Café Karpershoek Travel Guide

Name: Café Karpershoek
Address: Martelaarsgracht 2, Amsterdam, 1012 TP, NL
Telephone: +31206247886

Free Guide: Amsterdam's oldest brown pub since 1606: historic VOC inn turned lively café with Heineken drafts, jenever, and authentic local banter near Central Station.

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A brief summary of Café Karpershoek

Amsterdam's oldest brown pub since 1606: historic VOC inn turned lively café with Heineken drafts, jenever, and authentic local banter near Central Station.

Amsterdam's oldest café since 1606, Café Karpershoek is a traditional brown pub on Martelaarsgracht, offering authentic Dutch drinks and snacks in a historic setting near Central Station. Enjoy Heineken, jenever, and local vibes with wooden beams, worn floors, and an outdoor terrace for people-watching.

0.5–2 hrsTime to spend

$$Mid-range

Indoor & outdoorSetting

5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

Drink options
Food options
Seating areas
Sheltered areas

4.1 Very good · 1,170 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

Every day10 am–12 am

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: Martelaarsgracht 2, 1012 TP Amsterdam
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

4-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station; follow signs to Martelaarsgracht, €0, accessible daily.

Tram

Tram 4/14/24 to Centraal Station stop, then 4-min walk; €3.20 single ticket, frequent service.

Cycling

Rent OV-fiets at station or use city bikes; 2-min ride along canals, €4-6/day, watch for traffic.

Discover more about Café Karpershoek

History and Heritage

Established in 1606 as an inn for VOC sailors and tradesmen at Amsterdam's bustling harbor, Café Karpershoek claims the title of the city's oldest café. Originally overlooking the IJ waterway, it served rough characters before the Central Station altered the vista. Today, this bruine kroeg preserves its legacy with shabby furniture, sand-worn floors, and wooden beams evoking centuries of stories.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Step into a timeless brown pub where middle-aged locals greet with cheek kisses and hearty laughs. The casual, unpretentious vibe mixes historic charm with lively chatter. Friendly staff pour perfect pints amid vintage decor, creating an authentic Amsterdam experience. The outdoor terrace buzzes with street life, ideal for a relaxed pause.

Menu and Offerings

Expect classic Dutch fare: crisp Heineken drafts, robust jenever shots, wines, spirits, and light snacks like bitterballen. Moderate prices suit quick refreshers or lingering drinks. Event packages cater to birthdays or gatherings, with tailored food and beverage options in this welcoming space.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled at Martelaarsgracht 2 in Amsterdam-Centrum, it's a 4-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. The prime spot near canals and shops immerses you in the city's pulse, perfect for travelers seeking genuine hospitality post-train or pre-sightseeing.

Practical Details

Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 or later, it welcomes families and solo visitors. The terrace adds outdoor appeal, while the interior offers shelter. This historic gem blends tradition with convenience for an unforgettable taste of old Amsterdam.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated

Jan: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Feb: 40% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Mar: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Apr: 70% of the busiest month
May: 90% of the busiest month
Jun: 100% of the busiest month
Jul: 100% of the busiest month
Aug: 100% of the busiest month
Sep: 90% of the busiest month
Oct: 80% of the busiest month
Nov: 50% of the busiest month
Dec: 50% of the busiest month

How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated

12am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
1am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
8am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
9am: 33% of the busiest hour
10am: 56% of the busiest hour
11am: 67% of the busiest hour
12pm: 78% of the busiest hour
1pm: 78% of the busiest hour
2pm: 78% of the busiest hour
3pm: 89% of the busiest hour
4pm: 89% of the busiest hour
5pm: 100% of the busiest hour
6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
7pm: 89% of the busiest hour
8pm: 67% of the busiest hour
9pm: 44% of the busiest hour
10pm: 33% of the busiest hour
11pm: 22% 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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