Things to do in De Pijp
Wander along the famed Albert Cuypmarkt
The Albert Cuypmarkt has become synonymous with De Pijp itself, an iconic market which runs straight through the neighbourhood. Each day of the week except Sunday, the market has been offering its wares for over a century, with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood, meats and cheese to flowers, clothing and jewellery. For the real Dutch street food experience, you can stop by one of the old-school haringhandels to sample some fresh herring or kibbeling. Nothing captures the lively neighbourhood feel of De Pijp quite like a morning stroll along the Albert Cuypmarkt.
Discover boutiques, bakeries and delis
Just off the Albert Cuyp market, you'll find the ever-bustling Gerard Doustraat. This is one of the city’s best kept shopping secrets, known for its diverse selection of local and international wares. Dive into its clutch of cool concept stores and try trendy items from Verse, timeless jeans from Lois Galeria Uno and sneakers from Baskèts, as well as eclectic jewellery and miscellany from Anna + Nina. You’ll also find various specialists here, like the Spanish deli Pacomer, famed gluten-free bakery Craft Coffee & Pastry, kitchen supplies store Duikelman and Esther's Cookery, a vegararian cooking studio which sells top-quality ingredients and cookbooks.
Soak up the sunshine in Sarphatipark
Beloved local oasis Sarphatipark is De Pijp's green heart. This tranquil escape offers something for everyone, with its relaxed atmosphere, outdoor exercise area, dog park, and kids’ playground. A true picturesque escape in the hustle and bustle of the city, Sarphatipark commemorates the Jewish urban planner and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati, whose statue can be seen atop the central fountain, around which picnicking locals gather in the sunshine (when the weather permits).
Catch an indie flick at Rialto
Rialto, with its beautiful art deco facade presiding over the Ceintuurbaan, has been a cherished filmhouse in De Pijp since the 1920s. Stepping inside feels like a nod to another era, though its film offerings are anything but dated. This beloved theatre curates a diverse and ever-changing program, spotlighting foreign-language gems as well as big-name blockbusters, thought-provoking documentaries, and avant-garde arthouse films. With three intimate screens and a cosy unpretentious bar, it’s a space that invites cinephiles to linger long after the credits roll. For those who haven't quite mastered the Dutch language, Rialto organises 'Expat Mondays', when international films are shown with English subtitles.
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 De Pijp's brewing history. Located in the historic Heineken brewery, which dates back to the mid-19th century, the Heineken Experience takes you on a journey through the history of Europe's most beloved beers. The building is full of surprises, spanning four storeys with interactive exhibitions, vintage brewing gear, and multimedia displays. Heineken is quintessentially Dutch, and deeply interwoven with the history of De Pijp neighbourhood - brewed by the people who lived and worked in the streets surrounding the brewery - and the beer's Dutch spirit can still be felt today.
Tuck into a heavenly brunch
De Pijp boasts some of the best spots for an indulgent brunch in Amsterdam. Unmissable parts of De Pijp's brunch scene include LOCALS All Day Brunch - a trendy minimalist haunt that is, unsurprisingly, the brainchild of local Amsterdammers - the indulgent Mediterranean fusion of Factory Girl with its to-die-for shakshuka, and Little Collins which gives you a taste of Australia’s exemplary brunch culture with one of the best and most varied menus in town. For a sweet bite afterwards, try Anook Bakehouse, one of the best new pastry spots in town, or Scandinavian Embassy which serves Swedish fika along with delicious artisanal coffee.
Immerse yourself in 'brown bar' culture
Wandering around De Pijp's streets, you'll see a wealth of cozy drinking holes known as brown cafes. At Café Mazzeltof on the Ferdinand Bolstraat, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a great selection of Dutch beers. Iconic Belgian beer cafe Gollem, lively party hotspot De Groene Vlinder, and 't Paardje with its sunny terrace are just a few of De Pijp's local nightlife staples. For something a little more on the fancy side, grab a seat at Brouwerij Troost - an experimental brewery housed in a spectacular former monastery.
Stroll or picnic along the Amstel
Along De Pijp’s eastern border, you'll find the Amstel River, 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 with splendid riverside views. If you want to explore further afield, hop on a bike and follow the river south until you arrive in the Amstel River Countryside. Cycle paths and walking routes pass through a landscape of green meadows with historic farms and elegant 17th-century country estates.
Take in the architecture
In the beautifully designed Nieuwe Pijp and Diamantbuurt neighbourhoods, you're practically walking through an open air museum of the Amsterdam School style. The streets of these areas were built in this striking architectural style in the early 20th century as part of the city's urban development, spearheaded by architecht H. P. Berlage. Amsterdam's answer to the different art deco movements springing up across continental Europe, the Amsterdam School style is recognisable for its red-toned brickwork, curving facades and intricate glass and metalwork. Head over to De Dageraad to find out about this fascinating form of expressionist architecture with a guided tour around the building in English.
Rent a boat
It's indisputable that the best way to experience the city is from the water. A stone's throw from Hotel Okura, you'll find the dock for Boaty Boat Hire, where groups of up to six can start their canal adventure. Rentals are available for three hours, four hours, or an entire day, giving you plenty of time to explore the city's canals. Once aboard, you'll receive a custom-designed canal map highlighting suggested routes and must-see landmarks, perfect for taking turns steering and navigating.
