Amsterdam : bars
Whether you’re looking for a cool bar serving natural wines, hoping to slink into a speakeasy at 2 a.m or even find locally brewed craft beer, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots in Amsterdam for the finest places to drink. Our list of Amsterdam's best bars spans style, neighbourhood, vibe, and specialty, so no matter how long your trip or where you are in the city, you're covered.
Pulitzer Bar
Find this dimly lit Arco deco bar in The Pulitzer hotel, spread through a maze of interlinked 17th-century canal houses, complete with stunning views overlooking the canals. Each space has a unique décor, including soft velvet arm chairs and a fireplace (it definitely gives gentleman’s club vibes) so with over 50 cocktails to sip on, you can spend the night sampling the menu in comfort whilst listening to some live jazz. In summer months, head outdoors to their beautiful patio garden to soak up the sun.
Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
A hidden gem in Amsterdam, tucked away in the Conservatorium Hotel, complete with a sleek design elements and a cozy atmosphere. We love this more upscale ambiance in the middle of Amsterdam, where skilled (and fun) mixologists create innovative cocktails for you around the chic and aesthetic bar.
Paulus Potterstraat 50, 1071 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands
A semi-secret hidden gem in one of our favourite neighbourhoods, Oud-West. There’s always good vibes in here and a cool crowd - mainly locals but that’s the best part. Complete with a live DJ at the weekends, the tunes are always on point and their Espresso Martinis are one of the best we’ve had in Amsterdam for sure.
Eerste Helmersstraat 59, 1054 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
A seductive, cosy, non-exclusive living room bar located on the edge of the Jordaan just off trendy Haarlemerstraat. Sip on their inventive and monthly rotating cocktail menu in a bond themed bar which takes its name from James Bond's drink of choice, the Vesper Martini. It’s an experience to say the least.
Vinkenstraat 57, 1013 JM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Set in an ideal location, this picturesque Central Amsterdam bar is found in the lobby of a 17th-century building, The Kimpton boutique hotel. Their contemporary interiors are playful and retro which matches their innovative drinks list of classic concoctions with a twist. The mixologists here found our signature drink and created a custom cocktail to suit our tastes - we love a personal touch.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, 1012 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tucked away next to Oosterpark, this spot feels like the neighbourhood’s living room. The bar is named after the writer, who allegedly once said “there is always a reason to drink” - we would have loved to have met him. Grab a cocktail and one of the front tables in the mezzanine for an unbeatable street view.
Oosterpark 10, 1092 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Go here for the views alone. On the rooftop of the W hotel, grab a drink from their chic cocktail bar and watch the sunset over Amsterdam from their glass lounge or head out onto their terrace in warmer months. Hang out around the rooftop pool in the summer when you can catch a live DJ session whilst the sun sets for the best views and vibes in the city.
W Hotel, Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is one of our favourite spots in Amsterdam to sit on the terrace in the sunshine, watching the world go by and sipping on bottles of (expensive) Rose. The Amstel Hotel terrace is still quite undiscovered and uncrowded so we were reluctant to share this gem but we don’t gate-keep here. Definitely visit this stunning hotel in the warmer months and soak up the views (and the wine).
Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cornerstore brings Asian inspired food and natural wines together, accompanied by sweet tunes blasting out of their Japanese inspired sound system. The interior design is minimalistic and cool, complete with a lighting installation giving off a purple-red hue in the room which really brings the atmosphere to life. This is definitely a great place to try unique spritzes and killer sake amidst a vast collection of vinyls in a relaxing spot to unwind with friends. Perfect for wine lovers and shared dining.
Papaverweg 11, 1032 KD Amsterdam, Netherlands
A semi-secret bar hidden behind an unassuming door. Visit Door74 to find a speakeasy complete with moody lighting and elegant cocktails made by talented bartenders creating new concoctions daily. Inside find a cool crowd in an atmosphere that isn't too serious.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN
Located in the 1930s Bungehuis building of Soho House, with 30’s inspired decor of dark wooden fixtures, elegant lighting and vintage prints complete with stunning canal views - this bar is not to be missed. Find the cool cats of the city hanging around here at all times of day.
Spuistraat 210, 3HG, 1012 VT Amsterdam, Netherlands
The epitome of cool. This semi-famous Amsterdam cocktail bar is always full so make sure to reserve a table in advance for an after dinner night cap. Once you’re in, sips cocktails whilst listening to old school hip-hop, funk, soul and jazz - vibes upon vibes.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 11, 1072 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pllek is a bar constructed using old sea containers and other raw materials which all contribute to its industrial feel. This place is definitely best in the summer months, where it hosts outdoor summer film screenings and live electronic music overlooking the IJ river - it’s home to some of the city’s liveliest, can’t-miss parties so definitely see whats on before you visit.
T.T. Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands