Anyone walking through Vondelpark can't really miss Café Vertigo. Housed in the historic Vondelpark pavilion, this café has a long history as a cultural hotspot. From grand café to nightclub and later the Film Museum - the basement and halls of this building have always had a vibrant life. Now the interior has been completely renovated by Studio Modijefsky, who gave the café a surrealist twist.
The inspiration comes from Hitchcock's film Vertigo, and it shows in the details. Mirrored surfaces, curved lines and rich colors make you feel like the space is constantly changing perspective. In the basement you'll find intimate nooks with velvet sofas, while upstairs the bar gleams in deep purple and copper. And then there is the winter garden: tall windows, warm curtains and a terrace that overlooks the greenery of the park.
The terrace is one of its strongest assets anyway. As soon as the sun shines, Amsterdammers pull up for a glass of wine or a simple vermouth. It feels less like a tourist stop and more like a place where you spontaneously meet a friend after a walk around the park. The colors and lighting make the place keep atmosphere at night, even when it gets chilly.
"Vertigo feels like Vondelpark has been given a living room - large, vibrant and yet personal."
What sets Vertigo apart is its combination of history and contemporary flair. The café is large enough that you can always find room, but the layout still makes it feel intimate. There are tables for long dinners, as well as spots for a coffee, a drink or the first drink of the evening.
It is exactly that multifaceted character that makes Vertigo a favorite again. You can feel the history in the walls, but you're in a space that's totally contemporary.