Amsterdam’s pub scene is a blend of history, culture, and great beer, with a mix of centuries-old taverns and modern craft breweries. Whether you’re after a cozy brown café, a trendy beer hall, or a canal-side retreat, the city has something for everyone. Here are 10 standout pubs that capture the true spirit of Amsterdam.
1. Brouwerij ’t IJ
📍Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: €3 – €5
Located next to a traditional Dutch windmill, this brewery is a favorite for beer lovers. They serve a wide selection of organic, house-brewed beers, and if you’re curious about the brewing process, you can join a guided tour. The outdoor terrace is perfect for sunny afternoons.
2. Café Hoppe
📍Spui 18-20, 1012 XA Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: Beers from €3
Dating back to 1670, Café Hoppe is one of Amsterdam’s most famous “brown cafés”, known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere. With its dark wooden interiors and old-world vibe, it’s a great place to enjoy a cold beer and people-watch—especially on market days at Spui Square.
3. Proeflokaal Arendsnest
📍Herengracht 90, 1015 BS Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: €4 – €6
This cozy pub specializes exclusively in Dutch beers, boasting a menu of over 100 varieties from local breweries across the Netherlands. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just curious, the friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect brew.
4. Café Papeneiland
📍Prinsengracht 2, 1015 DV Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: Beers from €3
Stepping into this café feels like traveling back in time—established in 1642, it’s famous for its classic brown café feel and legendary Dutch apple pie. With a picturesque canal-side location, it’s a charming stop for a quiet drink or a sweet treat.
5. In de Wildeman
📍Kolksteeg 3, 1012 PT Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: €3.50 – €7
Once a distillery, this pub now serves an impressive selection of over 200 bottled beers and 18 rotating taps from around the world. There’s no music, which means the focus is on good drinks and great conversation—perfect for serious beer lovers.
6. Café de Dokter
📍Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: Beers from €3
At just 18 square meters, this is Amsterdam’s smallest pub, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. Founded in 1798 by a surgeon, the bar is filled with antique medical memorabilia and vintage jazz music—a truly unique and intimate spot.
7. Gollem’s Proeflokaal
📍Overtoom 160-162, 1054 HP Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: €4 – €8
A haven for Belgian and Dutch beer fans, Gollem’s Proeflokaal has a massive beer selection and a warm, inviting vibe. The bartenders are true beer enthusiasts, always ready to recommend something new to try.
8. Café Chris
📍Bloemstraat 42, 1016 LC Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: Beers from €3
Dating back to 1624, Café Chris is one of Amsterdam’s oldest pubs, with wooden beams, vintage décor, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a local favorite, offering a simple but authentic pub experience.
9. Café ’t Smalle
📍Egelantiersgracht 12, 1015 RL Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: €3.50+
If you want beautiful canal views with your drink, this is the place to go. Café ’t Smalle has a stunning terrace right on the water and a historic interior (it was once a distillery). Perfect for a relaxed, scenic drink in the heart of Amsterdam.
10. Café de Sluyswacht
📍Jodenbreestraat 1, 1011 NG Amsterdam
🍺 Drink Prices: Beers from €3
This quirky little pub is housed in a 17th-century lockkeeper’s house, and its slightly tilted structure adds to its charm. It’s a hidden gem with a great outdoor terrace overlooking the canals—ideal for unwinding with a drink.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam’s pub scene is as rich in history as it is in flavor, offering everything from cozy old-school taverns to modern craft beer spots. Whether you’re after a quiet pint in a historic brown café or a lively beer hall experience, these ten pubs are well worth a visit.