CAFE DE SLUYSWACHT

A charming cafe in a crooked historic lockhouse built in 1695.

This charming cafe is located in the historic Sluyswachterhuisje (lockhouse) on Sint Antoniessluis. The building was constructed in 1695 as the home of the person who operated and managed the lock controlling the canal water levels from the Amstel to the IJ. These locks also prevented enemy ships from entering the city limits.

If you haven’t been yet, be sure to visit the Rembrandthuis museum across the street. This 17th century house was the home and office of Rembrandt, and you can get a great feel for life back then by climbing the steep staircases and seeing the kitchen, studios, and furnishings. The museum also houses a collection of Rembrandt’s drawings and etchings. Cafe de Sluyswacht is a great place to have a drink after the museum, and you can see it from the windows of Rembrandt’s former house, although the Sluyswacht structure was built quite a few years after his death.

This monument has survived the test of time and has been a cafe for the last 20 years or so. The inside was restored but somehow also looks like it has not changed in hundreds of years. The terrace outside is a wonderful place to sit with a beer and bitterballen and enjoy the evening rays in the summertime. On a wintery day sit inside by the windows upstairs and look out over the cold canals with a hot cocoa in hand.