According to research, last year The Netherlands was the number 1 coffee drinking country in the world. And to those who have ever been in the country’s charming capital, this won’t be much of a surprise.
Indeed, the city of Amsterdam is becoming more and more famous for its coffee culture, which is said to rival that of anywhere else in Europe. Much like craft beer, specialty coffee is becoming more and more of a hype and ‘slow coffee’ bars are popping up like mushrooms everywhere.
If you’re already into the world of AeroPress, French Press, Chemex and V60s (all very niche coffee brewing devices) or you’d like to become a coffee geek, this guide of quirky filter coffee bars will send you on a journey of discovery that you will remember forever.
Pussy Galore
Yes, you heard that right. Coffee bar Pussy Galore, which is part of a cooperative enterprise that hosts workplaces for architects, artists, designers and other creative entrepreneurs, combines with its name and purpose two of the things Amsterdam is most famous for. What makes this venue great for coffee is that it is actually in the same building as Stadsbranderij Noord, an independent local coffee roaster led by Kees Kraakman, who is a known aficionado of the warm dark brew and has a flawless taste for quality beans and optimal roasting processes.
Although Pussy Galore is situated just across the water from Amsterdam Central station, you won’t find many a tourist here as the place is so niche that it’s almost exclusively known by locals, coffee geeks and other Dutch ‘insiders’. Visiting this venue is quite an experience though, and we love the light sitting area which has pots of plants and herbs hang from the wall.
Good to know: at the canteen of the venue where Pussy Galore is situated, you can also get a very cheap and very good lunch at 1 PM, when lunch is served to those visiting and working there.
Pussy Galore
Tolhuisweg 2
1031 CL Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9AM – 5PM
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Espressofabriek
With 2 venues in Amsterdam, one somewhat more central than the other, Espressofabriek is one of the most loved places for coffee lovers to hang out and savour their favourite brew.
Although the name suggests otherwise, Espressofabriek (translated: Espresso Factory) is most famous for its specialty filter coffee and with a changing selection of beans on offer there are always new flavours to explore here. Besides serving delicious brews, staff here also bake mean brownies and other cakes, and those who like to improve their coffee making skills at home can buy their filter coffee making equipment here too.
Visit Espressofabriek on your trip to Amsterdam and experience that homely feel that makes this coffee bar the favourite ‘home away from home’ for many Dutchies.
Espressofabriek
Westergasfabriek
Pazzanistraat 39
1014 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9AM to 6PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 6PM
Concerto Koffie
This coffee bar/lunch room, which serves a healthy lunch and excellent filter coffee from Dutch roaster Single Estate, is situated in Concerto Record Store, one of the oldest record stores in the city. Somehow vinyls and specialty coffee seem to go very well together, and a day out in Amsterdam can be very well complemented with a bit of shopping and coffee sipping.
Besides the coffee and the records, Concerto is also a music venue which regularly hosts live music, so check their programme beforehand to see what’s on.
How to Get to Amsterdam
If you’d like to save your money for a delicious cup of specialty coffee, consider getting a Eurolines coach from London to Amsterdam. With their current special offer, you only pay £24 to get there! Travel times usually take between 11 and 12 hours.
Alternatively, trains by EuroStar can get you straight into the heart of Amsterdam: you only have to make one connection with the Thalys in Brussels. This transport option is somewhat faster: it takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
The easiest and fastest way to get from London to Amsterdam, however, is to fly to Schiphol Airport. KLM, easyJet, British Airways, Air France and Cityjet all provide direct flights which only take a little bit over an hour. There is a very convenient train service departing from the Arrivals hall of Schiphol Airport which can get you straight into the centre, but if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage you might prefer to book a Schiphol airport transfer with us.
If you’d rather take the car, Amsterdam can be reached in 6 and a half hours (depending on traffic) via the E40.
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Where to Stay
Hotel Des Arts – Hotel Des Arts is close to all of the action in Amsterdam. Rooms at the hotel are basic with simple furnishings but are comfortable and authentic. All have en suite facilities and some of them overlook the river. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants close by and you can enjoy breakfast in the breakfast room at the hotel. This is our choice of budget accommodation in the city.
Hampshire Hotel – Eden Amsterdam – This is a great option for mid priced accommodation in the city. Modern comfortable and welcoming rooms at the Hampshire Hotel – Eden Amsterdam have free Wi-Fi, TVs and en suite facilities complemented by the hotel’s toiletries. Close to Rembrandt Square and plenty of other attractions, the hotel is in a good location. Staff are on hand 24 hours a day and you can hire bikes here for exploring the city. There is a bar at the hotel and a breakfast room where you can feast on beautiful breads, pastries, fruit and other delights. The French Brasserie FLO Amsterdam is also onsite and serves lunches and dinners every day, but not on weekends.
NH Amsterdam Barbizan Palace – The NH Amsterdam Barbizan Palace is a fabulous choice of five star accommodation in the city. With top class facilities that include a wellness centre, this hotel combines old and new. A 15th century chapel is still evident in the building and many 17th century features such as the oak beams are still in excellent condition. The rooms here are air-conditioned and have tea and coffee making facilities. The Restaurant Vermeer serves excellent meals and the Hudson’s Terrace & Restaurant also offers a good range of dishes that include a High Tea option. A sauna, steam room, solarium and beauty salon top off the facilities on offer at this high-class establishment.
