Posted on: januari 5, 2025

VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren in Amsterdam

VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren in Amsterdam Red Light District is a unique pub that was once a VOC trading company. The VOC, short for Dutch East India Company, was a remarkable venture in its day. Founded in 1602 and based in Amsterdam, it was the first globally-operating business from Europe. The VOC created the concept of stock exchange as we know it today by developing the earliest modern model of joint-stock company trading. Fueled by the immense wealth of resources available in the Dutch colonies, VOC drastically increased global trade flows and accumulated impressive amounts of economic power and influence. As time progressed over three centuries, VOC slowly declined until its official dissolution on the 31 December 1799. Although VOC eventually lost its footing, its presence remains a notable symbol of Dutch entrepreneurship and creativity.

VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren has many VOC artifacts on display, as well as a full menu of both Dutch and Indonesian food.

The VOC was instrumental in introducing foods like coffee and chocolate to Europe, and so these are also specialties at VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren. The cafe is a great place to learn about Dutch history and sample some delicious food.

Because of its location in the Red Light District, VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren is also a popular spot for people watching. The cafe has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

View of Amsterdam and the Schreierstoren painted by Cornelis Christiaan Dommersen (1842-1929).

This cafe is located just in opposite of Central Station in Amsterdam. It’s a perfect place to have your first or last drink during your visit to Amsterdam. The Schreierstoren (translated: Schreiers Tower) is one of the oldest buildings of Amsterdam. It was build in 1487 as a defensive wall, which used to be part of Amsterdam’s city wall.

This is what the entrance of Amsterdam looked like in 1870.

The painting above was made before Amsterdam’s Central Station was build. There used to be a harbor on the spot where central station is right now. The central station in Amsterdam was build between 1881 and 1889. It was designed by P.J.H. Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

This is how the entrance of Amsterdam and the Schreierstoren looked like in 1900.

Amsterdam’s Schreiers tower in 1917.

If you would compare the painting with the picture above, you can see that the Schreiers Tower hasn’t changed much.

Voordelen

We would definitely recommend you to go to VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren. We’ve listed some reasons to go here:

• It’s 1 minute away from Central Station.
• It sits on a corner, great view!
• One of the oldest buildings of Amsterdam.
• VOC Cafe De Schreierstoren serves delicious Dutch treats, like beers and snacks. Ask for some “bitterballen” or “jenever“.
• Affordable.
• This cafe has a terrace.
• Friendly personal.
• Usually not too crowded.

The interior of VOC Cafe de Scheierstoren has that beautiful vintage look. 

This beautiful cafe is located just next to the Red Light District and Nieuwmarkt Square. It’s really easy to get here, just ask the bartender for directions.

Go sit on the terrace of VOC Cafe de Schreierstoren, order some (local) drinks and enjoy the good life!

Just around the corner you can find coffeeshop Voyagers and Lebanese restaurant Dabka.