Best museum cafes in Amsterdam

The Garden House at Rijksmuseum

The Garden House is a hidden gem among museum cafés on Museumplein. Tucked away in the Rijksmuseum’s lush garden, it offers a tranquil escape where you can enjoy a coffee, a light snack, or a classic rocket ice cream surrounded by sculptures from world-renowned artists. With a rotating open-air exhibition, the artwork changes regularly, making every visit to this green oasis a new experience.

Rijksmuseum | Museumstraat 1, Oud-Zuid

Geelvinck Pianola Museum

Time stands still at the Geelvinck Pianola Museum, where history and music intertwine in a charming, old-world setting. Despite its modest size, the museum boasts an authentic brown café that feels like a step back in time. Petrol-blue walls adorned with vintage photographs set the scene while the sound of self-playing pianos drifts through open doors. Sink into a chaise longue, sip tea, and savour the sweet nostalgia of a bygone era.

Geelvinck Pianola Museum | Westerstraat 106, Centrum

EYE Filmmuseum

If any building in Amsterdam feels like a time machine, it’s the futuristic EYE Filmmuseum. Its sleek, otherworldly design looks like something from the year 2200. Inside, the stunning café stretches beneath a soaring ceiling, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views over the IJ River. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or just a drink, it’s a spectacular spot—even if you’re not visiting the museum.

EYE Filmmuseum | IJpromenade 1, Noord

De Oranjerie at Hortus

The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, offers a serene escape in every season. Its grand café, the Oranjerie, is a true oasis, where you can unwind amid lush tropical greenery. On sunny days, the terrace opens up, inviting you to bask in the warmth while surrounded by the garden’s vibrant beauty—making it one of the most tranquil spots in the city.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam | Plantage Middenlaan 2A, De Plantage

H'ART Museum

At the H'ART Museum café-restaurant, art isn’t just on the walls—it’s on your plate. The menu is a masterpiece of gastronomic creations, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Don’t miss the ‘Chef’s Lunch,’ served in the stylish first-floor café or out on the charming courtyard terrace. If you visit in summer, you might even catch live performances during the annual Jazz at the Plantage Festival in July and August.

H'ART Museum | Amstel 51, Oost

Grand Café De Tropen at Wereldmuseum

Take your taste buds on a journey at De Tropen, the grand café of the Wereldmuseum. Overlooking the leafy Oosterpark, this vibrant spot serves up a globally inspired menu featuring everything from Indonesian peanut soup and Surinamese pom to poké bowls, quesadillas, and the famous Dutch weed burger. While you're here, check out the museum’s lively agenda, which often includes film festivals, cultural events, and special activities.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam | Linnaeusstraat 2, Oost

Foam Caf

Tucked beneath the Foam Museum, this cosy basement café is the perfect spot to recharge with a beautifully crafted coffee and a slice of classic Dutch apple pie. Located next to the museum’s bookshop, it offers a relaxed setting where you can unwind and soak in the creative energy of one of Amsterdam’s top photography museums.

Foam Café | Keizersgracht 609, Centrum

The Embassy of the Free Mind

Surrounded by artefacts, drawings, and historical documents, the café at the Embassy of the Free Mind offers a serene space to reflect on your visit. Set within an elegant canal house, this intimate spot invites you to sip a coffee in the front room, dive into Amsterdam’s rich history through its collection of books, or engage in a thought-provoking conversation—making it a destination in its own right.

Embassy of the Free Mind Café | Keizersgracht 123, Centrum

Fonda at Stedelijk Museum

Fonda, created by Amsterdam-based food design studio Oficina, brings its signature blend of creativity and culinary design to the Stedelijk Museum. With two distinct locations, visitors can choose between Fonda Bar, an inviting space in the renovated entrance hall open to all, offering homemade pastries, expertly brewed coffee, Japanese teas, and refreshing drinks. Deeper inside the museum, Fonda Café channels the spirit of classic American luncheonettes with a modern edge—featuring a half-open kitchen, outward-facing tables, and a menu that reimagines familiar flavours with refined flair.

Fonda | Museumplein 10, Oud-Zuid

NEMO Restaurant

NEMO's rooftop restaurant offers more than just a meal—it provides a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of Amsterdam. Located atop the iconic NEMO Science Museum, the restaurant is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re savouring a light lunch or a full dinner, the panoramic vista of the city’s canals and landmarks adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.

NEMO Science Museum | Oosterdok 2, Centrum

Bar Vasari

Huis Vasari is more than just the home of the Vrije Academie’s lectures, workshops, and cultural tours—it’s also where you’ll find the charming Vasari espresso bar. Inspired by the golden age of Italian cinema and the effortless elegance of the ’50s and ’60s, this stylish café offers Italian-inspired patisserie, rich espresso, and fine wine. Whether you unwind in the serene courtyard garden or within the historic canal house, it’s the perfect place for a refined and relaxed break.

Bar Vasari | Herengracht 366, Centrum

Het Museumcafé at Museum Van Loon

Step into the Van Loon Museum’s picturesque courtyard garden and discover Het Museumcafé, a tranquil retreat where you can indulge in a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie accompanied by a refreshing glass of lemonade. Relax in the shade, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of this elegant canal house, tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Museum van Loon | Keizersgracht 672, Centrum

Het Kleine Lokaal at ARTIS - Groote Museum

Het Kleine Lokaal offers a delightful selection of sandwiches inside the Groote Museum, showcasing fresh, regional ingredients sourced from local artisans like Stadsbakkerij van As, Instock, and others. The café serves delicious meals and supports meaningful initiatives, such as Social Impact Maker, by featuring indulgent cakes made by Jailbird Bakery. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Het Kleine Lokaal is where great food meets positive social impact.

Het Kleine Lokaal | Plantage Middenlaan 41, De Plantage

Museum Het Schip

The cosy lunchroom at Museum Het Schip offers an immersive experience in the Amsterdam School of architecture. Nestled within this iconic building, the café provides a warm and inviting atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee paired with an artisanal bread sandwich. Just outside, a charming courtyard garden awaits, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the architectural beauty that surrounds you.

Het Schip | Oostzaanstraat 45, Westerpark