Introduction: Why Amsterdam Is a Top Vegan Destination in 2026
Here’s your complete vegan travel guide to Amsterdam 2026.
Amsterdam leads Europe’s plant-based movement. In 2026, it’s more vegan-friendly than ever.
This city shines with its canals and bike-filled streets. Its creative chefs turn simple veggies into art. Culture and cuisine mix seamlessly here.
Amsterdam offers a wide range of plant-based food that’s ethical, tasty, and easily accessible. No matter if you’re here for a weekend of art or a wellness retreat, you’ll find great options.
Look for new menus and more vegan choices at Schiphol Airport. Also, enjoy easy travel with the new OVpay system.
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This guide has it all! You’ll find must-try restaurants, tasty street snacks, and budget tips. Plus, discover supermarket finds and practical advice for easy, eco-friendly travel.
How to Get Around Amsterdam (as a Vegan Traveller): OVpay, Day Caps & Bike-First Tips
Getting around Amsterdam as a vegan traveller couldn’t be simpler.
The city’s public transportation system, GVB, operates trams, buses, and metro trains in all major areas. In 2026, OVpay will make it contactless.
Just tap in and out with your debit card, credit card, or smartphone. No registration or physical ticket is needed. The system automatically calculates the lowest fare, capped daily, so you never overpay.
For eco-conscious visitors, cycling remains king.
Rent a bike from a trusted provider near Central Station or De Pijp. Enjoy safe bike lanes that link all the neighbourhoods. Remember: always keep right, signal when turning, and never walk in cycle paths!
If you go out late, night trams and e-bikes help you reach vegan spots and night cafés open past midnight. They’re great for enjoying vegan bitterballen or dessert by the canals.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Amsterdam 2026: Don’t-Miss Spots by Style
Amsterdam’s vegan food scene is booming.
In 2026, look forward to new flavours and creative fusion dishes. There will also be more fully plant-based restaurants than ever.
Here’s a local’s guide to the must-visit spots:
Fast-Casual & Comfort Food
Vegan Junk Food Bar (VJFB) remains an iconic experience. With many spots in the city, its lively burgers, loaded fries, and vegan calamari let you indulge without cruelty. Another crowd favourite is Flower Burger, known for its rainbow buns and cheerful vibes.
Global Fusion & Asian-Inspired Eats
For a delicious dining experience, visit SOIL Vegan Café. They offer Asian-inspired rice bowls, crispy tofu, and healthy noodles.
Veganees serves Indonesian-Dutch fusion with jackfruit rendang, satay skewers, and coconut curry.
Vegan Sushi Bar has expanded to many districts. They craft rolls using mango, avocado, and crispy tempura toppings.
Upscale & Date-Night Dining
For an elegant meal, visit Willem-Pie Vegan Bistro, Men Impossible, and Bonboon. They serve sophisticated dishes made from local, seasonal produce. Book ahead — these restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Amsterdam demonstrates that plant-based dining offers a wide range of options. You can enjoy meals by the canals, explore De Pijp, or grab a late-night falafel. It’s anything but restrictive! Expect sustainability, creativity, and pure satisfaction on every plate.
Neighbourhood Guide to Vegan Amsterdam: Where to Eat by Area
Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods each have their own vibe. You can find vegan gems in every canal and on every cobblestone corner.
Centrum (City Centre)
Great for newcomers, the heart of Amsterdam has quick bites and casual dining. You can easily walk to museums and canals from here.
You can find quick, affordable bites near Dam Square and Central Station. Try Vegan Junk Food Bar Centrum, Maoz Falafel, or Vegan Sushi Bar Nieuwendijk. These spots are great for meals while exploring the area.
De Pijp
A bohemian favourite, De Pijp blends hip cafés with market-fresh flavours. Visit VJFB De Pijp for vibrant burgers or SOIL Vegan Café for hearty bowls. Check out the Albert Cuyp Market! You can try vegan stroopwafels, smoothies, and fresh falafel wraps at their location.
Jordaan & Oud-West
These neighbourhoods feature art galleries and canal views. They also serve cosy, home-style vegan food.
Try Dophert for comfort classics, or enjoy Koffie End Zo for dairy-free pastries. The Foodhallen Amsterdam also features rotating vegan vendors with global street-food vibes.
Amsterdam-Oost (East)
Oost is creative and multicultural. It has hidden gems like Veganees, Spirit, and Vegan Vibes Café. Enjoy budget lunches, Indonesian-inspired dishes, and the city’s top vegan rendang.
Wherever you are, vegan dining is close by. Every neighbourhood supports sustainability and inclusivity.
Vegan on Arrival: Schiphol Airport (AMS) Food, Snacks & Coffee
Touching down hungry?
Schiphol Airport supports the plant-based trend. It offers over a dozen vegan-friendly options in its terminals.
Before security, you can find La Place and Vegan Brothers. They offer smoothie bowls, wraps, and fresh salads.
Once you’re airside, find Starbucks, Café Cora, and Soup & Juice. They offer oat milk and vegan sandwiches.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol aims to have 60 per cent of its offerings be plant-based by 2030.
Therefore, expect more innovation by 2026.
For early flights, pack a quick overnight oats jar or a protein bar in your carry-on. Both can pass through security. Coffee lovers can enjoy creamy oat or soy lattes in nearly every café.
Bonus tip: Refill your reusable bottle at the “Tap & Go” water stations in the terminal. This saves you euros and helps the planet before your first tram ride into the city.
Classic Dutch Foods — Vegan Versions to Try in Amsterdam
Enjoy traditional Dutch comfort foods while staying plant-based. Thanks to creative vegan chefs in the city, you can indulge guilt-free.
- Vegan bitterballen: A must-try snack! These crispy, savoury croquettes usually have meat. However, at VJFB and Dophert, they offer vegan versions made with mushrooms or jackfruit. They’re perfect with mustard.
- Vegan stroopwafels: A sweet symbol of the Netherlands. Get yours at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. Just ask for dairy-free! You can also find them at local stalls in the Albert Cuyp Market.
- Vegan Kapsalon: This popular Dutch fast food has loaded fries. They are topped with vegan shawarma, salad, and garlic sauce. You can find it at Vegan Junk Food Bar or Vegan Vibes Café.
- Vegan pannenkoeken: Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes, made without eggs or dairy. You can find them at Moak Pancakes and Pancake Bakery. Just ask for the plant-based batter!
Tip: Dutch waitstaff are familiar with the word “veganistisch” (vegan) and are usually happy to assist. Try a stroopwafel with fair-trade coffee before you go. It’s a sweet bite of local culture and cruelty-free.
Supermarkets & Budget Eats: Albert Heijn, Local Chains & Label-Reading Tips
Eating vegan in Amsterdam is not costly. The city’s supermarkets offer many affordable, clearly labelled plant-based choices.
Albert Heijn (AH) is the largest chain. It leads with its AH Vegan and Plant-Based by AH ranges. These include ready meals, tofu, tempeh, and vegan cheeses.
You’ll find many snacks marked “geschikt voor veganisten” (suitable for vegans).
For local flavour, visit Marqt for artisanal vegan bread. Try Ekoplaza for organic staples. Jumbo offers budget-friendly vegan frozen meals. Most stores are open late and accept only card payments.
Pro tip: Look for “Beter Leven” and “Vegan Keurmerk” logos to verify ethical sourcing. Mix store-bought goodies with fresh produce from the farmers’ market for a delightful picnic by the canal. Enjoy hummus wraps, fresh local fruit, and sparkling water.
Amsterdam’s supermarkets offer budget-friendly, healthy, and sustainable options. They make it easy to eat plant-based food without spending too much.
Coffee, Bakeries & Sweet Treats: Vegan Pastries, Gelato & Late-Night Desserts
Amsterdam’s café scene is a dream for vegans who love a good coffee and something sweet on the side.
Start your morning at Koffie End Zo or The Coffee Virus, both of which offer oat, soy, and almond milk as standard.
For baked goods, try Wild & The Moon or Margo’s Amsterdam. They offer plant-based croissants, banana bread, and chocolate tarts. These treats go great with a flat white.
Craving dessert?
Visit Massimo Gelato for creamy coconut scoops. You can also try Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which started right here!) for pistachio and salted caramel flavours — all vegan.
Evenings call for cosy candle-lit cafés where you can enjoy vegan apple pie and mint tea by the canals. Sweet tooth satisfied, guilt-free.
48-Hour Vegan Amsterdam Itinerary (Walkable + Tram)
Want to make the most of a short stay?
Here’s a 48-hour itinerary that blends food, culture, and relaxation — all powered by plants.
Day 1: Classic Sights & Comfort Bites
- Morning: Grab a smoothie bowl or breakfast bagel from SOIL Vegan Café before exploring the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
- Lunch: Head to Vegan Junk Food Bar De Pijp for their signature fries and rainbow burgers.
- Afternoon: Stroll the Jordaan canals, check out boutique shops, and sip coffee with a vegan pastry at Koffie End Zo.
- Dinner: Treat yourself to fine dining at Bonboon or Men Impossible (reservations recommended).
Day 2: Markets, Parks & Canal Magic
- Morning: Start with brunch at Spirit Amsterdam — a self-serve vegan buffet.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Vondelpark or rent a bike to explore Amsterdam-Oost. Snack on falafel or vegan stroopwafels from Albert Cuyp Market.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a scenic canal dinner cruise featuring vegan options. Or, enjoy a warming curry at Veganees before heading back to Schiphol.
Every meal, every moment — fully plant-powered and uniquely Amsterdam.
Price Guide & Reservations: What Vegan Meals Cost in 2026
Amsterdam has vegan choices for every budget. You can find €5 falafel wraps or enjoy fancy dinners with canal views.
In 2026, expect:
- Coffee & pastry: €4–6
- Quick lunch (wrap, burger, or salad): €10–15
- Casual dinner: €18–25
- Fine dining or tasting menu: €40–70
Many restaurants are now cashless. They only accept cards or mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
People appreciate tips, but they are not mandatory — many round up to the nearest euro or add 5–10%.
Book ahead for weekends or popular places like Bonboon, Men Impossible, and Willem-Pie Vegan Bistro.
In summer, terrace seating fills up quickly. Booking ahead guarantees your plant-based meal includes the best sunset view.
Sustainability & Ethics: Low-Waste Dining, Seasonal Choices & City Standards
Amsterdam’s vegan movement focuses on sustainability and conscious living. You can see these values in almost every eatery.
Many restaurants now use local, seasonal produce. They source it from Dutch farms and urban gardens.
Check out places like SOIL, Spirit, and Vegan Vibes Café. They focus on low-waste kitchens. They use compostable packaging and serve tap water to reduce plastic waste. Most cafés happily refill reusable bottles, and city tap water is safe and delicious.
In 2026, the city will continue to push its Zero Waste Amsterdam initiative. It urges residents and visitors to recycle and reuse. It also promotes choosing plant-based meals as a climate-friendly option.
Choosing vegan meals nourishes you and helps protect one of Europe’s greenest cities.
Practical Tips for Vegan Travellers in Amsterdam
Navigating Amsterdam as a vegan is effortless once you know a few local tips:
- Most Dutch people speak English well. Still, knowing key phrases like “Ik eet veganistisch” (I eat vegan) is helpful.
- Menus: The word “vegan” is well-known and clearly marked as “veganistisch” or “100% plantaardig.”
- Cards: Many cafés and supermarkets accept only cards. So, keep a contactless card or smartphone ready.
- Allergies: Gluten-free and nut-free options are increasingly available; always double-check with staff.
- Opening hours: Please note that some restaurants close early on Sundays or Mondays. Please plan accordingly.
The Dutch are famously accommodating and sustainability-minded. With a bit of curiosity and kindness, you’ll feel welcomed wherever you eat or explore.
FAQs — Complete Vegan Travel Guide to Amsterdam 2026
Is Amsterdam suitable for vegans
Absolutely! Amsterdam ranks among Europe’s best vegan-friendly cities. It boasts hundreds of dedicated restaurants, plant-based bakeries, and eco-friendly cafés. Menus are clearly labelled, and even traditional eateries now include vegan options.
What are the best vegan restaurants in Amsterdam right now?
Top-rated spots are Vegan Junk Food Bar, SOIL Vegan Café, Veganees, and Bonboon for fine dining. For brunch, Spirit Amsterdam offers a seasonal buffet that is abundant and ever-changing.
Can I pay for trams and metro rides with my bank card?
Yes — since 2024, OVpay has allowed you to tap in and out on all GVB trams, buses, and metros with your debit/credit card, or smartphone. No paper tickets needed, and your fare is capped daily.
Are there vegan options at Schiphol Airport?
Definitely, Schiphol is transitioning toward 60% plant-based food offerings by 2030. You’ll find vegan sandwiches, wraps, and salads at La Place, Soup & Juice, and Vegan Brothers.
Which supermarkets have vegan options?
Albert Heijn, Ekoplaza, and Marqt have extensive vegan selections. Look for labels like “geschikt voor veganisten” or the Vegan Keurmerk symbol.
Do I need cash in Amsterdam?
Rarely. Amsterdam is largely cash-free. Keep a card or smartphone for all payments — including transport, markets, and restaurants.
Final Thoughts: How to Eat Wonderfully Plant-Based in Amsterdam
Amsterdam isn’t just about tulips, canals, and art. It’s also a lively centre for conscious living and creative vegan food.
In 2026, the city makes sustainable travel simple, delicious, and inspiring. Amsterdam’s meals showcase its innovative spirit.
Savour hearty Dutch comfort foods, now plant-based. Or, try unique dining by the canals.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a more extended stay, this city welcomes you to explore its vibrant vegan culture. You can do this by bike, tram, or on foot.
One thing’s sure: you’ll leave nourished, enlightened, and eager to return.
