Cute coffee places Amsterdam

Perhaps the most amusing thing about Dutch culture is their love of “gezelligheid”. This is a word that roughly translates to “cosiness” in English, but it’s so much more than that. The Dutch take their gezelligheid very seriously, to the point where it’s almost a national obsession. From cute and cosy cafés to candlelit dinners and even office environments, the Dutch will do everything in their power to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

About the author: Laura Danielle is co-founder of Comedy Walks: the only walking tours with a local comedian as guide! A super fun way to see the city!

So as a true-blue Dutchy, I have an innate talent for sniffing out the cutest and most ‘gezelligste’ coffee spots in Amsterdam. And don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate a good cup of coffee, but I also require a cosy atmosphere, a comfy seat and a vibe that ‘screams’ chill and relax! So for all you out there who value a cute ambiance just as much as a caffeine fix, I present to you my personal list of cute coffee places in Amsterdam!

Pompadour

Patisserie Pompadour is definitely on my list of cute coffee places in Amsterdam. It is not only one of the cutest places for coffee but this is also your go to place for high quality patisserie. Strangely enough, only few of my fellow Amsterdammers know about this place, probably as it is a little tucked away in the famous 9-little-streets of Amsterdam. The large selection of cakes, that you can admire through the window, leave your mouth watering. It’s a small and very cosy place with extremely friendly staff who really take pride in their patisserie and chocolates. Note that all their sweets are made in the workshops upstairs! 

Chocolaterie Pompadour, Amsterdam

De Koffieschenkerij

If you are in the city centre you should definitely check out the Koffieschenkerij! Most people pass by without realising it is a coffee place, so it is definitely one of Amsterdam’s best kept secrets. It is located in the heart of the old city centre, right next to the Old Church. It has a beautiful little courtyard that is just perfect for sippin’ on some coffee or other beverage in peace and quiet. Back in the day, and I am talking 1715, this used to be a sacristy of the Old Church where they kept all the holy gear like vestments and vessels. But now, it’s the perfect spot to get your caffeine fix and soak up some history at the same time. I discovered this cute coffee place in Amsterdam when I was living just further up the road on the other side of the canal. 

De Koffieschenkerij, Amsterdam

Latei

Latei is by far the cosiest coffee shop on Zeedijk, right in the bustling centre of Amsterdam. Regardless of the weather, when you step inside Latei, the sun is always shining. The vibrant and colourful vintage interior makes you feel you are inside a kaleidoscope. And the best part is that everything, well, almost everything, is for sale! You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee here and escape from the daily grind. Breakfast and lunch are also on the menu, but the apple pie is truly finger-licking good. Yes, Latei is your ticket to happiness!

Latei, Amsterdam

Het Stadspaleis

Check out this adorable centrally-located wooden coffee spot that is one of my favorite cute coffee places in Amsterdam. This place  is nestled in a charming little park in the city centre, aptly named the “little-stamp-park” due to its size. Originally constructed in 1889 as a police post, this historic building served as a public restroom for much of the 20th century before the Dutch recognized its cultural significance and designated it a National Monument in the 21st century. Now known as Het Stadspaleis, this spot boasts a stunning terrace where you can leisurely sip on your hot beverage of choice. While seating inside is limited, the good news is that this is the only place in Amsterdam where you can enjoy an espresso at the bar for just €1! And I always find it hard to resist the apple pie. 

Het Stadspaleis, Amsterdam

Kopjes

Hello cat lovers, looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while surrounded by feline friends? Your place to be is cat café Kopjes, located in Amsterdam West. This lovely café is home to eight furry feline residents who will happily snuggle up with you while you sip your latte. But this spot is more than just a coffee place – it’s a sanctuary for cats. Each of the eight cats who live at the café was adopted from a local animal shelter, and the owners are committed to providing a safe and happy home for each of them. The café is beautifully decorated with comfy seating areas and plenty of toys for the cats to play with. You can enjoy a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as delicious pastries and snacks. But the real stars of the show are the cats, who roam freely around the café. 

Café Kopjes, Amsterdam

Orangery at the Hortus Botanicus

Looking for a green and beautiful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee? At walking distance from the city centre, the Orangery in the Hortus Botanicus is your place to go! This botanical garden holds a special place in my heart, with its stunning gardens and greenhouses filled with exotic plants. Grab a coffee-to-go and take a stroll around the gardens, or find a cozy bench to relax on and soak up the beauty around you. With the Hortus opening at 10 am, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and perhaps a breakfast. Their variety of delicious treats, from cakes and pastries to breakfast and lunch never disappoint me. Fun fact: in 1616, the Dutch stole coffee plants from coffee plantations in Mocha in Yemen and successfully cultivated it here in the Hortus. From the Hortus it was spread to the rest of the world. Of all the cute coffee places in Amsterdam this is probably the spot where you can find me most of the time. 

De Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam

What people ask:

Does Amsterdam have good coffee?

Yes, Amsterdam has good coffee. Amsterdam is a great place for coffee and you will find a coffee establishment at nearly every street corner. Most of the bars and restaurants serve decent coffee, including velvety lattes, frothy cappuccinos and bold espressos.

For those seeking a truly elevated coffee experience, Amsterdam doesn’t disappoint. One can find a handful of coffee places that take pride in roasting their own coffee beans. These coffee artisans usually offer a variety of beans, allowing you to savor the nuanced flavors and distinct characteristics of different origins.

What coffee do locals drink in Amsterdam?

In the comfort of their homes, the most common coffee locals drink in Amsterdam is filter coffee. Nearly one-third still indulges in this type of coffee. While some prefer the purity of black coffee, others enhance their coffee with a touch of hot or cold milk, and sugar. Among the younger generation, a common sight is the presence of state-of-the-art fully automatic coffee or espresso machines with fresh coffee beans, or alternatively, the convenience of single-serve machines utilizing cups or pods.

However, when it comes to ordering a cup of coffee at a bar in Amsterdam, the popular choices are often  lattes and cappuccinos. Interestingly, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from soy milk to oat milk as the preferred dairy alternative. I am not sure whether this transition is driven by the superior taste of oat milk or its composition, with higher carbohydrate content and lower fat content compared to soy milk. Another reason may be that soy milk is often sweetened and not everyone likes that.