beste whisky bars amsterdam

Amsterdam

5 X the best whiskey bars in Amsterdam for a tasting with friends

20 January 2024
Photo credit: © Vault Bar

Looking for the best whiskey bars in Amsterdam? Are you a true whiskey connoisseur? Or perhaps seeking a bar for a cosy Friday afternoon drinks with your colleagues? Amsterdam’s streets are filled with charming tasting rooms, from wine bars to beer and whiskey. Also, a fun activity during a night out with the lads (or ladies, because the Yourlbb team also loves whiskey, especially since we’ve been to Dublin). So, whiskey enthusiasts take note; these are the top 5 X best whiskey bars in Amsterdam according to the experts

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5 X the best whiskey bars in Amsterdam for a tasting

Café Zilt

Café ZILT is a small and intimate whiskey bar and beer café located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red-Light District. At ZILT, we recommend booking in advance for the whiskey tasting, ensuring a delightful evening with delicious whiskies and snacks.
Zeedijk 49, Amsterdam – 
cafezilt.nl

beste whisky bars amsterdam Zilt

© Cafe Zilt

J.D. William’s Whisky Bar

Situated in the heart of Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most popular neighbourhoods, this trendy bar is a family-owned establishment passed down from father to son. J.D. William’s not only offers a selection of great whiskey but also serves delectable American-Asian comfort food. Check out our review from when we visited there (quite a while ago!) >> 
Prinsenstraat 5, Amsterdam – jdwilliamswhiskybar.com

beste whisky bars amsterdam JD Williams

© J.D. William’s Whisky Bar

Whisky café L&B

Whisky café L&B is ideal for the true whiskey aficionado. They boast a collection of over 2100 whiskeys in stock, rightfully earning the title of the most prominent whiskey bar in the Netherlands. 
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 82, Amsterdam – lbwhiskyproeverijen.nl

beste whisky bars amsterdam Whisky cafe LB

© Whiskycafé L&B

Bar Oldenhof

The atmosphere at Bar Oldenhof reminds us of a Speak easy. Though the drink menu isn’t extensive, the whiskeys offered are superb. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised as you sink into the plush armchairs at Bar Oldenhof. This is also a perfect spot for a date that you hope might turn into something more serious. A true hidden gem!
Elandsgracht 84, Amsterdam – bar-oldenhof.com

beste whisky bars amsterdam bar oldenhof

© Bar Oldenhof

Vault Bar

The Vault Bar is perhaps the unique whiskey bar on the list. Not only is this bar situated in a building constructed in 1665, but it also resides within the vault of the bank that previously occupied the space, now home to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a place I often frequent myself. In addition to its impressive collection of whiskies, this bar boasts a beautiful cocktail menu. It exudes utmost style and is definitely worth a visit.
Herengracht 542, Amsterdam – instagram pagina

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beste whisky bars amsterdam Vault Bar

© Vault Bar

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
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.

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Anne de Buck

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