5 Coolest Pubs and Bars in Amsterdam
Want to test out the coolest pubs and bars in Amsterdam? Well, look no further. We’ve rounded up our favourite affordable places to grab a cocktail or a pint in the Dutch capital so that you make the most out of your evenings in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for a trendy bar, a rooftop, a traditional Dutch pub or just somewhere that’s a great night out near the Red Light District, these are our top spots…
Bar Oldenhof
If you’re looking for a sophisticated bar in Amsterdam where you can enjoy top-notch cocktails, then try Bar Oldenhof. This old fashioned speakeasy is oozing with excellence and charm. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere at this cosy spot whilst drinking some of the best cocktails in Amsterdam. With a seasonal cocktail menu, dimly lit surroundings, comfy armchairs and dark wood furnishings, this is the perfect place to come for tasty drinks with your friends in a cool space. The experienced bartenders will talk you through the cocktails as they make them for you, making it even more special!
Belushi’s
Belushi’s won’t let you down if you’re looking for a bar that turns into a party as it gets later. Right on the edge of the Red Light District, this is a prime spot for partying and starting off a bar crawl. Just a warning though, if you pop in for a few drinks, you won’t want to leave. This bar is home to Amsterdam’s longest happy hour where you can benefit from 241 drinks running until midnight. Not only are the drinks cheap, Belushi’s serves up tasty burgers and bar snacks so have a bite to eat, then party hard! Once it hits around 10pm, the whole place is buzzing with people. There’s always a great soundtrack playing at Belushi’s so keep an eye out for the DJ nights. The atmosphere is fun and sociable - and since it’s a backpacker hostel bar, meeting new people has never been easier.
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
You can’t visit Amsterdam without sampling local Dutch beer. And where better to do that than a traditional Dutch pub? Proeflokaal Arendsnest is one of the best pubs in the city specialising in craft beer. Lots and lots of it! There are 50 beers on draft and more than 100 bottled beers to sample, plus all of the beer is sourced from around Holland. Order some traditional nibbles with your beer such as Dutch cheeses, hams and fresh sausage whilst enjoying the cosy, laid back atmosphere. In the summer, enjoy your beer on the bar terrace overlooking the canal. A perfect spot to lose an afternoon enjoying good company. Every Monday at 6pm, this place hosts a Dutch beer tasting so if you’re a beer lover visiting Amsterdam, don’t miss this.
Ton Ton Club West
What do you get when you combine a bar and an arcade? We call it a barcade! If you’re looking for a quirky bar in the Dam, Ton Ton Club West in Westerpark is the place to come to release your inner child. This place is seriously nostalgic offering old school arcade games to play whilst you enjoy some cocktails. Think Pacman, Street Fighter, Mario Kart plus board games and air hockey. Fuel yourself up on some grub before you play away at the restaurant downstairs. On the menu, expect boozy milkshake and Japanese inspired food. There’s also an outdoor terrace for the summer nights.
Canvas
This popular rooftop bar above the Skylon hotel boasts some great views over the Amsterdam. Located on the 7th floor of an old industrial building in Amsterdam East, you can benefit from fantastic 360 views of the south of the city from behind the glass of Canvas Bar. Head over on a Friday or Saturday night where there’s always DJ’s playing to get the party started. There’s usually live music every Tuesday in the bar, too! The bar offers a variety of different cocktails, a fun atmosphere and one of the best views in Amsterdam. What more could you want?
Article by Shereen Sagoo
