hotels across the city and is fantastic.
47 locals recommend
Bocca Coffee
96H Kerkstraat
47 locals recommend
Some of the best coffee in Amsterdam with a fantastic and peaceful interior. If you need to hunker down and work or are just looking for some fuel to keep you going, we highly recommend Bocca. It's served at many restaurants and hotels across the city and is fantastic.
Stach is a local favorite. They have locations all of the city where you can pop in to grab some provisions before heading to a park. They have delicious pre-made meals, snacks and drinks. The sandwiches are also fantastic. We always order the meatball sandwich and are never disappointed.
148 locals recommend
STACH Food
154 Van Woustraat
148 locals recommend
Stach is a local favorite. They have locations all of the city where you can pop in to grab some provisions before heading to a park. They have delicious pre-made meals, snacks and drinks. The sandwiches are also fantastic. We always order the meatball sandwich and are never disappointed.
Looking for a place to grab a beer and relax? Check out Hendrix! It's a locals place with a good beer, wine and spirits menu. You can also grab some snacks and enjoy the sunshine on the terrace.
120 locals recommend
Hendrix
82 De Clercqstraat
120 locals recommend
Looking for a place to grab a beer and relax? Check out Hendrix! It's a locals place with a good beer, wine and spirits menu. You can also grab some snacks and enjoy the sunshine on the terrace.
Flora is a teeny tiny restaurant in Bilderdijkpark, which is also quite small and charming. They have fantastic brunch -- try the chicken and waffles and a Bloody Mary or horchata. The food is killer, the location is charming and all the windows makes it great for enjoying the sunshine.
10 locals recommend
Flora
106H Kinkerstraat
10 locals recommend
Flora is a teeny tiny restaurant in Bilderdijkpark, which is also quite small and charming. They have fantastic brunch -- try the chicken and waffles and a Bloody Mary or horchata. The food is killer, the location is charming and all the windows makes it great for enjoying the sunshine.
Head to Café Binnenvisser for natural wines and a small (mainly vegetarian) menu. It can get very crowded on a weekend nights so head their early to grab a spot for drinks and put your name in for a table. Their fennel sausage with bread and olive oil is always good. We also love their fritters.
57 locals recommend
Café Binnenvisser
36 Bilderdijkstraat
57 locals recommend
Head to Café Binnenvisser for natural wines and a small (mainly vegetarian) menu. It can get very crowded on a weekend nights so head their early to grab a spot for drinks and put your name in for a table. Their fennel sausage with bread and olive oil is always good. We also love their fritters.
If the weather is nice, then there is no better place to be then Waterkant. It gets sun almost all day as it opens up onto a wide canal. It's under a parking structure, but has tons and tons of outdoor seating along the water. On busy days, boats will dock along the edge and everyone will be enjoying the sun, good food and drinks.
436 locals recommend
Waterkant
55 Kapelweg
436 locals recommend
If the weather is nice, then there is no better place to be then Waterkant. It gets sun almost all day as it opens up onto a wide canal. It's under a parking structure, but has tons and tons of outdoor seating along the water. On busy days, boats will dock along the edge and everyone will be enjoying the sun, good food and drinks.
Our favorite yoga studio in Amsterdam. The teachers are very knowledgeable and guide you through your practice. They offer many types of classes, and you can sign up online. They also have a small cafe and outdoor seating space. It's a perfect place to take some me time and recharge.
13 locals recommend
The New Yoga School B.V.
109 Laurierstraat
13 locals recommend
Our favorite yoga studio in Amsterdam. The teachers are very knowledgeable and guide you through your practice. They offer many types of classes, and you can sign up online. They also have a small cafe and outdoor seating space. It's a perfect place to take some me time and recharge.