De Waag Amsterdam
Dine in a 15th-century Amsterdam city gate, illuminated by hundreds of candles for a magical, historic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Romantic candlelight ambiance
De Waag Amsterdam
Best Time
Romantic candlelight ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a 15th-century Amsterdam city gate, illuminated by hundreds of candles for a magical, historic experience.
"Dinner by 300 candles inside a 15th-century gate, truly magical!"
🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot in this popular historic restaurant.
🕯️ Romantic Setting
Experience the unique ambiance with hundreds of candles creating a magical dining atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ambiance
Inside the building
Dine within a 15th-century former city gate, illuminated by hundreds of candles for a truly magical experience.
Nieuwmarkt Location
Nieuwmarkt Square
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Nieuwmarkt square, with the option to sit outside by the canal.
Sharing Plates
Restaurant Menu
Savor delicious sharing plates and traditional meals, perfect for a communal dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Time
Embrace the Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot in this popular historic restaurant.
🕯️ Romantic Setting
Experience the unique ambiance with hundreds of candles creating a magical dining atmosphere.
🌳 Outdoor Seating
Enjoy canal-side dining on the terrace during warmer months for a lovely al fresco experience.
🍽️ Dietary Needs
Inform staff about allergies or dietary restrictions; while they try to accommodate, options may be limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot in this popular historic restaurant.
🕯️ Romantic Setting
Experience the unique ambiance with hundreds of candles creating a magical dining atmosphere.
🌳 Outdoor Seating
Enjoy canal-side dining on the terrace during warmer months for a lovely al fresco experience.
🍽️ Dietary Needs
Inform staff about allergies or dietary restrictions; while they try to accommodate, options may be limited.
🚶 Explore Nieuwmarkt
The restaurant is located in the vibrant Nieuwmarkt square, perfect for exploring before or after your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
De Waag offers a truly unique dining experience within a historic 15th-century building, praised for its romantic candlelight ambiance and canal-side seating. While the food is generally considered delicious, with standout sharing plates, some diners have noted slow service and limited accommodation for specific dietary needs.
"I was here for a post thesis dinner with my classmates, supervisors, and alumni. We had a 5 course walking dinner where we stand/sit and mingle while the waitresses bring the food to us or put them in the table so we can just grab and talk.
It was a brilliant concept.
The interior of the restaurant was interesting, the staff were friendly and helpful. They warned me about the gelatine in the dessert so I don’t eat it (I can’t eat pork). For change I asked them for other dishes and they offered me an ice cream"
Ayu Pravindias
"We tried waag lemonade I really enjoyed it(a bit sweet)
We also had the nachos, which were tasty too.
We sat outside by the canal, and the atmosphere was lovely.
Then we went inside and I was honestly amazed — the place is so big, I almost got lost!
I’m definitely coming back here for dinner sometime, I’m really curious to see what it’s like in the evening."
Hümeyra Karslı
"Lovely restaurant with nice ambiance. Food was good but too much wait time for food service. Staff were busy and less attentive."
Santosh Patra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Waag is centrally located in Amsterdam on Nieuwmarkt square. You can easily reach it by public transport, including trams and metro lines that stop near Nieuwmarkt station. Walking from Centraal Station is also a pleasant option, taking about 15-20 minutes.
Driving in central Amsterdam can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi. If you do drive, look for parking garages near Nieuwmarkt.
The Nieuwmarkt area is well-served by public transport. Tram lines 4, 14, and 24 stop nearby, and the Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 have a station at Nieuwmarkt.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are bike racks available in the vicinity of Nieuwmarkt, but be aware that they can get busy.
De Waag is situated in the heart of Amsterdam, close to attractions like the Red Light District, the Jewish Cultural Quarter, and various museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
De Waag is a restaurant and cafe, so no tickets are required for entry. However, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure a table.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
As it's a functioning restaurant and cafe, there is no separate entrance fee to enter De Waag. You pay for your food and drinks.
While primarily a dining establishment, you might be able to pop in for a drink at the bar, but it's advisable to check with the staff, especially during busy periods.
For dinner, especially on weekends or during peak season, booking several days or even weeks in advance is advisable to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
De Waag offers traditional Dutch meals, sharing plates, and desserts. They are known for their flavorful dishes and generous portions.
While specific menus can change, they typically offer a range of dishes. It's best to inquire directly about vegetarian or vegan options when booking or upon arrival.
Reviewers often praise dishes like the salad, steak tartare, and their signature 'Waag lemonade'. Sharing plates are also a popular choice.
Absolutely! The historic interior, often lit by hundreds of candles, creates a very romantic and intimate atmosphere, making it a popular choice for date nights.
De Waag is considered mid-range to slightly upscale, reflecting its historic location and quality of food. Expect to pay around €20-€30 for a main course.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, De Waag is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. The historic architecture, candlelight, and canal views offer numerous photo opportunities.
For atmospheric shots, evenings when the candles are lit are spectacular. During the day, the exterior and the surrounding Nieuwmarkt square are great for capturing the historic setting.
Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos, especially to capture the unique ambiance. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography.
The front of the building with its distinctive architecture, the canal views from the terrace, and the candlelit interior are all prime photo locations.
Low-light photography, romantic portraits, and architectural shots work exceptionally well here due to the unique lighting and historic setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that the dining experience, especially in the evening, is quite formal and focused on ambiance. For younger children, consider visiting during lunch hours when it might be more relaxed. Be sure to inquire about kid-friendly menu options or if they can adapt dishes for children's preferences.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Booking a table in advance is crucial to secure the best spots, especially for an evening meal. Enjoying a leisurely dinner here, surrounded by history and soft candlelight, is sure to create lasting memories.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Over the centuries, De Waag has served various purposes, including housing a fire watch, a museum, and even a laboratory. Its transformation into a restaurant and cafe has preserved its historical charm while making it accessible to the public. The building's enduring presence in the heart of Nieuwmarkt square makes it a constant reminder of Amsterdam's rich past.
Interestingly, the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn is said to have created his groundbreaking painting, 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp,' at the age of 26, which was a significant step in his career. This connection further solidifies De Waag's place in Amsterdam's cultural heritage. Visiting De Waag is not just about dining; it's an immersive experience into the city's historical narrative.
The Ambiance: Candlelight and Romance
Whether you're seated inside the grand hall or on the terrace overlooking the canal, the candlelight creates a magical backdrop for your meal. The atmosphere is often described as cozy, charming, and unforgettable. It’s this distinctive blend of history and romantic lighting that sets De Waag apart from other dining establishments in Amsterdam.
Many visitors highlight the candlelight dinner as a highlight of their Amsterdam trip, noting how it elevates the entire dining experience. It’s an ideal spot if you're looking for a memorable evening meal that combines delicious food with an extraordinary setting.
Navigating Dietary Needs
It's advisable to discuss your specific needs when making a reservation or as soon as you are seated. The staff are generally friendly and helpful, and they will do their best to guide you through the menu or suggest suitable options. Some dishes, like the nachos and lemonade, have been positively reviewed, and the staff's willingness to warn about ingredients like gelatin shows attentiveness.
For those with strict dietary requirements, it might be beneficial to review the menu online beforehand or call ahead to confirm available options. This proactive approach can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable dining experience at this historic Amsterdam gem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit