THE BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam has one of the best cocktail scenes in Europe. Behind old canal houses small bars hide where bartenders truly master their craft. Classic cocktails. New signature drinks. Every bar with its own atmosphere. There is no rule for when to drink a cocktail. After work. Before going out. As the perfect end of the night. This guide takes you along the best cocktail bars in the city. From hidden speakeasies to chic hotel bars high above the rooftops.

Behind an unassuming door near Rembrandtplein waits one of the original speakeasies of Amsterdam. Door 74 breathes the atmosphere of a hidden drinking den from the thirties. Dark wood. Low light. Bartenders who perfect the classics and shake their own creations. The bar is small so reserve ahead via the official website. Seated at the bar? Then you see the craftsmanship up close. This is the place for anyone who loves a classic cocktail with a touch of mystery.

On Singel you find a small bar with a worldwide reputation. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails appears on international lists of best bars. Quite something for a place with fewer than forty seats. The collection behind the bar is enormous. Hundreds of bottles from all over the world. The bartenders mix classics and surprising creations of their own. Ask for a recommendation based on your taste. That works brilliantly here. The menu changes regularly so there is always something new to try.

In the centre near the Wallen sits perhaps the most intimate cocktail bar in town. Hiding in Plain Sight lives up to its name. A small bar in thirties style with jazz in the background. The bartenders take plenty of time for you. They ask what you like and build a drink around it. Reserving is wise because the bar fills up fast. After midnight the atmosphere turns into a little party. Top quality cocktails in a setting you will not find anywhere else.

In the Jordaan on Elandsgracht you easily walk past the wrong door. Bar Oldenhof sits above an ordinary pub. You really have to search for the entrance. Inside a classic bar awaits with stained glass windows and vintage furniture. The menu feels like an old cocktail book full of classics and forgotten recipes. Whisky lovers get their money's worth here. The atmosphere is dark and warm. Perfect for a first date or a good conversation. Weekends are busy so arrive early.

Anyone looking for the best hotel bars starts on the east side of the city. Inside Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park you find Fitz's Bar. The bar was named Cocktail Bar of the Year of the Netherlands. Not surprising. The interior breathes the roaring twenties. Gold and dark green. Classic cocktails and modern creations of their own. Walk-in only so no reservations. Come well in time because this level draws a crowd. Open daily from 17:00. This is Amsterdam cocktails at the highest level.

Amsterdam has chic hotel bars that are worth a night out on their own. Twenty Third Bar on the twenty third floor of Hotel Okura looks out over the entire city. Classic cocktails with a panoramic view over the rooftops. In the Conservatorium Hotel near Museumplein the Taiko Bar serves strong cocktails in a hip interior. And in Hotel De L'Europe you find the iconic Freddy's Bar with live music. Hotel bars are the smart choice for a chic start to your evening. Dress smartly and arrive on time.

A fun stop during your cocktail night is also Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam on Max Euweplein near Leidseplein. The walls are covered with memorabilia from world stars. Think of an outfit from Rihanna and a handwritten riff by Tony Iommi. With the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket you enjoy an unlimited Happy Hour here. That gives 40% off cocktails and mix drinks. Every day your ticket is valid. Show your ticket at the Misfits Bar and the night can begin. Check all benefits on the Hard Rock Cafe page.

You recognise a good cocktail bar by fresh ingredients and a team that takes its time. Reserve ahead for the smaller bars. Check the opening hours because speakeasies open late. Want to learn how to shake yourself? Read our guide about the cocktail workshop. Combine your cocktail night with a night out. With the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket you get access to 30+ clubs and nightlife experiences. Choose 1 or 2 days or 3 to 7 days. The ticket starts at around €10. Plan your night via the Amsterdam Nightlife events calendar and your cocktail night in Amsterdam is complete.