What Are the Best Pubs in Amsterdam?
Thanks to Amsterdam’s’ liberal laws, the nightlife scene in the city is an unmissable experience for all!
Whether you’re visiting the capital for a weekend away or just looking for somewhere new to make your local, we’ve got you covered. To suit everyone we’ve created this mega list of the best pubs in Amsterdam no matter what you’re looking for. Whether that’s hearty, cosy spaces or famous pubs in Amsterdam and everything in between. These pubs range in price, capacity and where the venue is situated in the vast city centre of the ‘Dam.
1. Proeflokaal Arendsnest
When visiting Amsterdam, it feels only right to give a proper Dutch brewery a try to immerse yourself in their boozy side of culture. Proeflokaal Arendsnest is exactly what you need to get a taste of the Dutch way! This fully wooden bar in the centre is all about great tasting ales and facts about the liquid gold. This is one of the many famous pubs in Amsterdam, renowned for only serving beer from the 400 breweries in the Netherlands. Enter and you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable staff, 52 Dutch beers on tap and a bloody good time!
Herengracht 90 | Website
2. Brouwerij 't IJ
Taking the non-traditional route, Brouwerji’t IJ pub is a place of world beers and quirky flavours. This venue is not only a pub but also has it’s own micro-brewery on site that does guided tours if you want a behind the scenes peek at the brewing process. Head over to their website before you go to see the seasonal beers their serving and rare, occasional beers that can grace your taste buds on your visit.
Funenkade 7 | Website
3. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Easily the most popular Irish pub in Amsterdam is the one and only – Molly Malone’s. The shimmering reviews of this old and humble pub show that it’s been a friendly watering holes for years. You’ll find the pub just a short walk from Amsterdam Centrum station and serving several different beer taps. Inside you’re transported to Ireland with patriotic flags, sports TV’s and a traditional wooden bar. If you’re lucky enough to visit on St Patrick’s Day, you’re in for a treat!
Oudezijds Kolk 9 | Website
4. The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters continues the theme of friendly and welcoming and is why it’s one of the good pubs in Amsterdam for both locals and tourists. As well as the extensive choice of beer, the venue boasts 27 televisions to watch the latest sports game. The décor is cosy and comfortable, with arm chairs and a large terrace outside to catch some sun. Especially if you’re a Brit, you’re bound to feel right at home in the laid-back atmosphere of The Three Sisters pub.
Rembrandtplein 19 | Website
5. Hannekes Boom
As well as a copious amount of traditional pubs, Amsterdam has a couple of quirky, different options too. Hannekes Boom near the train station is one of the most popular venues for the weird and wonderful. Here you’ll find one of a kind beers in an always-changing drinks menu. The venue itself is rustic and wooden, with a huge outdoor space perfect for the summer. The seating inside comes in all shapes and sizes including pillows on the floor to have chilled catch ups with beer in hand. Their roaring fire and canal views are definitely a sight to behold if you’re in Amsterdam this year.
Dijksgracht 4 | Website
6. Beer Temple
The clues in the name with this one! Beer Temple prides itself on offering one of the largest variations of beer in the whole of Amsterdam. One of the best pubs in Amsterdam you can enjoy beer on tap, draft, bottled beer from around the world and Dutch beer in a can. They also host beer tasting events for the more adventurous. Most of their beer menu comes from America with a whopping 200 different bottles and 35 variations of American beer on tap. If you’re travelling with some fussy friends, this is the perfect drinking spot.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250 | Website
7. Café Soundgarden
Café Soundgarden may be one of the oldest pubs on our list, opening up in 1993 to quench the thirst of locals and tourists alike. Right in the heart of Amsterdam, they have a classic beer garden to sip cool ales and locally brewed beers in. On top of the low-priced drink options, the venue hosts live DJs and acoustic session that set them apart from the rest. If you have a hankering for rock music, a love of the outdoors and a soft spot for cats (they have a resident furry friend) this is the watering hole for you.
Marnixstraat 164-166 | Website
8. The Old Bell
The Rembrandtplein district of Amsterdam is one of the best when it comes to life after dark. The bars, pubs and clubs are spilling onto the streets to create a buzzing atmosphere and adult playground. While you’re there, make sure to visit The Old Bell, one of the original places to quench your thirst. This classic pub with it’s wooden interior will welcome anyone with open arms for a pint or two. The owners have a love for Guinness (and it’s on tap) and relaxation so you can take a beat in between your hectic schedule.
Rembrandtplein 46 | Website
9. Beer Tasting Room (In The Wildeman)
A former distillery, The Wildeman building is now an opportunity to take your casual pint to the next level. The Beer Tasting Room is void of music and entertainment, meaning you can fully focus on the unique beers they serve and the tasting experience. The staff know their stuff when it comes to this well-loved beverage and they have 18 beers on tap plus over 250 bottles beer choices. From Belgium favourites to German beers, British and American flavours – this is the perfect place to go for a true beer lover.
Kolksteeg 3 | Website
10. Red Light Bar
The Red Light Bar is an unusual combination of Amsterdam’s Red Light District atmosphere, the liberal laws and a traditional boozer. Also known as ‘The Wallen’, this venue is on our list of cool pubs in Amsterdam because they offer everything. Great choice of beers? Tick. Three pool tables for some competitive fun with friends? Tick. TV screens for Sports? Tick. On top of all that, you can also enjoy marijuana in the safety of this pubs walls.
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 61 | Website
11. Craft & Draft
A little out of the city centre, Craft & Draft is worth the journey if you’re a big fan of world beers. As the name of the venue suggests, this is the best pub in Amsterdam for a taste of craft beers. You can come for a casual visit to try one (or more) of their 41 beers on tap, or book a beer tasting experience and go that extra mile. This watering hole serves their beer with matching snacks for the ultimate experience, and even has an outdoor seating area so you can catch some sun when the weather is nice.
Overtoom 417 | Website
12. Dan Murphy's
Last but certainly not least is probably the best Irish pub anywhere in the city, and that's Dan Murphy's Amsterdam. Situated on Leidseplein on the south-side of the city centre, you'll find both Murphy's and Guinness on tap here, as well as plenty of live sports playing on their TVs. If you're looking for a classic boozer that reminds you of home (including the awesome bar staff!), then this place is a great shout.
Leidseplein | Website
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