In Amsterdam you'll find some great beer bars with a wide range of different beers, an excellent beer shop just steps from the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and it's the birthplace of Heineken.

Amsterdam's Beer Scene: Draft and Bottled in Balance

Amsterdam boasts excellent spots with impressive tap selections (often 30-50 taps!), but bottled beer offers even more variety – from rare craft brews to classic Belgian and Dutch gems. Try both: enjoy fresh draft beer on the spot or take a bottle home!

Visit one of these top bars:

Dive into the best beer shop:

  • 🌐 De Bierkoning
    Over 1,500 bottled beers, glassware, and beer books - a paradise for collectors and gift hunters!

Or visit the city's most iconic brewery:

  • 🌐 Heineken Experience
    Explore the original 1867 brewery through an interactive tour, historic copper tanks, and a fresh tasting in the heart of Amsterdam.
  1. Beer shop 'De Bierkoning'
  2. Café Gollem - Hotspot for beer lovers
  3. Arendsnest (Dutch Beerbar)
  4. Brouwerij't IJ (brewery and bar)

Frequently Asked Questions about Beer in Amsterdam

What's the difference between draft and bottled beer in Amsterdam?

Draft (tap) beer is usually served fresher and colder, and many bars offer impressive selections with 30-50 taps. Bottled beer provides even greater variety, including rare craft brews, imports, and classics you won't find on tap. The best approach? Enjoy freshly tapped beer on site for the complete experience, or take a bottle of beer back to the hotel!

Where can I find the best places for craft beer in Amsterdam?

Top recommendations include:

  • Arendsnest: 52 taps, exclusively Dutch beers, beautiful canal terrace.
  • Café Gollem: Legendary brown café with over 200 bottled beers and 14 taps.
  • Brouwerij 't IJ: Iconic local brewery with its own beers (like Zatte and IPA) and a terrace under the windmill.
  • De Bierkoning: The ultimate beer shop with more than 1,500 bottled beers near Dam Square.
See the full list higher up on this page for more details and addresses.

 

Is Heineken the only famous beer from Amsterdam?

No, far from it! While Heineken is the most internationally known, Amsterdam has a vibrant craft beer scene with local favorites like 't IJ Zatte, Brouwerij de Prael, Jopen, Oedipus, and many more. Explore independent breweries and specialty bars for a much wider range.

Can tourists buy beer to take away in Amsterdam?

Yes! Beer shops like De Bierkoning sell bottled beer to go (and often growlers or cans). Some bars also offer take-away options or growler fills. Just remember: open containers of alcohol are not allowed on the street in many areas, and you cannot take opened bottles into public transport.

Are there beer tours or tasting experiences in Amsterdam?

Absolutely! The Heineken Experience is the most popular (interactive brewery tour with tastings). There are also guided craft beer tours, pub crawls, and brewery visits (like Brouwerij 't IJ).

What is a good beer to try if I'm visiting for the first time?

Start with classics like Heineken (for the iconic Dutch lager), 't IJ Zatte (a refreshing tripel), or an IPA from a local craft brewery. Ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste – many places have very knowledgeable staff (budtenders for beer!).

Is Amsterdam good for non-alcoholic beer?

Yes, the craft scene has grown a lot here. Many bars and shops offer excellent non-alcoholic options, including craft NA beers from Dutch breweries like Jopen 0.0%, 't IJ IPA 0.0%, or international brands. De Bierkoning has a dedicated section for alcohol-free beers.

Beer

Food & drinks