Description
Ah, Hummingbird Amsterdam. What a gem! This cozy little coffee shop sits in the Jordaan, one of my favorite parts of the city. I’ve been more times than I can count, and it still doesn’t disappoint.
The moment you step inside, you get a hit of freshly roasted coffee. It’s a warm hug for your nostrils, honestly. The interior balances minimalist style with a homey feel: sleek wooden counters, exposed brick walls and green plants dotted around the room.
It’s the sort of place where you can lose track of time over a well-made flat white, watching the street through the big windows. And the coffee is the real star. Hummingbird takes it seriously, sourcing beans from roasters around the world, including the well-known Onyx Coffee Lab.
There’s a rotating selection of single-origin coffees, plus a small but lovely range of pastries and light bites if you’re peckish. They also care about sustainability, from reducing waste to supporting ethical coffee production. It feels good to enjoy your caffeine fix somewhere that’s trying to do its bit.
Key Features
Key features and highlights include:
- Top-notch coffee: The team knows their coffee. They offer a great selection of single-origin brews, including my personal favorite, the Ethiopia Kelloo Siko. Its floral notes are lovely, almost like sipping liquid sunshine.
- Cozy atmosphere: The vibe here is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s a lovely spot to curl up with a book, catch up with a friend or get some work done. And those big windows bring in plenty of natural light.
- Friendly staff: The baristas are always ready with a smile and a recommendation. They really know their coffee, too, so don’t hesitate to ask what they’d order.
- Sustainability focus: Hummingbird takes an eco-conscious approach. They use biodegradable cups, encourage customers to bring reusable containers and even sell their coffee grounds as compost. Mother Earth approves!
- Location, location, location: You’re right in the Jordaan, a great part of Amsterdam to explore on foot. It makes an easy starting point for a day around the city.
They also sell bags of coffee to take home, which makes it easy to keep the Hummingbird habit going in your own kitchen. Your future self might thank you.
Best Time to Visit
There’s no bad time to visit Hummingbird Amsterdam, but a few little timing tips can help. If you’re an early bird (or just jet-lagged), stop by when they open at 8 AM.
It’s lovely being one of the first customers of the day, watching the city wake up over a morning coffee. You’ll also beat the rush and get your pick of the freshly baked pastries. Mmm, still warm from the oven…
If you prefer a slower start, mid-morning works well. The first rush has eased, but there’s still a nice brunch crowd for people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
For a quieter visit, try late afternoon, between the lunch crowd and the after-work rush. You might even snag one of the window seats.
Amsterdam’s lovely year-round, though I especially like visiting Hummingbird in the fall. Sip a seasonal spiced latte and watch the leaves change color in nearby Westerpark. Pure bliss.
Still, don’t let the weather put you off. Even on a grey, drizzly Amsterdam day, Hummingbird makes a cozy spot to duck into and warm up with a hot coffee.
How to Get There
Getting to Hummingbird Amsterdam is easy, which is good news when you’re heading out for a caffeine fix.
It’s at Westerstraat 236 in the Jordaan, a fairly central spot with a few good ways to get there.
If you’re staying in the center, do as the locals do and hop on a bike. Amsterdam’s made for cycling, and it’s a lovely way to zip through the streets. Just bring a sturdy lock. Bike theft is no joke here.
Not feeling the two-wheel thing? Public transport is easy, too. Take tram 3 or bus 18 and get off at Marnixplein. From there, it’s a short walk to the café.
You can also walk. The Jordaan’s a lovely neighborhood to explore on foot, with canal houses and quirky little shops along the way. You might even work up an appetite for a pastry.
Coming from further afield, such as Schiphol Airport? Take the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then catch a tram or bus from there.
One quick tip: if you’re using Google Maps, double-check the address. There’s another Amsterdam coffee spot with a similar name, and you don’t want to end up at the wrong Hummingbird.
Tips for Visiting
Alright, coffee lovers, a few tips to make your visit to Hummingbird Amsterdam go smoothly. Their cold brew is excellent, by the way.
Timing matters if you’re not a fan of crowds. The weekend brunch rush, especially Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM and 2 PM, can get hectic. But if you enjoy a busy café, go for it.
Don’t be shy about asking the baristas what they recommend. They know the menu inside and out and are happy to help you find a coffee you’ll like. You might just discover a new favorite.
If you prefer plant-based milk, you’re in luck. Hummingbird offers oat, soy and almond milk. I’m especially fond of an oat milk latte.
There’s also an off-menu seasonal special that changes every month. Ask the barista what’s brewing; it’s a nice surprise for regulars and first-timers alike.
And though it’s tempting to reach for your phone as soon as your coffee arrives, take a moment first. Enjoy the aroma and the presentation. It might taste even better that way.
If you’re settling in to work or catch up with friends, look for a table near an outlet. A dead laptop battery can put a damper on a café afternoon.
Don’t forget to drink some water, either. Hummingbird offers free tap water, so just ask for a glass.
And if you fall in love with the coffee, pick up a bag of beans to take home. A gift that keeps on giving, to yourself, of course!
