Friday afternoon drinks at Scheldeplein: where do you go in Amsterdam Zuid?

For after-work drinks in Amsterdam Zuid, Scheldeplein and the surrounding area is your best bet. This square offers a relaxed atmosphere, easy accessibility, and a handful of venues that are perfect for a casual drink after work. Whether you’re meeting up with colleagues or catching up with friends, Scheldeplein is one of the liveliest spots for after-work drinks in the south of Amsterdam in 2026. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about after-work drinks at Scheldeplein.

Where can you go for after-work drinks in Amsterdam Zuid?

Amsterdam Zuid has several great spots for drinks, but Scheldeplein stands out as the go-to destination for after-work drinks. The square has a vibrant character, is centrally located in the neighborhood, and is surrounded by venues with terraces and a relaxed atmosphere. Cantina L’Esquina at Scheldeplein 2 is one of the most popular options, offering Mediterranean snacks, draft beer, and a welcoming interior.

Other options in Amsterdam Zuid include cafés and eateries along Amstelveenseweg or around Museumplein, but these tend to be busier and less convenient to reach from the RAI area. For people who want a quick and easy meetup after a workday, Scheldeplein is the obvious choice.

What makes Scheldeplein a great spot for drinks?

Scheldeplein is a great spot for drinks because it’s an open, lively square with a neighborhood feel that’s harder to find in the busier parts of Amsterdam. There’s plenty of space, there are terraces, and the atmosphere is relaxed without being touristy. That makes it ideal for informal after-work drinks, both for locals and for visitors to the RAI Convention Centre.

What makes the square extra appealing:

A great mix of local residents, professionals, and conference attendees
Spacious terraces that are pleasant well into the evening
Venues offering a diverse range of food and drinks
A relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere
Proximity to the RAI, making it a natural gathering point after events

In short: Scheldeplein combines accessibility with character, making it the ideal spot for drinks on a Friday afternoon or evening.

What time do after-work drinks at Scheldeplein start and end?

After-work drinks at Scheldeplein typically kick off between 4:00 and 5:30 PM, depending on when people finish work. Most venues in the area are already open for lunch and welcome guests early in the afternoon. At Scheldeplein, you can easily keep the drinks going well into the evening.

Cantina L’Esquina is open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with kitchen service until 10:00 PM. That means after the first round of drinks, you can simply stay for dinner without having to move on. Convenient when the after-work drinks turn into a full evening out.

What can you eat and drink during happy hour at Cantina L’Esquina?

At Cantina L’Esquina, you can enjoy Mediterranean snacks, tapas, and fresh dishes that are perfect for a laid-back Friday afternoon. The drinks menu features an extensive selection of wines, beers, and other beverages, including Estrella Galicia on draft. The offering is broad enough to satisfy both beer lovers and wine enthusiasts.

Check out the full selection on the Cantina L’Esquina menu for an overview of all dishes and drinks. The kitchen is open until 10:00 PM, so even if the drinks run late, you can still enjoy a full dinner. Think colorful Mediterranean dishes made with fresh ingredients and a Spanish influence.

Is Cantina L’Esquina suitable for a group drinks event or company happy hour?

Yes, Cantina L’Esquina is well suited for group drinks or a company happy hour. The restaurant has a spacious interior with a mix of dining tables and bar stools, allowing for flexible arrangements for groups of various sizes. The atmosphere is informal and inviting, which immediately gives any group gathering a relaxed feel.

For a company happy hour, there are a few things that make Cantina L’Esquina particularly appealing:

Central location within walking distance of the RAI Convention Centre
Generous opening hours until 1:00 AM
A wide range of food and drinks to suit different tastes
A warm, colorful interior that creates a great atmosphere
The option to stay for dinner after drinks

Whether it’s a small team of five or a larger group of colleagues, the combination of snacks, drinks, and a great atmosphere makes it the obvious choice for after-work drinks in Amsterdam Zuid.

What’s the easiest way to get to Scheldeplein for after-work drinks?

Scheldeplein is easily accessible by both public transport and car. The North/South line (metro 52) drops you practically at the door at Europaplein station, making Scheldeplein one of the most accessible drinks spots in Amsterdam Zuid. From the city center, you can be there in just a few minutes.

Other ways to get there:

Metro: Line 52 (North/South line), stop Europaplein, within walking distance of Scheldeplein 2
Tram and bus: Several lines stop near Scheldeplein
Car: Parking is available in the area, including at the RAI
Bike: Ample bike parking available around the square

Thanks to the direct metro connection, Scheldeplein is easy to reach for people coming from other parts of Amsterdam as well, making it an ideal central meeting point for after-work drinks with colleagues or friends from across the city.

Cantina L’Esquina: your after-work drinks spot at Scheldeplein

At Cantina L’Esquina, we’re ready every Friday to host your after-work drinks at Scheldeplein. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together with a small group of friends or organizing a company happy hour for a larger crowd, we have everything you need for a great Friday afternoon. Here’s why Cantina L’Esquina is the ideal drinks spot in Amsterdam Zuid:

Open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, including Fridays
Mediterranean snacks and tapas perfect for drinks
Estrella Galicia on draft and an extensive wine and beer selection
Spacious interior with bar stools and dining tables for groups of any size
Sunny terrace on the lively Scheldeplein
Directly accessible via metro 52, stop Europaplein

Just stop by at Scheldeplein 2 or take a look at what we have to offer at cantinalesquina.nl. See you on Friday!

Veelgestelde vragen

Do I need to make a reservation in advance for after-work drinks at Cantina L'Esquina?

For small groups, you can usually just walk in, but for a group of five or more it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance, especially on Fridays. That way you can be sure there’s enough space and the staff can prepare properly for your arrival. You can make a reservation via the website at cantinalesquina.nl.

Is there a minimum spend or a special drinks package available for companies?

For company happy hours and larger groups, it’s possible to arrange a customized offering, such as a sharing platter or a set snacks menu. Get in touch directly with Cantina L’Esquina to discuss the options and any available packages. That way, you can tailor the event entirely to your team’s preferences.

What are the best parking options when driving to Scheldeplein?

Parking near Scheldeplein is possible, but it can get busy on Friday afternoons. A convenient option is the parking garage at the RAI Convention Centre, a short walk from Cantina L’Esquina. Keep in mind that paid parking applies in Amsterdam Zuid, so check the rates and hours in advance via the City of Amsterdam website.

Can after-work drinks at Cantina L'Esquina take place on a day other than Friday?

Absolutely! While after-work drinks are traditionally held on Fridays, Cantina L’Esquina is open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. A post-work drink on Thursday or a relaxed Tuesday evening with colleagues is definitely possible. The atmosphere and offering are just as good on any day of the week.

Is the terrace at Cantina L'Esquina also pleasant in the evening, or is it mainly suited for daytime?

The terrace on Scheldeplein is a great place to sit in the evening as well, especially in spring and summer when it stays light longer. On cooler evenings, you can always move inside to the warm and colorful interior of Cantina L’Esquina. That way, you’re never dependent on the weather for a successful evening out.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options available on the drinks menu?

Cantina L’Esquina offers a Mediterranean menu with a variety of vegetarian options, such as fresh tapas and vegetable dishes with a Spanish influence. For specific dietary requirements such as gluten-free, it’s recommended to check with the staff when making your reservation or upon arrival. You can get a good idea of the offering in advance by checking the menu at cantinalesquina.nl/menu.

What is the difference between Scheldeplein and other drinks spots in Amsterdam Zuid, such as Museumplein?

The biggest difference is the atmosphere: Scheldeplein has an authentic neighborhood character with a relaxed, non-touristy feel, while Museumplein is much busier and more touristy, especially on weekends. Scheldeplein is also ideally located for people who work or attend an event at the RAI, thanks to the direct metro connection via Europaplein station. For a laid-back after-work drinks without the crowds, Scheldeplein is the better choice.