Step into Amsterdam’s Oldest Pub 

Since 1606, Café Karpershoek has stood as a beacon of Amsterdam’s history, starting its journey as a guest house for the Dutch East India Company’s sailors. Over four centuries later, it remains an authentic slice of the city, cherished by locals and travelers alike. Here, you’ll find the warm camaraderie of a traditional Amsterdam pub, the lively clink of Heineken glasses, and a legacy steeped in stories.

While the harbor that once bustled with VOC ships has long vanished, Café Karpershoek has held steadfast to its roots. Its walls are a tapestry of old Dutch wisdom, carved wood details, and an eclectic array of paintings and photographs that whisper tales of yesteryear.

Café Karpershoek offers a rare kind of charm: a space where conversation thrives. Unlike modern pubs blaring music, this is a ‘talk café’—perfect for exchanging stories with regulars or soaking in the no-frills authenticity of Amsterdam. Pull up a stool at the bar, where you’ll likely be served by a friendly face who’s poured drinks here for decades. If you’re curious about the pub’s rich history, just ask—there’s always a tale waiting to be told.

Step outside, and the lively city surrounds you. The café’s terrace is an ideal spot to watch Amsterdam’s daily dance of bicycles, trams, and bustling pedestrians along the Martelaarsgracht and Prins Hendrikkade. These streets, steeped in history themselves, hint at darker times when justice was meted out at the now-filled-in Martelaarsgracht, once known as the “Martyr’s Canal.”

Whether you’re enjoying a drink, a hearty snack, or simply the timeless atmosphere, Café Karpershoek is a place where the past and present meet—a true Amsterdam treasure, waiting to share its stories with you.