Best Spots In Amsterdam For Design And Culture Lovers
Iconic as they are, Amsterdam is so much more than just canal houses and delft tiles. A new convert shares her design and culture picks to show you why the Dutch capital should be your next European destination.
By Leslie Kay Lim,
In the early 17th century, the Netherlands witnessed a remarkable phenomenon: tulipmania. People were trading tulip bulbs for exorbitant sums, with a single Semper Augustus bulb – a prized variety with intricate red and white petals – fetching 10,000 guilders, enough to buy a canal house. However, this bubble burst, resulting in a financial crash in 1637.
It was such a unique episode that almost 400 years on, the country is still known for its tulips, examples of which paint the landscape in grand swaths of colour each spring. And while there were many reasons for why things turned out the way they did during those intense few years – flat geography, Calvinist religion, selfish horticulturalists, and much more – the speculative frenzy is also a fascinating chapter in history in which a flower nearly brought an economy to its knees.
While the Semper Augustus is now extinct, the Dutch appreciation for such ecstatic beauty still continues today. While not often spoken of in the same breath as the grand European capitals like Paris, London and Rome, I would argue that Amsterdam carries with it a captivating blend of historical charm and appreciation for modern, unpretentious design that very much warrants your attention. And these enticing offerings, below, mean this bubble is far from bursting.
Disclaimer: While the information provided is accurate as of now, opening times and other details may be subject to change. Please verify before your visit.
CAFE PARLOTTE
Amsterdam may be a small city, but it feels far more cosmopolitan than its size suggests. Cafe Parlotte exemplifies this, serving as a hub for European cuisine. With its red gingham tablecloths, sidewalk seating, and impressive wine list, this French bistro is a delightful spot for a meal. During our visit, we enjoyed divine clams in a spicy sauce and grilled octopus on a zesty lemon spread. The menu changes frequently, but you can always count on a well-curated selection of delicious dishes.
Tip: Parlotte is popular with locals – during our visit, we were the only non-Dutch diners – and it can get quite busy. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Address: Westerstraat 182, 1015 MR Amsterdam
Website: www.parlotte.nl
BAK RESTAURANT
Seasonal, sustainable ingredients take centre stage at this fine dining restaurant. Located on the third floor of a redeveloped warehouse, BAK offers five-, seven-, and nine-course tasting menus, with prices reaching up to 115 euros (excluding drink pairings). The menu features interesting yet unpretentious dishes, such as a beetroot, blackberry, and currant mixture wrapped in shiso leaves, and a flavorful aubergine spread topped with zucchini and lovage. The relaxed atmosphere is complemented by rustic-chic interiors, featuring an attic-like ceiling and whitewashed brick walls.
Tip: BAK overlooks the former timber port of Amsterdam Houthaven. For a breathtaking experience, visit just before sunset to see the light dance over the water. Bonus points if you can secure a rare table by the full-length windows that open up. Reservations are recommended.
Address: Van Diemenstraat 408, 1013 CR Amsterdam
Website: www.bakrestaurant.nl
MONTE PELMO
Cool, rainy weather is often associated with the Dutch capital, but during our July visit, we were treated to two unusually hot, sunny days. Like everyone else, we turned to ice cream for relief and joined a long (but quick-moving) queue at Monte Pelmo, an artisanal shop that has been around since 1957. I chose two vegan flavours – sometimes dairy can be a bit heavy for me, especially on hot days – and my watermelon and dark chocolate combo was, no exaggeration, the best ice cream I've had in a long time.
Tip: Ice cream here is remarkably affordable, with two scoops costing only four euros (S$5.70). Treat yourself and go wild. For a more local dessert experience, try Dutch apple pie at places like Winkel 43 and Cafe Papeneiland.
Address: Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat 17, 1015 NS Amsterdam
Website: www.montepelmo.nl
DE PLANTAGE
Sometimes, the surroundings truly elevate the dining experience. Located at the edge of a green space that also houses the zoo, the cafe-restaurant de Plantage feels like a botanical conservatory from a bygone era. The menu features a delightful mix of local and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are fresh and not overly heavy. We also indulged in some classic Dutch bitterballen – fried bites of meat gravy – which, while not light, are definitely delicious. For a perfect summer evening, enjoy elderflower spritzes on the outdoor terrace adorned with fairy lights.
Tip: Unlike many other restaurants on this list, the spacious De Plantage offers ample seating, making it a great option for larger groups.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 36, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
Website: www.caferestaurantdeplantage.nl
PULITZER’S BAR
Dark, cosy, and moody, Pulitzer’s Bar – located inside the elegant Pulitzer Amsterdam Hotel – ticks all the boxes for a great spot to enjoy a drink. You can feel like you’re in your private library, surrounded by old books, textured brass mirrors, and velvet-upholstered armchairs, all while bow-tied and denim-clad waiters take your order. In addition to classic drinks, the bar features a fun menu of original cocktails. My friend ordered a Red Moon, an intriguing twist on the highball, made with gin, Campari, rooibos, rhubarb, grapefruit foam, and pink peppercorn.
Tip: Seating is limited, so they recommend groups no larger than four for the best experience. I was also impressed by Amsterdam's diverse non-alcoholic offerings, which allow non-drinkers like me to partake in the festivities.
Address: Keizersgracht 234, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
Website: www.pulitzeramsterdam.com
TOKI
Caffeine is always a welcome boost in the battle against jet lag. While there are plenty of options, Toki is one of the coffee shops we turn to for a good cup. Laid-back yet quirky – its logo is an eyeless smiley face – this simple spot serves coffee, baked goods, and light brunch options. The chocolate chip cookie I ordered was exactly to my taste, and my friends raved about the rich chocolate cake they shared. Sitting on one of the outdoor benches, we felt like a truly content trio.
Tip: We also enjoyed the Australian-run Good Beans and the espresso bar Bruno’s Amsterdam. Other spots on our list for future visits include Rum Baba and Nu Koffie.
Address: Binnen Dommersstraat 15, 1013 HK Amsterdam
Website: www.toki-times.com
CALISTO
When travelling, dining out frequently can take a toll on your stomach. After a few hot days, I was feeling a bit fatigued before meeting an Amsterdam-based friend for dinner at Calisto. This restaurant, specializing in la cucina romana, strikes a perfect balance between modern and intimate – exactly the kind of neighbourhood spot I wish I could visit regularly. While my companion ordered a delicious-looking rigatoni, I opted for two lighter dishes: a tomato and watermelon salad and sea bass crudo alla puttanesca. Both were light, zesty and packed with flavour – just what I needed to feel revived.
Tip: Although Calisto is technically attached to a tiny 10-room hotel, it has its own entrance. The restaurant has recently started accepting reservations but also reserves several tables for walk-ins.
Address: Haarlemmerdijk 61, 1013 KB Amsterdam
Website: www.calistoamsterdam.nl
SMALL WORLD
A fancy meal in an upscale restaurant is wonderful, but sometimes an unexpectedly delicious bite in a hole-in-the-wall spot can truly hit the spot. Small World is that place for me. This catering business offers muffins, sandwiches, juices, and coffee, all served in its no-frills deli-style shop and café. I’m delighted by my chicken pesto sandwich, layered with grilled vegetables and served on rosemary focaccia. As a self-proclaimed sandwich snob, I often find that most places in Singapore make them poorly, so this sandwich makes me very happy. I even go out of my way to have it again within the week.
Tip: Enjoying the food there, especially in the outdoor setting, is lovely, but its dishes travel well too, thanks to its catering roots. The second time I ordered the sandwich to go, and it tasted just as great later on.
Address: Binnen Oranjestraat 14, 1013 JA Amsterdam
Website: www.smallworldcatering.nl
RIJKSMUSEUM
Okay, hear me out: the Rijksmuseum is likely the most visited attraction in Amsterdam. With its long history and extensive collection, it serves as Amsterdam’s answer to London’s V&A Museum or New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. While it may not be novel, it deserves a visit for good reasons, including its stunning architecture and an impressive selection of artwork by Dutch masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Ruysch. I also recommend exploring its smaller galleries, which are both fascinating and much less crowded. We particularly enjoyed the incredible dollhouses (an absolute must-see!), delft tile objects, and a smaller version of Maarten Baas’s performance clock, also featured at Schiphol Airport.
Tip: Don’t overlook the museum gift shop! The Rijksmuseum has a great selection, and I picked up a playful soap shaped like a wedge of cheese, Rijksmuseum-branded crew socks, and a flat-pack tulipiere – a uniquely Dutch flower vase designed for displaying tulips.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl
CANAL BOAT “TOURIST”
Another must-do experience in Amsterdam is taking a canal boat tour. The waterways have shaped the city’s character, and seeing the scenery from the water is truly fantastic. However, not all boats are created equal. You won't find me on one of those boozy party cruises with rowdy bachelor groups – no thank you. Instead, we chose the Tourist, a refurbished canal boat from 1909. This elegant vessel, with its gleaming teak and brass, reportedly hosted Churchill as a passenger in 1946. Aside from its storied past, the boat’s small group size (capped at 10) creates a serene atmosphere for a delightful hour and a half of sightseeing.
Tip: By chance, my friends and I boarded the boat last, allowing us to sit to ourselves in the (covered) outdoor section at the back. Slightly partitioned from the front, it felt incredibly luxurious – like we were on our private boat.
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
Website: www.pulitzeramsterdam.com and www.salonboottourist.nl
ROYAL THEATRE CARRE
One of the things I like to do ahead of visiting a new-to-me city is to check out its performing arts venues online to see their calendar of events. While it is rare, timing-wise, to have a live show you want to see align with your dates - it is wonderful and memorable when it does. I’m in luck this trip, and so we booked tickets to see comedian Brendan Hunt (also known as Ted Lasso’s eccentric Coach Beard) perform a one-man show titled “Five Years in Amsterdam” at the Royal Theatre Carre. It is a beautiful old venue (though the outside is undergoing renovations so we do not get to see it in its full glory) and a fun backdrop to the off-kilter comedy.
Tip: Hunt’s show is actually part of a comedy festival lineup put on by Boom Chicago, a famous English-speaking comedy club in Amsterdam. Several now notable American comedians, including Jason Sudeikis, Seth Meyers and more are counted among its alumni.
Address: Amstel 115-125, 1018 EM Amsterdam
Website: www.carre.nl
STEDELIJK MUSEUM
You know a building is iconic when it earns its own nickname. Amsterdam’s main museum for modern art is often referred to as a “bathtub” due to its gleaming white, angled exterior and massive overhang. During our visit, the Stedelijk was between major exhibitions, but I was impressed by its collection highlights from 1950 to 1980, featuring renowned artists like Frank Stella, Agnes Martin, and Yves Klein. As a graphic design enthusiast, I was also thrilled to discover works by Sister Corita Kent and Ikko Tanaka. For fellow museum nerds (raises hand), be sure to pay attention to the wall text – it thoughtfully addresses the role of colonialism in art acquisition and restitution.
Tip: Another contemporary art venue I wanted to check out is Galerie Ron Mandos. Along with showcasing international artists, it hosts an annual “Best of Graduates” exhibition, which is a fantastic opportunity to discover new talent.
Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
Website: www.stedelijk.nl
ANNE FRANK HOUSE
Alongside the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House might be the most-visited cultural site in Amsterdam. The museum includes the original warehouse building and secret apartment inhabited by the Frank family and friends during WWII as well as a modern annex building. It is immensely well done. The visit is set up so that you gather the contexts of the time and of Anne herself first, making the section where you visit the actual apartment all the more powerful. The audio guides also provide oral narration for all the rooms (except, poignantly, the apartment itself) as well as for heartbreaking postwar interviews with people such as Otto Frank, the only surviving member of the Jewish group that hid there.
Tip: Due to the museum’s small size and popularity, tickets are hard to come by. They are released for slots six weeks ahead at a specific time and often sell out within hours. Another similar museum I would have liked to visit is the Our Lord of the Attic Museum, a former church hidden in the attic of a canal house.
Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 DK Amsterdam
Website: www.annefrank.org
IJ-HALLEN FLEA MARKET
One defining feature of the outdoor IJ-Hallen Flea Market in Amsterdam is its scale. With over 750 stands, it bills itself as Europe’s largest flea market – and it very well might be. When we visited (entrance fees are a nominal six euros), the stands seemed to stretch on endlessly. The term "flea market" is fitting, as most of the offerings consist of secondhand clothing and eclectic items. However, browsing the stands and searching for hidden treasures is still a lot of fun. Its location in Amsterdam-Noord adds to the appeal, allowing visitors to explore a more industrial and modern part of the city.
Tip: Taking the free ferry from central Amsterdam to Amsterdam-Noord is a great way to reach the market. The former NDSM shipyard, where the flea market is held, is also home to STRAAT, a museum dedicated to street art and graffiti.
Address: T.T. Neveritaweg 15, 1033 WB Amsterdam-Noord
Website: www.ijhallen.nl
LAURA DOLS
Vintage shopping in Amsterdam is a true delight, offering a wide variety of unique wares. My stylish, maximalist friend from the fashion industry directed me to Laura Dols, a vintage shop located in the Nine Streets shopping area, and it did not disappoint. It’s an absolute treasure trove, featuring clothing, accessories, linens, children's items, and even wedding and party dresses. The shop boasts a curated and colourful collection spanning from 1900 to 2000, all well-priced and expertly arranged. We spent a long time browsing and left with several great finds, along with a newfound appreciation for this eclectic and playful boutique.
Tip: The shop spans multiple split levels, and each one is worth exploring. The thoughtful merchandising in each section creates a narrative that unfolds as you browse.
Address: Wolvenstraat 7, 1016 EM Amsterdam
Instagram @lauradolsvintage
GALLERY VAREKAMP
In an era where everything is available at the click of a button, a store that sells items exclusively in-person is truly rare. Gallery Varekamp is one such gem, specializing in blocky and charming linocut and stencil prints and paintings by resident artist Eddy Varekamp. Many of its folkloric works are themed around Amsterdam, making them lovely mementoes of a visit to the Dutch capital. One of my friends picked up a large print of swimmers in the water, which evokes a delightful, Matisse-like vibe.
Tip: Be mindful of its limited hours; the gallery is open only in the afternoons, four days a week.
Address: Hartenstraat 30, 1016 CC Amsterdam
Website: www.eddyvarekamp.nl
FUTURE DAYS SHOP
The Future Days Shop is a delightful find we stumbled upon. Opened in May 2024 by textile artist Eloise Ptito-Echeverria, this concept store features a captivating mix of clothing, accessories, books, and music. Every detail here is thoughtfully curated—from the murals on the walls and the fruit-shaped chairs to the changing room curtains and wooden clothing racks with bobbin legs. The merchandise is equally impressive, featuring items from small-batch clothing brands, selected vintage pieces, colourful ceramics, and an excellent assortment of art and fashion books. It’s truly an artistic endeavour with an emphasis on the handcrafted.
Tip: We enjoyed exploring the shop and chatting with the owner so much that we took a refreshment break in between, savouring delicious Portuguese pastel de nata from Mister Nata next door.
Address: Haarlemmerdijk 39, 1013 KA Amsterdam
Website: www.futuredaysshop.com
RIKA STUDIOS
Discovering new-to-me labels is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel, and my encounter with Rika Studios exemplifies this perfectly. This Amsterdam-based clothing line, created by Swedish-born stylist-turned-designer Ulrika Lundgren, features stunning knitwear in vibrant hues and clean, tailored separates. The racks of this townhouse-turned-shop are filled with Rika’s pieces, along with carefully selected accessories and beauty products for a comprehensive fashion experience. The charming, multi-levelled store also offers Rika Studios Paper, a biannual magazine produced by the brand.
Tip: Many classic Dutch townhouses have steep stairs, making the upper levels less accessible for those with mobility impairments.
Address: Oude Spiegelstraat 12, 1016 BM Amsterdam
Website: www.rikastudios.com
TERRA AMSTERDAM
While visiting Rika Studios, I noticed some stylish tassel loafers made in collaboration with another brand, Terra. A quick Google search confirmed my suspicion that Terra is a local label located just a few streets away. Stepping into the shop feels like stepping back in time, thanks to the distinct smell of leather. Although the store primarily focuses on men’s shoes (with a 70/30 breakdown), it also offers a great selection of bags, belts, and women’s shoes. I splurged on a pair of classic penny loafers in beautiful cognac leather, which are already starting to break in nicely.
Tip: Although it might seem counterintuitive, visiting the store in the late afternoon on a hot, sunny day turned out to be beneficial. My feet were slightly swollen, which helped ensure I didn’t accidentally buy a pair that was too tight, as I might have earlier in the day.
Address: Reestraat 21, 1016 DM Amsterdam
Website: www.terraamsterdam.com
BABYLON VINTAGE
Vintage clothing often carries with it stories untold. But when you are lucky, you get to hear the stories as well. Such is the case when we visit the small but mighty Babylon Vintage (located across Monte Pelmo, in the food listing above.) The pieces are of wonderful quality – clearly lovingly gathered and assembled. And its owner Hans is a compelling character who prides himself on his deadstock, true vintage offerings. A quick question about the provenance of an item leads to my friend and me hearing a bit of his life story, of how he worked collecting and providing vintage clothing to stylists for film and TV. It is a reminder that there is something incredibly rewarding about garments when they serve as points of human connection.
Tip: It is a pet peeve of mine when people try to bargain at vintage shops. At a flea market, maybe, but this is where owners have spent their time and labour gathering the goods. Be respectful, and treat the items and the shop accordingly.
Address: Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 1, 1015 RX Amsterdam
Instagram: @ababylon.vintage.amsterdam