THE BEST BEER LOCATIONS AND BARS IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is a true beer city. The city counts several breweries of its own and dozens of bars with specialty beer. From colourful taprooms to centuries old brown cafés. Many breweries still brew locally and serve their beer fresh from the tap. This guide takes you along the best places for beer in town. With old classics and new names. Prefer cocktails? Read our guide with the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam.

Underneath the De Gooyer windmill on Funenkade sits the most famous brewery in town. Brouwerij 't IJ has brewed organic beer since 1985. The taproom is open every day. You drink here right behind the kettles. The beers change with the seasons. Want to know everything about the brewing process? The brewery gives tours on Friday Saturday and Sunday. Book ahead via the official website. A classic among beer lovers.

In Amsterdam East on Polderweg you find the proeflokaal of Poesiat & Kater. This brewery draws from the old Amsterdam brewing history. In the tasting room all their own beers flow fresh from the tap. From crisp lager to powerful stouts. You can also enjoy great food inside or on the terrace. The atmosphere is informal and spacious. An ideal spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Come hungry and curious.

In the west of the city on Hugo de Grootplein sits the taproom of Two Chefs Brewing. This independent brewery has made its own specialty beer since 2012. The colourful taproom counts sixteen taps. All of them with their own beers. From light ipa to dark porters. The interior is playful and the vibe relaxed. Perfect for fans of modern craft beer. The brewers love to experiment so the menu changes often.

Take the free ferry behind Central Station and you cross the IJ in no time. In Amsterdam Noord the brewery Oedipus Brewing brews its beer on site. The taproom is colourful and surprising. The kitchen of Sassy's serves comfort food until late. There is regular live music and other events. The beers are fresh and cheeky just like the interior. A trip to Noord is a night out on its own. Combine it with the sunset over the IJ.

In a small alley near Spui sits one of the oldest brown cafés in the city. The Pilsener Club has existed since 1893. Amsterdammers call the pub De Engelse Reet. The interior is authentic. Copper and wood and little light. Here you taste the history of Amsterdam café life. A lager simply tastes better here. The place is small so on busy nights there is little room. Come early and enjoy the atmosphere of the past.

On Herengracht the Proeflokaal Arendsnest serves Dutch beer only. All beers come from Dutch brewers. From small breweries to established names. The menu changes constantly. Ask the staff for a recommendation. Regularly there are tastings of Dutch beer. The perfect place to discover the Netherlands as a beer country. Open daily and in the weekend until late.

Anyone who loves American beer is in the right place at BeerTemple. This bar on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal has existed since 2009. The walls are filled with plates and brewing gear. On tap and in the bottle you find an enormous choice of American beers. They also pour the house beer Dutch Eagle Pale Ale. It is brewed by Poesiat & Kater from Amsterdam East. The atmosphere is easy going and the staff knows a lot. No reservations so come on time.

A good beer night starts at a brewery. Book tours ahead because the groups are small. Besides breweries also try a brown café. That is an experience on its own. Combine your beer 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 beer night is complete.