Cafe 't Papeneiland

Café 't Papeneiland is one of Amsterdam's oldest and most picturesque brown cafés. Situated on the famous corner of the Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, the building dates back to 1642 and has remained an Amsterdam institution for centuries. Its stepped gable and cozy interior make it one of the most photographed corners in the city. The café owes its name to the secret Catholic community that once gathered nearby. During the seventeenth century, a hidden church known as De Posthoorn stood across the canal. According to tradition, worshippers could escape through a tunnel running beneath the canal and emerging beneath the building that now houses Café 't Papeneiland. Remains of this passage can still be seen in the cellar today. The café is equally famous for its homemade Dutch apple pie, which achieved international fame when former U.S. president Bill Clinton visited and enjoyed a slice before taking an entire pie back to his hotel. Together with its antique stove, Delft blue tiles and timeless atmosphere, Café 't Papeneiland remains one of Amsterdam's most authentic and beloved brown cafés.