Apr 30, 2025

Cafe In 't Aepjen Amsterdam

The monkey bar

""Cafe In 't Aepjen" in Amsterdam is said to have hosted tired sailors and travellers back in the old days. Even its name 'monkey bar' is legendary..."

Once upon a time, Amsterdam was one of the most important ports in the world, a place renowned for its thriving commerce, its rough genever, and for the "ladies of pleasure" whose address was conveniently located nearby the port, at the so called Red Light District. In those days, after a sailor had had enough of business, spirits, and a little dose of "love", he'd have to find a place where to rest his bones. Cafe In't Aepjen is said to have hosted sailors and travellers back in the old days, as the upper floor functioned as a hostel of sorts while the cafe at the ground floor served doses of "Dutch courage" to keep the folks going. Legend has it that, one day, upon having lost his riches, this one seaman was unable to pay for his bill. The only thing that he still had left were monkeys, from his faraway travels, which are said to have become the currency in which he redeemed his debt. This is how the monkey bar became the monkey bar.

Nobody knows if the tale is true, but everyone likes to believe it is. Whatever the case, still today you can walk up to the famous Zeedijk and visit this traditional 16th century brown cafe where monkeys are sovereign. They even offer their own beer brand, named after the cafe. A true gem where to catch a glimpse of local life and, of course, get your fix of Dutch Courage.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

Zeedijk 15

Beer:

3

+31

206268401

Find your way with 153 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Amsterdam guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam

Amsteltuin Amsterdam

Amsteltuin

Picnic on a Dutch vineyard

Are you ready to visit a Dutch vineyard? It's true! Just head over to "Amsteltuin" just outside Amsterdam proper and enjoy the goodies between the vines...

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Kristel

van der Burgh

May 4, 2025

Tenue de Nimes

Amsterdam couture

"Tenue de Nimes" in Amsterdam is mainly a jeans brand but it's here that I've bought my coolest jacket ever! They're super friendly & helfpul. ..

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Oscar

Grobbenhaar

May 4, 2025
Bar Oldenhof Amsterdam

Bar Oldenhof

Old-fashioned cocktail bar

Bar Oldenhof is an old-fashioned, hidden, intimate, high-end cocktail bar located right in the trendy Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025
Noorderlicht Café Amsterdam

Noorderlicht Café

Artistic escape in Noord

Noorderlicht Café is a cozy, artistic greenhouse spot in Amsterdam Noord offering tasty seasonal dishes, events, and a countryside vibe near the city.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025

Robin Food, vegan

Let’s combat food waste

Dedicated and positive volunteers run Robin Food and offer a three-course menu at a fixed and affordable price every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025
Bar Parry Amsterdam

Bar Parry

Tapas and wine

Bar Parry is a charming walk-in wine bar in Amsterdam’s Jordaan with a huge wine selection, small bites, and cozy vibes — perfect for spontaneous visits.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025

Lowlander

Botanical bar and restaurant in Noord

Lowlander in Amsterdam Noord has stunning views and a huge terrace. It offers local beers, a variety of gin, bites or dinner with seasonal herbs.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025

La Dilettante Amsterdam

Intimate natural wine bar

La Dilettante Amsterdam is a trendy natural wine bar in De Pijp. It's the perfect spot for an intimate evening or rendezvous with a friend!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Olya

Kartcheva

May 1, 2025

De neef van Fred

Water terrace perfection

They created a terrace that makes you feel like you are basically in the water, with a little bar next to it. Boats float by and get a quick drink to go...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Isidore

van Westing

Apr 30, 2025

Westergas - Gashouder

Techno temple Amsterdam

"Westergas - Gashouder" has always been one of my favorite techno temples in Amsterdam. The building is circular, huge, with really amazing acoustics!

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Oscar

Grobbenhaar

Apr 30, 2025

Westerpark

My beautiful backyard

"Westerpark" is fairly quiet for Amsterdam standards. I am here almost every day of the week, and I feel like I've explored all it has to offer...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Oscar

Grobbenhaar

Apr 30, 2025

Café de Klos

Ribs... amazing ribs!

"Café de Klos" in Amsterdam makes amazing spareribs. In 10 years they have only changed the kitchen. Expect to queue up and to joke around with the staff!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Oscar

Grobbenhaar

Apr 30, 2025

Heading to Amsterdam?

153 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Amsterdam?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

153 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Amsterdam

Our team loves Amsterdam

Get to know our other Spotters from Amsterdam

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7283
Filters