Café The Flying Dutchman is a casual sports bar at Martelaarsgracht 13HS, 1012 TN Amsterdam, in the Nieuwe Zijde area of the historic center, a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal. Its identity is straightforward: televised sport, beer, darts, and pool rather than specialty coffee or elaborate dining. Travelers come for a game, an informal drink between sightseeing stops, or a late finish within easy reach of the station.
What to Expect at Café The Flying Dutchman
Think of this as a neighborhood-style drinking stop on a busy central-city approach, not a destination restaurant. Football, rugby, and American football are part of its sports-bar identity, while darts and pool give groups something to do beyond watching a screen. For a particular fixture, telephone ahead to ask whether it will be shown and whether commentary will be audible; simultaneous matches can complicate viewing plans.
Beer is the main draw at the bar, but do not build a visit around a particular brewery, cocktail, or food menu without checking first. The atmosphere suits casual drinks and sociable games more than a quiet conversation over dinner. Eat beforehand along nearby Haarlemmerstraat if you want a full meal. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and alcohol-free choices should be discussed directly with staff, particularly when dietary restrictions involve cross-contact.
- Live sport: A central Amsterdam setting for watching football and other major sporting events.
- Pool: An alternative to screen-watching; ask staff about availability, house rules, and charges.
- Darts: A sociable option for a small group taking a break from sightseeing.
- Beer-led drinks: The emphasis is on informal bar drinking rather than a tasting-menu experience.
- Late opening: Closing extends to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, with earlier finishes on other nights.
Café The Flying Dutchman at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Martelaarsgracht 13HS, 1012 TN Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Nieuwe Zijde, Centrum; near Amsterdam Centraal |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday: noon–3am; Friday–Saturday: noon–4am; Sunday: noon–3am |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; drinks purchased individually. Ask about any event-entry or games charges. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours; longer for a full match |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Amsterdam Centraal: trains and metro 51, 52, 53, and 54; Q-Park Amsterdam Centraal beneath Oosterdok |
| Official Website & Phone | Telephone contact for venue details: +31 6 15488508 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive shortly after the noon opening for a daytime drink, or well before kickoff when a major match is your priority. Call about group seating, reservations, current prices, and accepted payment methods rather than assuming a table or a particular payment option. From Centraal’s city-center exits, walk toward the western side of Stationsplein and Martelaarsgracht; allow roughly five minutes. Check the official GVB journey planner for service changes and last departures. Driving adds garage costs and central-city traffic; the Oosterdok garage is roughly a 15-minute walk away.
Martelaarsgracht is a busy urban street with crossings, bicycles, and potentially uneven paving. Wheelchair users and anyone requiring step-free access should telephone specifically about the entrance threshold, circulation around the games area, and toilet access before traveling. Combine the bar with Beurs van Berlage, the monumental brick former stock exchange about five minutes away, or the medieval Oude Kerk, approximately ten minutes away. Haarlemmerstraat’s independent shops and food stops begin around five minutes west; these make an easy daytime pairing before settling in for sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
The bar opens daily at noon, closing at 3am Sunday through Thursday and 4am Friday and Saturday. Choose early afternoon for a daytime stop, or arrive ahead of a scheduled match to organize seating and drinks.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
Expect a midrange, $$ drinking stop, with the bill determined by your drinks and any games charges. Telephone for current prices and ask about reservations for groups or major sporting fixtures.
How much time should I allow?
Allow one to two hours for drinks and a game of pool or darts. For football, budget at least two hours around kickoff, allowing additional time for ordering, halftime, and any extra time.
Is it suitable for families or visitors with mobility needs?
This is primarily a drinking and sports venue, especially late at night; ask about admission arrangements before bringing children. Alcohol purchases require age 18 or over in the Netherlands, and visitors needing accessible facilities should confirm entrance and toilet arrangements directly.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or comparing verified nightlife and cafe in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sluishuis, KTV Bar, Café CENC, and Sweet bakery (nearby).
