Cafe Chris, Amsterdam

Café Chris proudly claims the title of Jordaan's (and Amsterdam's) oldest bar, having been around since 1624. When you step inside, it exudes an old-world charm and a sense of history without feeling uptight. You'll be greeted warmly by the friendly owner and bartender, and the atmosphere is incredibly homey and snug, inviting you to partake in authentic Dutch culture.

Don't hesitate to grab a seat right at the bar – it's actually the best seat in the house. In fact, most folks prefer to perch at the bar rather than taking a table, as both the bartender and the regulars love to strike up conversations, even with newcomers. The interior is quite compact, with soft lighting, wooden décor throughout, a pool table, and a comically tiny restroom – it's the quintessential "brown bar" experience.

While parched patrons won't have to endure a dry throat for long (there's a legend that even Rembrandt frequented this place), the food menu is intentionally concise. Nevertheless, it's highly recommended to nibble on some of the finest (and most reasonably priced) traditional "bitterballen", a meaty delight that always goes well with a cold beer.