{"id":1340,"date":"2026-07-23T08:08:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T08:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/?p=1340"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:03:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:03:38","slug":"best-bars-in-amsterdam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/en\/best-bars-in-amsterdam\/","title":{"rendered":"Best bars in Amsterdam\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/span>From iconic brown cafes to buzzing cocktail hideaways, Amsterdam knows how to pour a good drink. And 2026 has been a big year for the city’s bar scene: Amsterdam hosted the very first Europe’s 50 Best Bars<\/a><\/strong> ceremony back in June, with Amsterdam’s own Super Lyan landing at No. 42 on the inaugural list. Earlier in the year, another local favorite, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, picked up its own accolade too, landing at No. 76 on the World’s Top 500 Bars list under brand-new ownership. Whether you’re up for people-watching on a canal-side terrace, testing out unique cocktails, or discovering hidden gems, this city delivers on every level.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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Ready to explore the best bars in Amsterdam?  <\/sub><\/p>Let\u2019s raise a glass! \ud83c\udf7b <\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n

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Boat cruising through Amsterdam canals in summer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>Bar Bukowski <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Named after the legendary writer, Bar Bukowski<\/a><\/strong> is as cool as it sounds. Located near Oosterpark, it\u2019s part bar, part literary tribute\u2014with stylish interiors, creative drinks, and an easy-going crowd. Whether you\u2019re popping in for a daytime coffee, after-work beer or evening cocktails, it\u2019s got the mood for every hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Oosterpark 10, 1092 AE Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Lost in Amsterdam <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking for one of the coolest bars in Amsterdam? You\u2019ll find it at Lost in Amsterdam<\/a><\/strong>. With laid-back lounge vibes, shisha, comfy couches, and a glowing red interior, this spot is made for unhurried evenings. The cocktails are strong (as they should!), the playlist is smooth, and its central location makes it perfect for kicking off or winding down your night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Nieuwendijk 19, 1012 LZ Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Flying Dutchmen Cocktails <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A must for cocktail lovers, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best cocktail bars Amsterdam has to offer. This spring, the bar reopened under new ownership \u2014 Tess Posthumus welcomed on Rosa Moolenaar and Alina Lucia as co-owners \u2014 and picked up a fresh accolade in the process: the highest-ranked, fully female-owned cocktail bar in Europe. Run by award-winning bartenders, this bar takes mixology seriously\u2014but without the pretension. Expect expertly crafted drinks and a menu full of surprises (with 800+ classic recipes behind the bar!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Singel 460, 1017 AW Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n

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Clinking cocktail glasses at a bar in Amsterdam<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>Hiding in Plain Sight <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away near the Artis Zoo, Hiding in Plain Sight<\/a> <\/strong>is exactly what it sounds like\u2014an elegant speakeasy with vintage charm and perfectly shaken cocktails. From intimate booths to world-class bartenders, this is one of the best bars in Amsterdam for a romantic date or a stylish catch-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>The Tailor <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inside the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, The Tailor<\/a><\/strong> is known for its tailor-made drinks (yes, literally). Inspired by the art of tailoring, each cocktail is crafted to suit your personal taste. This luxurious setting earns its spot among the best cocktail bars Amsterdam has for those who love a classy drink with a twist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Cafe de Dokter <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tiny but iconic, Caf\u00e9 de Dokter<\/a><\/strong> is one of those cool bars in Amsterdam that oozes character. Dating back to 1798 and packed with antiques, it’s the smallest bar in the city and still one of the best. Swing by (Wednesday to Saturday!) for a whiskey, listen to jazz, and soak up the old-school charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Bar Botanique <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step into a jungle! Bar Botanique<\/a><\/strong> is full of leafy vibes, bright interiors, and colorful cocktails. Perfect for Instagram snaps and chill brunches that stretch into cocktail hours. This is one of the best bars in Amsterdam to visit if you\u2019re into sunshine, spritz, and greenery. \u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf79 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Eerste van Swindenstraat 581, 1093 LC Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Waterkant <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located right on the Singelgracht canal, Waterkant<\/a> <\/strong>is a local fave with Surinamese flair, cold beers, and an unbeatable waterfront terrace. Come summer, DJs take over Friday and Saturday nights and the terrace turns into an open-air dance floor. One of the best spots to grab a casual drink and feel like part of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n

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Enjoying canal-side drinks in Amsterdam<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>Proeflokaal Arendsnest <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beer lover? Don\u2019t miss Proeflokaal Arendsnest<\/a><\/strong>. This canal-side bar is dedicated to serving only Dutch craft beers\u2014with over 50 on tap. The bartenders know their stuff, and the cozy wooden interior gives proper pub vibes. It\u2019s one of the best bars in Amsterdam for anyone wanting a true taste of the local scene. \ud83c\udf7b <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Herengracht 90, 1015 BS Amsterdam <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Door 74<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fancy a bit of mystery with your martini? Door 74<\/a><\/strong> is Amsterdam’s original speakeasy \u2014 hidden behind an unmarked door, twice named to the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Book ahead, knock on the right door, and settle into an art-deco hideaway that takes its Prohibition-era cocktails (and its atmosphere) seriously. One for anyone who loves a bar with a story to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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