top 5 bars

With thousands of independent bars, cafes and pubs in Amsterdam – whittling my favorites down to just five was an incredibly hard task! I’ve picked a variety of bars as my favorites, see what they are and why I’ve picked them below. 

1. Tales & Spirits

As far as cocktail bars go, this centrally located spot featuring low level lighting, exposed brickwork and innovative cocktail recipes is definitely worth a visit.

The cocktails are fun, super different and they taste great. Each cocktail has a story behind it and many creations feature an added element of surprise. The interior is sophisticated, warm and cosy, and the service is great.

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2. Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is one of my go-to spots for live music. This old school live music venue is located in Leidseplein – one of Amsterdam’s bar and pub districts. In this intimate yet lively venue you can expect truly brilliant acts every day of the week – I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who is into blues, jazz and rock’n’roll.

It’s usually €5 on the door with space mostly for standing. Open weekdays till 4am and weekends till 5am. Drinks are pretty basic and quite expensive so go for the music and don’t expect a fancy cocktail! 

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3. Pllek

One of my favorite drink spots in Amsterdam, Pllek is a water-side bar/restaurant located in Amsterdam Noord. The best way to get there is via passenger ferry, which depart regularly from the back of Centraal Station and are free of charge. Pllek serves food and drinks from 9am through to 3am, frequently hosting outdoor DJ sets and live music. 

With a focus on sustainability, 75% of their menu is vegetarian and they use mostly local foods. I love Pllek especially in the summer, they have a man made sandy beach overlooking the River Ij and plenty of benches, beanbags and hammocks to chill in. 

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4. Cafe T'Smalle

If you want to visit a great example of the Amsterdam brown cafe (a traditional Dutch pub), then head to Cafe T’Smalle. This warm and intimate pub is located in the middle of the picturesque Jordaan area just over from the Anne Frank Museum and has a beautiful little outdoor terrace overlooking the canal.

This is an ideal spot for a few drinks and some Dutch bar snacks, try some bitterballen or some kroketten. 

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5. Bierfabriek Amsterdam

Literally translating as ‘Beer Factory’, Bierfabriek is a microbrewery serving up craft beer and indulgent food. Drink and eat amongst beer tanks at this large spot hidden down a small street just off Dam Square. 

One of the best things about this place is the draft ‘tap tables’ that enable you to pour yourself steins of beer right from where you’re sitting – just pay per litre at the end of your session. Additionally, they serve amazing slow-roasted, chicken – super juicy and full of flavor. You can also eat unlimited peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. Great, right?!

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