Guide to De Pijp, Amsterdam
Different people might describe different areas of Amsterdam as the coolest spot in the city, but trust us, De Pijp outdoes them all. The number of things to do in De Pijp, as well as the cool restaurants, cafes, bars and coffeeshops, mean you could easily spend a day or two exploring, eating and drinking your way around the place. The Old South pocket of Dam is packed with some of Amsterdam’s gems from hotspots like the Heineken Experience, to the Netherlands’ biggest and best market, Albert Cuypmarkt.
People love the more chilled out vibe that comes with De Pijp, an area first built to tackle the overpopulation problem in the Jordaan district and to house working-class people of Amsterdam. Now, everyone wants to live amongst the area’s bohemian liveliness, where it’s just far enough away from the city centre’s sometimes slightly overbearing buzz.
Don’t miss the best things to do in De Pijp while you’re in our favourite city.
THINGS TO DO
Sarphatipark
Smack bang in the middle of De Pijp you’ll find a tranquil patch of green called Sarphatipark. The pretty English-style park isn’t huge like Vondelpark, but it’s definitely one of Amsterdam’s more picturesque places to sit back and relax. Before World War 2, a fountain with a statue of philanthropist and physician Samuel Sarphati was one of the park’s prized features. During the war it was removed as Sarphati was a Jew. Less than a fortnight after Amsterdam was liberated back in 1945, the monument was placed back and the park was renamed to become Sarphatipark.
Grab your lunch from Albert Cuypmarkt and enjoy it on the grass, sunbathe in the summer, play table tennis, volleyball or basketball… Sarphatipark is one of Amsterdam’s favourites for good reason.
Albert Cuypmarkt
Shop, browse or just stroll along and take in the atmosphere - Albert Cuypmarkt has been going for over a century and it’s still as popular as ever. Plus it’s the biggest market in the whole of the Netherlands, so you can’t miss it whether you’re in De Pijp or anywhere else in Amsterdam. Clothes, shoes, flowers, fabrics, accessories, prints, souvenirs, fruit and veg and freshly made local delicacies like traditional herring and stroopwafels… You name it and you’ll probably be able to get it in Albert Cuypmarket, and you’ll have a great time scouting it out too.
Heineken Experience
Beer lovers, this is the tour for you. The Heineken Experience is one of Amsterdam’s best beer-filled things to do, and it’s here in De Pijp. Buy your ticket online in advance for a guided tour around how the international beer giant brews their hoppy goodness. With a good amount of history mixed with interactive parts (including a VR experience) AND free beers, you’ll get way more than just a basic brewery tour out of your ticket.
Rialto
Fancy switching off for a couple of hours? Rialto is the cosiest and most charming cinema in Amsterdam, screening independent movies from around the world (with English subtitles on a Monday) as well as the occasional classic. Buy a drink from the bar before you sit down for the film, and order some of the homemade, organic food to stop any potential stomach rumbles in the middle of a quiet part. The arthouse cinema is a favourite hangout in the De Pijp area, so if you have a little more time to spend here then we highly recommend checking out what’s on.
GRIMM Gallery
The contemporary art gallery tucked away in a canal house in De Pijp’s Frans Halsstraat branch is a must-see for art lovers. The 2nd of Amsterdam’s GRIMM Galleries, this one also goes by the ethos of only showcasing the work of emerging artists to support them in carrying on producing such talented work.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Brunch and lunch
Little Collins
Little Collins has made a name for itself as being one of the best brunch spots in Amsterdam. While it’s not the cheapest place to eat breakfast, they serve up their brunch options all day until 4pm, so you can fill up on it for lunch easily. There’s a real international theme on the menu, from Indian versions to Chinese and Lebanese-inspired dishes, but they’re all to die for.
Bakers and Roasters
If you love eggs, step into Bakers and Roasters and you’ll be in heaven. Again, this isn’t the cheapest menu but when you’re brunching in the hippest neighbourhood in Amsterdam, who cares? The Kiwi and Brazilian pals that made Bakers and Roasters happen have come up with a menu inspired by both their heritages, made obvious by the fact there’s both Huevos Rancheros and a full ‘Kiwi’ brekkie on the list.
Sir Hummus
This one’s for the hummus-obsessed amongst you, because the guys that run this place are definitely obsessed! Sir Hummus is a tribute to the creamy and delicious chickpea dip, where hummus is the star of the show and everything else makes it even better. All dishes are served with warm, fluffy pitta, pickles, salad and whatever extra topping you decide on.
The Avocado Show
Eggs, hummus… What now? Avocado, that’s what. The Avocado Show is an ode to the humble avo. Making delicious, flavoursome dishes using avocado as the main ingredient in each and everything on the menu. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Amsterdam, so if you love avo and you love a picture-worthy plate, The Avocado Show is a must.
Coffee
Scandinavian Embassy
Sip a speciality coffee in Scandinavian Embassy’s minimal yet rustic cafe, it’s one of the best brews in the city. Be careful though, the smooth texture and quality taste will make you want to come back for all your caffeine cravings…
De Pizzabakker
Did someone say pizza and prosecco…? If you’re looking for great pizza in De Pijp, De Pizzabakker hands down does the best. Thin, crisp base with a huge range of tasty toppings for great prices, along with prosecco for just €3.75 a glass!
Bulls and Dogs
Bulls and Dogs is another great spot in De Pijp for a casual dinner that’s both affordable and tastes unreal. The hotdogs here are fully loaded with all sorts of toppings from tzatziki or currywurst to beef or bacon strips, and you can even get them paired with a beer for less than €15 - bargain.
Drinks
Cafe Gollem
There are a few Gollem bars around Amsterdam, and fortunately for you one of those is right here in De Pijp. The pub atmosphere makes it ideal if you just want a casual place to sit and enjoy a beer or two, and let us tell you the selection is HUGE.
Brouwerij Troost
The monastery turned brewery Brouwerij Troost is now the biggest independent brewery in Amsterdam. There are a few dotted around the city, but the De Pijp branch is where all the beer experimentation goes on. Have a taste of a few different brews and order some food too if you’re feeling peckish.
Glou Glou
For those that aren’t the biggest fans of beer, Glou Glou is all about the wine. Selling all natural wines, the cute and cosy wine bar is always full of locals, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s for good reason. The wine is all delicious and they’re always changing the menu so you’ll have something new to try every time.
BEST COFFEESHOPS
Roxy
Unlike most of Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, Roxy has a slightly more premium feel to it with leather seating and a modern look. The shop has a reputation for selling some seriously quality hash and has a decent cannabis menu with a range of weed strains to pick from. So if it’s a bit of an unwind you’re looking for in De Pijp, Roxy is always a good shout.
Check out our Beginners Guide to Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
Katsu
A chilled atmosphere, good music and quality weed. That’s all you need from a coffeeshop in Amsterdam and that’s exactly what you get at De Pijp’s Coffeeshop Katsu. They even make a delicious coffee, too.
Club Media
With a cool, urban vibe, it’s no wonder Club Media is a hotspot for weed smokers in De Pijp. The weed menu is pretty decent with a good range to choose from whether it’s new or old-school Amsterdam strains. So just sit back, relax and enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY
The Flying Pig Uptown
Just an 8 minute cycle to Albert Cuypmarkt, and just a 5 minute cycle to the Heineken Experience, the Flying Pig Uptown is in an ideal location to explore De Pijp. Plus, as a bonus it’s next door to Vondelpark. Stay at the Pig if you’re after affordable and sociable accommodation with a relaxed vibe and a buzzing bar attached to it. And when you can get to some of the coolest sites in Amsterdam in a matter of minutes, there’s no excuse.
Book your stay at the Flying Pig Uptown
Article by Darcy King
