Grand Cafe-Restaurant 1e Klas

Medieval Centre & Red Light District


Dating from 1881, with soaring art-nouveau ceilings, this distinguished café (pub) in Centraal Station (upstairs by platform 2b) used to be the waiting room for 1st-class passengers, hence the name. It's a comfortable spot if you're waiting for a train, or just to hang out in the afternoon for bitterballen (meat-filled croquettes) and a beer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Centraal Station

0.03 MILES

Beyond being a transport hub, Centraal Station is a sight in itself. The turreted marvel dates from 1889. One of the architects, PJ Cuypers, also designed…

2. St Nicolaaskerk

0.11 MILES

In plain view from Centraal Station, the magnificent cupola and neo-Renaissance towers belong to the city's main Catholic church, the first to be built …

3. Schreierstoren

0.13 MILES

Built around 1480 as part of the city’s defences, this tower is where Henry Hudson set sail for the New World in 1609; a plaque outside marks the spot. It…

4. Damrak

0.16 MILES

The Damrak is the original mouth of the Amstel river – rak being a reach (straight stretch of water). The river flowed from a lock in the Dam into the IJ…

5. Zeedijk

0.16 MILES

This is one of Amsterdam's oldest streets. Initially a shipping district, it was a respectable place to be until the 17th century. Then the rich folk…

6. Sexmuseum Amsterdam

0.21 MILES

The Sexmuseum is good for a giggle. You’ll find replicas of pornographic Pompeian plates, erotic 14th-century Viennese bronzes, some of the world’s…

7. Brouwerij De Prael

0.22 MILES

Brouwerij De Prael offers engaging behind-the-scenes tours of its brewery. Tours depart on the hour and last 40 minutes, followed by a sample (or four)…

8. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

0.23 MILES

Within what looks like an ordinary canal house is an entire Catholic church. Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Dear Lord in the Attic) was built in the mid…