Amsterdam has its fair share of excellent watering holes. But which to choose? Have a read of our guide to the best bars in Amsterdam to see if we can help you decide…

1. ADAM Tower

Where? Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam

Why go? For cracking cocktails and the best views across the city 

One of our neighbours at ClinkNOORD is the amazing ADAM Tower and its panoramic bar and restaurant Madam. At 20 floors up, this swish bar offers some stunning views across the city. During the day, the bar is part of the LOOKOUT experience where you can hop aboard a giant swing and check out the views from the rooftop observation deck. By night, the venue transforms into Amsterdam’s highest bar and nightclub. If you want to guarantee a table and a great view, hop over to the website and make a booking.

2. Wynand Fockink

Where? Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam

Why go? For a quirky and characterful find in the city centre

If you thought you couldn’t find a half decent bar in the Amsterdam city centre, think again. Wynand Fockink is a great little hidden gem right in the centre of Amsterdam. The bar dates way back to 1679 and specialises in the traditional Dutch drink jenever along with plenty of other liquers. The staff really help to make the experience here with their humour and knowledge, helping you choose from the impressive array of tipples on offer!

Read: The Best Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam

3. Hiding in Plain Sight

Where? Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam

Why go? For long and winding conversations and delicious drinks 

If quirky cocktail bars are your thing then Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS) is the one for you. With seductive chandeliers, crystal glasses and old school ice coolers, this bar has a proper roaring twenties feel. Once a traditional Amsterdam ‘brown cafe’ the space has been transformed into a decadent den where you can sip on an array of quality cocktails like the Voodoo Child and the Vieux Carré, all made with love and expertise. It can get busy in here, especially at the weekend, so it’s worth booking a table and hunkering down for a few hours to sample at least a few drinks …

4. Cafe Nol

Where? Westerstraat 109, 1015 LX Amsterdam

Why go? To say you’ve been at least once … 

Kitsch, wacky, a bit out there … is how you might begin to describe Cafe Nol. From the outside, it appears to be just another traditional brown cafe in the Jordaan, but step inside as the sun goes down and Nol comes to life in full blown neon-lit glory … With thick red carpet, frilly curtains, mirrored walls and glitzy chandeliers, the decor is an experience in itself. This place gets pretty jam packed with a mixture of older patrons who grew up in the neighborhood and younger clientele who come for the fun and novelty – all of them raucously singing along to the old oompah ballads with drunken abandon. One of those Amsterdam establishments that everyone knows or has visited (at least once!)

5. ‘T Blauwe Theehuis

Where? Vondelpark 5, 1071 AA Amsterdam 

Why go? For its amazing architectural history and cool events programming 

A truly unique spot, this Amsterdam bar come events space sits in the middle of famous Vondelpark. Designed in 1937 by the Baanders brothers in the Nieuwe Bowen style, it has a huge terrace which offers gorgeous views across the park and has capacity for over 700 guests, making it one of Europe’s largest! With regular parties, yoga lessons, film nights and club nights, ‘T Blauwe Theehuis is really much more than a bar – but it’s on our list anyway!

6. Brouweij ‘t IJ

Where? Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam

Why go? To sample local beers in a quintessentially Dutch setting 

If you’re looking for a drinking experience that feels decidedly Dutch then head to Brouwerij ‘t IJ (the IJ Brewery). This small Amsterdam brewery is housed in the former Funen bathhouse, just next to the De Gooyer windmill. You can enjoy one of their locally brewed, organic beers in their own pub or on the large outdoor terrace. If you’re looking for a little more insight into the brewing process then they also offer guided tours. The pub is open daily from 15:00 to 20:00.

7. PLLEK

Where? T.T. Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam 

Why go? For great views and a cracking events programme

Arts and music venue, Pllek, is just a short bike ride from ClinkNOORD. A structure made out of old shipping containers, and sitting on the banks of the River IJ, this venue has a cool industrial feel to it. With its own man made beach, lots of seating and various events running all year round it’s one of our favourite Amsterdam bars in which to while away a few hours. You can also get here on the free short ferry that leaves every few minutes from the back of Centraal Station.

Read: Amsterdam Nightlife

8. Café de Ceuvel

Where? Korte Papaverweg 4, 1032 KB Amsterdam

Why go? For its eco credentials and gorgeous river-side setting 

Another Amsterdam Noord favourite, this is a quirky river-side hangout is made completely out of recycled materials. Grab a drink and chill out on the deck or, if you’re peckish, choose something from their fresh, sustainable menu. With various events happenings – from live music to film screenings and pop up parties – you’ll always find some entertainment at Cafe de Ceuvel.

9. Cafe Hoppe

Where? Spui 18-20, 1012 XA Amsterdam

Why go? To experience one of Amsterdam’s traditional ‘brown cafes’

If you’re looking to experience one of Amsterdam’s traditional ‘brown cafes’ then head to Cafe Hoppe. The space dates all the way back to 1670 when it was originally a jenever distillery and, since then, has been a gathering place for the city’s intellectuals – similar to the eighteenth century coffee shops of London. These days, Cafe Hoppe is abuzz with tourists and locals alike. The former tend to head to the smaller bar area with its dust strewn floor and stained glass windows. So if you’re looking for the local vibes, head there too!

10. Craft & Draft

Where? Overtoom 417, 1054 JR Amsterdam

Why go? For an exceptional selection of over 100 craft beers from around the world, perfect for any beer enthusiast

Craft & Draft in Amsterdam-West offers 40 craft beers on draft and over 60 in bottles and cans. Visitors can enjoy their drinks at the bar, on the terrace, or take them home. Known for bringing together beer lovers from around the world, Craft & Draft features an exclusive Photobox© for capturing and sharing beer moments. As part of the MOREBEER-Tour, guests visiting four bars in a day can receive a free T-shirt when they finish at Craft & Draft. Are you in?

11. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

Where? Singel 460, 1017 AW Amsterdam

Why go? For an award-winning experience with over 800 unique spirits and expertly crafted (neo-)classic cocktails

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is the ultimate cocktail bar owned by renowned bartenders Tess Posthumus and Timo Janse. Featuring over 800 unique spirits, it’s open daily from 5pm to 4am, making it the city’s latest cocktail spot. Awarded Best Cocktailbar 2018 by Esquire and among the Top 10 Best Cocktailbars in Europe, it specialises in (neo-)classic cocktails. With a focus on educating guests about mixology through workshops and a classic cocktail menu, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails invites everyone to discover and enjoy the art of cocktails. Come fly with them and experience cocktail magic!

12. The Waterhole

Where? Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49, 1017 PW Amsterdam

Why go? For live music every night, the city’s longest Happy Hour, and a friendly, lively atmosphere perfect for a great night out

The Waterhole is a lively live music bar in the heart of Amsterdam, offering a diverse line-up of popular music genres every night. Open daily, it boasts the longest Happy Hour in the city, from noon to 9 pm. With live rock bands, billiards, and an old-school feel, it’s the perfect spot for a great night out. The bar features three pool tables, two dart boards, and a welcoming atmosphere where friendly staff and fellow patrons ensure a fantastic time. Conveniently located and easy to access, The Waterhole promises good vibes, excellent music, and a lively, friendly crowd every day of the week.

13. Proeflokaal Arendsnest

Where? Herengracht 90, 1015 BS Amsterdam

Why go? To experience the best of Dutch craft beer with 52 unique local brews on tap in a welcoming, atmosphere

Proeflokaal Arendsnest is the perfect place to dive into the Dutch craft beer culture. This café exclusively serves Dutch products, featuring 52 different beers on tap from over 900 breweries in the Netherlands, including favourites like Gulpener Bierbrouwerij, Two Chefs Brewing, and De Kromme Haring. They also offer house beers from their own brewery, Poesiat & Kater, as well as around 50 bottled and canned options. Impressive, right?

14. Waterkant

Where? Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam

Why go? For its scenic canalside seating, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious Dutch and Surinamese fare

Waterkant is a lively canalside bar and eatery in Amsterdam, offering a delightful mix of Dutch and Surinamese fare, an impressive selection of beers, and scenic outdoor seating. Known for its relaxed self-service system, guests can enjoy their meals by the water, soaking up the summer vibes and watching ducks roam nearby. Waterkant is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy great views, good vibes, and tasty drinks.

15. Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers

Where? Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 29, 1017 NG Amsterdam

Why go? For the freshest, customisable burgers paired with over 40 specialty beers in a relaxed atmosphere

Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers is the go-to burger restaurant in Amsterdam, offering mouthwatering grilled burgers, specialty beers, and cocktails in a laid-back setting. Known for using the freshest ingredients, Bar-B stands out with its house-pressed burgers and homemade sauces, ensuring every bite is a dream. Guests can create their own burgers, choosing from a variety of patties, buns, toppings, and sauces, with options ranging from a 200-gram patty to a whopping 2 kilograms. With over 40 different beers to pair with your meal, the choices are endless. The relaxed atmosphere, complete with low lighting and a cosy cellar vibe, makes it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends. Some tables even feature beer taps for an extra fun touch.

If you’re looking for cosy bars, then have a look at our list of Amsterdam bars to visit in the winter. And if you’re thinking about visiting Amsterdam, then find out more about our Amsterdam hostels: ClinkNOORD, ClinkMama and ClinkCoco, or visit our group accommodation page to find out more about our rates and best deals.