Amsterdam
Amsterdam s closest equivalent to a pub is the bruine kroeg, the brown cafe. These are heritage neighbourhood bars with wood interiors stained brown by three centuries of pipe smoke. They function exactly as pubs do — community living rooms with reliable beer.
Egelantiersgracht, Jordaan · $$
Established 1798. Twelve seats. Possibly Amsterdam s smallest bar. Cash only. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm.
Spui, Centrum · $$
Originally a jenever distillery from 1786. The pontoon over the canal is famous. Open daily from 10am.
Zeedijk, Centrum · $$
Established 1670. The Spui terrace fills from spring through autumn. Sawdust on the floor, long wooden bar. Open daily.
Prinsengracht, Jordaan · $
Sailor bar in a wooden building from the early 1500s. The name means in the monkeys, and there were once monkeys here. Open daily.
Kolksteeg, Centrum · $$
Built 1642 on the corner where Brouwersgracht meets Prinsengracht. Famous Delft tile interior. Open daily.
$$
Beer specialist set in a converted distillery. Eighteen rotating taps. Closed Sundays.
in Amsterdam ›
in Amsterdam ›
in Amsterdam ›
in Amsterdam ›
in Amsterdam ›
Order a vaasje of Heineken, Brouwerij t IJ, or La Trappe. Or order a jenever and a beer chaser — the kopstootje, the local move.
Established 1798. Twelve seats. Possibly Amsterdam s smallest bar. Cash only. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm.
Originally a jenever distillery from 1786. The pontoon over the canal is famous. Open daily from 10am.
Looking beyond Amsterdam? See our guide to the best pubs worldwide, or compare pubs city by city.