Going to Amsterdam without going to a bar inside Amsterdam, is like not seeing any of the canals. Unless you’re underage than it’s understandable. The drinking age for beer is 18 and strong drinks 21 in The Netherlands. Yes, this is enforced. But don’t come with the excuse of being alcohol-free person, because there are enough beverages that are alcoholic free. Of course, bars should serve alcohol but go here should be more of a social event. So are you with a group of friend(s) or a couple visiting Amsterdam? Then you should also visit one of the best bars to enrichen your cultural experience in Amsterdam.
This list for Best bars in Amsterdam are mention-worthy for a reason. We would list the ones with good service, great taste and take ambiance and surroundings as an important factor as well. Another important thing is that these are also rich in history or stories.
TIP: Please don’t go by bike if you intend to drink alcoholic beverages.
Bar TwentySeven
Where Dam Square meets the Rokin, in hotel Twentyseven, you can find this amazing Bar TwentySeven. It’s upscale and tailor-made cocktails for the guests. The interior is astonishing: elegant and stylish. The guests coming in for a drink are often dressed elegantly. Making the list of best bars in Amsterdam for its cocktails and ambiance.
- Directions to Bar TwentySeven
- Website: https://www.hoteltwentyseven.com/en/bar/
- Great for an elegant evening with cocktails
Foeders
Foeders is the oldest cafe in the Pijp and serves different beers from 42 taps. This is a place for international beer lovers. Taste beers from all over the world. When a tap is finished, they will connect a totally new beer for new taste experiences. If you love beer and you are in Amsterdam (or you know someone that loves beer and is there), visit the Foeders.
- Directions to Foeders
- Website: foeders.amsterdam
- Great for beer lovers
Three Little Bottles (De Drie Fleschjes)
Three Little bottles take you back to the golden age. Fine wines, Jenever (let’s just say Dutch Gin), and liquors are at this place. They only serve Gulpener Beer on tap. A place for great tastes, new experiences in a stylish 17th-century decor. If the walls could talk. Interested in anecdotes about the Jenever, or the bar itself? Have a chat and ask advice about Jenever. It’s a malt berry tasty strong shot. Herby as well.
- Directions to Three Little Bottles (De Drie Fleschjes)
- Website: dedriefleschjes.nl
- Great for strong liquors, authentic ambiance
Café De Dokter
Near the Spui, and begijnhof this bar opened 1798 (more than 220 years ago already). This family-run cafe is now run by the 6th Generation. The name comes from the first person who opened the bar, he was a doctor nearby. Over the years doctors made this their place to drink.
- Directions to Cafe de Dokter
- Website: cafe-de-dokter.nl
- Great for whiskeys (also serves local beers and wines)
Wijnbar Paulus Amsterdam
For the wine enthusiast and lover, this place offers fine wines. You can order some food (cheese and meat platter) that would go great with it. Your host Paul has so many anecdotes to tell about the wines. He will tell you where the wines are from, the background behind it. So you think you know your wines? Go to Wijnbar Paulus and enjoy this cozy place.
- Directions to Wijnbar Paulus Amsterdam
- Website wijnbarpaulus.nl
- Great for wine lovers and wine enthusiast
The Black Dog
This gastropub serves good beers and good meals in the heart of Amsterdam. Their staffs are Ex-pats and locals. Are you looking for someplace to sit have a meal, a beer after a day shopping or strolling through Amsterdam then make The Black dog also a stop in your itinerary.
- Directions to The Black Dog
- Website theblackdog.nl
- Great for Meals and Beers for any occasion
The Lion’s Head Gastro Bar & Brewery
With a passion for good food and great beers, this place is worth going out of the way to when you’re in Amsterdam. Husband and wife run this bar with their passion. They complement each other, one specializes in the drinks and the other in the food.
Tip: Nachos, get them!
- Directions to The Lion’s Head
- Website lionsheadbrewing.com
- Great for Meals and Beers worth going to take a trip to the Pijp
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Beer lovers this place is an absolute must. More than 150 different dutch beers, both on tap and bottled. This is a place where beer connaisseurs come to for tasting the world-renowned dutch beers (I am not talking about Heineken or any standard binge drink beer). With more than 400 breweries in the Netherlands, there will be no beer shortage here. Ask the staff to help you chose from the many possible beers.
- Directions to Proeflokaal Arendsnest
- Website arendsnest.nl
- Great for Dutch only Beers
Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits
340 years ago this was a distillery making. Now it is a bar with many years of experience in crafting excellent liquor. To visit their distillery tasting, visit their website for tickets and info. Because this is one of the most popular places, it can be busy. So either come early, they open at 2pm. If you’re on a vacation it’s ok to have a drink this “early” (kind reminder for liquor it’s 21+ in the Netherlands)
- Directions to Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal
- Website wynand-fockink.nl
- Great for liquors
TonTon Club
Looking to play some retro arcade games or board games with some beers. This retro arcade brings you back 25ish years ago. Fun decor, fun things to do good if you are with a small group with this interest.
- Directions to TonTon
- Website tontonclub.nl
- Great for gaming and drinking local beers
Locations of the best bars in Amsterdam
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