Old center – Local tips (theaters)

Our favorite local Amsterdam theater (theatre) stages and playhouses in the Old center area. This is where our Amsterdam locals see their operas, plays, cabaret and ballet performances… Amsterdam insider tips: always up-to-date!

Café Crea Amsterdam (by Bart Verbunt)

Café Crea is located on the grounds of some of the most beautiful buildings of the University of Amsterdam, and it is a haven for students looking for a break. As the place is divided into three smaller parts, the conversations of the guests do not bounce around against the walls, but fill the rooms with a pleasant humming.

Crea is one of my favorite places to go to when I need to study or write, want to drink coffee and read a newspaper, or drink a beer with fellow students. Located in a quieter part, but right the middle of the centre, it is a perfect base of operations to plan your explorations in.

In the meantime you can enjoy a delicious coffee, French toast, a sandwich or a bowl of soup, or even a decent and decently priced dinner between five and eight-thirty. With a different atmosphere in each of the rooms and a small patio on the canal side, you can be sure to find a spot that fits your mood.

The view from the patio is picturesque in a way that is typical for Amsterdam. Since I have been studying at the UvA, I have found the surroundings of Crea very inspiring. You feel very close to the history of the city and the university. When you are there, take the time to enjoy the atmosphere and stroll around between the university-buildings.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Crea | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Theaters, Restaurants (intern.) | Beer € 2.00
Turfdraagsterpad 17 | Old center | +31205251423
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 01:00, Sun 11:00 – 19:00

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City Hall Stopera Amsterdam (by Patty de Gruiter)

For the past four years I come here to see the Russian Ballet of Tsjaikovski. So far, I have seen the Nutcracker & Mouceking, the Swanlake and Cinderella. This year I am going to see Coppela. This one is actually from the Dutch Ballet, but really nice.

Each year I loved the performances and the atmosphere of the entire evening. It is lovely to go out once a year, all dressed up, to see these dancers doing the best they can.

Yes, it is classical ballet, and I know that not everyone is into this, but what I really envy, is the story they are telling by dancing and the changing scenery. For me, this makes the whole fairytale complete!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
City Hall Stopera | Art & culture, Theaters | 4th category € 20.00
Amstel 3 | Old center | +31205518117
See the website for the program

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