Café Het Papeneiland is one of the oldest establishments in the city, dating back to 1642! This corner building is perhaps one of the most recognizable in Amsterdam. The building has been depicted in numerous paintings, drawings, and postcards.
The view of the corner building between Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht and Brewers’ Canal is perhaps one of the most recognizable in Amsterdam. The building has been featured in countless paintings, drawings, and postcards. This is the café Het Papeneiland, one of the oldest establishments in the city, having opened in 1642!
A Catholic church once stood on this very spot, but when Catholicism was officially banned in the Netherlands in the mid-16th century, the old church was ultimately demolished, and a new building was erected on this very spot. Even the old escape route from the former Catholic church remains inside.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
The building looks stunning not only from the outside, but also from the inside. You can try Dutch draft beer here, and this establishment also makes the most delicious apple pies in the city, as even former US President Bill Clinton has confirmed! Yes, in late May 2011, former US President Bill Clinton even visited here, ordering a cappuccino and a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie. He enjoyed the pie so much that, rumor has it, he even took a whole slice home with him. A month later, the owner of the establishment received a letter from the former president, expressing gratitude for “such delicious apple pies.”
Today, it’s an extremely popular spot among Amsterdammers, offering a beautiful, tranquil, and delicious atmosphere.
