Districts in Amsterdam - The Pijp

The Pijp district might seem like one big party and food fest, but there’s more to it. While you’re there you’re of course going to visit the Albert Cuyp market, one of the biggest outdoor markets of Europe. You’ll find loads of food, but a decent clothing department is present there as well. It might sound a little touristy, but once you’re there you’ll see that this market is well visited by locals to run their daily errands. The Albert Cuyp is perfect if you want to get a glimpse of Dutch market culture. Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded and more local experience. If you prefer to combine your visit to Albert Cuyp with one of our tours, you’d best go with the Market Food Tour: Cheese Tastings & Stroopwafel.

Also in the Pijp neighborhood, just a few blocks away from the Albert Cuyp is the Heineken brewery. Not exactly your typical local spot, but you don’t want to go home without having a sip of Amsterdam’s biggest export product. The Heineken brewery is surrounded by several great places for hanging out with the locals. Go to Marie Heinekenplein, the Frans Halsstraat or Gerard Douplein for a cold beer on a terrace with locals that are enjoying their lunch break or their night off. Another interesting area of the Pijp district is de Ruysdaelkade. Most people will visit the Red Light district for some x-rated action, but the Ruysdaelkade is one of the lesser known areas, so you can watch the ladies in all peace and quiet. Not sure if you’ll be able to find all these awesome landmarks? Our personal guides are!

It’s clear by now that foodies can literally go nuts in the Pijp district at the Albert Cuyp market. But that’s not all! On about every corner you’ll find a nice café, restaurant or a coffee bar. Push yourself a little to wander off the big streets and you’ll end up in the nicest spots. For a full night of wining and dining, you definitely want to go to Café Caron at the Frans Halsstraat. If you’re on a health streak, SNCKBR at the Van Woustraat is a great option.

We know, it sounds like a paradox, but at SNCKBR they’ve managed to give all your favorite comfort food a healthy twist. They’re open for lunch and dinner, so there’s something for everyone! Gs at the Ferdinand Bolstraat is perfect for a full-on Sunday brunch. They serve awesome Bloody Mary’s (with oysters and all, OMG), which is why Gs is also recommended for drinks at the start of a good night out. Would you rather have someone guide you to the best food and drinks of the Pijp area? The guides of our Amsterdam’s Favourite Food Tour will let you explore the Pijp district on a culinary level in a heartbeat.

Speaking about blending in perfectly: if you’re up for partying along the locals during the biggest event of the year, you must really visit the Pijp district on Kingsday at the 27th of April. The people of the Pijp area will all go outside to celebrate the birthday of the King of the Netherlands. It’s the perfect excuse for locals to check their contents and create a giant flea market on the streets. Later on the day there will be festivals all around the Pijp district, so it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes open.

More of a movie-lover? In August you can enjoy a bunch of really good international flicks on a big outdoor screen during the World Cinema Amsterdam Open Air at the Marie Heinekenplein. If you’d like to know more about annual events and festivals in the Pijp area, you can always ask one of our guides for more (inside) information!