Back to Black
Weteringstraat 48, 1017 RN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening Hours:
Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
Monday: 08:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 08:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 08:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 08:00 – 18:00
Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Nestled on a charming corner right by the canal and close to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Back to Black is a vibrant specialty coffee shop founded by longtime childhood friends Noortje Vlutters and Inge Bulthuis. Inspired by Amy Winehouse's iconic song, the café offers a warm, welcoming, and youth-focused atmosphere that captures the authentic local café culture of Amsterdam.
The café is renowned for its exceptional house-roasted coffee, featuring eco-friendly, sustainably sourced beans. They serve everything from smooth lattes and Flat Whites to balanced, light-roast pour-over coffees and refreshing herbal or cold brew teas. Alongside their coffee, they are famous for their generous slices of apple pie served with rich whipped cream, as well as carrot cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and fresh pastries.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
Located in the picturesque Weteringbuurt neighborhood near Amsterdam's famous canal ring, Back to Black is ideally situated for museum hopping and scenic walks:
Rijksmuseum (4-minute walk): Located just around the corner, the Netherlands' national museum houses an extraordinary collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Van Gogh Museum (6-minute walk): A short stroll across the Museumplein brings you to the world's largest collection of paintings, drawings, and letters by Vincent van Gogh.
Museumplein & Stedelijk Museum (5-minute walk): The sprawling cultural plaza that hosts the city's major art institutions alongside open-air lawns, reflection pools, and modern art exhibitions.
Vondelpark (10-minute walk): Amsterdam's largest and most famous city park, featuring winding paths, shaded groves, open-air theaters, and charming cafes—perfect for a relaxing stroll after your coffee.
The Canal Ring / Prinsengracht (2-minute walk): Step right outside onto the historic canal banks to admire the iconic 17th-century merchant houses and picturesque bridges.
Visitor Tips
No Laptops Allowed: Selected seating areas feature "no laptop" policies to encourage guests to enjoy the present moment, chat, and take in the canal views.
Expect a Crowd: Due to its popularity, central location, and compact size, the café can get very busy, and finding a table often requires patience.
Pet & LGBTQ+ Friendly: The café is welcoming to pets—frequently featuring friendly resident cats—and proudly displays a rainbow flag, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Payment Methods: Cash and card payments are accepted, but Alipay and WeChat Pay are not supported.