Things to do in De Pijp
Experience the vibrant street markets
De Pijp is perhaps most famous for the Albert Cuypmarkt, which has been offering its wares for more than a century. Vendors sell everything from fresh seafood, meat and cheese to flowers, clothes and jewellery. Stroll past the colourful stalls and sample the street food for a real De Pijp experience. For the real Dutch street food experience, you’ll need to stop by one of the old-school haringhandels to sample some fresh herring or kibbeling, or pick up a massive wheel of cheese to take on a picnic.
Discover concept stores, bakeries and oyster bars
Located near the famous Albert Cuyp market, Gerard Doustraat is one of the city’s best-hidden shopping streets, known for its eclectic selection. In addition to a clutch of cool concept stores, ranging from the kid-centric De Kleine Parade and Scandi-chic Felice Home of Brands to the quirky Anna + Nina, there are also trendy boutiques with ethical fashion, jeans and sneakers like Verse, Lois Galeria Uno and Baskèts. You’ll also find various specialists here, like the Spanish deli Pacomer, gluten-free bakery Craft Coffee & Pastry, kitchen supplies store Duikelman and Mevrouw Hamersma cookbooks. Peckish? Tuck into breakfast and brunch staples at trendy De Wasserette, a wild game sandwich at De Predetariër Wild & Deli, fresh seafood at Brut de Mer or French café classics at Libertine Café de Prés.
Hang out with the cool crowd in Sarphatipark
Those in the know head to Sarphatipark for its tranquil atmosphere, outdoor exercise area and kids’ playground. The park is a green oasis, pulling in the punters with delicate vistas and impressive foliage. Hip mothers natter alongside the city’s bright young things, making it a fantastic place to picnic with your market-bought food finds. The urban planner and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati is commemorated in the park with a statue.
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 the area’s brewing history. The beer-making tradition continues today with numerous brewpubs and taprooms that have popped up in recent years. Pull up a barstool at Brouwerij Troost - an experimental brewery housed in a spectacular former monastery or the ever-changing taps at Foeders. You'll also find a variety of traditional brown cafes such as Café Mazzeltof, with an unpretentious vibe and a decent selection of Dutch beers. Or check out the sprawling sunny terraces of ’t Paardje or older bars such as Pilsvogel or Groene Vlinder which surround the Albert Cuypmarkt.
Go for an indulgent brunch
Begin your day as you mean to go on (with really good food). De Pijp boasts some of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Amsterdam, and exceptional coffee goes without saying. Anook Bakehouse is one of the best new pastry spots in town; Little Collins gives you a taste of Australia’s exemplary brunch culture; Bakers & Roasters has one of the best and most varied menus in town; CT Coffee & Coconuts bring a little tropical flavour to your morning, and Scandinavian Embassy serves Swedish fika along with delicious artisanal coffee.
Eat your way around the world
De Pijp is arguably one of the best neighbourhoods in Amsterdam to eat out. The areas surrounding Albert Cuypstraat, Van Woustraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat are a true melting pot of nationalities and every conceivable cuisine. From high-end teppanyaki to plentiful bowls of hummus and falafel, sizzling tacos and soul-warming noodle soups, you'll find some of the best restaurants in the city in this vibrant and ever-changing district.
Stroll or picnic along the Amstel
The glistening waters of the Amstel River make up De Pijp’s eastern border, 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 or (a bit further up) Amstelpark. 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
The elaborate brick buildings around P.L. Takstraat are beautifully preserved examples of the Amsterdam School architectural style. Influenced by Expressionist architecture, rounded brickwork, decorative masonry, and wrought iron windows were used on housing estates, government buildings, and schools in the early 20th century. Head to Museum De Dageraad to learn about this fascinating style of expressionist architecture and take a guided tour around the elaborate brick building complex. The museum is also the perfect starting point for an architecture walk around the neighbourhood. Nearby, don't miss the charming Koffie en Katoen - a concept store packed with handcrafted treasures from around the world.
Admire panoramic city views, cocktail in hand
Stunning though it is at ground level, Amsterdam is even more spectacular from 23 floors up. Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers luxury rooms and Michelin-starred cuisine, but even if you’re not spending the night, you can enjoy the spectacular views (and even better cocktails) at Twenty-Third Bar. If you can’t choose from the exceptionally long menu, expert mixologists are on hand to shake, stir and swizzle a personalised concoction.
Rent a boat
One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s waterways is (you guessed it) from the water. Just around the corner from the Hotel Okura, you’ll find the dock for Boaty Boat Hire. Groups of up to six passengers can step aboard various vessels, rentable for three hours, four hours or a full day. You’ll be given a custom-made canal map with suggested routes and sights to look out for so you can take turns navigating and steering. The boats are easy to drive, and you’ll get a short personal instruction before you set off.
