Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren opened in 1990 in a large, high-ceilinged building on Nieuwe Doelenstraat, between Muntplein and the Muziektheater, and it has been a fixture of central Amsterdam ever since. It works in the manner of a classic European grand café, with plenty of space to linger over coffee, lunch or an early evening drink, and it attracts a broad mix of locals and visitors.

The best feature is at the back. A balcony and a waterside terrace look straight out over the Amstel, one of the most attractive spots in the centre to watch boats pass under the bridges. Guests arriving by boat can tie up at the café's own jetty. On a sunny day the terrace is the first place to fill.

Food is served from the 10am opening until 9pm, with snacks available later to accompany drinks. It is an easy, unhurried place to break a day of sightseeing, and the space makes it comfortable for small groups. The café asks that event enquiries are sent to a separate events address.

Café de Jaren opens daily from 10am, closing at 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 11pm from Thursday to Saturday. The kitchen closes at 9pm, with snacks served until 9.30pm early in the week and 10.30pm at the end of the week. There are no reservations, so simply walk in. Payment is by card only, and cash is not accepted. Arrive mid-morning or mid-afternoon for the best chance of a seat by the water, and allow an hour or so.

The café is a few minutes' walk from Muntplein, the Flower Market on the Singel and the Rembrandtplein. The Hotel De L'Europe is next door, and the Stopera, home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, is just across the river. Trams stop at Muntplein, and Rokin metro station on the Noord-Zuid line is close by, which makes the café an easy meeting point in the middle of town. It is also a sensible place to wait out a shower: the room is large enough that you can usually find a seat indoors even when the terrace is closed, and it is a comfortable place to linger once you have ordered. Bring a card, as cash cannot be used.