Café De Twee Zwaantjes

Café De Twee Zwaantjes is a traditional brown café on the Prinsengracht, located in the heart of the Jordaan. Established in 1921, it has developed into one of Amsterdam’s best-known destinations for Dutch-language music and the emotional folk songs known locally as levensliederen or smartlappen.

The intimate interior has retained much of its traditional character. Historic decorations, warm lighting and the close arrangement of the tables create the feeling of an old neighbourhood pub. During quieter afternoons, it is a pleasant place for a drink beside the canal. Once the music begins, however, De Twee Zwaantjes transforms into a lively sing-along bar.

Live singers and accordion players perform well-known Dutch and Amsterdam songs, with the entire room frequently joining in. The audience is a cheerful mixture of Jordaan regulars, Dutch visitors and international guests discovering this distinctive part of Amsterdam’s pub culture for the first time.

Outside, the spacious canal-side terrace looks towards the Westertoren. It provides an excellent setting for an afternoon drink before heading inside for the music and communal singing.

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