Live Like a Local: Where to Eat, Drink and Shop in Amsterdam DISCOVER MORE: local people eating out bars and pubs amsterdam Live Like a Local in Amsterdam Where to Eat Bars and Late Nights Where to Shop Where to Stay Frequently Asked Questions Live Like a Local in Amsterdam Amsterdam is more than canal cruises, stroopwafels and the Red Light District. To help you see a different side of the city, we asked our Generator Amsterdam staff to share some of their favourite local spots. These are the markets, cafés, bars and vintage hangouts they recommend when friends come to town. Ready to explore? Here’s where to eat, drink and shop like a local in Amsterdam. 🍴 Where to Eat in Amsterdam Amsterdam’s food scene reflects the city itself: multicultural, relaxed and never limited to one neighbourhood. Skip the first pancake place you see and start here instead. Dappermarkt Dappermarkt is where Amsterdam-Oost comes to shop, eat and catch up. Its stalls serve street food influenced by the neighbourhood’s Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan and Indonesian communities. Arrive hungry and follow whatever smells best. It’s casual, affordable and only a short walk from Generator Amsterdam. Best for: Local street food and affordable lunches Explore Dappermarkt Image credit: Trudel via Wikimedia Commons Albert Cuyp Market Albert Cuyp Market is well known, but locals still head here for fresh produce, flowers, fish and quick lunches. Walk the full length before choosing what to eat. There is always another stall around the corner. Try freshly made stroopwafels, poffertjes, Dutch cheese or herring with onions if you want to keep things traditional. Best for: Dutch street food and people-watching Visit Albert Cuyp Market Image credit: Yeowatzup via Wikimedia Commons Foodhallen Set inside a converted tram depot in Oud-West, Foodhallen brings independent food stands together under one roof. It’s the move when nobody in the group can agree on what to eat. Expect everything from bao buns and tacos to burgers and upgraded bitterballen. Go for lunch or an early dinner if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Best for: Group dinners and trying a bit of everything Explore Foodhallen Amsterdam Image credit: Paul Arps via Wikimedia Commons 🍸 Where to Drink: Bars and Late Nights Amsterdam’s bar scene covers everything from historic brown cafés to waterfront terraces and underground dance floors. Start with a quiet drink or skip straight to the late-night part. Oosterbar at Generator Amsterdam Hidden beneath Generator Amsterdam, Oosterbar is an intimate underground venue where music, nightlife and local creative culture come together. Expect DJ sets, electronic music, cocktails and a packed dance floor when the night gets going. Check the latest programme before visiting, as the events change throughout the year. Best for: Underground nights, DJ sets and cocktails See what’s on at Generator Amsterdam Image credit: Generator Amsterdam Brouwerij ’t IJ A brewery beneath a windmill is difficult to walk past. Brouwerij ’t IJ’s original tasting room sits inside a former bathhouse beside De Gooyer windmill. Order one of the locally brewed beers, find a table outside and add a few Dutch bar snacks. A tasting flight is the easiest way to find your favourite. Best for: Local beer and sunny afternoons Visit Brouwerij ’t IJ Image credit: Aloxe via Wikimedia Commons Café ’t Papeneiland Café ’t Papeneiland sits on one of the best-looking corners in the Jordaan. Inside, it has everything you want from a traditional brown café: dark wood, historic details and absolutely no interest in the latest interiors trend. Come for a beer or coffee and stay for a slice of Dutch apple pie. There are no reservations, so take the first good table you see. Best for: Old Amsterdam atmosphere Visit Café ’t Papeneiland Image credit: Paul2 via Wikimedia Commons Hannekes Boom Hidden beside the water near Amsterdam Centraal, Hannekes Boom feels like a creative backyard built from reclaimed materials. Its terrace fills up when the sun appears, with drinks, food and music continuing into the evening. It’s relaxed, slightly chaotic and better for groups than somewhere overly polished. Basically, exactly what you want on a summer night. Best for: Waterside drinks and laid-back evenings See what’s happening at Hannekes Boom Image credit: APK via Wikimedia Commons 🛍️ Where to Shop in Amsterdam Shopping gets much better once you move away from the souvenir shops. Search vintage rails, independent market stalls and tables filled with things you didn’t know you needed. IJ-Hallen Take the free ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal to NDSM Wharf, where IJ-Hallen hosts one of Europe’s largest flea markets on selected weekends. The former shipbuilding warehouses fill with vintage clothing, records, furniture and completely random finds. Check the calendar before travelling and arrive early if you take vintage shopping seriously. Best for: Vintage clothing and proper bargain hunting Check upcoming IJ-Hallen dates Image credit: Fred Romero via Wikimedia Commons Noordermarkt Noordermarkt brings food, antiques, books, vintage clothing and neighbourhood regulars together in the Jordaan. Saturday is best for local produce and browsing, while Monday has more of a flea-market feel. Go in the morning, take your time and leave space for coffee at one of the cafés around the square. Best for: Antiques, books and a slow Saturday morning Explore Noordermarkt Image credit: Elekes Andor via Wikimedia Commons Waterlooplein Market Waterlooplein is Amsterdam’s oldest flea market and one of the easiest places to lose an hour. Stalls sell second-hand clothing, jewellery, records, cameras, books and pieces that are difficult to categorise. It can be hit or miss, but that is the point. Have a proper look through everything before deciding you’ve found nothing. Best for: Second-hand fashion, records and unexpected finds Visit Waterlooplein Market Image credit: Fons Heijnsbroek via Wikimedia Commons 🏨 Make a Trip of It Stay close to the neighbourhood side of the city at Generator Amsterdam. Set inside a former zoological university building beside Oosterpark, Generator puts you close to Amsterdam-Oost, Dappermarkt and Brouwerij ’t IJ. The centre is still easy to reach by bike or tram whenever you want it. Choose from shared rooms, private rooms and pods, then head downstairs for coffee, food or pre-night-out drinks. Book your stay at Generator Amsterdam. Live Like a Local in Amsterdam: FAQs Which Amsterdam neighbourhoods feel the most local? Amsterdam-Oost, De Pijp, Oud-West and Noord are good places to explore beyond the busiest part of the canal belt. Each has its own mix of markets, restaurants, parks and nightlife. Where do locals eat in Amsterdam? Locals eat across the city rather than sticking to the centre. Try Dappermarkt in Amsterdam-Oost, the restaurants around De Pijp or Foodhallen in Oud-West. What local food should I try in Amsterdam? Try bitterballen, poffertjes, Dutch cheese, herring and a freshly made stroopwafel. Amsterdam’s Surinamese and Indonesian food also reflects an important part of the city’s culture. What is an Amsterdam brown café? A brown café is a traditional Dutch pub known for its dark wooden interior and relaxed atmosphere. Café ’t Papeneiland is one of Amsterdam’s best-known examples. Where can I go for a late night in Amsterdam? Oosterbar beneath Generator Amsterdam hosts changing DJ sets, club nights and music events. Check the Generator Amsterdam events page before visiting. Where is the best vintage shopping in Amsterdam? IJ-Hallen is the biggest option, but it only takes place on selected dates. Waterlooplein and Noordermarkt are easier alternatives for vintage clothing, books and second-hand finds. Is Amsterdam easy to explore without a car? Yes. Most neighbourhoods are easy to reach by walking, cycling, tram, metro or ferry. A car is usually more hassle than help in central Amsterdam. Where should I stay in Amsterdam? Generator Amsterdam is a strong base beside Oosterpark, with easy access to Amsterdam-Oost and the city centre. CONTROLLA DISPONIBILITÀ