Updated 22nd March 2025
Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals and liberal culture, has long been a magnet for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. We’ve curated a selection of Amsterdam’s best laptop-friendly work cafes and other popular spots where you can rock up with your laptop, soak up good vibes and get some work done!
In Amsterdam, as with many popular nomad destinations, it’s getting increasingly difficult to find cafes to work from without paying a daily or hourly fee.
Our guide is focused on cafes and other places where it’s possible to take your laptop and work for a while in exchange for buying food and drinks or even for free if you’re really strapped for cash!
Want to learn about Amsterdam as a digital nomad destination and what to do when you are here? Read on …
Amsterdam is a thriving digital nomad destination and startup hub
Amsterdam has earned its place as one of Europe’s premier destinations for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
With a thriving startup ecosystem, a highly international culture, and a progressive, business-friendly environment, Amsterdam competes head-on with cities like London, Berlin, and Madrid as a hub for innovation.
However, while Amsterdam boasts many advantages, it also comes with challenges such as high housing costs.
Let’s explore what makes the Dutch capital a standout destination for digital nomads and startups.
Amsterdam offers a strong international and business-friendly culture
Amsterdam has long been known for its openness to international talent. With English widely spoken, navigating daily life and conducting business is effortless for expatriates.
The Netherlands consistently ranks high on the EF English Proficiency Index, making it an attractive location for professionals who don’t speak Dutch.
Amsterdam is home to an array of multinational corporations, tech companies, and startups, benefiting from a strong digital infrastructure and a highly supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Amsterdam’s liberal and progressive culture is also a major draw for digital nomads.
The Dutch are known for their direct and open-minded approach to business, fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive.
Things to do in Amsterdam for digital nomads: From popular attractions to the slightly unusual
While Amsterdam is well known for its iconic canals, historic museums, and cycling culture, the city also offers plenty of unique experiences for digital nomads looking to unwind and explore after a busy day of working on their laptops in cool and stylish Amsterdam cafes.
Popular attractions in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum – Must-visit museums showcasing Dutch Golden Age paintings and Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
Anne Frank House – A poignant historical site telling the story of Anne Frank and World War II.
Jordaan District – A charming neighbourhood filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Vondelpark – The perfect place to relax, jog, or picnic in the heart of the city.
Canal Cruises – Explore the city’s iconic waterways from a boat.
Unusual and lesser-known experiences in Amsterdam
A’DAM Lookout Swing – Swing over the edge of a skyscraper for an adrenaline rush and a spectacular city view. If that sounds too much there is also a panoramic bar/restaurant where you can enjoy great views of the city without the rush!
Electric Ladyland – Museum of Fluorescent Art – A one-of-a-kind museum showcasing glowing, luminescent artworks.
De Ceuvel – A sustainable urban oasis with floating offices, innovative architecture, and eco-conscious businesses.
NDSM Wharf – A former shipyard turned into a creative hub with street art, festivals, and quirky bars.
Micropia – The world’s only museum dedicated to microbes, offering a fascinating look at microscopic life.
Catboat (De Poezenboot) – A floating cat sanctuary where you can meet and adopt rescue cats while floating on a canal. If you are a cat lover or animal lover in general it’s a nice place to go spend some time with cats looking for a home and some loving. It’s free to enter but donations are welcome

An overview of Amsterdam’s districts. You can click on the district names to take you directly to laptop-friendly cafes in the district
Centrum (City Center) – The historic heart, home to iconic sites like Dam Square and the Anne Frank House. Bustling with activity, it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Jordaan – Known for its narrow streets and artistic heritage, this district offers indie boutiques, cosy cafes, and art galleries.
De Pijp – A multicultural neighbourhood famed for the Albert Cuyp Market, diverse eateries, and a lively atmosphere.
Oud-West – A blend of residential charm and trendy spots, featuring the Foodhallen—a hotspot for diverse culinary delights.
Amsterdam Oost (East) is known for its cultural diversity, green spaces, and trendy hotspots. It features the historic Indische Buurt, the lively Dappermarkt, and the scenic Oosterpark. Oost blends old and new, offering hip cafés, multicultural eateries, and modern architecture alongside historic charm, making it a great area to explore, work in and hang out.
Amsterdam-Noord – Accessible via a short ferry ride, this up-and-coming area boasts creative spaces, modern architecture, and the EYE Film Museum.
Zuid (South) – An upscale district housing the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark, and high-end shopping streets.
Where to work remotely when you are in Amsterdam
Once you are in Amsterdam you’ll need nice places to work, we’ve put together our list of the best laptop-friendly cafes, coffee shops, hotels and libraries where you can turn up with your laptop and get some work done.
As always, do keep in mind that our guides are not about the best cafes but rather the best laptop-friendly cafes. Ideally we try to find great cafes that are also laptop-friendly but mainly our goal is to help our readers find nice places they can go with their laptops to work.