Restaurants and Bars

Going out in Amsterdam is something that's imbedded in the culture; restaurants and bars are brimming with customers the whole week through. If you're planning to eat out in Amsterdam, the one problem you'll be faced with is making a decision. The cultural diversity which typifies the city is best reflected in all its dining options.

Top quality restaurants such as Dynasty make for a great if slightly expensive evening, but what makes eating out in Amsterdam all the more enjoyable is the large range of inexpensive restaurants serving great food. Walking along the Zeedijk you'll find thrifty local favorites. These restaurants aren't famed for their looks or even their service, but if you want a good meal you really can't go wrong.

Around the centre you'll find a lot of restaurants targeted mainly to tourists. However, for a true culinary experience you mustn't be afraid to branch out. Neighbourhoods like Pijp and Jordaan are stuffed to the brim with restaurants and cafes. Pijp is a favorite among Amsterdam's large student population, so expect to find a young, trendy crowd in the bars and restaurants.

Jordaan was originally a real working-class neighborhood, but has evolved into an absolute centre of trendy activity. Restaurants like Bordewijk show the city at it's most natural; laid-back, with not a care in the world, and shying away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre.

If you do find yourself in the centre and are looking for a good meal, try D'antica, one of the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam, the bustling l'Opera in Rembrandtplein, or the centrally located D'Vijff Vlieghen.

After you have lined your stomach with a good meal, be ready to discover the extensive bar and pub culture that is such an integral part of Amsterdam. Some of the most popular places to spend an evening are the Leidse and Rembrandt Square. Bars like Bourbonstreet and Heeren van Aemstel are highlights in these bustling areas filled with a mostly young crowd. Another trendy place with a "look-at-me" atmosphere is The Palladium.

While the red light district is famed for its more obvious and eye-catching qualities than it's bars, Wijnand Fockink Proeverji is vivacious and lively, perfectly suited for a relaxing evening. Expect to find a lot of tourists, all looking for, and hopefully finding, the same good time as you are.

As with restaurants, branching out in Amsterdam to different bars and cafes is a definite must. Walking through Jordaan and Pijp you'll find a large selection of quality bars. Check out places like Cafe Nol or De Twee Zwaantjes. These places show off the qualities that typify Jordaan; they are brash, noisy and crowded. Expect to hear Dutch music blared out at a disturbingly high volume and be aware of the inevitable sing-along.

Amsterdam is blessed with a great selection of Irish pubs from the pure brilliance of The Tara and the musical accompaniment that can be found at Mulligans to traditional British breakfasts served at Molly Malones. The Irish pubs are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. A day spent pub hopping is therefore a more than worthy exercise.

If you like to think of yourself as a lover and connoisseur of beer in all its guises, check out In de Wildeman or Gollem for very large selections of beer.

Don't be afraid to stray from the Leidse and Rembrandt Square as there is a whole city out there to explore. Stop by Van Puffelen's Proeverij for a different atmosphere outside the city centre.