One time on the Dam

Did you know that you can go in 2 minutes from standing in a crowd of tourists in the middle of Dam square to enjoying a drink with just the locals in the center of Amsterdam? Just follow this advice. Brakke Grond is our favorite Belgian cafe/restaurant just a block off Dam square. Even closer is Wynand Fockink, a classic bar and liqueur distillery. Just behind and to the side from the King's castle is Schuim, a long standing but still trendy place for a drink or an inexpensive lunch. And then there is the brand new W Amsterdam hotel with a top floor lounge with a view.
Its crazy what you will find by not following the crowd.