De Waag (Weigh House)
A historic 15th-century weigh house turned charming cafe, offering delicious food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere in Amsterdam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
De Waag (Weigh House)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 15th-century weigh house turned charming cafe, offering delicious food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere in Amsterdam.
"A pleasant surprise... a historic and at the same time super welcoming environment with food prepared with care and very good."
🎯 Share a Lewwarder Board
This mixed platter of breads, dips, and Dutch finger foods is perfect for sharing and very tasty!
☕ Excellent Espresso
Don't expect a weak coffee; reviewers rave about the surprisingly excellent espresso here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam
A stunning 15th-century building, once part of the city gate and later a weigh house. Its historical significance is palpable.
Cozy Atmosphere
Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam
Experience a welcoming and cozy environment that blends history with modern comfort. Perfect for a relaxed outing.
Delicious Food & Coffee
Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam
Savor tasty tosti, shared boards, and surprisingly excellent espresso. A culinary delight in a historic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
A Taste of Leeuwarden
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Share a Lewwarder Board
This mixed platter of breads, dips, and Dutch finger foods is perfect for sharing and very tasty!
☕ Excellent Espresso
Don't expect a weak coffee; reviewers rave about the surprisingly excellent espresso here.
😊 Friendly Staff
Expect top-notch customer service with friendly and efficient staff who make you feel welcome.
📸 Historic Charm
The building itself is a sight to behold, a beautiful historic structure in the city center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Share a Lewwarder Board
This mixed platter of breads, dips, and Dutch finger foods is perfect for sharing and very tasty!
☕ Excellent Espresso
Don't expect a weak coffee; reviewers rave about the surprisingly excellent espresso here.
😊 Friendly Staff
Expect top-notch customer service with friendly and efficient staff who make you feel welcome.
📸 Historic Charm
The building itself is a sight to behold, a beautiful historic structure in the city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
De Waag is highly praised for its excellent food, particularly shared boards and coffee, and its awesome, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors love the friendly and efficient service, making it a pleasant surprise and a recommended spot for lunch or drinks in a historic setting. Some minor points of improvement could be more explicit vegetarian/vegan options.
"My husband and I are visiting from Hobart Tasmania.
The service was excellent so friendly and accommodated us with an English menu. We enjoyed the Lewwarder board a mixture of breads and dips along with nachos and some tasty Netherlands fried finger foods. Very tasty and big enough to share.
The atmosphere was awesome.
Next time we are in Leeuwarden we will definitely be back.
Thank you to all staff."
Pauline Hillhouse
"A pleasant surprise 🙂. Attracted by this characteristic building in the center of the square and by the beautiful smile of one of the nice girls on the team, I entered and... wow!! A historic and at the same time super welcoming environment that you wouldn't expect from the outside. Food prepared with care and very good. Clean and not noisy place. Pleasant surprise... at the end of lunch I ordered an espresso coffee, already resigned to drinking a pale imitation of our Italian espresso and instead... I found and enjoyed an excellent coffee!!! Congratulations to all the staff. I highly recommend it. It will certainly be one of my favorite destinations during my Sunday walks in Leeuwarden."
Massimo Casella
"Good coffee. We order salad, tosti which are really good. Fast and efficient service, staff are really friendly"
Phương Bùi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Waag is centrally located at Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam. It's easily accessible by public transport, with tram and metro stops nearby. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from central Amsterdam attractions.
Yes, De Waag is a prominent and historic building located on the Nieuwmarkt square, making it easy to spot.
Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are usually bike racks available near Nieuwmarkt, but they can fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the building itself is generally free as it houses a cafe/restaurant. You only pay for food and drinks.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open daily for lunch and drinks. It's best to check their current hours before visiting, especially on public holidays.
There is no admission fee to enter De Waag. It operates as a food and beverage establishment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
De Waag offers a variety of dishes, including tasty tosti, shared boards like the 'Lewwarder board' with breads and dips, and other Dutch fried finger foods. They are also known for their excellent coffee. +1
While specific options aren't detailed in all reviews, the menu often includes salads and customizable items like tosti, which may offer vegetarian choices. It's advisable to inquire directly about vegan options.
Absolutely! De Waag is highly recommended for a pleasant and casual lunch, offering good food and a welcoming atmosphere. +1
Yes, reviewers consistently praise the quality of the coffee, particularly the espresso, calling it excellent.
Yes, it's a popular spot for drinks, offering a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic building, especially its unique architecture, is a prime photo spot. The interior also offers charming, atmospheric shots.
Yes, you can take photos inside De Waag, especially to capture the historic ambiance and your food or drinks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific 'kid's menu' details, the shared platters are a great way for families to sample different items together. The friendly staff are also noted for their excellent service, making the experience pleasant for everyone. It's a good spot for a relaxed lunch or a treat after exploring the city.
☕ Coffee Connoisseurs
Beyond the espresso, the overall beverage selection and the cozy ambiance make it an ideal spot to linger over a drink and soak in the atmosphere. It's a place where you can appreciate both the historical surroundings and the quality of your cup.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Over the centuries, De Waag has adapted to changing times, serving various purposes including a fencing hall and workshop space. Today, it is most recognized as a charming cafe and restaurant, offering visitors a chance to dine within its historic walls. This transformation allows people to connect with the building's heritage in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Visitors often remark on the building's captivating appearance, with one reviewer noting they were 'immediately captivated' by a picture of it. This visual appeal, combined with its historical narrative, makes De Waag a compelling destination for those interested in Amsterdam's rich past.
Culinary Delights and Ambiance
The ambiance at De Waag is consistently praised as 'awesome' and 'super welcoming.' It manages to blend its historic character with a cozy and comfortable environment, creating a pleasant surprise for many visitors who might expect a more formal setting. The space is described as 'clean and not noisy,' contributing to a relaxed dining experience.
Beyond the food, the coffee at De Waag receives special mention. One reviewer, initially resigned to a 'pale imitation of our Italian espresso,' was delighted to find and enjoy an 'excellent coffee.' This attention to detail, from the food to the beverages, combined with the friendly and efficient staff, makes De Waag a highly recommended spot for both casual lunches and relaxed drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit