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Roaster-run café where the flat white and a kimchi sandwich are the draw. Many people take coffee to nearby Westerpark.

Takeaway, then walk to Westerpark

Pastel-styled coffee bar known for lavender and lilac-tinted lattes and matcha. Photogenic drinks, so expect phones out.

Weekday mornings are calmer

Coffee with seasonal toasts by day, with wine and a vinyl listening bar feel. Small and relaxed, in the Jordaan.

Go mid-morning for a seat

Small Australian-run café, shop and roastery. Order a flat white and sit at the outdoor tables when it is dry.

Buy beans to take home

Old-school lunchroom serving since 1945. Get the broodje kroket, a crisp meat croquette on a soft bun with mustard.

Cash-friendly quick stop, late hours

Cantonese dim sum spot. Try the pork buns and black radish cake with XO sauce; mains are also filling.

Go at lunch for dim sum

French bistro with a whole lobster and oxtail on the menu. Popular enough that tables go quickly.

Book well ahead

Japanese kaiseki and kappo restaurant opened in late 2025. Lunch sets with tempura, chawanmushi and sashimi are the cheaper way in.

Choose a lunch set

Canal with red-shuttered houses, bridges and crossings with Herengracht and Keizersgracht. Calm water gives clear reflections.

Go early morning for reflections

A canal viewpoint where several bridges line up in a row. Best shot when the bridges are lit.

Shoot at dusk

Quiet historic courtyard of old houses and a chapel in the middle of the city. Public access is regular, not constant.

Keep voices down, residents live here

Former shipyard across the IJ, covered in large graffiti and street art. Pair it with the waterfront at sunset.

Take the free ferry from Centraal

Fries stand known from TikTok, with crowd managers handling a line that still runs along the street in 2026.

Go right at opening

Paris-style bouillon serving French classics like terrine, steak frites and crème caramel quickly, with dishes roughly €3 to €16.

Order the steak frites