Café De Zwart, Amsterdam Travel Guide

Free Guide: Historic Amsterdam brown café since 1921, pouring cold drafts and jenevers on lively Spui with terrace views of trams, bikes, and city buzz—timeless hospitality awaits.

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Café De Zwart

A brief summary of Café De Zwart

Historic Amsterdam brown café since 1921, pouring cold drafts and jenevers on lively Spui with terrace views of trams, bikes, and city buzz—timeless hospitality awaits.

Established in 1921, Café De Zwart is a classic Amsterdam brown café at Spuistraat 334 in the vibrant Centrum district. Known for its welcoming hospitality, it offers draft beers, specialty brews, wines, jenevers, and bar bites with terrace seating overlooking the bustling Spui square. Perfect for people-watching, casual drinks, or relaxed meals in a historic setting.

0.5–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
Indoor & outdoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Sheltered areas
3.9 Good · 355 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon10 am–12 am
  • Tue10 am–12 am
  • Wed10 am–12 am
  • Thu10 am–1 am
  • Fri10 am–1 am
  • Sat10 am–1 am
  • Sun11 am–8 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Spuistraat 334, 1012 VX Amsterdam
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

5-10 min walk from Dam Square or Central Station; flat terrain, fully accessible.

Tram

Tram lines 2/11/12 stop at Spui, 2-min walk; €3.20 single ticket, frequent service.

Cycling

Bike rentals nearby; free public bikes at stations, lock securely in designated areas.

Discover more about Café De Zwart

History and Atmosphere

Since 1921, Café De Zwart has stood as a cornerstone of Amsterdam's café culture at Spuistraat 334, named after its founder Onno de Zwart. Nestled in the lively Centrum neighborhood adjacent to Spui square, this traditional brown café embodies authentic Dutch hospitality with its cozy wooden interiors, upholstered seating, and a long granite bar that invites lingering conversations. The terrace provides prime views of passing trams, cyclists, and pedestrians, making it ideal for soaking in the city's rhythm.

Drinks and Menu

The bar specializes in ice-cold draft beers alongside a rotating selection of specialty beers from tap or bottle. Wine enthusiasts can choose glasses or bottles, while classics like jenever, advocaat topped with whipped cream, lemon brandy, and gin tonics cater to traditional tastes. Bubbles are available for celebrations, complemented by a menu of bar bites suitable for any time of day, from light snacks to hearty pub fare. It's a no-nonsense spot emphasizing quality drinks and friendly service with a touch of Amsterdam humor.

Location and Accessibility

Perfectly positioned near Dam Square and the Royal Palace, Café De Zwart benefits from its central spot for effortless exploration. Outdoor seating enhances people-watching opportunities, especially during morning bustle or evening unwind. The café operates long hours, from early morning coffee to late-night drinks, accommodating various schedules.

Visitor Experience

Patrons rave about the vibrant atmosphere blending locals and visitors, excellent service, and unbeatable location for watching Amsterdam come alive. Whether catching up over coffee, enjoying evening beers as shops close and bars open, or reserving for private functions, it delivers consistent charm. Heaters and umbrellas ensure terrace comfort year-round.

Practical Details

Reservations recommended via email or WhatsApp to secure terrace or indoor spots. The team speaks Dutch and English, welcoming a diverse crowd. As a moderate-priced venue, it offers value in the heart of the city without compromising on authentic experience.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 1am or at 2am or at 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 80% of the busiest month
  5. May: 100% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 90% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 80% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 60% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 70% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 60% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 40% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 2am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 9am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 10am: 40% of the busiest hour
  6. 11am: 50% of the busiest hour
  7. 12pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  8. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  9. 2pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  10. 3pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  11. 4pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  12. 5pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  13. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  14. 7pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  15. 8pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  16. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  17. 10pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  18. 11pm: 60% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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