Best Afternoon Tea in Amsterdam: Classic, Luxury and Unusual
Tiered stands, scones, and tea service rise above the canals—from €39 hotel teas to vegan stands and private boat cruises.
Amsterdam has quietly become a quiet afternoon tea capital, a place where canal houses and five-star hotels have learned the English rite with Dutch flair. The scene here differs from London: the settings tend toward intimate over grand, and the themes—botanical, artistic, floral—work a Dutch sensibility into what should be timeless. This guide compares the city's afternoon tea across price, views, dietary options, and how far ahead you'll need to book. Some demand a reservation two weeks prior; others you can ring the morning before. The best ones change their menus seasonally, so each visit feels like a small surprise.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Herengracht 542-556, Grachtengordel · Luxury hotel, Belgian afternoon tea with seasonal themes · €90–€100, Wed–Sun, book ahead
Widely considered the best afternoon tea in the city, this one truly makes an afternoon feel special. Each season brings a new theme, and the Botanical Afternoon Tea combines freshly prepared delicacies with Pol Roger Champagne and TWG teas. The non-alcoholic version costs €90 per guest, while the Champagne version is €100. It feels like an escape into old-world elegance, with views over the hotel's tranquil garden. Book well ahead, especially weekends.
Sofitel Legend The Grand
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, Red Light District · Five-star hotel, floral-themed traditional afternoon tea · €60–€75, Thu–Sun 15:00, reserve ahead
The Floral Afternoon Tea runs Thursday to Sunday from 15:00 in Library 'Or' for €60 per person, €75 with Henriot champagne. Inspired by blooming flowers, the Grand's pâtissiers, guided by tea sommelier Cecilia Tjing, craft an enchanting selection of sweet and savory delights, each telling a story of nature's beauty. Afternoon tea here is worth getting dressed up for, served in an award-winning restaurant or in winter in a tranquil courtyard garden.
Hotel de L'Europe
New Doelenstraat 2, Centrum · Luxury hotel overlooking Amstel River, Dutch-themed afternoon tea · Starting €35, daily, seasonal themes
At Hotel de L'Europe you can enjoy an extensive Amsterdam afternoon tea with views over the Amstel, and in good weather from the terrace. The limited-edition Sisters Janssen Afternoon Tea is a contemporary interpretation where timeless tradition meets refined Dutch creativity, with bespoke iced teas, artistic ice cubes, handcrafted pastries and playful reinterpretations of classic favourites, celebrating Amsterdam's vibrant creative community. The theme changes a few times a year but always maintains a unique link to the city.
Grand Café Krasnapolsky
Dam Square, Centrum · Historic café with dam views, multiple afternoon tea tiers · €59–€79, daily, view of Dam Square
The traditional Afternoon Tea offers two rounds of delicious bites—savoury chef's bites, appetisers, finger foods and traditional homemade scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd, plus pastries from their Cake Room—for €59 including unlimited coffee and tea. The luxurious Imperial Afternoon Tea costs €79 per person. You'll have the best view of Dam Square.
The College Hotel
Roelof Hartstraat 1, Oud-Zuid · Boutique hotel, bright airy bar lounge · €39, daily 12:00–15:00, book ahead
At the College Hotel's bright, airy bar/lounge area, high tea comes generously stacked on brass platters with large pots of jasmine tea. The top layer features savoury finger food like warm cheese pastries and cucumber pinwheels; the midway point has smoked salmon sandwiches and avocado toasts; the bottom layer holds miniature eclairs, macarons, tompouce and doughnuts. Given the hotel's elegant status and culinary cachet, €39 per person is surprisingly reasonable.
LuminAir Amsterdam
Oosterdoksstraat 4, 11th floor DoubleTree by Hilton, Central Station · Rooftop bar, afternoon tea in the clouds · €49, Thu–Sat 13:00–17:00, reserve ahead
LuminAir offers Afternoon Tea in the Clouds every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 13:00 to 17:00, featuring a welcome cocktail, starter, afternoon tea étagère, treats from the bonbon and lollipop cart, and unlimited tea. The price is €49 per person. The 11th-floor setting gives you Amsterdam's span without leaving the city center.
Koffie ende Koeck
Haarlemmerweg 175, Westerpark · Fully vegan café with outdoor seating · Pricing by arrangement, Wed–Sun, book 1–2 weeks ahead
Koffie ende Koeck, near Westerpark, was among the first to introduce vegan high tea to Amsterdam, with a towering cake stand of signature cakes baked onsite, pastries and sandwiches—all vegan and delicious—along with unlimited cups of tea. High tea is available on request with reservation only; email contact@koffieendekoeck.nl. It requires a reservation but is a celebration of sweet and savory vegan treats crafted with heartfelt care. This is the rare find for dietary restriction without sacrifice.
De Drie Graefjes
Rokin 128, Centrum · Independent café in historic 17th-century building · €32.50, daily, walk-ins welcome
From Monday to Sunday, they offer Amsterdam's most delectable homemade high tea for €32.50. It sits in three tiny connected buildings with a genuine Amsterdam character. The price is €32.50 per person. No advance booking required—if you want affordable afternoon tea without the hotel gloss, this is where locals know to go.
Amsterdam Private Boat Afternoon Tea
Oosterdoksplein, near Central Station · Private luxury saloon boat on canals, floating afternoon tea · €430 boat + €30 tea pp, daily by arrangement
Book a luxury high tea canal cruise starting from €430 plus €30 high tea per person. This floating afternoon tea on historic luxury boats Undine, Tzar or Ritz is a must-try for luxury Amsterdam sights. The captain, who also serves as your tour guide, will explain the most interesting facts about Amsterdam and its history. For something completely different—combine the tradition with the canals.
De Bakkerswinkel
Multiple locations: Warmoesstraat 69, Roelof Hartstraat 68, Centrum · Beloved local bakery with high tea options · €16.50–€21.75, Mon–Sun (hours vary), reserve ahead
With several locations in Amsterdam, De Bakkerswinkel is a favourite among locals, offering high tea with sandwiches, scones, cakes, tarts and sweets baked on site by bakers and pâtissiers. Bakery Sweets Tea costs €16.50 per person; Old Bakery High Tea costs €21.75 per person. Reservations are phone-only via 020-662 35 94; on weekends, reservations only from 14:30. Casual and affordable, perfect for smaller groups.
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