Best Traditional Cafes in Amsterdam

Any honest exploration of Amsterdam history and culture must eventually lead through the door of a bruine kroeg — the traditional brown cafe. Named for their dark wood-paneled interiors, stained over centuries by tobacco smoke and candlelight, these establishments have been at the heart of Dutch social life since the seventeenth century. Unlike the polished coffee chains of today, a proper Amsterdam brown cafe is a place of conversation, quiet contemplation, and a sense of belonging to a neighborhood. Here are five historic establishments that embody this tradition within the canal district and the Jordaan.

1. Cafe 't Smalle

Tucked away on the Egelantiersgracht in the heart of the Jordaan, Cafe 't Smalle occupies a building that dates back to 1786, when it served as the tasting room for a local jenever (Dutch gin) distillery. The narrow interior retains its original character: worn wooden tables, brass fixtures, and a tiled floor that has seen generations of patrons. On warm afternoons, the canal-side terrace fills up quickly — it is one of the most photographed spots in the neighborhood. The menu is simple: Dutch beer on tap, a selection of bitterballen (crispy meat croquettes), and aged cheese with mustard. It is the kind of place where locals have been meeting friends for decades.

2. Cafe Chris

Claiming to be the oldest brown cafe in the Jordaan, Cafe Chris has been serving drinks since 1624 — predating the completion of the Westerkerk across the canal. According to local legend, the builders of the church were paid their wages here, which may explain its enduring proximity to the Prinsengracht. The interior is small and unapologetically old-fashioned, with a peculiar feature: the bathroom can only be flushed from behind the bar, a relic of the building's original plumbing. Cafe Chris does not try to impress with novelty. Its appeal lies entirely in authenticity and in the weight of nearly four centuries of continuous hospitality.

3. De Twee Zwaantjes

Also located on the Prinsengracht, De Twee Zwaantjes (The Two Swans) is famous for its live accordion music on weekend evenings. The tradition of folk singing in Amsterdam's brown cafes is slowly fading, but at De Twee Zwaantjes it remains alive and unpolished. Patrons are welcome — and often expected — to join in with classic Dutch levensliederen (songs of life). The atmosphere is jovial, loud, and entirely unpretentious. For visitors hoping to experience something genuinely local rather than curated for tourism, an evening here offers a window into a cultural tradition that stretches back generations. The cafe sits just a short walk from many of the major landmarks along the canal belt.

4. Cafe Papeneiland

Perched on the corner of the Prinsengracht and the Brouwersgracht — often called the most beautiful canal intersection in Amsterdam — Cafe Papeneiland has been in operation since 1642. The name translates to "Papists' Island," a reference to the secret Catholic church that once operated in the building's upper floors during the period of Protestant dominance. A hidden tunnel in the basement allegedly allowed Catholic worshippers to enter the church undetected. Today the cafe is better known for its apple pie, widely considered among the best in the city. The Delft blue tiles, stained glass, and canal views make it a rewarding stop on any walking tour through the northern canal ring.

5. Cafe de Pieper

Located on the Prinsengracht near the Leidseplein, Cafe de Pieper is a smaller and quieter alternative to the busier establishments in the area. Dating from around 1665, the cafe retains much of its original atmosphere with a dark wood interior, candle-lit tables, and a lack of background music — conversation is the primary entertainment here. It is a favorite among locals who work in the nearby theater district and prefer their evenings undisturbed by tourist crowds. De Pieper represents the essence of what makes Amsterdam's cafe culture so distinctive: a place where time moves slowly and no one is in a rush.

A Note on Dutch Cafe Culture

It is worth noting that the Dutch concept of gezelligheid — a word with no direct English equivalent, roughly meaning warmth, coziness, and togetherness — is best experienced in these settings. Unlike the grab-and-go coffee culture of many modern cities, the Amsterdam brown cafe invites you to sit, stay, and simply be present. Most cafes serve small dishes alongside drinks: cheese and sausage boards, herring on toast, or thick pea soup (erwtensoep) during the winter months. For a deeper understanding of the neighborhoods these cafes inhabit, consider reading our article on the history of the canal belt and the main cultural guide to the canal district.

Getting to these cafes is straightforward. Most are within walking distance of each other in the Jordaan and along the Prinsengracht. For those coming from elsewhere in the city, our public transport guide covers tram and bus connections in detail.