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Hill Street Blues Market in Amsterdam

The second location of one of the most popular Amsterdam coffee shops, Hill Street Blues at the Market takes the laid back atmosphere of Warmoesstraat’s Hill Street Blues and places it, you guessed it, at the market: Nieuwmarkt to be precise.

Atmosphere

The vibe here is slightly different to that found in its sister location. Gone are the long, low-ceilinged rooms, replaced by a bright, airy interior with large windows and a terrace nicely suited to people watching on this Red Light District adjacent market square. Inside, the sealed-off smoking area has some comfortable booths, but the real goal, as in many Amsterdam coffee shops, is to get to the couches along the back wall.

Hill Street Blues at the Market offers the usual range of coffee, tea and soft drinks found in dozens of other Amsterdam coffee shops. For a real treat, try their fresh-made milkshakes although be warned: asking for one of these during the staff’s shift-change is likely to get a snappy refusal. While sometimes a little curt, the staff are nonetheless happy to offer advice on the coffee shop’s smokeable products; advice that is well worth listening to.

Location

As the name suggests, this coffee shop can be found on one of Amsterdam’s markets. The Nieuwmarkt is located at the joining of the Red Light District and Amsterdam’s China Town. From Central Station, simply follow the Zeedijk all the way to the end, while from Dam Square a walk east along Damstraat or even through the Red Light District will soon bring the distinctive circular castle shape of De Waag into view. Hill Street Blues at the Market’s terrace sits facing this beautiful old building.

Hill Street Blues Market in Amsterdam on the map