Famous Ice Cream in Amsterdam
What’s better than ice cream on a sunny Amsterdam day? Ice cream + a canal cruise! Whether you’re waiting for your Pure Boats departure at Herengracht, or just want the ultimate sweet break, these 10 famous Amsterdam ice cream spots will hit the sweet spot.
1. Monte Pelmo – The Local Legend
This cozy Jordaan gelateria is as old-school as it gets. Expect generous scoops, a queue of locals lining up, and flavors that taste like someone just prepared them for you in an Italian kitchen. It’s not a fancy place, but that’s part of the charm — here, flavor comes first.
📍 Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat 17, Jordaan (10–12 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 ~ €1.50 per scoop (cash only!)
👍 “The best gelato outside Italy.”
2. Van der Linde – Creamy & Iconic
This ice cream shop is an Amsterdam institution — and it only serves one flavor (being ‘whipped cream’ flavor). Why? Because it doesn’t need more. Their ice cream is legendary: whipped, creamy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for “just one more.”
📍 Nieuwendijk 183, Centrum (8 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €1.50–€2.00
👍 “Amsterdam’s must-try ice cream – so simple and perfect.”
3. IJscuypje (Spui) – The Dutch Favorite
This chain is famous for bringing Dutch dessert flavors to the gelato world – think stroopwafel, speculaas, or advocaat (Dutch eggnog). If you want a taste of local tradition in a cone, this is the place to be. Their rich, creamy scoops are the ultimate comfort food on a warm day.
📍 Spuistraat 123, Centrum (7 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 ~ €1.80 per scoop
👍 “Best stroopwafel ice cream ever!”
4. Tofani Gelateria – Hidden Gem
Tofani feels like stepping into a little Italian family kitchen right in the middle of Amsterdam. It’s not as crowded as the bigger names, which makes the experience relaxed and friendly. If you love zesty sorbets and creamy classics, this place is worth the stroll.
📍 Nieuwmarkt 9, Centrum (12 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €1.80–€2.00 per scoop
👍 “Authentic, family-run gelato shop.”
5. Koel – Vegan-Friendly Coolness
Koel proves that vegan ice cream is anything but boring. With smooth textures and bold, adventurous flavors, this modern shop is all about innovation. Even non-vegans rave about their peanut butter swirl or creamy matcha.
📍 Rozengracht 40, Jordaan (12 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €2.50 per scoop
👍 “The best vegan ice cream in Amsterdam.”
6. Massimo Gelato – Italian Perfection
If gelato is a religion, Massimo is the temple. Their artisan-made gelato is churned in small batches for a flavor that’s rich and authentic. It’s worth the tram ride to De Pijp if you’re serious about your ice cream game.
📍 Van Ostadestraat 147, De Pijp (20 mins by tram from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €2.00–€2.50 per scoop
👍 “Feels like being back in Rome.”
7. Miuz – Sleek & Sophisticated
Miuz is modern, stylish, and obsessed with quality. You won’t find endless flavors here, but the ones they do serve are masterfully done. Expect flavors like hazelnut and Sicilian pistachio, each with silky texture and intense flavor. Bonus: their branding is as pretty as their gelato.
📍 Kerkstraat 136, Centrum (10 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €2.20–€2.50 per scoop
👍 “Seriously refined gelato. My new favorite!”
8. Jordino – Chocolate Heaven
More than just an ice cream spot, Jordino is a chocolate lover’s paradise. Their gelato is rich, creamy, and perfectly decadent — but it’s the outrageous cones (dipped in chocolate and sprinkles) that steal the show. Go big or go home.
📍 Haarlemmerdijk 25, Centrum (12 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €2.00–€2.50 per scoop
👍 “That chocolate-dipped cone was everything.”
9. Pisa IJs – Family Classic by the Park
Right on the edge of Vondelpark, Pisa is a long-time favorite for locals. The flavors are classic and crowd-pleasing: strawberry, lemon, vanilla. This is the kind of place that feels like summer in a cone — no frills, just sunshine and scoops.
📍 Scheldeplein 22, Zuid (18 mins by tram from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €1.50–€2.00 per scoop
👍 “Tastes like childhood. So pure and fresh.”
10. Banketbakkerij Van der Linde – Sweet Tradition
Van der Linde is the kind of place your grandmother would approve of: it’s simple, old-fashioned, and insanely tasty. The whipped cream-coated ice cream is pure nostalgia in every bite. Once you’ve had one, you’ll probably grab another for the walk back. Just to warn you!
📍 Nieuwendijk 183, Centrum (8 mins from our Herengracht dock)
💶 €1.50–€2.00
👍 “The whipped cream ice cream is out of this world!”
Which Amsterdam Ice Cream Shop Should You Choose?
| Ice Cream Spot | 📍 Location (mins. from Pure Boats) | 💶 Price | 👍 Customer Favorite | Must-Try Flavor |
| Monte Pelmo | Jordaan (10–12 mins walk) | €1.50 | “Best gelato outside Italy.” | Pistachio |
| Van der Linde | Nieuwendijk (8 mins walk) | €1.50–€2.00 | “Whipped cream ice dream!” | Soft-serve (only flavor) |
| IJscuypje | Spuistraat (7 mins walk) | €1.80 | “Best stroopwafel ice cream.” | Stroopwafel |
| Tofani | Nieuwmarkt (12 mins walk) | €1.80–€2.00 | “Family-run Italian gelato.” | Blood orange sorbet |
| Koel | Rozengracht (12 mins walk) | €2.50 | “Best vegan ice cream.” | Peanut butter swirl |
| Massimo | De Pijp (20 mins tram) | €2.00–€2.50 | “Feels like Rome.” | Salted caramel |
| Miuz | Centrum (10 mins walk) | €2.20–€2.50 | “Refined gelato. New favorite!” | Sicilian pistachio |
| Jordino | Haarlemmerdijk (12 mins walk) | €2.00–€2.50 | “Chocolate-dipped cone heaven.” | Dark chocolate |
| Pisa IJs | Zuid (18 mins by tram) | €1.50–€2.00 | “Tastes like childhood.” | Strawberry |
| Van der Linde | Nieuwendijk (8 mins walk) | €1.50–€2.00 | “Nostalgic whipped dream.” | Whipped soft-serve |
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Amsterdam
- 💶 Cash is king at some spots like Monte Pelmo — come prepared!
- 🌱 Vegan or dairy-free? Head to Koel.
- 🌇 Golden hour + gelato = win. Grab your scoop before a sunset canal cruise.
- 📸 Looking for Instagram gold? Try Jordino’s dipped cones.
- 🇳🇱 Taste something local. IJscuypje’s stroopwafel is pure Dutch delight.
- 🚴♂️ Too many scoops? Burn it off with a canal walk before your Pure Boats cruise.
The Perfect Combo: Ice Cream + Pure Boats 🍧⛵
Why choose between ice cream and canals when you can have both? Grab a cone from your favorite spot and hop on a Pure Boats cruise at Herengracht. We’ll keep your drink cold while your ice cream melts just right.
👉 Book your Pure Boats cruise now
