OBA Library of Amsterdam
OBA Library of Amsterdam
OBA Library of Amsterdam
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
How to get there
- Centraal Station • 7 min walk
- Nieuwmarkt • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,079 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,249 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- JendeFMinneapolis, Minnesota3 contributionsBeautiful and HugeI originally had planned to spend part of the day working remotely from the library on my last day in Amsterdam before taking the Nightjet train to München. As luck would have it, my Airbnb hosts graciously let me stay late into the afternoon on my final day so I did not need to use the library, but I did stop by the library for a bit to have lunch and check out how practical it would be to work from there. They had an overwhelming number of places where you could work, with outlets and good lighting. I did quickly try to get on to the internet, but struggled a bit and did not take the time to get it figured out. I'm sure the staff could have helped if I had asked. The cafe at the top had nice food and a beautiful view from the terrace.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 22, 2024
- GretaTravelsFlorida35 contributionsImpressive Library a short walk from Centraal StationI met some friends here in June. Right away the security guard was welcoming and cordial. He recommended the cafe/restaurant with a view over the city and river on an upper floor. It's a beautiful library. I noticed it offers many events and services for locals and newcomers to the city. Fantastic section for children!Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 2, 2024
- Herbert C1,787 contributionsSuperb place to enjoy a breathtaking view and a toilet break (and it’s free!)Here's a secret tip while you're in Amsterdam........ Where’s the best free place to take a toilet break and enjoy the view of Amsterdam? Yes, it's none other than the OBA Oosterdok, the Central Branch of the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (Amsterdam Public Library). Opened in 2007, the OBA Oosterdok is actually the 2nd largest library in Europe by floor space, behind the Library of Birmingham in the UK. Located in the eastern docklands within a short walking distance from the Amsterdam Central Station, this public library boasts 10 floors, more than 1,000 seats, 1.5 million of catalogues items, a 300-seats theatre, and opening hours of 90 hours per week (which is double the average opening hours of the conventional libraries in Europe). Best of all, on the top floor (7th floor) is a cafe-restaurant with a terrace that offers spectacular panoramic views over the city. There's no better place to spend a couple of hours especially when it rains in Amsterdam. The best things in life are indeed free!Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten September 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,058 reviews
Excellent
2,004
Very good
857
Average
170
Poor
17
Terrible
10
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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v_paulien
Hasselt, Belgium19 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I like libraries, so this one is obviously a good go for me.
The building is huge and they offer on the top (seventh floor) a chance to drink or eat something while having a nice view over the city.
I recommend this for people like me, who like quiet not too crowdy calm places.
The building is huge and they offer on the top (seventh floor) a chance to drink or eat something while having a nice view over the city.
I recommend this for people like me, who like quiet not too crowdy calm places.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stella Duncan
Dumfries, UK63 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
There's a Beautiful view from the view point and it's a huge library. If you want somewhere to read or do work in peace I'd definitely recommend visiting here.
I wouldn't recommend the cafe though, bought an overpriced cup of tea and it's the worst I've ever had - lipton teabags and for some reason they pour the milk in first.
I wouldn't recommend the cafe though, bought an overpriced cup of tea and it's the worst I've ever had - lipton teabags and for some reason they pour the milk in first.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Mueller
2 contributions
Oct 2021
This is more a review for people who want to work here. I have been working in libraries all over the world. The OBA library is a nice place but comes with some issues. First internet: Every time I am sitting in the library I see tons of tourists trying to get online. You have to register. Which is fine. But you basically have to log in every time you get online again. Even this might be Ok but most of the time you can not reach the webpage for the log on. Second noise. The library is basically an apartment store. There is a massiv escalator right in the middle of the building on every angel floor. Most tables are positioned right next to the escalator. So it is extremely nosy all the time. The architect how designed the building was probably never really working in an public library. The budding, which has a touch of the 90's in terms of its furniture, is more or less a mismatch even though there are some quite hidden places as well. But you have to know how to find them.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b b
1 contribution
Oct 2022
its pretty noisy here. I wouldn't reccommend studying here. the best floor u could be at is the 3rd floor. 4th floor is too noisy due to the people upstairs who are super loud!
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel T
Marbella, Spain8,193 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
After eating at De Waag, a short walk took us to the Library, very close to the Central Station.
A modern six-story library with a cafeteria with good views on the top floor.
The library is the most modern that one can imagine because it breaks all the schemes we have about a traditional library. There are very varied spaces that adapt to all needs: from small circular spaces with comfortable seats for children that also allow them to lie down, to those reserved for small groups of four people, others for larger groups, others circular around the space for the staircase and also conventional rooms and study areas next to the cafeteria. A good environment of people working, studying or doing tasks that are very admirable.
After visiting all the floors, we went upstairs to sit on the terrace and have a coffee.
It's worth taking a look around there. Access is free
A modern six-story library with a cafeteria with good views on the top floor.
The library is the most modern that one can imagine because it breaks all the schemes we have about a traditional library. There are very varied spaces that adapt to all needs: from small circular spaces with comfortable seats for children that also allow them to lie down, to those reserved for small groups of four people, others for larger groups, others circular around the space for the staircase and also conventional rooms and study areas next to the cafeteria. A good environment of people working, studying or doing tasks that are very admirable.
After visiting all the floors, we went upstairs to sit on the terrace and have a coffee.
It's worth taking a look around there. Access is free
Written June 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GretaTravels
Florida35 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I met some friends here in June. Right away the security guard was welcoming and cordial. He recommended the cafe/restaurant with a view over the city and river on an upper floor. It's a beautiful library. I noticed it offers many events and services for locals and newcomers to the city. Fantastic section for children!
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin G
10 contributions
Jan 2020
Bookworms or just browsers? This library is the best place to be. Spend as long as you want in the truly relaxing surroundings of this giant palace of learning. Opening times are quite late too so you are never short of time to visit - whether you are a resident, a student or a visitor....
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nefertiti
36 contributions
Mar 2020
Who goes to a library on vacation, we do. This library was awesome to see. 7 total stores with one being the cafe. Books of all subjects. We went on a Sunday and there were students in there studying. The hours were great and makes it available to all ages.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hzh30
Copenhagen, Denmark396 contributions
May 2022
If you just have enjoyed dinner at the famous Sea Palace, then walk 100 m you will find OBA. We saw a small photo exbi about Ukraine and another photo exbi about asian rooted people in Amsterdam. Nice place to relax little bit and use clean public toilet for tourists.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JendeF
Minneapolis, MN3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I originally had planned to spend part of the day working remotely from the library on my last day in Amsterdam before taking the Nightjet train to München. As luck would have it, my Airbnb hosts graciously let me stay late into the afternoon on my final day so I did not need to use the library, but I did stop by the library for a bit to have lunch and check out how practical it would be to work from there. They had an overwhelming number of places where you could work, with outlets and good lighting. I did quickly try to get on to the internet, but struggled a bit and did not take the time to get it figured out. I'm sure the staff could have helped if I had asked. The cafe at the top had nice food and a beautiful view from the terrace.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
if we didn't buy a drink or have meal in the cafe, can we still go in to see the view from their viewpoint? the outside part of the cafe is accessible to non-customers or not? thanks.
Written February 12, 2024
hola, hay que pagar un ticket para entrar a la biblioteca o subir para ver las vistas?
Written June 9, 2019
No, solo puedes entrar. Tienes que hacer un pase si quieres pedir algo prestado.
Written June 15, 2019
Is the restaurant really busy around 2pm? thanks Sam
Written April 13, 2019
Er is een verdieping waar je absoluut niet mag praten. Dat is echt een stilteruimte.
Het is voor de rest ook nog best een stille restaurant.
Written January 8, 2019
Is the top floor restaurant currently open?
Is the renovation complete?
Written March 24, 2018
Quanto si paga il biglietto d'ingresso? grazie in anticipo
Written August 28, 2016
Si può cenare li? Più o meno quanto costa?
Written June 10, 2015
Non ricordo. Noi ci abbiamo pranzato. E' piuttosto easy ma la carne era molto buona e i prezzi contenuti.
Written June 12, 2015
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