Best-of list

The Perfect One Night in Amsterdam Bars

One night in Amsterdam bars takes you through the most varied bar scenes in northern Europe. From brown cafés to cocktail bars. Updated 2026.

The short answer

Our editors' №1 is Café de Dokter.

8 ranked rooms follow. How we picked is at the end of this guide.

Best overallCafé de Dokter
Third pickCafé 't Smalle

One night in Amsterdam bars takes you through one of the most varied bar scenes in northern Europe. From Jordaan brown cafés that have not changed since 1980 to cocktail bars in De Pijp that could hold their own in any city, Amsterdam rewards the evening drinker who moves through its neighbourhoods with intent.

6 pm to 8 pm: Jordaan Brown Cafés

Weekly picks

The bars worth going to, weekly.