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
Little Collins
more cocktail bars in Amsterdam
Tales & Spirits
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 Hoxton is 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
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
Hotel Mercier
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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