The smallest bar in Amsterdam, tucked away on Rozenboomsteeg just off the Spui. The interior is barely larger than a generous living room — a handful of tables, a tiny bar, and walls covered with antique medical instruments and curiosities. The café was founded in 1798 by a physician, hence the name and the décor.
De Dokter has been in the same family for generations and feels like drinking in someone's private collection. The atmosphere is quiet and civilised — this is not a place for loud groups. Order a jenever (Dutch gin) or a whisky from the surprisingly deep selection. Finding it is half the fun: the alley entrance is easy to miss, and the café has no sign visible from the main street. Open Wednesday to Saturday, late afternoon onwards.