18 of our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam >> (2025)

There are plenty of cocktail bars in Amsterdam, but where can you drink the best Negroni, a killer Espresso Martini, or my favourite: an Amaretto Sour? Which cocktail bars have just opened their doors or keep us coming back? Here are our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam.

| TIP: Off the beaten track? These cocktail bars in Amsterdam are lesser-known gems >>

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18 X Favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam

Hiding In Plain Sight

As far as I’m concerned, Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS) is the cocktail bar of Amsterdam. This speakeasy bar has been hidden in a lesser-known part of Amsterdam for years, shaking and stirring masterful creations since day one.
Rapenburg 18, Amsterdam – hpsamsterdam.com

De Japanner

I often write about De Japanner, and for good reason. It’s always great! Perfect for date night, a casual weekday dinner, and cocktails. Order the “you yuzu call me on my cellphone” and find yourself in cocktail heaven.
Albert Cuypstraat 228 en Bilderdijkstraat 203, Amsterdam – dejapanner.com

Flying Dutchmen

In 2018, Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus was crowned the best bartender in the world. After working at places like Door74, she opened Flying Dutchmen on the Singel with her business partner Timo. Expect cocktails of the highest quality and combinations you’ve never tasted before.
Singel 460, Amsterdam – flyingdutchmencocktails.com

Little Collins

Around the corner from me is Little Collins, another favourite. I’m usually here for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but the cocktails are also a reason to visit.
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19 en Bilderdijkstraat 140, Amsterdam – littlecollins.nl

18 of our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam >> (8)

Little Collins

more cocktail bars in Amsterdam

Speakeasy bars were a worldwide trend, and Amsterdam joined in. Tales & Spirits falls into that category, but is also a restaurant. It’s the perfect place for a night out in Amsterdam!
Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, Amsterdam – talesandspirits.com

Lotti’s

The Hoxtonis always a good idea, whether it’s for a coffee, an afternoon of work, or cocktails. Sink into one of the sofas or armchairs and relax.
Herengracht 255, Amsterdam – thehoxton.com/lottis

Vesper

Anyone who has seen Casino Royale knows the Vesper cocktail. The namesake cocktail bar in Amsterdam is one of the best in the city and a place for everyone, whether you’re a true expert or know nothing about cocktails. Extra cool: they regularly organize cocktail workshops!
Vinkenstraat 57, Amsterdam – vesperbar.nl

Peacock Alley

The place to gather on Friday evenings for a signature cocktail created by the Bartenders of Vault Bar. With a view of the beautiful courtyard garden, you can dine in Peacock Alley, the all-day dining restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. Order a cocktail and taste the dishes from the international kitchen team led by Sidney Schutte (Spectrum**, also in the Waldorf Amsterdam).
Herengracht 542-556, Amsterdam – waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Bardak

Tel Aviv street food and cocktails: what more could you want? Order the hummus with chickpeas, mushroom shawarma, and a cocktail with arak. A great evening guaranteed! Tip: reserve a spot in advance; it’s often busy.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 12, Amsterdam – bardak.nl

Skybar Malabar

Hotel Jakarta in Amsterdam Oost is, in my opinion, one of the best new hotels in recent times. It truly feels like an escape from the city. Whether you stay there, walk through the subtropical indoor garden, or sip a cocktail in Skybar Malabar.
Javakade 766, Amsterdam – hoteljakarta.com/skybar-malabar

The Lemonman Bar

Upstairs in the Israeli restaurant Neni is The Lemonman Bar. Ideal for a drink after dinner or just for a cocktail.
Stadionplein 8, Amsterdam – neni-amsterdam.nl

18 of our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam >> (9)

The Lemonman Bar

More cocktail bars in Amsterdam

Panache

At Panache, you know you’re in for a great evening. It’s a fun place to have a bite to eat and then enjoy cocktails.
Ten Katestraat 117, Amsterdam – cafepanache.nl

Parakeet

Lowkey, but a top spot: at Parakeet, you can enjoy nachos and cocktails. Easy does it!
Douwes Dekkerstraat 22H, Amsterdam – parakeetamsterdam.nl

Super Lyan

More and more hotels in Amsterdam are opening the coolest bars and focusing on killer cocktails. Super Lyan in the Kimpton De Witt hotel in the Center is anything but stiff, as you might expect from a hotel bar. Think neon colours and relaxed staff.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, Amsterdam – superlyan.com

Rum Barrel

Are you looking for a cocktail bar in Amsterdam East or the Spaarndammerbuurt? Head to the Caribbean-inspired Rum Barrel!
Javastraat 143 en Spaarndammerstraat 17 , Amsterdam – rumbarrel.nl

Hotel Mercier

One of the most beautiful hotels in the city is Hotel Mercier, located on a small side street off the Prinsengracht. Step into another world and enjoy!
Rozenstraat 12, Amsterdam – hotelmercier.com

18 of our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam >> (10)

Hotel Mercier

more Amsterdam tips

Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
Fabrique des Lumières
NXT Museum
STRAAT street art museum
MOCO Museum for street and modern art
Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
Pancake Cruise
Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local


FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
Private Canal Boat Tour
Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
Youseum
The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-!
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
Visit Artis Royal Zoo
Go an a bike tour with the kids
NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
Paddle board tour on the canals
Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

18 of our favourite cocktail bars in Amsterdam >> (2025)

FAQs

What are bars in Amsterdam called? ›

For a taste of authentic Amsterdam flavour and Dutch culture, don't miss a visit to a traditional Dutch pub known as a bruin café (brown bar). These local watering-holes are a quintessential part of Amsterdam's culture – and are the favoured haunts of some colourful local personalities.

What is the secret club in Amsterdam? ›

The Butcher, Amsterdam's secret bar.

What is the highest cocktail bar in Europe? ›

GŎNG Bar | Level 52 | London. Welcome to the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. Elevated on Level 52, this is the perfect place for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, featuring the dramatic backdrop of London's skyline, with views to the west, north and east.

How many bars are there in Amsterdam? ›

In this city, there is no concept that can be put into a box. There are over 1400 bars around and they differ a lot from each other. The best Amsterdam bars can be cozy, fancy, stylish, loud, subtle, downright outrageous and totally out of control.

What alcohol is Amsterdam known for? ›

Jenever (Genever)

Jenever is a Dutch alcoholic drink - a spirit with a malty taste flavoured with juniper berries. It is made in Amsterdam, Groningen, Dordrecht and Schiedam.

What do you wear to bars in Amsterdam? ›

Cocktail Attire is the more elegant dress code of the two. Some clubs and experiences require their attendees to be dressed to the nines. This means that a beautiful dress, skirt, blouse and shoes should be nice enough to wear to a Cocktail Party or even a Wedding.

What is the pink light district in Amsterdam? ›

Red Light District / De Wallen

The Rossebuurt (Dutch for 'pink' or 'red' neighbourhood) is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and utterly charming 14th century architecture, such as the gothic Oude Kerk, or Old Church.

What is the wildest club in Amsterdam? ›

Welcome to the wildest Amsterdam Nightclub

Located behind the Rembrandtplein on the Amstel river, Jungle Club with it's exotic theme is the place to be for a fun night out. The Jungle Club is the space where you can play, stay, let go, perform, learn, teach, flirt, meet, escape and dance: all to your own tune.

What is the Purple Light District in Amsterdam? ›

The Meaning of Purple Lights

Contrary to what some may think, the purple lights in Amsterdam have nothing to do with the infamous Red Light District. Instead, these purple lights are often used to indicate the presence of cannabis-related establishments known as “coffee shops.”

What is the most ordered drink at a bar? ›

1. Margarita. The classic Margarita cocktail has been one of the most popular cocktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice.

What is top shelf liquor in a bar? ›

Top Shelf: Bottles on the highest shelves behind a bar. Though there's no hard rule as to cost, these tend to be bottles that would retail for $50 or more in a store. Mid Shelf: Bottles on the lower half of the shelf behind a bartender. With liquor, this would usually be bottles that fall in the $25–50 range.

Which cocktail has the most alcohol? ›

While Hemingway suggests drinking “three to five of these slowly”, we would definitely have to disagree. And last on our list, but certainly not the least (amount of alcohol, that is), we have the Aunt Roberta. This cocktail contains 100% liquor and is widely regarded as THE strongest cocktail in the world.

What is the best time of year to go to Amsterdam? ›

Amsterdam is a year round destination. However, the peak tourist season is between May and August when the weather is at its best. Here's a monthly breakup of Amsterdam's climatic conditions so you can plan when to go: May to August: Amsterdam enjoys pleasant weather from May to August.

What food do you eat in Amsterdam? ›

10 Best Local Dishes from Amsterdam
  • Stroopwafel. Taste Netherlands' popular sweet treat. ...
  • Bitterballen. Try deep-fried meatballs. ...
  • See also. Begijnhof in Amsterdam. ...
  • Dutch pancakes. Enjoy speciality pancakes. ...
  • Raw herring. Try Amsterdam's Infamous Fish. ...
  • Cheese. Enjoy classic Dutch delicacies. ...
  • Poffertjes. ...
  • Snert.

What is the best street in Amsterdam for bars? ›

Rembrandtplein, like Leidseplein, is another square in the city which is well known for its nightlife and has a wide selection of great Amsterdam bars and clubs. With big names like Escape, Club Air and Claire, Rembrandtplein is a good place to party in some of the city's best-known spots.

What do the Dutch call a pub? ›

Words by Simon Difford. Photography by courtesy Café 't Spui-tje. The Dutch answer to the local pub is a bruin cafe (brown café). The name refers to their warm traditional interiors with dark wood panelling and furnishings.

What is the Dutch word for bar? ›

noun
FromToVia
• bar→ bar↔ Bar
• barcafé↔ Bar
• bar→ maat↔ Takt
• bar→ bartoog↔ bar
6 more rows

What is the main strip in Amsterdam called? ›

Damrak is located in the heart of the city center between central station and Dam Square. Busy and crowded area.

What is the slang for Amsterdam? ›

Nowadays, Amsterdam still has the nickname Mokum, a typical Amsterdam word, but with Hebrew roots. Mokum (Makom in Hebrew) means “place”. Ajax fans also call their club “the Pride of Mokum.”

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