19 Best Bars in Amsterdam to Check Out

Picture this: it’s early evening, and you’re biking through cobbled city streets, past elegant canal houses with cosy, glowing interiors and over centuries-old bridges. Suddenly you feel drops of rain. They steadily increase in frequency as a strong gust of wind blows you back, ripping your hat from your head and stopping you in your path.

No matter what the season, this could describe any average evening in the Netherlands. However, what do countries with less-than-ideal weather have in common? They have fantastic bars.

From brown bars—the traditional Dutch pub—with ornate interiors to dashing cocktail bars and everything in between, Amsterdam is filled with drinking wells to suit all styles. Here are 19 of the very best bars in Amsterdam.

Vesper

Vesper Bar is a true neighbourhood establishment. While the venue itself is historic, Vesper is just north of 10 years old, but it’s already managed to create a sense of community. Visitors should be sure to order the Vesper, a twist on the classic martini.

Area: Jordaan
Price: ££

Café de Sluyswacht

A visit to Café de Sluyswacht is like a trip back in time. The lopsided tiny house on a lock was originally built in 1695, and is still surrounded by historic landmarks. The bar fare is nothing fancy—think bitterballen, croquettes and fries—and the cocktails are limited to the basics, but what more could you want from a classic brown bar?

Area: Centrum
Price: ££

Café Lennep

Café Lennep is one of those hidden gems in Amsterdam that sits right on the canal, and is just far enough away from the centre to still find a terrace seat on a sunny day. The menu features beers from local brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ, along with locally-sourced ingredients. The terrace is the perfect place to catch the sunset.

Area: Centrum
Price: ££

Flying Dutchman Cocktails

Ideal for a nightcap, Flying Dutchman Cocktails focuses on high-quality cocktails made with local spirits, all served in a frescoed and stained glass interior.

Area: Singel
Price: £££

Café de Dokter

Founded in 1798 by a surgeon, Café de Dokter is also considered the smallest pub in the city. Enter for charming antique interiors including an old birdcage, vintage lamps, and a spindly spiral staircase.

Area: Centraal
Price: ££

Hannekes Boom

There are an unfortunately small number of bars in Amsterdam that successfully bridge the gap between pub and casual dance venue, but Hannekes Boom does just that. This waterfront bar frequently hosts live music, has plenty of outdoor seating, and even appears to float on water.

Area: Oost
Price: ££

Vergulden Eenhoorn

Another off-the-beaten-path gem, Vergulden Eenhoorn, which translates to “golden unicorn,” is tucked in between residential buildings. With an eclectic, cabin-like interior and roaring fireplaces in the colder months, this bar and restaurant will make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Area: Oost
Price: ££

Cecconi’s Amsterdam

Cecconi’s is not your typical Dutch bar—small, cosy, and filled with dark wooden fixtures—but there’s no doubt that it’s beautiful. Decorated in typical Soho House style, this former trading office boasts tall ceilings and elegant lighting.

Area: Centrum
Price: £££

Door 74

For elegant cocktails and moody lighting, there are few better places than Door 74. This speakeasy utilizes techniques from all over the world, without the fussiness that plagues many cocktail bars.

Area: Grachtengordel (Centrum)
Price: £££

Tales & Spirits

Run by a couple, Lydia Soedadi and Boudewijn Mesritz, Tales & Spirits is one of the city’s most well-known cocktail bars, serving everything from classic mixed drinks to theatrical cocktails. Be sure to try their famous drink, the What If, a pineapple-ginger twist on the daiquiri.

Area: Singel
Price: £££

Branie Bar

Known more as a restaurant, Branie Bar also has a small bar where patrons can order cocktails influenced by Indonesian flavours. It’s recommended as a bar, but be sure to order some snacks as well to appreciate the unique tastes.

Area: Oud-West
Price: ££

Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep

Located in the depths of Amsterdam’s beautiful Flevopark, Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep is both a bar and a distillery. The bar largely serves traditional Dutch cocktails and spirits, making it a true cultural experience.

Area: Oost
Price: ££

Pulitzer’s Bar

Pulitzer’s Bar is a true hotel bar—fitting the nook-and-cranny style of the Pulitzer Hotel, it’s a refuge from the maddening crowds of the nearby canals. Don’t leave without trying the house Martini.

Area: De 9 Straatjes
Price: £££

Bar Bukowski

A true Oost classic, this bar is named after the writer who allegedly once said, “there is always a reason to drink.” Bar Bukowski serves cocktails, drinks, and an all-day food menu, frequently hosting lively events.

Area: Oost
Price: ££

Brewed by Women BAR

Gebrouwen Door Vrouwen translates to “brewed by women.” This entirely women-led brewery has grown significantly since its inception, and its beers can be found in many local craft establishments throughout Amsterdam.

Area: Oud-West
Price: ££

Cafe ‘t Smalle

There are many brown bars in the city, but Cafe ‘t Smalle may be the prettiest. Located on the picturesque Egelantiersgracht, here you’ll see patrons of all ages enjoying beers and traditional Dutch snacks.

Area: Jordaan
Price: ££

Cafe Katoen

Cafe Katoen is well-loved among locals—not only is it ideally located on Singel in the heart of the city, but it also embodies the laid-back, no-nonsense vibe of Amsterdam.

Area: De Wallen
Price: ££

Pllek

Pllek is a sustainability-minded Noord bar creatively constructed with old sea containers, contributing to its industrial feel. If you’re in Amsterdam on King’s Day, it hosts one of the city’s liveliest parties.

Area: Noord
Price: ££

Polly Goudvisch

Located a short ferry ride from Centraal Station, this new bar has a light, spacious interior, perfect for enjoying beautifully crafted cocktails. Don’t forget to take a swing at the top of A’dam Lookout Tower, just a stone’s throw away.

Area: Noord
Price: ££

Skatecafé

This industrial bar, restaurant, and venue in Amsterdam Noord is perfect for those who think a bar could use a skate ramp. Just be cautious not to try skating after a few natural wines!

Area: Noord
Price: ££

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a stop at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a brewery and bar located inside a windmill. Visitors can sample organic blonde and dark beers and enjoy classic Dutch bar snacks.