Almost more famous than the Coffee Shops are the Brown cafés of Amsterdam, meeting places for locals to chat while having a coffee or a beer. You will see that there is an enormous quantity of cafés throughout the city, some of which have pleasant terraces that look out over the canals.
Central Amsterdam:
- Cafe Hoppe (Spui 18-20, the authentic one is the one on the right). Don't forget to visit inside and have a beer on its terrace like a real local.
- Cafe Wetering (Weteringstraat 37, between Tweede Weteringdwarsstraat and Derde Weteringdwarsstraat). An almost hidden hole in the wall usually crowded with locals where you can enjoy a coffee next to the chimney located on the upper floor.
- Cafe Brecht (Weteringschans 157). The only establishment in Amsterdam (and the world?) with German poetry written on the walls. An odd mix of classic decoration with funky touches. Very lively at night.
- Cafe de Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, very close to the market, on the other side of the canal). Although a bit expensive and touristy, its balcony is absolutely spectacular and you won't regret making a brief stop (croissant €2.50, sandwiches €4-7, coffee €2.50, small beer €2.30).
- Morlang (Leidsestraat & Keizersgracht): one of the most modern, great for both its balcony and its interior.
- B&B (Leidsestraat, between Keizersgracht & Kerkstraat): more a bakery than a café, here you can try incredible gigantic muffins.
