Famed for its fabulous museums, picturesque canals, and stunning architecture, the Dutch capital is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Amsterdam is also well-known for its vibrant nightlife, so it comes as no surprise that hundreds of amazing bars, clubs, and restaurants can be found in this metropolitan city. Although beer and wine first come to mind when thinking about Amsterdam, the city also boasts an incredibly unique cocktail scene. From trendy speakeasy cocktail bars and hotel rooftop bars with magnificent views of the city to those old-school watering holes, there is more than enough to choose from. Whether you wish to spend the evening at a casual bar and enjoy classic cocktails like martinis and margaritas or pay a visit to a speakeasy cocktail bar where you can sample creative blends prepared by award-winning mixologists and offered in quirky glassware, this list of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam has got you covered.

1 Pulitzer’s Bar

Kick-off your bar-hopping travel adventure in Amsterdam with a visit to the award-winning Pulitzer’s Bar. Situated inside the famous 5-star Pulitzer Hotel, this swanky cocktail bar at Keizersgracht boasts an intimate vibe and a stylish décor with royal armchairs and classic wood paneling. Skilled mixologists dressed in white shirts and bowties are always more than happy to recommend something from the bar’s inventive cocktail menu. From popular options like Love Letter Cobbler and Valley of the Ashes to special barrel-aged drinks such as Dutch Boulevardier, every cocktail ordered here is simply amazing. They also have a splendid snack menu with some seriously awesome tasting bites.

2 The Butcher

Situated at Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market, the Butcher is definitely not your average burger bar. Getting inside is not easy and you’ll need a password to step inside this stylish burger and cocktail joint. We recommend emailing them in advance to make a booking and gain access to the password. Once you get behind the silver door, the hostess will seat you at one of their velvet sofas and then you can order signature cocktails like Spicy Crusta and Belladona. The bar transforms into a posh dance club at night, so make sure to dress to the nines!

3 Tales & Spirits

Welcome to Tales & Spirits, a traditional Dutch cocktail bar located in the center of Amsterdam on a small street right between Singel and Spuistraat. Thanks to its central location, this eclectic cocktail bar is popular with both locals and tourists who come here to enjoy innovative foods and delicious cocktails. The interior of Tales and Spirits is quirky with crystal chandeliers and dim lighting. As for the cocktail menu, order the Gobblefunk or go for one of their versions of the Old Fashioned. An interesting fact about this cocktail bar in Amsterdam is that each drink here has a story to tell and you can spend hours reading stories about their cocktails.

4 NJOY

There is no shortage of awesome cocktail bars in Amsterdam and NJOY definitely falls into this category. Well-known for its cave-like interior and classy ambiance, NJOY offers a nice selection of artsy cocktails accompanied by a mouthwatering snack menu. Whether you wish to try the Untouchable Virgin, ask the professional bartenders to mix you up a Sparkling Star, or have a glass of their signature Dreamer, the selection of artisan cocktails at this classy bar is simply amazing. Keep in mind that in order to get inside, you’ll have to ring a bell. 

5 Gin Tonic Boat Amsterdam

A boat cruise on the picturesque canals in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to experience the city. So, how about joining a gin tonic cruise and admiring the Amsterdam canals from a different perspective? During this 1.5 to 2 hour cruise on a luxury open boat or saloon boat, passengers will be treated to 3 gin and tonics which are prepared by the onboard staff. They also offer gin and tonic boat trips for all kinds of private events including everything from bachelor parties to team-building events. Travelers can also join a canal cruise where you can also order great cocktails, while hearing and seeing everything Amsterdam has to offer. In case the weather is bad, the company’s covered boats are here to save the day.

6 Hiding in Plain Sight

Hiding in Plain Sight is without a doubt one of Amsterdam’s best-hidden gems. There is no sign in front of this joint in Plantage near the canals of Amsterdam, so it may be a bit difficult to find this cocktail bar without a map. Once you step inside this seductive speakeasy cocktail bar, expect to be greeted with a welcoming vibe and an extensive cocktail menu. Their signature Walking Dead cocktail should not be missed. It is served inside a burning crystal skull with some savory olives on the side. We like their pasta masquerades-straws, as well as the live music events which are held on a regular basis.

7 5&33

Located just a short walk from the Central Station inside the art’otel Amsterdam, 5&33 is a chic lounge bar with a cushy interior and a buzzing atmosphere.  It is a perfect place to kick-off your night out in the city and try signature cocktails such as the Night Owl and Nights in Amsterdam. 5&33 also offers five types of rum & Coke, as well as a wide range of Gin and Tonics. In case you get hungry, the med-style small sharing plates are amazing and include delicacies like Iberico ham with green olives. Visitors will be happy to hear that this cocktail bar hosts live DJ sets, cocktail workshops, and even Pilates. Don’t forget to pay a visit to their on-site art gallery.

8 Vesper

Vesper is one of the most famous cocktail bars in Amsterdam. If you feel like spending an evening out in the city with friends and enjoying gourmet drinks, you’ve definitely come to the right place. The gin-based cocktails are spectacular, as well as the Exceptionally Old Fashioned and the Dark and Stormy. The staff is very passionate and they craft their cocktails to perfection. What we like most about this place is that their inventive cocktail menu changes seasonally. In case you get tired of cocktails, order something from their extensive tea list.

9 Door 74

Located in Rembrandtplein, Door 74 is a secret speakeasy cocktail bar. Just go to the number 74, as there is no sign out in front of this legendary Amsterdam cocktail bar. With dim lighting and nice Art Deco items, Door 74 boasts an inviting interior and offers a fabulous themed cocktail menu. Searching the Black Matter that consists of dried pineapple, marzipan syrup, and rum is one of the must-try cocktails here.

10 Rosalias Menagerie

If you are exploring the Red Light District, pay a visit to the nearby Rosalias Menagerie. From beautiful artwork to cute velvet pillows, the décor of this cocktail bar in Amsterdam looks spectacular. The seated-only bar has a nice menu that changes seasonally. Whether you are craving a classic cocktail or wish to have one of their house twists or themed cocktails, the friendly bartenders here at Rosalias Menagerie will always mix you up a tasty and refreshing drink to enjoy. If you are craving some snacks, olives, Dutch bitterballen and hummus can also be found on the menu.

11 Skylounge

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without paying a visit to the 11th floor of the posh Double Tree Hilton Hotel where you will find their award-winning rooftop bar that offers spectacular views of the city. Thanks to its romantic vibe, it’s an ideal place to visit with that special someone and enjoy artisan cocktails. Although the area is quite big, we recommend visiting early in the evening or making a reservation. As for the food menu at Skylounge, they offer delicious sushi, as well as plenty of international and local dishes to enjoy.

12 Twenty Third Bar

Want to enjoy magnificent views of the city from one of the highest spots in the Dutch capital? Head out to the Twenty Third Bar, a lovely bar situated inside the world-famous Okura hotel that offers a nice selection of Champagne cocktails. Visitors who wish to have dinner can order delicious food from the Michelin starred adjoining restaurant called Ciel Bleu. It doesn’t really matter if you are planning to spend an evening out with your friends, have a special event that you wish to celebrate with your family, or you are looking for a perfect spot for a date, Twenty Third Bar offers something for every type of traveler.

13 Bar Oldenhof

Bar Oldenhof is actually the first crowd-sourced bar in the city. Located in the charming Jordaan neighborhood, this speakeasy cocktail bar is one of our favorite places in the city. However, getting inside Bar Oldenhof is never easy. Since there are no reservation options and there are always many people inside, waiting in line in front of Bar Oldenhof is perfectly normal. Once they let you in, expect to be blown away with the spectacular interior that includes everything from dark wood to velvet furnishings. Whiskey and beer menus are extensive, but the signature house cocktails that can be found the artisan cocktails menu are mouthwatering and definitely worth ordering.

14 Feijoa

Located right in the Canal Ring and just a short walk from Amsterdam’s Royal Palace, Feijoa is a place where bartenders go to enjoy cocktails. Rest assured, the drinks here are extremely tasty and reasonably priced for Amsterdam price standards. The staff is friendly and can always recommend some of their finest high-quality cocktails and spirits. Keep in mind that Feijoa is located in a touristy part of the city, which means that it’s usually crowded and there are always some celebrations like bachelor parties going on.

15 Bluespoon Restaurant & Bar

You will find the Bluespoon Restaurant & Bar right on Prinsengracht. Situated inside the swanky Andaz Hotel, this restaurant and bar is a perfect spot to go out in the evening for dinner and cocktails. You can also visit every day between 6 and 8 when cocktails come with complimentary bites from their bar snack menu. What we like about this place is that they divided their cocktail menu in different eras, which means you can enjoy nicely prepared spirits and cocktails through the decades. One of the must-try cocktails here is the New York Sour. Did we mention the amazing views of the Amsterdam canals?

16 Calle Ocho

Named after the popular street in Miami’s Little Havana, Calle Ocho is a nice cocktail bar and restaurant where thirsty travelers come to enjoy Cuban and Mexican cuisine and a wide range of cocktails. Their frozen margaritas are definitely a crowd pleaser, but the extensive list of rum and tequila is also what makes this place so special and unique. Calle Ocho also offers a wide range of regional alcoholic beverages and signature cocktails with an unexpected twist. If you are visiting Amsterdam and wish to enjoy flavors from Central America and order delicious cocktails, make sure to stop by for a drink at this swanky cocktail bar and restaurant.

17 Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

Although the name of this place may not sound that original, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is one of the best places in the center of Amsterdam to enjoy classic cocktails. Tess Posthumus is the co-owner of this Dutch cocktail joint and one of the best bartenders and mixologists in the city. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is a bit on the small side, but the intimate vibe is what attracts a large number of customers to this extraordinary place.

18 El Punto Latino

Fan of Latin music and tasty cocktails? Stop by El Punto Latino, a nightclub that works seven days a week and throws the best dance parties ever. Put on your best dancing shows and have an unforgettable night out in the Dutch Capital. They serve a wide range of alcoholic beverages, but their cocktails are known to be amazing.

19 Henry’s Bar

For some reason, many cocktails bars have a literary connection and Amsterdam’s Henry’s Bar is one of them. Offering themed cocktails inspired by quotes by Bukowski and other literary figures, this elegant cocktail bar boasts a bohemian atmosphere with its unfussy décor. From American cocktails with a contemporary twist like Diamond in the Rough and Gimlet to an extensive list of bourbons and whiskeys, Henry’s Bar has it all. Don’t leave without ordering one of their variations on the classic G&T. On the food menu, expect to find charcuterie and cheese plates.

20 Labyrinth Cocktail Soul Food & Poetry Bar

Nestled at Amstelveenseweg in Old South, Labyrinth Cocktail Soul Food & Poetry Bar is a place where superb cocktails, hearty cuisine, and positive vibes come together. Order something from their African-Caribbean soul food menu like stewed Okra in tomato sauce or southern fried chicken, ask Sam Kingue Ebelle who is one of the city’s best mixologists to make you one of the many delicious cocktails from the menu, and attend the bar’s famous poetry nights.