Are you already thinking about the weekend? Especially Friday, when we roll straight into the pub after work for the well-known Friday afternoon drinks? Friday drinks are back in full swing, although sometimes they take place on Thursday. Enjoy a craft beer or a non-alcoholic one, some great pub snacks, and you’re ready to end the week with friends or colleagues. What are the best spots in Amsterdam for the most enjoyable Friday afternoon drinks? Check this article for the 23 best Friday drinks in Amsterdam.
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Libertine
Unlike Café Libertine (located on the Noordermarkt), Libertine Café des Près has a menu for a somewhat younger crowd, fitting with the Pijp—according to Pooters. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can go there from lunch to midnight for dishes inspired by French cuisine, as you are used to from Libertine. Either way, both locations are perfect for Friday drinks in Amsterdam.
Gerard Douplein 10 and Noordermarkt 4, Amsterdam – libertine.amsterdam
© Libertine Café Des Prés
Gitane
From early morning to late evening: at Café Restaurant Gitane in Amsterdam-West, on the Jan Pieter Heijestraat, you can go all day long. This is the place to be for a small or large appetite, for natural wine or a much-needed caffeine shot – but of course, also for good Friday drinks.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 146, Amsterdam – restaurantgitane.nl
© Café Restaurant Gitane Amsterdam
De Willem
De Willem has become one of our favourite spots in Amsterdam—for lunch, drinks, and dinner, this is the place to be. If it’s sunny, you’ll want to settle on their great terrace by the water, cocktail in hand. Tip: try the yuzu spritz.
Haarlemmerplein 58, Amsterdam – de-willem.nl
© De Willem
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Buurtcafé De Tros
The modern interior with artistic details gives Buurtcafé De Tros a homely atmosphere. The restaurant feels like a living room, and you’ll soon spend hours there. The menu includes a trendy mix of typical French dishes, authentic classics, and delicious bites to share. In this East Amsterdam neighbourhood café, you can’t make reservations. Is the place whole? Choose an excellent wine from the extensive selection and wait at the bar until a table becomes available! I regularly visit this tip from the list of new restaurants in Amsterdam, and it’s not without reason!
Linnaeusstraat 63H, Amsterdam – detrosamsterdam.nl
© Buurtcafe de Tros
Turbo Amsterdam
Turbo Amsterdam is a nod to the owners’ favourite car: the Saab Turbo. Unfortunately, it’s no longer made, but Turbo Amsterdam is alive and modern. This new spot—a sister of Café De Tros, also in Amsterdam-East—is a hangout spot where you’ll want to stick around all day. Luckily, you can, as they serve coffee, brunch, snacks, and dinner. It’s the new go-to spot for successful Friday drinks.
Reinwardtstraat 1, Amsterdam – turboamsterdam.nl
Turbo Amsterdam-Oost
Bar Barracuda
An excellent place by the water where they serve the tastiest drinks (from cocktails to wine and beer) and a vast selection of snacks. And the great thing is: in good weather, you can enjoy it all on the terrace, by the water, in the sun. Thanks to the brightly coloured sunbeds, you might almost forget you’re in the Netherlands. These sunbeds are available for rent per day for €15. So, it’s lounging on Friday afternoon.
Aambeeldstaat 28, Amsterdam – barracuda.amsterdam
© Barracuda Bar, @barracuda__bar
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Benelux Bar
Ever heard of mussel croquettes? At Bar Benelux in Amsterdam-North, they are served alongside pickled artichoke hearts and fried asparagus. Bar Benelux has been around since April last year and fits perfectly with the rest of the establishments on Gedempt Hamerkanaal in Amsterdam-North. It is a perfect spot for Friday drinks in Amsterdam.
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 83, Amsterdam – be-ne-lux.bar
© Benelux Bar, @benelux.bar
Bar Bonnie
On weekdays, Bar Bonnie opens at 8.00 am; on weekends, you can join for breakfast from 9.00 am. This new hotspot in Amsterdam Old-South is becoming a bit like my Bar Bukowski in Amsterdam East. A place where you can always go, even on Friday
afternoon.
Amstelveenseweg 226, Amsterdam – bonnie.goudvisch.nl
© Bar Bonnie
Polly Goudvisch
Polly Goudvisch is one of our favourite spots in Amsterdam-North. Right next to the ferry, you can plop down on a vast terrace to people-watch and celebrate Friday drinks. It’s the perfect place to kick off the weekend.
Buiksloterweg 3-5, Amsterdam – polly.goudvisch.nl
© Polly Goudvisch
Café Marcella
Looking for a typical Amsterdam café? Then Café Marcella is the place to be. On the corner of Prinsengracht and Amstelveld, Café Marcella has been a household name for years. A few months ago, the place got new owners and a renewed menu with Amsterdam classics in a modern twist. Think of a sandwich with old cheese and a sandwich with Parma ham and burrata for breakfast and lunch, but also an extensive snack menu for Friday drinks.
Amstelveld 21, Amsterdam – cafemarcella.nl
© Café Marcella
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Twee Prinsen
It is open seven days a week, from drinks until midnight, and on weekends also for lunch or brunch. From the outside, you can see through the large windows into the cosiness of a modern Amsterdam brown café. Here, you are at the right place for good food and drinks, and in good weather, you can enjoy sitting on the terrace by the canal.
Prinsenstraat 27, Amsterdam Centre – tweeprinsen.nl
© Café Twee Prinsen
Kikkie van de Prinsensluis
Kikkie van de Prinsensluis is on the corner of Prinsengracht and Prinsenstraat (just like Café Twee Prinsen, but on the other corner) and has a lovely terrace. It is the perfect place for people-watching, but you can also eat great burgers and drink delicious (natural) wine.
Prinsenstraat 30, Amsterdam, kikkie.amsterdam
© Kikkie van de Prinsensluis
Enté
You could almost call owners Tim Werners and Natalie Kouwen ‘old hands in the trade’. It was high time for these seasoned hospitality experts and lovers to start their own business. Previously, they were freelancers (with Labradoodle Fin) in charge at BAUT and gained experience at a wide range of Amsterdam hospitality venues. Now it’s time for their own business. After a long search, they found the perfect location on the Lindengracht, where Enté Amsterdam has now settled – a ‘nouveau pub’, perfect for Friday drinks where you also lay a good foundation. Read more about Enté.
Lindengracht 29, Amsterdam, enteamsterdam.nl
© Enté Amsterdam
Café Thijssen
There’s not much better than great Friday drinks at Café Thijssen. This place has become a true institution in Amsterdam, and nowhere else does it get as packed every Friday afternoon as here. Get ready for an evening full of fun, new encounters, and bitterballen.
Brouwersgracht 107, Amsterdam – cafethijssen.nl
© Café Thijssen
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Mata Hari
Just as much of an institution as Thijssen: Mata Hari, recently revamped. Besides being a great spot for Friday drinks, you can now stay for an extensive dinner in a cosy atmosphere.
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 22, Amsterdam – matahari-amsterdam.nl
© Mata Hari
LEO
Leo Amsterdam is an excellent addition to Beukenplein, where a second restaurant by the owner of Gitane will open soon. Leo keeps the tradition and appearance of the brown pub alive but in a modern guise. The idea behind the different establishments of the Goudvisch Family (also responsible for Arie, Bonnie, Polly, De Neef van Fred, and Moos) is to create a place where you immediately feel at home. We dare say they have succeeded with flying colours.
Beukenplein 22, Amsterdam – leo.goudvisch.nl
© LEO Amsterdam
Bar Bellini
Bar Bellini is a nice place with Italian influences where you’ll want to settle down every Friday. Of course, they serve Bellinis, but the wine list and other cocktails are also a delight. Bellini quickly became the place to make new connections.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 17-19, Amsterdam – barbellini.nl
© Bar Bellini, @barbellini.ams
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Waterkant
Chances are you’ve started, stranded, or ended up here before, because the Friday afternoon drinks at Waterkant on Marnixstraat are legendary! Here, you can dance and drink until the late hours with beers and Surinamese snacks. This hotspot is not only conveniently located in the middle of the city but also by the water. And that’s why Waterkant is the summer hotspot for Friday afternoon drinks.
Marnixstraat 246, Amsterdam – waterkantamsterdam.nl
© Waterkant Amsterdam
Bukowski
This hotspot in East remains a favourite for Friday afternoon drinks, as well as on all other days and times of the week. Bukowski is a very nice café with a relaxed atmosphere. The beers always taste good here, and there are plenty of tasty pub snacks on the menu. When the sun is shining, it’s nice to relax on the terrace.
Oosterpark 10, Amsterdam – barbukowski.nl
louie louie
Well, and if we are in East and the pavement at Bukowski is full… Then we go to Louie Louie. With the large terrace outside and the cosy setting inside, this quickly became the perfect place for your Friday drinks. Also handy: the dishes on the menu are great as bar snacks.
Linnaeusstraat 11A, Amsterdam – louielouie.nl
louie louie
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Super Friday
Every Friday, you can ring in the weekend at Super Lyan during the Super Friday drinks, which go on until late in the evening. Tip: try the tasty punch cocktail from Lyan.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, Amsterdam – superlyan.com
© Ashkan-Mortezapour-Photography
Frits Friday
Starting with the Friday drinks in Amsterdam, the Frits drinks have succeeded in multiple cities across the Netherlands. With several monthly beverages, there is always a Friday drinks event near you.
Various locations, fritsfriday.nl
More of The Best Friday Drinks in Amsterdam Listed
Zoku
On the rooftop terrace and in the sky bar of Zoku, fun drinks are regularly organised on Friday evenings with (for example, acoustic) live music. Perfect for anyone who wants to do something fun but isn’t looking for a DJ.
Weesperstraat 105, Amsterdam – livezoku.com/amsterdam
© Zoku
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
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
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,-! Check tickets & prices >>
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.
☾ Morgan & Mees: 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
