Winkel 43

The most famous apple pie in Amsterdam, served in a brown cafe on the Noordermarkt square in the Jordaan. The pie is dense, buttery, packed with chunky apple pieces, lightly spiced, and served warm with a mountain of fresh whipped cream. People argue about whether it is actually the best apple pie in the city. It doesn't matter. It's the one everyone goes to, and the experience of eating it on the terrace while watching the Noordermarkt come alive is the real draw.

The cafe itself is small and packed, with wooden tables inside and a sprawling terrace outside. Saturday mornings are chaos in the best way: the Noordermarkt farmers' market sets up directly outside, selling organic produce, artisan bread, cheese, and flowers. You grab a slice, find a spot on the terrace, and people-watch while half of the Jordaan cycles past with baguettes sticking out of their bags. On Monday mornings there's a fabric and flea market on the same square, quieter but with more interesting finds.

A slice of apple pie with whipped cream runs about €5. They also serve full meals and coffee, but nobody comes here for the entrecote. You come for the pie. If the wait is long (it often is on weekends), put your name down and browse the market stalls while you wait. The Noorderkerk church on the square dates from 1623 and is worth a look inside if it's open.