Must-Visit Amsterdam Bars and Drinking Spots for 2025
- Streat Bites
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Amsterdam is full of incredible spots to enjoy a drink - from bustling bars and cozy brown cafés to rooftop lounges and hidden speakeasies. But the best places are often the ones off the beaten path, full of character, history, and stories that capture the city’s vibe beyond the tourist crowds.
As locals who share Amsterdam’s food scene through our own boutique food tours at STREAT BITES, we love introducing visitors to those hidden gems. And even after the tour ends, we’re always eager to help guests keep discovering where to eat, drink, and explore like true locals. This list brings together some of our favorite drinking spots - places we return to time and again to soak up the authentic spirit of Amsterdam.
Luminair
Close your eyes and picture yourself stepping into a sleek, modern space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, with a jaw-dropping view of Amsterdam from above. At Luminair - a rooftop bar atop the DoubleTree by Hilton - this is exactly what you get. On nice days, grab a spot on the terrace and soak in the city skyline. The cocktail menu is inventive (and delicious), designed to match the vibe and impress every guest. This is the spot for a special night out. Dress to impress!
Visit Luminair | Oosterdoksstraat 4, Level 11
Glouglou
Natural wines are gaining popularity for a reason - they’re fresh, approachable, and made with minimal intervention. Glouglou, located in the lively De Pijp area, is a cozy wine bar with a big reputation. The vibe is low-key and inviting, making it an ideal spot for people watching and enjoying a crisp natural wine. Pair your drink with a tasty cheese or charcuterie plate, and you’ve got yourself a very "Amsterdam" evening.
Visit Glouglou | Tweede van der Helststraat 3
Bar Centraal
Brought to you by the same team as Glouglou, Bar Centraal is located in Oud West, right by the bustling Ten Katestraat Market. The concept here is a mix between a wine bar and a bistro, making it ideal for drinks and a delicious French-style bite. Expect a solid wine list (both natural and traditional), cozy interiors, and staff that can help you find the right pour for your palate. Perfect for an evening when you want to linger longer.
Visit Bar Centraal | Ten Katestraat 16
The Vault Bar
Housed in the Waldorf Astoria, one of the city’s grandest hotels, The Vault Bar was once a bank vault - and some of its original features can still be spotted. The space is elegant, with deep, cozy chairs and a menu that caters to those with a taste for rare and exquisite spirits. It's ideal for starting a special evening with a cocktail - and if you're looking to make it a truly luxurious night, the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant is only steps away.
Visit The Vault Bar | Herengracht 542–556
Tales and Spirits
Since opening in 2012, Tales and Spirits has quickly become one of the best cocktail bars in the world. The space is cozy, located in a tiny alley in central Amsterdam, and its menu is packed with creative drinks - and a great food menu too, making it ideal for an evening that goes well beyond just drinks. Not sure where to start? The bartenders here can read your vibe and whip up the perfect cocktail for you.
Visit Tales and Spirits | Lijnbaanssteeg 5–7
Hannekes Boom
Although technically a restaurant, Hannekes Boom feels like one of those spots you’d stumble upon for drinks and end up making a night of it. Its location right on the water gives it a colorful, carefree vibe that attracts both locals and travelers. The fact that people can come here by boat only adds to its charm. Come for a beer, stay for the view - and if it's a game night, it's packed with people watching the Dutch national team.
Visit Hannekes Boom | Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS
Flying Dutchmen
With a nod to the legendary ghost ship, Flying Dutchmen is one of the best cocktail spots in the city. Its vibe is classic "brown café" - a traditional Dutch bar, wood-clad and cozy - but its cocktail menu can compete with any top bar worldwide. Open until 4 AM, it’s ideal for night owls looking for a top-shelf drink long after other places have called it a night.
Visit Flying Dutchmen | Singel 460
Door 74
A trailblazer of the speakeasy trend in Amsterdam, Door 74 is hidden behind an unmarked door - making it one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Its intimate space, inspired by Prohibition-style bars of the 1920s and ’30s, serves inventive, beautifully crafted drinks. Just remember: there’s no sign, so stay sharp when looking for that heavy black door!
Visit Door 74 | Reguliersdwarsstraat 74
De Drie Fleschjes
Step into history at De Drie Fleschjes, one of the oldest bars in Amsterdam, opened in 1619. This tiny spot hidden behind Dam Square specializes in Jenever - the traditional Dutch spirit that pre-dates gin. The walls are lined with ancient barrels belonging to long-time patrons, making this an atmospheric and truly authentic spot for a drink deeply rooted in the city’s heritage.
Visit De Drie Fleschjes | Gravenstraat 18
Pulitzer’s Bar
Located within the luxurious Pulitzer Hotel - itself a beautiful landmark comprised of 25 historic canal houses - Pulitzer’s Bar is a must for lovers of classic design and craft cocktails. The Art Deco-style interiors and extensive menu of over 50 signature drinks make it ideal for special celebrations or a stylish night out.
Visit Pulitzer’s Bar | Keizersgracht 234
Amsterdam offers countless ways to raise a glass - from hidden speakeasies and cozy brown cafés to sleek rooftop lounges. And if you’re a foodie or want to explore the city’s culinary scene like a local, you’re more than welcome to join us on one of our STREAT BITES food tours - a chance to taste, drink, and discover the best of Amsterdam, one bite and sip at a time.
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