Jasper was the very first captain to join Bows, and he still brings that same fresh energy to every trip. He knows Amsterdam's busy streets and quieter escapes equally well, whether you want to sip coffee in the Jordaan, cycle through open fields, or chase the sunset from the water. On busy days, he's out on six tours, yet somehow never loses the easy smile that makes guests feel like old friends.
Jasper ()
Captain Jasper recommends:
Food & Drink
Amsterdam’s biggest and busiest daily market. Touristy at times, but still unbeatable for Dutch street food like stroopwafels and poffertjes.
Location: Albert Cuypstraat
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 ;-)"
Captain Jasper recommends:
Shopping
A lively Saturday market in the Jordaan, known for organic produce, antiques, and local specialties. Great for atmosphere and people-watching.
Location: Noordermarkt
Captain Jasper recommends:
Culture & Entertainment
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
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
Captain Jasper recommends:
Culture & Entertainment
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"
Captain Jasper recommends:
Escape the Crowds
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."
Captain Jasper recommends:
Food & Drink
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
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 ;-)"
Captain Jasper recommends:
Food & Drink
Jasper’s favorite locals’ pub, especially lively on football nights but always welcoming
Location: Frans Halsstraat 28, 1072 BS Amsterdam
Captain Jasper recommends:
Food & Drink
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
Captain Jasper recommends:
Hidden Gems & Routes
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
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
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
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.
