Last Updated on 27 March 2026 by Vanessa
Amsterdam must-see attractions aren’t just about picturesque canals, historic landmarks, and world-renowned museums. Beyond Vondelpark, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum lies a hidden world for cat lovers.
From hotels with resident cats to cat-themed shops and cafés, his guide will show you exactly how to explore Amsterdam like a true cat enthusiast.
12 Amsterdam must-see attractions for a purr-fect itinerary
Amsterdam Cat Museum
- Address: Cat Cabinet (Kattenkabinet), Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opening hours: From Tuesday to Friday from noon tot 05;00 pm.
If your love for cats extends to art and culture, the Amsterdam cat museum Cat Cabinet (KattenKabinet) is a must-visit destination. Housed in a charming 17th-century canal house, this unique museum pays homage to the beloved feline in various forms of artistic expression.
The museum’s carefully curated collection features paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces featuring cats as the central theme. From renowned artists like Picasso and Rembrandt to contemporary cat-inspired creations, the Cat Cabinet showcases the cultural significance of cats throughout history.
The museum also features several resident cats, who love to hang out in the lobby and exposition rooms.
The museum’s tranquil garden is the purrfect spot to relax and reflect on your feline-themed journey through Amsterdam.
📍 Get your ticket to the Cat Cabinet museum here. The cat museum is also a part of the I Amsterdam City Card, which gives you skip-the-line access to over 70 must-see attractions.
The Cat Boat aka De Poezenboot
- Address: The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot), Singel 38 /G, 1015 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opening hours: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 01:00 pm tot 03:00 pm.
One of Amsterdam’s unique attractions is The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot in Dutch), a floating cat sanctuary located on a canal.
Established in 1966 by Henriette van Weelde, the Cat Boat provides a safe haven for stray and abandoned cats. As you step aboard this charming houseboat, you’ll be surrounded by the comforting presence of feline friends eager for affection and companionship.
The Cat Boat offers a serene environment for both cats and visitors, where you can spend time interacting with the feline residents and learn about the organization’s mission. It’s a purrfect place to unwind and experience the therapeutic power of the human-feline bond.
Don’t forget to donate to support their vital work in rescuing and caring for these adorable creatures.
This is also the place to buy some amazing Dutch souvenirs, because the revenue of this will go directly into the care of these rescue cats.
📍 Read more about the Cat Boat in our featured article Visiting the Cat Boat (Poezenboot), Amsterdam’s famous floating shelter.
Cat café Kopjes
- Address: Kopjes, Marco Polostraat 211, 1057 WK Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opening hours: From Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, cat lovers can find a slice of feline paradise at the cat café Kopjes. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the gentle purring of resident cats that call this café their home.
Designed as a safe haven for both cats and visitors, Kopjes provides a relaxing environment where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while being surrounded by the soothing presence of these adorable creatures. Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility or simply wish to revel in the joy of feline company, this cat café promises an unforgettable and heartwarming experience.
At Kopjes, the welfare and happiness of the resident cats take center stage. The café partners with local animal shelters and organizations, providing a loving forever home for these furry friends. With an emphasis on responsible pet ownership and education, Kopjes aims to raise awareness about the importance of cat adoption and the well-being of all feline companions. Visitors can even learn about the individual stories of each cat, making this café a truly special place for cat enthusiasts.
📍 Read more about Kopjes in our featured article Cat café Kopjes: a purr-fest destination for cat lovers in Amsterdam.
Museum Van Loon
- Address: Museum Van Loon, Keizersgracht 672, 1017 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opening hours: From Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm.
The Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam is a delightful place to spend the afternoon. It’s one of the lesser-known museums in Amsterdam, but it’s especially appealing if you’re a cat lover.
The home itself is beautifully decorated with stunning views of Keizersgracht. More notably, it has an expertly manicured garden that is often not too crowded, along with a carriage house with a cafe.
The best part is the friendly neighborhood cat that makes his way into the garden (and into all the hearts of the staff) on a daily basis. Visitors often see this beautiful cat at the museum although it’s not allowed inside.
📍 Need tickets? Museum Van Loon is a part of the I Amsterdam City Card, which gives you skip-the-line access to over 70 must-see attractions.
Prik
- Address: Prik, Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Opening hours: From Monday to Thursday from 04:00 pm to 01:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 04:00 pm to 03:00 am, and Sunday from 03:00 pm to 01:00 am.
Prik is a colorful gay bar in the heart of Amsterdam with a heated outdoor terrace for cocktails, toasted sandwiches, and fried snacks. They have a resident cat named Prikkiedik who has her own martini glass on the bar for water.
Café De Doelen
- Address: De Doelen, Kloveniersburgwal 125, 1011 KC Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Opening hours: Weekdays from 11 am to 01:00 am. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 01:00 am.
De Doelen is a brown café in the heart of Amsterdam, situated along a picturesque canal that runs parallel to the Amstel River, and just east of the Dam Square and the historic city center.
Coffeeshop De Kroon
- Address: Coffeeshop De Kroon, Oudebrugsteeg 26, 1012 JP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Opening hours: Open every day (including weekends) from 07:00 am to 01:00 am.
In the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll find De Kroon, a cozy coffeeshop just a short stroll away from Central Station and major attractions such as De Oude Kerk, Madame Tussauds, and the Canal Ring. It has earned a reputation as one of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam, so it’s a perfect spot to take a break and recharge after exploring the city.
But before you step inside, you’ll have to get past the fluffy resident cat, who won’t let you enter unless you give him some pets.
Photo by Brittany Faith
Cat sculpture by Albert Zweep
- Address: Vaste Klant (Café Festina Lente), Looiersgracht 40B, 1016, VS Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“Vaste klant,” translating to “Loyal Customer,” is a bronze sculpture created by the Groningen artist Albert Zweep (born 1957).
The sculpture is placed on the bench belonging to the café Festina Lente. During his early days as an aspiring artist, the sculptor was a regular patron at the café and would drink on credit. His tab accumulated to the point where payment was no longer possible. To settle the debt, the artist offered a sculpture. The sculpture (not a self-portrait) depicts a loyal customer petting the café cat. The man appears somewhat melancholic, inspired by the characters from Simon Carmiggelt’s Kronkels.
Vandals targeted the sculpture, repeatedly knocking off its head. The artist continuously repaired it until a new version became necessary. This time, the beer company Heineken was willing to finance a bronze version.
Rode Poes
“Rode poes” is an artwork in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The cat is designed as a play structure in a playground situated between the apartment buildings Fleerde and Frissenstein. The designer and the year of creation are unknown, but the sculpture is said to have been there before the (partial) demolition of the flats in 1997 and 1998.
Cats & Things
- Address: Cats & Things, Hazenstraat 26, 1016 SP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Permanently closed!
This cat-themed store in Amsterdam’s canal area has all kinds of goodies for both cat lovers and their pets, from cool art prints, ornaments, and comfy cushions to jewelry, food, toys, beds, carriers, and accessories.
Even better, this pet store has some real-life cats hanging around.
Canals
End your tour of these Amsterdam must-see attractions by wandering along the city’s iconic canals—the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and even the lively canals running through the Red Light District.
Cats are everywhere here. You can see them lounging on windowsills, posing behind windows, or slipping quietly through narrow streets. They are Amsterdam’s true feline ambassadors.
Hotel Estherea
- Address: Hotel Estherea, Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Hotel Estherea, located right by the Singel canal and the Dam Square, is the icing on the cake of your feline inspired trip to Amsterdam.
The hotel is home to three brown chonks, and they love to hang out in the lobby, corridors and lounge (which has a view on the canal).
The place itself exudes a timeless charm with classic architecture and lots of wooden details. Each room is uniquely decorated.
📍 Book your room in Hotel Estherea here!
How to add these attractions to your Amsterdam itinerary?
When you’re putting together your Amsterdam itinerary, there’s no need to squeeze in every single one of these cat-themed spots. Just look at where your plans already take you, and see which of these attractions are nearby.
Most of them are quick stops and easy to fit in between bigger sights, museums, and neighborhoods.
It’s less about ticking everything off and more about adding a few of these feline moments along the way.
Final thoughts
While Amsterdam offers a plethora of world-famous attractions, the city’s hidden treasures for cat lovers are just as alluring.
So, if you find yourself in Amsterdam and have a fondness for our feline friends, don’t forget to set aside time for these lesser-known attractions.
Did this article inspire you to go on a feline-inspired adventure through Amsterdam? Then share this post with fellow cat lovers on social media. Maybe they will also want to meet the cats of Amsterdam and join you on this trip.
Read next: 13 incredible hidden gems in the Netherlands you must visit
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