Café van Zuylen

Medieval Centre & Red Light District


While the terrace spreading over a bridge spanning the Singel is one of the prettiest spots for a drink when the sun's shining, the interior – with its cosy rooms featuring lots of wood and old leather banquettes – is just as appealing in less temperate weather.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Torensluis

0.02 MILES

Stretching across the Singel is the Torensluis, one of the oldest and widest bridges in the city. The big moustached bust is of Multatuli, aka 19th…

2. Nieuwe Kerk

0.08 MILES

This 15th-century late-Gothic basilica is only ‘new’ in relation to the Oude Kerk – the city's Old Church, dating from 1306. A few monumental items…

3. Bartolotti House

0.13 MILES

Built in 1617, this ornate neck-gabled building was designed by famed architect Hendrick de Keyser, and has two bends in the facade to follow the course…

4. Royal Palace

0.13 MILES

Opened as a town hall in 1655, this resplendent building became a palace in the 19th century. The interiors gleam, especially the marble work – at its…

5. Dam

0.16 MILES

This square is the very spot where Amsterdam was founded around 1270. Today pigeons, tourists, buskers and the occasional funfair (complete with Ferris…

6. Huis Met de Hoofden

0.17 MILES

A whimsical example of Dutch Renaissance style, this 1622 canal house designed by Hendrick de Keyser and his son Pieter has a beautiful step gable with…

7. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

0.18 MILES

Sure, Madame Tussauds wax museum is overpriced and cheesy, but its focus on local culture makes it fun: 'meet' the Dutch royals, politicians, painters and…

8. Nationaal Monument

0.2 MILES

The obelisk on the Dam's eastern side was built in 1956 to commemorate WWII's fallen. Fronted by two lions, its pedestal has a number of symbolic statues:…