Bow's Journeys - Amsterdam's Anti-Tourist Canal Experience

Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

De Belhamel

Not only has the restaurant been around longer than I have been alive, but the food has also always remained consistently excellent. The views are wonderful down the canal. Come summertime they have a great canal side terrace. In an area where most restaurants have become tourist traps, the Belhamel is a pearl!

Location: Brouwersgracht 60, 1013 GX Amsterdam

Best time: Lunch or dinner

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Reserve a table by the window. After sundown the view becomes stunning. You will look down the canal and see the bow bridges litt up with lights. Very romantic."

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

Castell

Best steak house in town, been around for a long time. Very local. Reserve seats at the bar inadvance or you have to sit on the sofas and eat with a plate on your lap.

Location: Lijnbaansgracht 254, 252, 1017 RK Amsterdam

Best time: Evenings

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Order the Fabuloso Tournedos, medium rare of course ;-)"

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

Scheepskameel

Scheepskameel is an informal restaurant located in the Marineterrein area of Amsterdam, known for a menu featuring pure, European dishes and an exclusive wine list consisting solely of German wines. The restaurant is housed in a former warehouse, features an open kitchen, and shares its name with the “scheepskameel” — the wooden floats that were once used to help ships navigate the shallow waters near the Marineterrein.

Location: Gebouw 024A, Kattenburgerstraat 5, 1018 JA Amsterdam

Best time: Evening

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Must-see

Museum van Loon

Museum Van Loon is a museum located in a canalside house alongside the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum is named after the family Van Loon that lived in the house from the 19th century. You get to experience the wealth and grandeur of a 17th century canal house and its habitants.

Location: Keizersgracht 672

Best time: Day time

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Check out the carriage house at the back of the garden. My father had the pleasure of living there with my god-father during his student years."

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

Molenpad

Molenpad is a café à manger located along the Prinsengracht canal, displaying an amazingly beautiful and ultra-comfortable interior, decorated with undeniable Parisian grandeur. Serving classic Amsterdam cuisine like the untranslatable Holtkamp bitterbal and apple pie and the one and only baguette croquette.

Location: Prinsengracht 653

Best time: All day

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"They have a outside terrace perfect for people/boat watching along the canals during the summer days."

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

A Tavola

Classic family run Italian restaurant, been around for decades. Located next to one of the former locks at the eastern dock next to the magnificent Maritime museum building. My go to place for a quick bite after work.

Location: Kadijksplein 9

Best time: Evening

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"The burrata is always delicious!"

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Must-see

Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Nothing survived of the earliest dwellings, but the Begijnhof, which is cut off from Amsterdam's traffic noise, still retains a sanctified atmosphere. It was build as a religious community and its features the oldest wooden house still left in Amsterdam from the early 15th century.

Location: Begijnhof 1

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Go early in the morning when its still very quiet."

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

Cafe Bern

Best cheese-fondue in town. Open since 1978. Same menu still. Local favourite. Cant say you are an Amsterdammer if you have never been. Its a no-nonsense type of place.

Location: Nieuwmarkt 9

Best time: Evening

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Order both cheese fondue and a steak fondue to share"

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Captain Jan recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Hortus Botanicus area

Around the botanical gardens near Artis Zoo you’ll find leafy, quiet streets with beautiful old houses. The gardens themselves date back to the 1600s and are among the oldest in the world.

Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a

Best time: Day time

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Captain Hans recommends:

Must-see

Brouwersgracht & Prinsengracht bridge

One of Amsterdam's most photogenic canal crossings. From here you see rows of gabled houses lining the water, bikes parked along the bridges, and boats gliding past. At sunset, the light catches the water and buildings just right for photos.

Best time: Day or night time

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Captain Hans recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Jordaan

Beautiful western district of the old town, smaller streets, smaller canals, many picturesque views. The name of the district Jordaan is derived from the Dutch butchering the French word "Jardin" for garden. Many streets have a botanical reference in the street name and many French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France in the late 16th century fled to Amsterdam and settled in this district. The Northern Church is a good place to start your exploration from.

Location: Noordermarkt 44

Best time: All day and night

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Captain Hans recommends:

Escape the Crowds

Wijk aan Zee

A broad, sandy beach about 30 minutes from Amsterdam. Popular with locals and surfers, it's laid-back, with casual beach cafes and a windswept North Sea vibe. Perfect if you need a reset after the bustle of the canals.

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Food & Drink

Albert Cuypmarkt

Amsterdam’s biggest and busiest daily market. Touristy at times, but still unbeatable for Dutch street food like stroopwafels and poffertjes.

Location: Albert Cuypstraat

Best time: Every day except Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Try Rudi's stroopwafels, these are by far the best in Amsterdam and compared to all most other vendors very reasonably priced ;-)"

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Shopping

Noordermarkt

A lively Saturday market in the Jordaan, known for organic produce, antiques, and local specialties. Great for atmosphere and people-watching.

Location: Noordermarkt

Best time: Only open on Saturday 9am to 4Pm and Monday 9am to 2pm

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Captain Hans recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

EYE Filmmuseum

A futuristic white building on the IJ that's as much a landmark as a museum. Even if you skip the exhibitions, you can enjoy the panoramic bar-restaurant overlooking the water: one of the best views in the city.

Location: IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam

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Captain Hans recommends:

Food & Drink

New King

A beloved Chinatown institution on Zeedijk. Locals flock here for Cantonese classics, and Hans recommends the steamed oysters with black beans: a dish that shows why Amsterdam's food scene is inseparable from its history of migration.

Location: Zeedijk 115-117, 1012 AV Amsterdam

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Café Alto

A legendary jazz café tucked in the city center. Open late with live music almost every night, it’s intimate, authentic, and a favorite among locals and musicians.

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"This is the cafe featured in the Ted Lasso episode in Amsterdam"

Captain Jasper recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Museum Het Schip

A small but fascinating museum dedicated to Amsterdam School architecture. Free guided tours run hourly, offering insight into this distinctive early 20th-century style.

Location: Oostzaanstraat 45, 1013 WG Amsterdam

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Captain Hans recommends:

Food & Drink

Restaurant Goudfazant

A pioneer in Amsterdam Noord's dining scene, set inside a cavernous industrial hall along the IJ. Expect high ceilings, minimalist decor, and French-inspired dishes served in an atmosphere that mixes raw edges with sophistication.

Location: Aambeeldstraat 30, 1021 KB Amsterdam

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

The Maritime Museum, where Jasper has gone since childhood. It tells the story of Amsterdam’s seafaring past and even has a full-size VOC replica ship to explore.

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Visit the 18th century replica East Indie Trading company ship right outside, get a taste of the adventurous mindset of the Dutch traders and explorers"

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Captain Hans recommends:

Food & Drink

Cafe Het Papeneiland

A 17th-century brown cafe on the Prinsengracht. Beyond its cozy wooden interior and apple pie, it hides a story: a secret tunnel once linked it to a nearby Catholic church, offering safe passage during religious persecution. Sit outside for canal views with history at your elbow.

Location: Prinsengracht 2, 1015 DV Amsterdam

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Escape the Crowds

Oosterdok & marine terrain

From the water you get wide, open views, with the sun dipping behind the historic skyline. On a private boat you’ll have front-row seats to Amsterdam glowing in golden hour.

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Visit Pension Homeland, it’s a hidden hotel on the terrain of the former naval base of Amsterdam. Unique place to stop for lunch or dinner. The main swimming location for the locals in amsterdam is also located right outside pension Homeland. In the summer thousands of Amsterdammers will be there to cool down in the canal."

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Captain Hans recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

A'DAM Lookout

Across the IJ from Central Station, this 100-meter-high tower gives panoramic views over the city and its watery surroundings. Adventurous types can try the swing that pushes you over the building's edge, while others can sip a cocktail in the sky bar.

Location: IJpromenade 4, 1031 KT Amsterdam

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Feeling like a daredevil? You have swings on the rooftop which allow you to swing over the edge of the building."

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Food & Drink

Brasserie Marie (Hotel De L’Europe)

A chic riverside brasserie, perfect for stylish dining with a French Riviera vibe. Located in Hotel L'Europe which is owned by the Heineken family.

Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP Amsterdam

Best time: Lunch and dinner

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Marie has her own private dock, so book a private tour and we can drop you off at the restaurant in style ;-)"

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Captain Boudewijn recommends:

Food & Drink

Lastage (Geldersekade)

An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in French cuisine. With only a handful of tables, it’s one of Amsterdam’s most romantic dining spots.

Location: Geldersekade 29, 1011 EJ Amsterdam

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Captain Hans recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Kattenburg

This former naval dockyard near the Scheepvaartmuseum is now open to the public. It's a mix of maritime history, modern architecture, and open space, with occasional cultural events. A great place to walk and imagine Amsterdam's seafaring past.

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Food & Drink

Café Caron (near Vijzelstraat)

Jasper’s favorite locals’ pub, especially lively on football nights but always welcoming

Location: Frans Halsstraat 28, 1072 BS Amsterdam

Best time: Weekend afternoons and every evening

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Food & Drink

Café Sonneveld

A classic brown café where bitterballen are served the right way: hot, crispy, and with mustard on the side.

Location: Egelantiersgracht 72 74, 1015 SC Amsterdam

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Captain Jasper recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Amsterdam-Noord by e-bike

Rent an electric bike and explore the countryside north of the city. You’ll find dikes, wooden houses, open fields, and waterways. It feels a world away but is just across the IJ by ferry.

Captain Jasper recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Prinseneiland

A quiet historic island in the western canals, full of cobblestone streets and converted warehouses. A great place to see a slower, more residential side of Amsterdam.

Captain Jasper recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

’t Twiske

A nature reserve just north of Amsterdam, with lakes for swimming, sandy beaches, cycling paths, and casual waterside restaurants. It’s where locals go on hot summer days to escape the city without going far.

Captain Jasper recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

De Pijp & Jordaan

Jasper loves both neighborhoods for their buzzing terraces, young crowds, and endless cafés. The Jordaan still feels like a village with hidden courtyards, while De Pijp offers multicultural energy and the famous Albert Cuypmarkt.

Captain Fons recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Amsterdam School architecture

Hop on tram 12 to Oud-Zuid and explore one of Amsterdam’s most overlooked styles. Bold brickwork, rounded shapes, and intricate details define this early 20th-century movement. Stop by Museum Het Schip if you want a deeper dive.

Captain Jan recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Walking routes

Explore the oldest part of Amsterdam around the Red Light District, but do it by day to notice the gable stones, old courtyards, and historic facades. The Zeedijk is perfect for soaking up the city's layered history.

Captain Jan recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Museums & Culture

Jan's an art lover, so he'll send you to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh with a tip: 'squint at the paintings through your eyelashes, and you'll see the light the way Van Gogh painted it.' For live music, try Bourbon Street or The Last Waterhole

Captain Jan recommends:

Food & Drink

Where to eat

For dinner, Jan's picks range from laid-back Indonesian or Cantonese spots to La Oliva for Spanish bites. He's a fan of the little brown cafes in the Jordaan, where you can still find a real local crowd.

Captain Jan recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Hidden Corners

Jan loves wandering the Jordaan for its mix of cafés, restaurants, and quiet side streets. He also recommends Prinseneiland for a peaceful, almost village-like escape in the heart of the city, or the leafy streets near the Hortus Botanicus

Captain Nikos recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Oude Kerk

Oldest building in Amsterdam, in the historic harbour area of the Red Light District.

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Captain Nikos recommends:

Food & Drink

Cafe Sonneveld

Jordaan-style dining along on of the most beautiful smaller canals of Amsterdam.

Location: Egelantiersgracht 72

Best time: All day

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Captain Nikos recommends:

Food & Drink

Pesca fish restaurant

Fresh seafood worth the visit. Pick your fish fresh from the fresh fish market section they have inside the restaurant.

Location: Rozengracht 133, 1016 LV Amsterdam

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Captain Nikos recommends:

Food & Drink

Hoi Tin, Nam Kee, and Oriental City

Standout Asian dining

Captain Nikos recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Nieuwmarkt Chinatown

Excellent Chinese and Indonesian restaurants reflecting Amsterdam

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Captain Nikos recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Lindengrachtmarkt

Saturday-only Jordaan market with a true local feel

Best time: Only on Saturdays

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Captain John recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

BikeRide Along the Amstel

Rent a bike and ride south to the old church and vineyard at De Amsteltuin (but make reservations in advance for the vineyard).

Location: Langs de Akker 5, 1186 DA Amstelveen

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Captain John recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

BikeRide Nieuwendammerdijk to Durgerdam

Rent a bike and see old wooden houses, dikes, and watery views

Captain John recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Van Gogh Museum

Intimate and world-class

Location: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

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Captain John recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Rijksmuseum

The old masters and the story of Amsterdam's merchant past

Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

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Captain John recommends:

Food & Drink

Brouwerij 't IJ

Local beer next to a historic windmill

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Captain John recommends:

Must-see

Cafe de Sluyswacht

Historic cafe with a rare waterside vista of the Oude Schans

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Captain John recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Kromboomssloot

A picturesque street east of the Red Light District with far fewer tourists

Location: Kromboomsloot

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Captain John recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Hofjes in de Jordaan

Peaceful courtyards tucked behind plain facades

Captain John recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Westelijke Eilanden & Prinseneiland

Quiet, village-like neighbourhoods cut off by the train tracks, full of history and charm.

Captain Fons recommends:

Escape the Crowds

Outside the Singelgracht

Head outside the Singelgracht to neighborhoods like Amsterdam Oost or Oud-Zuid.

Captain Fons recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Street Art Museum in Noord

Contemporary contrast to the city's historic side

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Captain Fons recommends:

Culture & Entertainment

Museum Het Grachtenhuis

Learn the history of the canal houses, complete with a beautiful garden.

Location: Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam

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Captain Fons recommends:

Food & Drink

Lokaal 't Loosje

Perfect for people-watching with a drink in hand

Location: Nieuwmarkt 32, 1012 CS Amsterdam

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Captain Fons recommends:

Food & Drink

Cafe De Druif

Old-world atmosphere in one of Amsterdam

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Captain Fons recommends:

Food & Drink

Cafe Orloff

Local favorite for a casual drink or lunch

CAPTAIN'S INSIDER TIP:

"Dutch ham & cheese toastie, simple but always delicious"

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Captain Fons recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Sunset at Oosterdok

Look toward Prins Hendrik Kade for a view that hasn

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Captain Fons recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Prinseneiland

An underrated, peaceful neighborhood full of character.

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Captain Fons recommends:

Hidden Gems & Routes

Plantage by the Canal

A lush, green surprise in the heart of the city, far from the usual tourist loop.

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CAPTAINRECOMMENDATIONS

FILTER BY CAPTAIN OR CATEGORY

De Belhamel

Castell

Scheepskameel

Museum van Loon

Molenpad

A Tavola

Begijnhof

Cafe Bern

Hortus Botanicus area

Brouwersgracht & Prinsengracht bridge

Jordaan

Wijk aan Zee

Albert Cuypmarkt

Noordermarkt

EYE Filmmuseum

New King

Café Alto

Museum Het Schip

Restaurant Goudfazant

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Cafe Het Papeneiland

Oosterdok & marine terrain

A'DAM Lookout

Brasserie Marie (Hotel De L’Europe)

Lastage (Geldersekade)

Kattenburg

Café Caron (near Vijzelstraat)

Café Sonneveld

Amsterdam-Noord by e-bike

Prinseneiland

’t Twiske

De Pijp & Jordaan

Amsterdam School architecture

Walking routes

Museums & Culture

Where to eat

Hidden Corners

Oude Kerk

Cafe Sonneveld

Pesca fish restaurant

Hoi Tin, Nam Kee, and Oriental City

Nieuwmarkt Chinatown

Lindengrachtmarkt

BikeRide Along the Amstel

BikeRide Nieuwendammerdijk to Durgerdam

Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Brouwerij 't IJ

Cafe de Sluyswacht

Kromboomssloot

Hofjes in de Jordaan

Westelijke Eilanden & Prinseneiland

Outside the Singelgracht

Street Art Museum in Noord

Museum Het Grachtenhuis

Lokaal 't Loosje

Cafe De Druif

Cafe Orloff

Sunset at Oosterdok

Prinseneiland

Plantage by the Canal

READY TO EXPERIENCE AMSTERDAM LIKE A LOCAL?

CAPTAIN
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