Amsterdam has made its mark as a buzzing tech hub that’s a magnet for Tech Talent. The city’s Technology scene is welcoming, creating a truly global Tech Industry. It’s a compelling place to kickstart or propel your Tech Career, teeming with exciting Tech Industry Jobs.
Among the many opportunities that Amsterdam offers, the burgeoning trend of cafes has caught the attention of many. Recognizing the importance of socialisation in the tech community and the need for spaces that foster collaboration, these cafes have become hotspots for informal networking and recruitment especially Information Technology.
Our guide to the Best Cafes in Amsterdam will introduce you to these unique places at the heart of Amsterdam’s tech scene. Find yourself immersed in the city’s tech culture, where innovative minds meet, groundbreaking ideas take flight, and the future of technology is shaped, all over a cup of coffee. Read on to discover Amsterdam’s tech scene, one brew at a time.
Some suggested cafes to include might be:
1. Bocca Coffee:
Established in 2001, Bocca Coffee has been known for its dedication to customers, which earns it a reputable position among coffee lovers and professionals alike. Their spacious cafe features ample seating and free Wi-Fi, which is why so many people love working here, including tech professionals. They offer a variety of drinks from their signature coffee blend to teas and hot chocolate. They also offer a selection of pastries and sandwiches.
- Website: https://bocca.nl/
- Address: Kerkstraat 96H, 1017 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. CT Coffee & Coconuts:
Housed in a renovated theatre building dating from the 1920s, this cafe is popular among freelancers including the tech community. The atmosphere is cozy with lots of seating, plug points, and free Wi-Fi. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegan and gluten-free options. Their coffee beans are also locally sourced.
Website: https://www.coffeeandcoconuts.com/
Address: Ceintuurbaan 282-284, 1072 LR Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. The Coffee Virus:
Located in A Lab – ours creative workspace, The Coffee Virus is the favorite hangout spot for the tech professionals working in the surrounding area. It provides free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets, making it a great place for remote work. Besides their excellent coffee, they also offer a lunch menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Website: https://thecoffeevirus.nl/
Address: A Lab, Overhoeksplein 2, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. Al Ponte:
Located near the tech companies at the IJ, this Italian coffee bar offers finely made Italian coffee varieties. The free WiFi and open space make it a perfect work spot for tech minds. They also offer Italian deli sandwiches and pastries.
- Website: http://alponte.nl/
- Address Pontplein, 1 1021HH – Amsterdam
5. Lot Sixty One:
It’s a favourite place to work for tech professionals thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of power outlets. The cafe roasts its own beans in-house, providing high-quality, fresh coffee. Aside from delicious coffee, they also offer homemade baked goods.
- Website: https://lot61.com/
- Address: Kinkerstraat 112, 1053 ED Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. The Hoxton:
While not a traditional café, The Hoxton offers a spacious lounge area in which locals and guests alike find a comfortable spot to work or hold meetings. Known for its stylish interior design and relaxing ambiance, The Hoxton attracts a professional crowd, including individuals from the tech industry. They offer a wide range of beverages from coffees to cocktails, and they serve food throughout the day ranging from breakfast options to late-night snacks.
- Website: https://thehoxton.com/amsterdam/
- Address: Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Back to Black:
Known for its inviting and cozy atmosphere, Back to Black is a coffee shop adored by locals and commuters alike. The quiet corners of this café provide the perfect spots for tech workers looking for a peaceful environment to focus on their work. They roast their coffee beans on-site and bake their own cakes, ensuring a fresh, quality taste. In addition to coffee, they serve tea, homemade lemonades, and a variety of baked goods, from healthy snacks to indulgent treats.
- Website: https://backtoblackcoffee.nl/en/
- Address: Weteringstraat 48, 1017 SP Amsterdam, Netherlands
8. Caffè il Momento:
This cafe is a hidden gem located in Amsterdam’s Centrum. A calm and casual spot with fast WiFi and an extensive seating area, Caffè il Momento offers a great environment conducive to brainstorming sessions, or simply for focusing on individual tasks. Alongside their coffee, they offer a wide range of cakes, sandwiches and salads made from locally sourced ingredients. Given its comfort and tranquillity, tech professionals congregate here to work or hold informal meetings.
- Website: https://www.caffeilmomento.nl/
- Address: Singel 180, 1015 AJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
9. Espressofabriek:
Housed in the Westergasfabriek, Espressofabriek is surrounded by creative start-ups and tech companies, becoming a popular spot for professionals in those fields. They pride themselves on their hand-roasted premium coffee beans to ensure the highest quality beverage. With free WiFi and a vibey, hub-like environment, it’s conducive to collaborative work or hosting casual business meetings. Apart from aromatic coffee, they offer delicious locally sourced pastries and sandwiches.
- Website: https://espressofabriek.nl/
- Address: Pazzanistraat 39, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Café De Jaren:
Famed for its stunning canal views and airy, spacious interiors, Café De Jaren is an ideal location for freelancers and tech professionals alike. With an abundance of seating and reliable WiFi, it’s a fitting place for both solo and group work. Café De Jaren offers an extensive menu, serving breakfast through to dinner, with a wide selection of beverages and a pastry cabinet filled with treats. Its position, sandwiched between the University of Amsterdam and the city’s commercial hub, makes it a common meeting place for professionals and academics.
- Website: https://cafedejaren.nl/#lb-Cafedejaren-popup-nl
- Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, 1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Insider Tips for Networking in Amsterdam’s Tech Cafes
Networking in Amsterdam’s cafes, particularly within the tech scene, can be an enriching experience. Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of it:
- Do Your Homework: Understand the tech scene in Amsterdam – who the major players are, what startups are creating buzz, and the latest tech news. This research can help you feel grounded and provide conversation starters.
- Choose the Right Spot: Go to cafes where tech people flock. The cafes I mentioned earlier, like Lot Sixty One or Café De Jaren, are known to be popular among tech professionals.
- Timing is Key: Visit these cafes at the right time. Early mornings or late afternoons can be ideal, as these are typically times when people take a break from work and might be more open to conversation.
- Be Approachable and Open: Maintain a friendly demeanor, have an approachable body language, and be open to conversations; this makes it more likely that people will want to interact with you.
- Listen Actively: If you start a conversation, listen actively. Showing genuine interest in what the other person has to say can make them feel valued and increase your chances of having a productive conversation.
- Find Common Interests: Identify shared interests that could help foster a more significant connection. It could be anything from a shared hobby to similar tech interests.
- Use a Soft Approach: If you’re aiming to work or have a meeting, be considerate about the space you occupy. Start with a soft approach like, “Is this seat taken?” or “Would you mind if I share this table with you?”
- Know When To Talk Business: Once you’ve started a conversation and established a rapport, you can steer it towards professional topics subtly. However, always be respectful and avoid coming off as forceful or sales-orientated.
- Follow-up Is Important: If you’ve had a good interaction, do a follow-up through LinkedIn or email. This can help you solidify that connection and keep you in mind for future opportunities.
The goal is to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. Be genuine, show interest in others, and never underestimate the power of a good conversation over a cup of coffee!
Navigating Amsterdam’s tech scene can be as enriching as it is exciting. So embark on a tech café tour to get a real feel for the energy and inspiration that define Amsterdam’s tech community!
Remember, immersing yourself in the local tech scene is not just about expanding your professional circles but also about exchanging knowledge, sharing ideas, and finding new ways to innovate. Enjoy discovering tech in Amsterdam!
