Cafe Hoppe, Amsterdam

The most central, very old twin-pub in Amsterdam, 'Sitting Hoppe' on the left with its cozy enclosed terrace is the place to read your newspaper and have an espresso with a brandy on the side or criticize the never-ending stream of people passing by on foot or bike. For the more serious drinking the bar on right has mainly standing room with a few small tables for the very tired. Coffee and a tosti may be brought to you through the connecting door to the rear. Very little has changed here in the last 200 years except for the computer the barman uses for his bookkeeping. It is said that even Queen Beatrix and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander drop in for the occasional beer. Do not forget to try at least one tiny glass of Wees Old Geneva.