The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam's De Pijp
Amsterdam’s de Pijp neighbourhood lies just beyond the southern limits of the city’s historical canal belt and runs downwards along the river Amstel. Over the past few decades this bustling, formerly working class district has developed into one of the most popular destinations in Amsterdam and currently features many older and newer attractions including the city’s iconic Albert Cuyp Market, two breweries and dozens of excellent restaurants.
Get your dutch adventure started here, with these bookable tours, trips and experiences in De Pijp
Check out the area’s brunch scene
Amsterdammers (and visitors to the city) tend to associate de Pijp with brunch, due to the large concentration of excellent breakfast and lunch restaurant’s spread throughout the neighbourhood. During the weekend scores of hungry locals and travellers head to de Pijp to chow down on hearty brunch food at restaurants like Little Collins, Bakers & Roasters or Scandinavian Embassy and then take some time to enjoy the area’s chilled out vibe.
The Heineken Experience
Not dissimilar to the famous Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin, here you are able to take part in a self-guided tour where you can learn about the history and production of the most popular beer in the Netherlands through videos and interactive exhibits over four floors. A very interesting and informative experience that is likely to amuse anyone who has even a passing interest in the business of beer, or those who just like the taste.
Book the Heineken Experience now
Hug a farmyard critter at Kinderboerderij de Pijp
Even though this charming petting zoo is definitely geared towards kids and families, it is not uncommon to see young people wandering between its paddocks. The zoo cares for many different types of friendly, farmyard critters and its menagerie includes goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens and rabbits, most of which are happy to interact with humans.
Buy freshly baked stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market
De Pijp’s Albert Cuyp Market has taken place almost every day on a long, central street in the neighbourhood for over a century and always features dozens of stalls selling goods ranging from fresh, seasonal produce to secondhand clothing. The market is also famous for its confectionary stands that bake and sell a delicious, gooey type of waffle, filled with melted syrup, called stroopwafels.
Discover de Pijp’s unique nightlife
Although anyone searching for late night parties or clubs should probably look elsewhere in Amsterdam, de Pijp has plenty to offer visitors that prefer laid-back hangouts. For example, there are several excellent craft beer cafés located in the neighbourhood like Café Gollem, which stocks over 150 different brews. There’s also a number of classy wine bars spread around de Pijp such as Glou Glou, which exclusively serves organic vino, or Wijnbar Paulus, which features an intimate, living-room-esque lounge.
Chill out at Sarphatipark
De Pijp’s only public park lies in the centre of the neighbourhood and features several stunning, English-style landscaped gardens, which circle around a small lake. The park becomes particularly popular during the warmer months of year and has many spots that are perfect for picnics or alfresco drinks with friends.
Sample Brouwerij Troost’s delicious craft beers
This awesome craft brewery is housed inside a former monastery in de Pijp that’s been converted into an art deco inspired beer palace. While Troost certainly creates more than its fair share of tasty, time-honed beers like I.P.A.s, pilsner or weizen, the brewery also makes many modern, experimental brews that are often only available for a limited time period.
Catch an arthouse movie at Rialto
This stunning arthouse cinema has screened movies since the 1920s and contains three movie halls as well as a charming, two-storey café. Aside from its regular programming, which usually includes a variety of independent, cult and Hollywood movies, Rialto hosts film festivals throughout the year such as CineAsia and World Cinema Amsterdam.