Things to do in De Pijp
De Pijp’s stylish eateries, bars, independent stores and outdoor spaces are well worth exploring for the day, or even longer. The neighbourhood continually renews itself, enriching the city with a host of pop-up restaurants, boutiques and up-to-the-minute food trends.
Experience the vibrant heart of De Pijp: Albert Cuypmarkt
De Pijp is perhaps most famous for the Albert Cuypmarkt which has been offering its wares for more than a century. Vendors sell everything from fresh seafood, meat and cheese to flowers, clothes and jewellery. Stroll past the colourful stalls and sample the street food for a real De Pijp experience.
Hang out with the cool crowd in Sarphatipark
Those in the know head to Sarphatipark for its tranquil atmosphere, outdoor exercise area and kids’ playground. The park is a green oasis, pulling in the punters with delicate vistas and impressive foliage. Hip mothers natter alongside the city’s bright young things, making it a fantastic place to picnic with your market-bought food finds. The urban planner and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati is commemorated in the park with a statue.
Drink beer with a side of history
Beer fans won't want to miss a tour of the former Heineken brewery, now better known as the Heineken Experience, to get a taste of the area’s brewing history. The beer-making tradition of De Pijp continues today with numerous brewpubs and taprooms that have popped up in recent years. Pull up a barstool at Brouwerij Troost - an experimental brewery housed in a spectacular former monastery or sample challenging craft brews or hoppy classics from the ever-changing taps at Foeders.
Go for an indulgent brunch
Begin your day as you mean to go on (with really good food). De Pijp boasts some of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Amsterdam, and exceptional coffee goes without saying. Little Collins gives you a taste of Australia’s exemplary brunch culture; Bakers & Roasters has one of the best and most varied menus in town; CT Coffee & Coconuts bring a little tropical flavour to your morning and Scandinavian Embassy serves Swedish fika along with delicious dishes and artisanal coffee.
Discover old and new brown bars
De Pijp is known for its variety of local pubs, from historic watering holes with sticky floors to lively bars that put a more contemporary spin on the traditional brown cafe. Café Mazzeltof is of the old-school variety with an unpretentious vibe and a decent selection of Dutch beers that makes it easy to lose hours in. You won’t be able to miss the sprawling sunny terraces of ’t Paardje or Sjefietshe - two modern brown cafes frequented by both young locals and older regulars. Surrounding Albert Cuypmark you’ll also find older bars such as Pilsvogel or Groene Vlinder.
Stroll or picnic along the Amstel
The glistening waters of the Amstel River make up De Pijp’s eastern border, flanked on either side by moored houseboats with their scenic rooftop gardens. This stretch provides the perfect route for a pleasant afternoon stroll culminating in a picnic in Martin Luther King Park or (a bit further up) Amstel Park. If you want to explore further afield, hop on a bike and follow the river south until you arrive in the Amstel River Countryside (Amstelscheg). Cycle paths and walking routes pass through a landscape of green meadows with historic farms and elegant 17th-century country estates.
Shop for gifts and goodies in the one-of-a-kind boutiques
The independent boutiques in and around Gerard Doustraat are filled with mementoes and gifts that you’ll find difficult to part with. Stores such as Anna & Nina, Cottoncake and Felice Home of Brands carry well-curated collections of clothing, jewellery, home accessories and artwork with a design aesthetic unique to Amsterdam.
Take in the Amsterdam School architecture
The elaborate brick buildings around P.L. Takstraat are beautifully preserved examples of the Amsterdam School architectural style. Influenced by Expressionist architecture, the use of rounded brickwork, decorative masonry and wrought iron windows was used on housing estates, government buildings and schools in the early 20th century. Much of this architecture can be seen around De Pijp and the neighbouring Rivierenbuurt area.
Admire panoramic city views, cocktail in hand
Stunning though it is at ground level, Amsterdam is even more spectacular from 23 floors up. Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers luxury accommodation and Michelin-starred cuisine, but even if you’re not spending the night, you can enjoy the spectacular views (and even better cocktails) at Twenty-Third Bar. If you can’t choose from the exceptionally long menu, expert mixologists are on hand to shake, stir and swizzle a personalised concoction.
Rent a boat
One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s waterways is (you guessed it) from the water. Just around the corner from the Hotel Okura, you’ll find the dock for Boaty Boat Hire. Groups of up to six passengers can step aboard various types of vessels, rentable for three hours, four hours or a full day. You’ll be given a custom-made canal map with suggested routes and sights to look out for so you can take it in turns navigating and steering. The boats are really easy to drive and you’ll get a short personal instruction before you set off.
