Amsterdam Cafes

For hundreds of years Amsterdam's residents have congregated in historic "Brown Cafes". Today there are over 1400 of them in the city. While there are great similarities between them, each one seems to reflect the individual character of its neighborhood and its patrons. Most have not been changed in any way for decades - or even centuries, but the patrons don't come here for trendy ambience. Whether you are looking for a place to share a quiet conversation over a cup of coffee or enjoy a card game while savoring a Dutch beer with your friends, you will find a brown cafe provides just the atmosphere you are looking for. In recent years, a number of Grand Cafes have opened. Generally trendier, they are located in shopping districts or areas frequented by tourists. The menu selection is broader and the service a bit more upscale, but most of the locals still seem to prefer the smaller, darker, cozier brown cafes.