Best Bars in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
bars amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam and wondering about the bar scene? Wonder no longer, because we've put together a list of the best bars in town just for you. Read on, and discover your new favorite!

Including:

  • Door 74
  • Flying Dutchman
  • Oedipus Taproom
  • Gollum
  • TonTon Club
  • and more!

Let's kick things off with cocktail bars. Here are our picks for the city's best!

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Door 74

Step inside the doors of this swanky speakeasy south of the city center, and you'll time-travel back to the Art Deco stylings of the roaring 20s. Sit down, and explore their amazing menu of cocktail classics and original mixes.

Unfortunately, you'll have to take our word for it, as their website is bereft of a menu or any indication of what they offer. However, you can browse their socials and see what people have tagged. Plus, you can book a table through them with no problem. And, given the popularity of the joint, you might want to book ahead.

Ideal for a couple of drinks or an entire evening, it's easily one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam!

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Flying Dutchman

This swanky yet snug cocktail bar has more modern sensibilities in mind. Up the stairs at Singel 460, you'll find a small lounge facing a humungous bar. If you feel like counting, you'll clock over 800 unique bottles of booze. That's...a lot of drinking.

When you're seated, you'll be able to pick from one of their awesome creations and sip on paradise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, give the staff some information on the kinds of drinks you like, and they'll cook you up something holistic!

Looking for something fruity? Give them a few flavors, and they'll whip you up a fruity treat. Prefer sweeter, desert-adjacent tipples? Let them know and see what they come up with.

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Bar TwentySeven

This might be one of the pricier on the list, but hot damn, is it worth a visit if you're hankering for some sweet cocktails. The innards are almost palatial, in a kind of fantasy movie way.

The bartenders will be happy to surprise you with holistic cocktails that were made for you. Grab a velvet chair, or luck out and lounge on the chez long. You'll feel truly pampered; no two ways about it.

Words can't really do this place justice. As one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam, you'll just have to experience it for yourself.

Now, let's explore the pub scene for you beer drinkers out there. Here are our picks for the best beer bars in Amsterdam.

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Oedipus Taproom

Across the river to Amsterdam Noord, you'll find this bright, charming taproom/beer garden. Oedipus is one of the most prominent craft beer brands in Amsterdam, and you'll find their masterworks on many store shelves. But why not go to the source, and have a damn good time doing it?

They have a rotating selection of their beers on tap, from tropical sours to Dutch favorites like witbier and blonde beers. If the day is sunny, and you fancy a free ferry ride from Centraal Station (something everyone should try at least once), then head to this summer delight and soak up the vibes.

And if you're hungry after throwing back a few, they've got a burger pop-up on-site to satisfy your beer cravings.

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Gollum

With multiple locations around the city, Gollum is one of Amsterdam's best. While their menus can change depending on where you go, you're likely to find a menu with tens of beers spread over multiple pages. Whichever beer suits your fancy, you're sure to find it within their revered tomes.

Some locations, like the one in Entrepotdok, have board games should you fancy something to do. Oh, and their resident cat will be more than happy to sit sleeping next to you if you choose the right seat!

Upstairs, they even play sports games, should you be in town during the Dutch soccer season, or during the summer months when international tournaments take place. Just don't expect the Superbowl; you're in The Netherlands, after all.

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O'Reilly's Irish Pub

There are better pubs in the city, but sometimes, you just want a little slice of home. That's what you get at O'Reilly's, with all the familiar fittings of an Irish pub. Guinness on tap, western pub food on the menu, and jolly jigs on the jukebox.

Plus, it's one of the city's most prominent sports bars, with plenty of soccer and other matches being blared from the big screen across the venue.

And now, we'll end the list on quirky bars, if you're looking for something a little different.

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TonTon Club

What do you get when you combine the lights and sounds of an 80s arcade with the smooth stylings of a modern bar, all wrapped up with an Asian menu? Well, you get the TonTon Club. Head to the magnificent Westerpark and see what all the fuss is about.

With a handful of arcade cabinets, including Time Crisis and Mario Kart, as well as air hockey and foosball tables, you'll have a blast as you knock back drinks. Their menu of Asian finger food is also delicious, and includes burgers and larger plates should your stomach require.

And with a generous amount of outside tables, it's the perfect summer haunt!

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Westerunie

Bar and VR game site by day, club by night. Westerunie has it all. Once again located in Westerpark, you'll need to book ahead if you want to use the VR facilities. But my god, you'll want to. Taking place in the large hall where the club kicks off, you and 5 friends can suit up, literally, with a full-body tracking suit. Then, slip on the headset, and run around untethered as you explore haunted houses, facilities, and other monster-infested locations and shoot 'em up. Thanks to the suits, you'll see your pals running around in real-time and hear them scream as they're beset by shambling monstrosities.

Then, when your session's over, check the scoreboard and gloat over a few drinks from the delightful bar. And, should you want the night to continue, you may well be there when the lights go out and the music kicks off. Easily one of the best bars in Amsterdam.

And that was our list of the best bars in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Adventurous Things to do in Amsterdam

Calling all adventurers! Are you a brave soul that faces the extreme with a smile? Do death-defying feats fill you with a lust for life like no other? Well then, you've come to the right place. Amsterdam might not seem like the city to cater to your needs at first, but look beneath the surface, and you'll find plenty of adventurous things to do in Amsterdam. Don't believe us? Shame on you. Here, we'll prove it to you. Here are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! You are very welcome. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Bungee jumping Cycle far and wide Kayak on the canal and more! Jump, go ahead and jump To adventurous types like yourself, heights probably aren't too much of an issue. After all, there are adventures to be had high above the pathetic sea level, right? Well, how do you feel about jumping off a crane? At Faralda Crane Hotel, you can do just that. This crane/hotel, something that was strange even to write, you don't just have to stay the night in one of the most stylish yet strange hotels in the city. You can also scale the building and bungee jump from the crane itself. Madness. And this isn't your usual head-first affair. Oh no, this is feet-first bungee, devoid of the usual blood rush to the head of your standard jump. So go on, prove how adventurous you really are, and jump from a crane! Definitely one of the craziest things to do in Amsterdam. 5D Thrills When reality doesn't quite cut it for your adventurous side, why not try another dimension? At THIS IS HOLLAND, you'll fly through the skies of Amsterdam, feeling the wind in your hair. Sea spray will patter your face as you glide across the city's rivers. All of that, and you won't even leave your seat. This thrill ride is composed of four shows, each giving you fantastic and unique views of the city. You'll learn about Amsterdam's past and present as you soar through the air. All the while, your seat mimics the show's motions, and you'll feel the wind, rain, and much more as advanced technology throws everything at you. Sublime. Wheely good Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we make ourselves. After all, what we think is adventurous might not quite align with the offerings of a city. So, why not set out on your own and cycle out of town? The Netherlands is a gloriously pretty country, with rolling hills, flower-filled fields, and more windmills than you can shake a turbine at. And best of all, many of the country's freeways have dedicated cycle lanes safely slotted beside them. So, get on your bike, and go explore! The Flower Strip is around 25 miles south of the city, making it the perfect picturesque getaway for you adventurous creatures. Tread water Visitors to Amsterdam will soon discover the city's affinity to water. It's literally everywhere, with canals and river estuaries snaking their way through the city. You'll likely spend much of your vacation crossing these by bridge, or walking beside them as you get about. You can even take boat tours of the city. But where's the adventure in that? You know what you have to do. You have to conquer these waters yourself! So get out there, hire a kayak, and take to the waters like a modern-day, solo pirate. Just with less of the plundering and more of the water mastery. Easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam, and one of the best ways to see the city in all its beautiful glory. Lick a shot Picture the scene - you're deep in enemy territory. Your opponents have you pinned down, and it's looking dicey. But then, as the fear begins to wash over you like a claustrophobic blanket of terror, you breathe out, shake it off, and bravely stand to face your foe. As you return fire, you're peppered with invisible bullets. Your battered suit lets out an exhausted set of beeps. You've been shot one too many times, and it's getting tired of keeping score. But you are unharmed. And better yet, you're ready to enact revenge on the scallywags. Now that's an adventure. That scene is just a microcosm of fun at Lasertag Amsterdam. Inside, between 2 and 24 people will, run, gun, and have ultimate fun during 30-minute battles. Do you have what it takes to top the scoreboard? You'll just have to find out for yourself, you adventurous wonder. Look out below! Heights mean nothing to adventurers like you. So why not test your mettle at A'DAM LOOKOUT? This innocuous-looking observation deck might not seem too daring at first. Sure, the view of the city is one-of-a-kind. But it's safe. Perhaps too safe. Well, look again, because A'DAM LOOKOUT has a terrifying secret. It's called 'Over the Edge', and its only for the most stern of heart. This giant swing careens over the edge of the observation deck 100 meters in the air. That makes it easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! But, if you wuss out, we won't judge you for it. There are still thrills to be had beyond the views. Safer thrills, but thrills nonetheless. Hop into the VR booth, and go on a virtual rollercoaster ride through the city's streets. Awesome. Monkey around Do you ever look up at trees and wish you could swing through them as our long-lost ancestors did? Yes, evolution is real, and yes, so do we! And now you can, thanks to Fun Forest Amsterdam! Forego the country's flatland and trade it in for a little tree climbing. Test your mettle on arduous rope courses, fly through the air on the ziplines, and clamber about on all the other tree-climbing paraphernalia. It's a one-way ticket to fun town. Population? You. Get wild at the beach Amsterdam might not be known for its water sports, but what do people know? Some people believe the Earth is flat, so it's not like they can be trusted. Prove them wrong, and partake in some exciting and, dare we say it, adventurous watersports in the city! At Amsterdam Watersports, you can take part in a myriad of exciting water-based activities, from wakeboarding, surfing, jet surfing, and even flyboarding. No, we didn't make that last one up. If you've ever seen videos of those people using water-powered jet boots to fly into the sky like Tony Stark, it's that. And it's fantastic. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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A Guide to King’s Day | Amsterdam Pass

Guide to King's Day in Amstedam A Kings Day Amsterdam experience should be on everyone’s bucket list and here’s why Visiting Amsterdam during Kings Day (Koningsdag) will be a time to remember, guaranteed. Join in the national celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather for the biggest street party of the year and carry on the festivities in local pubs and bars when the sun goes down. The best bit – you’ll never have seen so much orange in your life! Amsterdammers are known for their partying, and any stay in the city will offer you countless opportunities for a night out, but the best party of the year is the annual Kings Day which falls on the 27 th April in 2019. For a glimpse of the King and Queen on Kings Day Netherlands locals will also be awaiting the arrival of the royal family at the appointed city. A yearly tradition, the royals take it in turns to visit a different location around the country each birthday. You might catch a glimpse of their appearance on TV. History of Kings Day To set the scene, Kings Day, named after the current head of the royal family King Willem-Alexander, is a celebration of the King’s birthday in 1967. While this date has only been in place since 2014, the tradition dates back over a century when the first Koningsdag (only called Koninginnedag – Queen’s Day) was celebrated in 1885 in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. The exact day it is celebrated may have changed over the years, as well as the royals, but the exuberance and joviality has stayed consistent – if not grown more fervent! As a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau it’s an unspoken rule that on this day you should dress up in orange - only. Head to toe is encouraged. It’s no small matter, this orange theme. From bright orange attire, to dyed hair and face paint, people sipping on orange-coloured drinks and wearing orange inflatable crowns, with some even dressing up as the king and queen themselves, it really is an occasion to let go of any inhibitions and join in the mass – in orange. Kings Day Celebrations The day’s activities start out civilised and you’ll find the streets bustling in a never-ending jumble sale with residents selling second-hand items called locally, the vrijmark, or free market. If you’re visiting this vibrant capital with your kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, too, with street games, face painting and the free family-friendly Bredeweg Festival in the Oost District, which has fairground rides and performances taking place over the weekend. The streets will be packed full of nationals and tourists alike joining in on the festivities and it doesn’t stop there. Head to the canals for a big daytime dance party and to witness thousands of boats, decorated for the event. If you can’t manage to get onto a boat (usually its VIP only) try and squeeze onto the bridges for the best view. If big crowds aren’t your thing – and it’s no exaggeration, these crowds are big; thousands come in from towns and cities around the country to the capital – use this time to visit the handful of museums that aren’t closed on this historic day. It’s actually one of the best times to visit Anne Frank Huis , usually one of the sights with the longest queues, as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum in the Museumplein. You can still show solidarity by turning up in orange, though. To fully make the most of your Kings Day Amsterdam experience, there will be plenty of opportunities to party from day and well into the night. While most of the street parties and activities kick off around midday, head to Westerstraat, Prinsengracht or Reguliersdwarsstraat once things wind down. This national holiday is a great time to see big name DJs headlining at the clubs, or just enjoy the high spirits with some Dutch craft beer, well into the early hours, with your new local friends. If all of that seems a bit overwhelming and you’re not quite sure what you’ll end up doing when the time comes, download the Kings Day App when you get there, where you’ll find all the up-to-date information on the day. It’s no small feat, this fun-filled event feels more like a festival than a national holiday! Tip: accommodation will book up fast during this weekend, so it is advised to book well in advance to ensure you get a room. Also, note that most businesses and services around the city will be closed on the 27 th April as it is a public holiday. Public transport is also affected and routes may be altered.
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Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass Itinerary | Go City®

Did you know you can save up to 51% with an All-Inclusive Pass? If you visited the below attractions without our pass, you'd spend €189.45. With our pass, it's only €89. That's a total saving of €91.45. Read on for some Amsterdam inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing. Buy a pass Day 1 total cost without a pass: €92.45 Day 1 Heineken Experience It’s 5PM somewhere. Visit the Heineken Experience to learn about this famous beer. Moco Museum - Banksy & More Next, head across the canal to this boutique gallery and admire its collection of modern art - it's just begging to be added to your ‘gram. Amsterdam Canal Cruise Enjoy the views from Amsterdam’s famous canals. THIS IS HOLLAND Enjoy a 5D flight simulator that takes you over the best sights in the country. Day 2 total cost without a pass: €43.50 Day 2 Rijksmuseum Start your day admiring Vermeers and Van Goghs at this popular museum. Tour de BonTon Among Amsterdam’s most controversial tourist attractions is its Red Light District and this tour is the perfect way to learn about this often-misunderstood industry. Day 3 total cost without a pass: €44.50 Day 3 Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion For a day of delectably rubbery cheese, wooden crafts, pretty windmills and straight-off-a-postcard architecture, then this is the tour for you. This quintessentially Dutch excursion ticks off all the above and more! By visiting these attractions with an All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have saved 51% on your sightseeing. So, what you waiting for? It's time to get planning that Amsterdam adventure now! Buy an All-Inclusive Pass We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on August 9, 2023.
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