What could be more delightful than a relaxing morning with good coffee, fresh croissants, the morning paper, and being served at your beck and call? You guessed it: our favourite moment of the week happens outside the door. To be precise, it happens at one of the reading tables in the establishments below. Discover Amsterdam’s best reading tables below.
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These are the 10 best reading tables in Amsterdam
A slow morning after a hectic workweek, or perhaps a calm start to break up the week? You’ll find just what you need at the restaurants, cafes, and coffee bars below. These are the best reading tables in Amsterdam.
De Ysbreeker
The Ysbreeker is a cosy establishment by the Amstel River, best known for its large terrace. Those who visit the Ysbreeker in winter also know there’s more to it than just the famous drinks by the water: the enormous reading table alone makes this place worth visiting.
Weesperzijde 23, Amsterdam, deysbreeker.nl
© De Ysbreeker, @deysbreeker
Café de Jaren
As the name suggests, Café de Jaren has been around for years and is known for its large reading table. That reading table isn’t just a hit in the morning; you can also enjoy newspapers and magazines with a glass of wine in hand in the afternoon.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, Amsterdam, cafedejaren.nl
© Cafe de Jaren, @cafedejaren
Here are a few more of the best reading tables in Amsterdam
Back to Black
Few coffee shops take coffee as seriously as Back to Black on Weteringstraat and Van Hallstraat. That’s a good thing and it provides a kickstart to the morning. The cosy atmosphere makes it a place you’ll come back to time and time again.
Weteringstraat 48, en Van Hallstraat 268, Amsterdam, backtoblackcoffee.nl
© Back to Black, @backtoblackcoffee
Toki
Toki may not have a traditional reading table, but it’s bursting with newspapers, good (indie!) magazines, and a large communal table. Add to that the relaxed atmosphere and the best coffee in Amsterdam, and you have plenty of reasons to include Toki in the list of the best reading tables in Amsterdam.
Binnen Dommersstraat 15, Amsterdam, toki-times.com
© Toki, @toki.times
De Plantage
In Amsterdam East, right next to Artis, you’ll find the Plantage – a renowned spot in Amsterdam. Visitors to Artis often relax here after their visit, but it’s also popular among those seeking a peaceful start to the day.
Plantage Kerklaan 36, Amsterdam, caferestaurantdeplantage.nl
© De Plantage, @deplantage
Here are a few more of the best reading tables in Amsterdam
De Koffiesalon
The Koffiesalon (multiple locations) is one of those places that’s just consistently good. The coffee is strong, the atmosphere cosy, and you know what to expect. Not too much fuss, just enjoying Saturday morning at the reading table with the latest newspapers and magazines.
Utrechtsestraat 130, Amsterdam, dekoffiesalon.nl
© Koffiesalon, @koffiesalon
Coffee Company
Perhaps a no-brainer, but you’ll find an extensive reading table at most Coffee Company locations in the city. On weekends, you can settle in with a big cup of coffee, the morning papers, and locals from the neighbourhood. Our favourite locations? Those are the ones on Rijnstraat, Ferdinand Bolstraat, Plantage Muidergracht, and Haarlemmerdijk.
Meerdere vestigingen door de stad, coffeecompany.nl/locations
© Coffee Company, @coffeecompany
Café Wildschut
Café Wildschut is always a reliable option because this place hardly ever changes. The coffee remains the same, the menu includes the classics you’re used to, and the reading table has everything your heart desires. It is ideal for a slow morning in the Old South.
Roelof Hartplein 1, Amsterdam, cafewildschut.nl
© Wildschut, @cafewildschut
Here are a few more of the best reading tables in Amsterdam
Bar Bouwmeester
In the Rivierenbuurt, you’ll find Bar Bouwmeester – a cosy neighbourhood café where much of the morning unfolds around the reading table. Additionally, it’s the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Rijnstraat 36, Amsterdam, barbouwmeester.nl
© Bar Bouwmeester, @barbouwmeester
De Uitsmijter
At De Uitsmijter, they’re not just skilled with fried eggs – they’re equally renowned for their other breakfast options and great coffee. So, the corner of Niersstraat and Europaplein is the perfect spot for a morning at the reading table.
Europaplein 71, Amsterdam, deuitsmijter.com
© De Uitsmijter, @deuitsmijter
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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