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.
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Looking beyond Amsterdam? See our guide to the best pubs worldwide, or compare pubs city by city.