(Updated January 2020 — check out my new Paris guide!)
I’ve been calling Amsterdam my home for eight years now, and there’s still nothing quite like it. After 3.5 years at The Next Web, I recently switched to a freelance lifestyle — which means I’m often hanging out in a cafe.
Amsterdam has a great coffee culture — the city is riddled with amazing cafes. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find one that’s laptop-friendly. I’ve seen taped-off outlets, forced wifi resets and staff bluntly asking if you could just stop using your computer.
It’s hard out there for a freelancer, so I’ve curated the best spots to get some work done in Amsterdam. My selection is based on a few simple rules:
- You can connect to free, stable Wi-Fi
- There are a decent amount of outlets to charge your device
- More than enough seating that’s fit for working
- Staff doesn’t mind that you stay around to work on your laptop
This list is continuously updated, dropping places that fail to meet the above criteria and adding newly opened gems. Found an incredible place I’ve missed in this guide? Reach out on Twitter!
Public Space
A short ferry ride away from Central Station you’ll find this breathtaking space that’s dedicated to the highest quality coffee, inventive lunch dishes and lightning-fast wifi. Don’t forget to try the banana bread!
Sova Coffee Roasters
This stunning space serves fantastic coffee and has a great selection of pastries and lunch. Just a heads up — the table in the back is meant for working, so don’t get too comfortable with your laptop in the front.
ARKET Café
Not only does the shop in this four-story building sell beautiful clothing inspired by Scandinavian design, there’s also an impeccable cafe on the ground floor that’s perfect for working. Don’t leave without trying their crumble.
Rum Baba
In the east of the city you’ll find this cozy, laid-back hangout that’s well known for serving incredible coffee—but maybe even more famous for its array of freshly baked pastries and cakes.
Monks Coffee Roasters
Hasn’t even been open for a year and is already one of the best spots. Very speedy internet, decently priced coffee and incredible lunch make it a great place to hang out for a while.
Coffee Company Oosterdokseiland
Most stores of this ubiquitous Dutch chain are too crowded, but this one next to Central Station hits all the right spots. Lots of natural light and a spacious interior make for a perfect working environment.
Coffee Room
In classic Dutch tradition, this cozy cafe gives you a small cookie with your drink — a most welcome addition. Watch out for a few clearly-marked tables where you can’t put your laptop.
Frederix Micro Roasters
This place has a secret trick up its sleeve for making its milk-based coffees, which makes them the richest and creamiest in the business. In summer, the small terrace is shielded from the sun so you can easily bring your laptop outside.
White Label Coffee
This charming cafe in the west of the city has enough spots to land your laptop. Don’t miss out on their signature spappelsap — a funky mix of sparkling water and apple juice. Fills up quickly on weekends, so come early or miss out.
STACH Food Overtoom
This branch of the popular food market features a cafe that’s perfect for whipping out your laptop. Grab anything from the store, or order one of their stellar sandwiches.
The Hoxton
Located on one of the city’s most beautiful canals, this hip hotel also houses a spacious restaurant and cafe. Follow the stairs to the first floor for the best working spots. Closes at 1AM, so perfect for getting in some work at the end of the day.
Volkshotel
Another hotel! This one’s located in the east of the city, and especially well-equipped for working. To the right of the entrance you’ll find rows of workstations, while the bar to the left caters to your every need.
Starbucks The Bank
I know — Starbucks sucks. But this one’s different —it combines a unique interior with copious amounts of space to work and plugs everywhere. As one of the few stores in the world with a Clover machine, the coffee isn’t even that bad.
Found an incredible place I’ve missed in this guide? Reach out on Twitter, because I edit this post from time to time with the best tips.
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