Amsterdam's Grand Cafe's are everywhere...

Some are tiny spots pushing back the passing parade, just enough to find the air, and a sliver of sunshine.

...they all are "Grand" when the weather cooperates.

Cafes in the grand tradition of Paris, Vienna, and Rome, with lots of style, ambiance, and balconies or terraces--they're seen-and-be-seen kind of places.

Grand cafes are distinguished by their emphasis on food and drink, architecture, production values, and style. Some grand cafes are truly grand.

Be aware that there are others that use the name even though they may not be particularly impressive--the definition is an elusive one, merging into restaurants with terraces at one end and more-or-less ordinary cafes with seats outside at the other.

Try a floating party with our "private canal boat tours"

Cul de Sac, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99. Down a long alley, in an old spice warehouse.

De Drie Fleschjes, Gravenstraat 16, near Dam. Tasting house for spirits and liqueurs. No beer, no soft drinks, and no seats. Closes 8pm.

Durty Nelly's, Warmoesstraat 115. Irish pub in the heart of the red-light district,

De Engelbewaarder, Kloveniersburgwal 59. Once a popular meeting place of Amsterdam's academics with live jazz on Sunday afternoon.

Flying Dutchman, Martelaarsgracht 13, near Central Station. British ex pats are in charge and not a word of Dutch to be heard.

't IJ, Funenkade 7.

" Come sit in the sun on the patio floor with us." In the base of a windmill to the east of the centre. Extremely popular with students and the sons of beer drinkers The Marvelous home-brewed beers are extremely strong. Wed/Sun 3 till 8pm. (near our Houseboat and Haven)

De Jaren, Nieuwe Dolenstraat 20/22, near Muntplein. Grand cafe overlooking the river. This is one of the best places read a book and relax. From 10am.

Koophandel, Bloemgracht 49, Jordaan. Empty before midnight, in an old warehouse on one of Amsterdam's most beautiful canals. Open until 3am.

Lokaai 't Loosje, Nieuwmarkt 32. Quiet old-style brown café that's been here for 200 years and looks it.

Mulligans, Amstel 100, near Rembrandtplein. By far the best Irish pub in the city, with authentic Gaelic music.

O'Donnells, Ferdinand Bolstraat 5, Old South. The best Guinness in town, just behind the Old Heineken Brewery.

An alturnative to the Old Style traditional Cafe' for a smooth change of pace try the Rookies - Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145-147.

"... really! .. the best way to see Amsterdam."

A large Bar by Amsterdam standards. Rookies draws friends time and time again from around the world to this most friendly of places. Easy to find   This street runs rite off of the Leidseplein to the East (oost) at the Berger King. Rookies is located in the heart of this vibrant theater and entertainment district. Also available at Rookies frind a boat owner (Lots of ways to get a ride here) and book a great ride! "private canal boat tours" Large or small groups can be accommodated. Book your ride today!

Saarein, Elandsstraat 119, Jordaan. Women-only; Lives up to it's name nicely, and the girls tell us, that it is a peaceful, relaxed place to take it easy and hide out from the boys.

Sound Garden, Marnixstraat 164, Jordaan. Alternative grunge bar, Lots of people and noise, with a canal-side terrace as a retreat.

Tara, Rokin 89. Irish bar with good live music.

De Tuin, 2e Tuindwarsstraat 13. One of the best bars in town.

De Twee Zwaantjes, Prinsengracht 114. Tiny odd-ball Jordaan bar Locals sing along to accordion music.

Café Vertigo, Vondelpark 3. Attached to the Film Museum, Large terrace overlooking the park. Not to be missed on a sunny day in Amsterdam's favorite city park

Vrankrijk, Spuistraat 216. The best of Amsterdam's remaining squat bars and boasts the lowest prices for beer in Amsterdam. Ring the buzzer to enter. From 10pm.

The Minds, Spuistraat across the street from Vrankrijk. Crowded with young mellow kids to play pool with . The toilets are a mess but the beer is cheep.  From 8pm. till LATE