Amsterdam, the vibrant and eclectic capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its rich culture, historic canals, and a nightlife scene that's second to none. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or visiting for the first time, the city's bar scene offers a unique experience that's worth exploring. From cozy brown cafes to trendy cocktail lounges, Amsterdam has a bar for every taste.
1. Brouwerij 't IJ
Location: Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €20 - €30
About the Bar: Located next to a windmill, this brewery serves up a fantastic selection of craft beers. Enjoy your drink on their spacious terrace overlooking the city.
What makes Brouwerij 't IJ special?
Besides the windmill setting, they offer a private guided tour every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in English at 3:30 p.m. and in Dutch at 4:00 p.m. These tours provide insights into the beer-making process, making it a great educational experience for beer enthusiasts. In addition to the regular tours, private tours are also provided after 6 p.m. during the week.
2. Hiding in Plain Sight
Location: Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €40 - €60
About the Bar: A hidden gem in the city, this speakeasy-style bar offers expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, cozy setting.
What makes Hiding in Plain Sight special?
The bar hosts regular mixology workshops where you can learn to craft your own cocktails under the guidance of skilled bartenders, perfect for aspiring cocktail connoisseurs.
3. Tales & Spirits
Location: Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, 1012 TE Amsterdam
Average Price For Two: €40 - €60
About the Bar: A hidden gem in the city, this speakeasy-style bar offers expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, cozy setting.
What makes Tales & Spirits special?
The bar hosts regular mixology workshops where you can learn to craft your own cocktails under the guidance of skilled bartenders, perfect for aspiring cocktail connoisseurs.
4. Cafe de Dokter
Location: Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €20 - €40
About the Bar: Step back in time at this historic brown cafe, which has been serving drinks since 1798. The charming, vintage ambiance is perfect for a relaxed evening.
What makes Cafe de Dokter special?
They have an impressive collection of vintage Dutch genever (a juniper-flavored traditional Dutch liquor), allowing you to taste a piece of Dutch history in addition to their regular drink menu.
5. Door 74
Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €60 - €100
About the Bar: Step back in time at this historic brown cafe, which has been serving drinks since 1798. The charming, vintage ambiance is perfect for a relaxed evening.
What makes Door 74 special?
The bar has a "secret" cocktail menu that you can access by solving a riddle related to the bar’s speakeasy theme, adding an element of mystery and fun to your cocktail selection.
6. Cafe Belgique
Location:
Address:
Average Price For Two: €24 - €36
About the Bar: If you're a fan of Belgian beer, this old Dutch brown bar is a paradise. With over 50 quality Belgian brews on the menu, it's a great spot to explore new flavors.
What makes Cafe Belgique special?
The bar frequently hosts live music performances by local artists, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere for patrons.
7. Vesper Bar
Location:
Vinkenstraat 57, 1013 JM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €50 - €80
About the Bar: Named after the iconic Bond girl, Vesper Bar is a stylish establishment known for its exceptional martinis and elegant atmosphere.
What makes Vesper Bar special?
They offer a curated "Martini Flight" menu, allowing you to sample a selection of different martinis and discover your favorite. It also offers a unique afternoon cocktail tea experience, where you can enjoy a selection of their signature cocktails paired with sweet and savory treats.
8. The Butcher Social Club
Location: Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €40 - €70
About the Bar: A hidden gem inside The Butcher burger joint, this stylish cocktail bar offers a great escape from the bustling streets of Amsterdam.
What makes The Butcher Social Club special?
In addition to their cocktail menu, they serve a range of gourmet bar snacks and shareable plates, making it an excellent spot for a sophisticated dining and drinking experience.
9. Cafe de Jaren
Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, 1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €30 - €50
About the Bar: Situated along the Amstel River, this grand cafe is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in picturesque views of the city.
What makes Cafe de Jaren special?
They have a beautiful leafy canal-side patio and balcony that's especially delightful during the summer months, offering a serene escape from the urban buzz. One can also arrive by boat to the cafe since it has its own jetty.
10. Hannekes Boom
Location: Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €30 - €50
About the Bar: A laid-back waterfront bar with a bohemian vibe, Hannekes Boom is a fantastic place to relax with a drink and some good company.
What makes Hannekes Boom special?
The bar has a dock where you can moor your boat, making it a popular watering hole for boaters and water enthusiasts.
11. Cannibale Royale
Location: Handboogstraat 17A, 1012 XM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €40 - €70
About the Bar: Meat lovers will adore this bar known for its exceptional cocktails and mouth watering barbecue dishes.
What makes Cannibale Royale special?
Besides cocktails, they have an extensive selection of craft beers and wine to complement their meat-focused menu, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish.
12. O'Donnell's Irish Pub
Location: Ferdinand Bolstraat 5, 1072 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €30 - €50
About the Bar: For a taste of Ireland in Amsterdam, visit O'Donnell's for a pint of Guinness and live music.
What makes O'Donnell's Irish Pub special?
They host lively Irish music sessions every night and on the weekends, they have Irish dancing, creating a lively and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
13. Wynand Fockink
Location: Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €30 - €50
About the Bar: Step into this historic Dutch jenever and liqueur distillery for a tasting experience that offers a glimpse into Amsterdam's traditional spirits.
What makes Wynand Fockink special?
The bar offers an hour-long guided tasting session (2 liqueurs, 2 genevers, 1 brandy and 1 bitter) over the weekend (Saturday & Sunday), during which a knowledgeable host introduces you to various Dutch spirits and liqueurs, enhancing your appreciation of these traditional drinks.
14. Distillery ’t Nieuwe Diep
Location: Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep, Flevopark 13a, 1095 KE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average Price For Two: €30 - €70
About the Bar: Located in Flevopark, this converted polder pump station resembles a church but houses a jenever distillery, 't Nieuwe Diep. Its serene lakeside setting offers a picturesque summer terrace and a snug tasting room for the colder months.
What makes Distillery ’t Nieuwe Diep special?
In addition to traditional jenever, you can explore over 100 fruit-infused varieties like plum, apple, berries, or citrus. You can even take a tour of the distillery every Friday (at 4 p.m.) to learn about the process of making jenever.
