The Best Hidden Gems In Amsterdam

When you’re thinking about European cities, one might immediately think of visiting the most popular places. However, The Culture Trip has a different approach. We want to unravel the true beauty of each city by proposing to both locals and tourists to visit each spot’s very best hidden gems. Paraphrasing the quote ‘What is essential is invisible to the eye,’ we suggest you try some of these cafés, bars and stores in Amsterdam that will surprise you with what they have to offer.

1. Bierfabriek

Bierfabriek

Bierfabriek is a beer haven with an extremely cozy atmosphere and tap tables. It is the perfect place for enjoying a lovely evening after work. The menu is pretty simple but attractive. A handful of peanuts is an unexpected treat for everyone that decides to enjoy a nice beer. While there, try Rosso, a smooth, fruity and mild beer.

Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam

Interior of Trelaplein | Courtesy of Trelaplein

2. Trelaplein

Trelaplein

Trelaplein brings Greece to the heart of Netherlands. The name of ‘Trelaplein’ derives from the Greek word trela (τρέλα), which means craziness and the Dutch word plein, which means square. The unique idea behind this “craziness square” is quickly understood when you meet the hospitable owner, Alexandros. The café offers a variety of Greek delicacies such as pies and flavored coffees. We suggest you to taste the bougatsa (μπουγάτσα) along with a Greek coffee, cold or hot, while playing backgammon. A friendly atmosphere with excellent food, great coffee options and perfect service await you at Trelaplein.

Spaarndammerstraat 51H, 1013 ST Amsterdam

Interior of Daily Portugual & Casa Bocage| Courtesy of Daily Portugual & Casa Bocage

3. Daily Portugual & Casa Bocage

Daily Portugual & Casa Bocage

A few minute walk from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station, you can find a small but amazing Portuguese delicatessen. Casa Bocage is full of Portuguese goodies that will satisfy even the most demanding palates. As official importer from the best Portuguese delicatessens and wineries Casa Bocage provides excellent products to the customers. Traditional Portugagese treats such as coffee, sweets, wines are waiting for those that love good flavors. We suggest you to try pastel de nata, a traditional egg tart pastry. A friendly environment and helpful owners will make sure that you buy the best products.

Haarlemmerstraat 111, 1013 EM, Amsterdam

Interior of Coffee & Coconuts | Courtesy of Coffee & Coconuts

4. Coffee & Coconuts

Coffee & Coconuts

Coffee & Coconuts is definitely one of Amsterdam’s must-visit cafés. The building used to ‘host’ the former Ceintuur Theater and has been converted into a cozy coffee place offering quality coffee and homemade food in a funky environment. It is the perfect place for meeting friends and colleagues or even studying. The apple & amarene cherry crumble and the hot choco are among our suggestions from the ‘rich’ menu. Coffee & Coconuts is located in Ceintuurbaan and is easily accessible for anyone that wants to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, a nice lunch. or a drink.

Ceintuurbaan 282, 1072 GK Amsterdam

Lucie’s store |Courtesy of Lucie’s Amsterdam

5. Lucie’s Amsterdam

Store

Lucie’s Amsterdam

For those who love handmade jewelry and other trinkets, check out Lucie’s Amsterdam. You will be amazed by the bright colors and designs inside the store. It is a small paradise. Joyful colors, patterns and designs transform the small store into a fairyland. You can find colorful bracelets and necklaces with metallic details, and each item of jewelry is attached to a beautifully designed card. Lucie’s Amsterdam offers a wide variety of handmade items for those who like to impress with their style and give unique gifts.
St. Luciensteeg 22, 1012 PM, Amsterdam

6. Stadspaleis

Stadspaleis

A small distance from Dam Square you can find Stadspaleis, a tiny café that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale. The café is really small, but extremely cozy. When you step inside, you will see a small heating stove next to two small tables and a little kitchen that produces tasty sandwiches, salads and soup. We bet you’ll have to succumb to the delicious avocado, hummus and tomato bruschetta. This is not is a café to miss.

Nieuwezijdsvoorburgwal 289, 1012 RL, Amsterdam

Dam Square | © Leandro Neumann Ciuffo/Flickr

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