If you’ve been to Amsterdam, you know that the Dutch capital has no shortage of hotspots. During my last visit, I stumbled upon a street by the name of Haarlemmerstraat (I know, just try and pronounce that). This off the beaten path street in Amsterdam’s city centre is reminiscent of an area you’d find in Williamsburg, NY or in Melbourne’s Fitzroy. Read on to discover where to eat, shop, and play in this neck of the woods.
Eat
Photo courtesy of Stach
With trendy restaurants, cafes, and healthy food stores that will give you that Brooklyn feel, Haarlemmerstraat is a food lover’s haven.
Photo courtesy of Vinnies good. home. food
Begin your day at Stach with a cup of deliciously brewed coffee and a selection of pre-packaged healthy meals. Then, head to Vinnies good. home. food for organic tea (or more coffee!) and pastries.
Photo courtesy of Il Tramezzino
For lunch, Il Tramezzino whips up Italian sandwiches, while Jay’s Juices is a local fave for healthy juices on the go. If you’re looking to shop food, Marqt, a new take on your typical grocery store, offers up organic produce that comes from local farms, along with ready-made meals.
Photo courtesy of Marqt
For those of you with a sweet tooth, Dutch Homemade and Petit Gateau are great for everything from French macarons to chocolates.
My dinner go tos when on Haarlemmerstraat street are Stout! and Kluis.
Photo courtesy of Stout!
I usually opt for the tasting menu at Stout!, which encompasses everything on the menu in sample size. With a total of 10 courses, which usually include several fish, meat, and veggie courses plus a fun dessert platter with marshmallow mignardises, my travel companions and I always leave this restaurant satisfied.
Photo courtesy of Kluis
Housed in the building of an old bank from the 1920s, Kluis’ interior is sure to impress and the fare definitely follows suit. The service is also on par with an attention to detail that matches its cozy, Art Deco look. On my visit, I sampled their Beef Wellington (served with a smoked potato purée, butter-roasted carrots, and a bone marrow sauce), which I’m informed isn’t on the menu anymore, but which can surely provide an indication of what to expect when dining here (new menu items include smoked haddock and beef cheek). Kluis also serves lunch, cocktails, and an evening tasting menu I’m keen on trying the next time.
Shop
Along with having plenty of cafes and restaurants, Haarlemmerstraat is also packed with great shops.
Photo courtesy of Sabarly
For clothing and accessories, head to Nukuhiva, Nottinghill, Tenue de Nîmes, and Sabarly. You’ll score fashionable finds that will set you apart.
Photo courtesy of Rumors Vintage & Design
You won’t suffer from a shortage of vintage shops here: Rumors Vintage & Design, I Love Vintage, and Wini Vintage all specialize in fashion from another era.
Photo courtesy of SeeMe
SeeMe is a high-end jewellery store with a mission. Opened in 2012 by a former UN worker, their quintessential – and fair trade – heart-shaped pieces are all handmade by female victims of violence. Buy a unique bracelet, necklace, or ring and join the #heartmovement.
Photo courtesy of &Klevering
Finally, you’ll find everything from eccentric home decor to funky gifts at &Klevering Centraal. This colourful shop is the kind of place where time flies as each item has its own quirky personality!
Play
Last but not least, Haarlemmerstraat street is where you’ll find two of Amsterdam’s best coffeeshops. With so many tourist traps in the city, be sure you head to these two:
Dampkring Coffeeshop is a local favourite with large, detailed menu and a cool vibe. Their set of “rules” humourously outline how to properly consume “Amsterdam Coffee” (note that alcohol isn’t sold here). With a pink-hued interior that spans three floors, its laid back patrons and great musical playlist make it the perfect spot to relax.
Housed in a 500-year old building, Barney’s is another popular hotspot. The chain of establishments includes their coffeeshop and a restaurant/bar (Barney’s Uptown) just across the street. Purchase your goods from their coffeeshop and head to Uptown to party (you’re free to smoke here – no tobacco allowed though). When they aren’t streaming sports, a DJ spins tracks most nights. Their menu includes an extensive cocktail list, a daily hangover breakfast, and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
Have you hung out on Amsterdam’s Haarlemmerstraat street? Let me know in the comments below!
Ou I can’t wait to try these out!!
Awesome! Let me know if you end up visiting any of these places 🙂
Great article! I hope to visit Amsterdam one day and I love to eat and play.
Thank you! Hopefully you’ll visit soon 🙂
I love the jewelry! Looks beautiful there!
It really is!
Amsterdam looks so cool. Would love to visit there one day. 🙂
It is! Hope you get to visit soon 🙂
Awesome pictures! I love Amsterdam! It was one of my favorite places that I visited! The city and the feel was just so chill and relaxed…!
Agreed!
Awesome pics of Amsterdam. I wish to travel there one of these days 🙂
Thank you! Hopefully, you will 🙂
The last time I was in Amsterdam I was 21 and on a Contiki tour! Quite a different experience I’m sure! I’d love to go back again and your article has highlighted some fab places to visit/things to do. Thanks 🙂
Thank you! Hope you go back soon 🙂
This is a great guide! Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you, Brianna!
I love Amsterdam and seeing these photos makes me really want to go back there… Lovely post! Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you! It’s always such a lovely city 🙂
I was in Amsterdam during the summer and it was great. The atmosphere is just so cool 🙂
Not sure if I found this street though. Great post!
http://www.sammysanscruelty.com
Agreed! You should definitely check it out next time 🙂
I’m definitely bookmarking some of these places on Yelp! Great use of detail to paint a picture.
Awesome! Thank you so much 🙂
What a beautiful neighborhood. It looks really inviting! I love that long street name btw, it adds character 🙂
Haha, yup it definitely stands out 🙂 It’s a lovely neighbourhood – hopefully you’ll get to check it out one day!
This is an excellent post, too many times people think that Amsterdam is just the red light district and coffee shops, when it’s a city filled with cultural wonders and a variety of lifestyles outside of the touristic (I don’t know if it’s still there, but there is an area completely run by squatters and they opened their own spa)
Agreed! It’s one of my favourite cities in Europe. Thanks for reading 🙂
It looks like you had a great time 🙂 the photos no coffeeshop and one and a half bicycle 🙂
Thank you! I did have a great time in this lovely city 🙂