Amsterdam West City Guide — Lily Wanderlust

*Updated in 2022

As Amsterdam expands to make room for its growing population, residents have moved in every direction away from the Canal Ring. Subsequently, West has matured from a working-class neighborhood into a trendy area full of shops and eateries as diverse as its inhabitants. Ever-expanding and bursting with flavor, there’s plenty to see, do and eat in every pocket of Amsterdam West.

Want more? Scroll to the bottom of this page for a link to my Amsterdam West City Guide Map and explore on your own! Browse all my Amsterdam City Guides or check out my seasonal ‘City Guide’ for iAmsterdam Magazine.

DISCOVER THE BEST OF AMSTERDAM WEST

WHERE TO EAT IN AMSTERDAM WEST

Selma's A Nordic bakery and café known for their finger-licking cinnamon rolls and scrumptious sweets.

De Bakkerswinkel A quaint breakfast cafe with coffee, scones in Westerpark and multiple locations around the city.

Brouwerij Troost Juicy burgers, noteworthy beers and satisfying bar snacks are abundant at Brouwerij Troost, and all can be sampled at their cosy tasting room in Oud-West. From ale to weizen, craft beers, spirits and sodas are made in-house at their location in the bustling Westergasterrein.

Daalder Streetfood Housed in a refurbished 1920s craft school, this restaurant and bar in De Baarsjes recently refreshed their menu with gastronomic delights like home made ravioli, Moluccan-inspired fried chicken, or a variety of flammkuchen (crispy flatbreads with toppings). If you’re blessed with good weather, grab a seat on their ample-sized terrace and watch the boats float by.

Meneer Nieges Nosh on lunch or dinner in their set up of reclaimed furniture. There’s a terrace for warmer days with a view of the IJ River and a cozy fireplace for winter. Night owls, keep an eye out for their energetic parties!

The Pom Bar Pick up authentic Surinamese dishes like smoked chicken and bami at, this family-run takeaway

Ten Katemarkt This neighborhood market is a local favorite, offering a diverse selection of fruit, veg, cheese plus a range of food trucks offering specialty bites from around the world.

Jen’s Bing Pop into this Taiwanese food truck turned cafe for a refreshing bubble tea or savory bao bun.

Cafe Zurich It’s rust-orange dome stands out in the spacious Mercatorplein, stop here for a coffee and enjoy a bite on their incredibly sunny terrace.

Rainarai Sink into the relaxed, North African atmosphere and share a flavorful meal with friends at this Algerian restaurant in Westerpark

Vegan Junkfood Bar Serving exactly what you’d expect: plant-based burgers, fries, and other treats

WHERE TO DRINK IN AMSTERDAM WEST

Two Chefs Food Bar There’s no shortage of terrace space around the Hugo De Grootplein and a sunny seat at this laid back brewpub is a great choice. Pair a few bites with one of their famous local beers — there are dozens of brews to choose from!

Gebrouwen door Vrouwen Tasty beers ‘brewed by women,’ just as the name suggests. Twelve rotations flow on tap using distinctive ingredients like spicy ginger, sweet strawberry, and salty seaweed. Order a flight to sample them all, then soak up the booze with yummy bar snacks like shrimp krokets.

Bar Kantoor Whether or not you’re a workaholic, kick back and unwind at this ‘Office Bar’. Take a seat on their large terrace overlooking the Westergasterrein and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Inside this wind-powered restaurant, upcycled office decor, a hydroponic herb wall, and menu featuring local, organic ingredients all pay homage to their ethos of sustainability.

Kopjes Amsterdam’s first (and only) cat-cafe serves cat-puccinos and sweets in an intimate living room setting that’s home to seven relaxed, happy cats who roam free and do whatever it is that cat’s do.

De Hallen A historic tram depot turned cultural-community centre is complete with a library, cinema, hotel, and their ever-popular food hall.

DISCOVER CULTURE IN AMSTERDAM WEST

Westerpark + Westergasfabriek Formerly an old gas factory, this area has been revived into a cultural hotspot that’s home to festivals, movies, live music plus, plenty of bites and booze on offer, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. Even with a full belly, there’s plenty to do – watch a film at art-house cinema Het Ketelhuis, dance to live music at Westergastheater, or play old-school arcade games at TonTon Club.

Sakura Cherryblossom Garden Every spring, Westerpark fills with gorgeous cherry blossom trees! A must-see if you visit during the season.

Museum Het Schip Discover the history of Amsterdam School architecture at this monumental museum in the Spaarndammerbuurt. This block of uniquely twisting brickwork was originally built as a prime example of what social housing could be. Visitors can also explore a refurbished apartment from the 1920s during a guided tour (in English at 3 pm, daily).

Open Monument Day Every September, 4,000 notable monuments across the Netherlands, including dozens in Amsterdam, will open their doors for visitors. A must-see for history and architecture fans!

Boerderij Westerpark
Tucked away in the back of Westerpark, this little petting zoo offers outdoor fun for city-based animal lovers of all ages.

Rembrandtpark Cycle through this neighborhood greenspace any time of year, enjoy a picnic in summer or walk through this tree-lined park full of golden leaves in autumn.

WHERE TO SHOP IN AMSTERDAM WEST

Jan Pieter Heijestraat A stylish shopping street full of local boutiques, eateries, and bars just steps away from Vondelpark.

Little Plant Pantry Ditch plastic at mainstream groceries and scoop your own dry goods like herbs, beans, loose-leaf tea, and granola. This health-food store and deli offer organic, bulk items and minimal consumerism at its finest. Sip a homemade kombucha or sit in the garden and dine on ‘food that your grandmother would make if she was vegan’.

The Maker Store For a unique shopping experience, check out this shop inside De Hallen and discover a wide range of art, books, jewelry, and other goods, all made by local Amsterdam brands and creatives.

J & B Craft Drinks With more than 100 types of beer, cider, soda, and kombucha on hand, there’s a little something for everyone here. Put together a six-pack to share in the park or stop by for their monthly tasting parties.

Indianaweg This vintage boutique is a treasure trove of colorful boho chic dresses, silky kimonos, accessories, jewelry, and organic home goods. Plus, another location in Amsterdam Zuid.

What are your favorite spots in Amsterdam West? Let me know in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram.