In Amsterdam, a pub crawl isn’t just about drinking-it’s about moving through centuries of history, one canal-side terrace at a time. The city’s narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and century-old brown cafes aren’t just backdrops; they’re part of the experience. If you’ve ever wandered from De Pijp to the Jordaan hoping to hit five spots before midnight, you know it’s easy to get lost-not just in the alleys, but in the rhythm of it all. This isn’t a bar-hopping checklist. It’s a survival guide for making sense of Amsterdam’s pub culture without ending up on a bench in the Red Light District at 3 a.m. with no idea how you got there.
Start Smart: Know Where the Real Pubs Are
Amsterdam’s best pubs aren’t the ones with neon signs or DJs spinning EDM. They’re the ones with wooden benches, beer mats from the 1980s, and bartenders who’ve seen it all. Skip the tourist traps around Dam Square and head to places like De Drie Fleschjes in De Pijp, where the house beer is brewed just down the street, or De Klos in the Jordaan, a tiny spot that’s been serving hollandse nieuwe and jenever since 1924. These aren’t just bars-they’re community living rooms. Locals don’t rush here. They linger. And if you want to blend in, so should you.Don’t mistake a bruin café for a pub. Bruin cafés are the Dutch answer to the English pub: dark wood, low ceilings, and a focus on beer over cocktails. Try De Jopenkelder in the heart of the city, where they brew their own Jopen beers using traditional recipes. Their Jopen Kolsch is crisp, clean, and perfect for sipping while watching cyclists zip past the windows. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a trappist or strong ale-the Dutch take their beer seriously, and they’ve got more craft breweries per capita than most European capitals.
Plan Your Route Like a Local
Amsterdam’s pub crawl isn’t linear. It’s a loop. Start in the Amsterdam Canal Ring-say, near the Leidseplein-and work your way west. The key? Walk. Cabs are expensive, bikes are stolen, and the tram doesn’t run after midnight. So lace up your shoes. The distance from De Pijp to the Weteringschans is less than 2 kilometers, but you’ll hit six bars along the way. Use this classic route:- De Pijp - Start at De Pijp bar, where the crowd is young, local, and loud. Order a Heineken on tap-yes, even the locals do it here.
- De Klos - A 15-minute walk to the Jordaan. Sit at the bar. Talk to the owner. He’ll tell you which band played here in ’98.
- De Drie Fleschjes - A short detour south. This place doesn’t have a menu. You get what’s on tap. And it’s always good.
- De Brouwerij - Near the Nieuwmarkt. Their Stout is brewed with Dutch malt and roasted chestnuts. Yes, really.
- De Klok - A hidden gem tucked behind the Oude Kerk. No sign. Just a bell. Ring it.
- De Sluiskamer - End here. It’s a former lockkeeper’s house. They serve genever in tiny glasses. Sip it slow. It’s 150-year-old tradition.
Don’t try to hit more than six. You’ll burn out. And you’ll miss the best part: the conversations.
Drink Like a Dutch Person
Dutch pub culture isn’t about shots or cocktails. It’s about sipping, not slamming. If you order a plaatje (a shot of jenever), don’t gulp it. Let it sit on your tongue. It’s not vodka-it’s juniper-flavored grain spirit, and it’s meant to be savored. At De Klok, they’ll pour you a jonge jenever (young) or oude jenever (old). The old one tastes like caramel and pine needles. The young one? Like a crisp autumn morning.Beer? Stick to local brews. Amstel is fine if you’re on a budget, but try La Trappe or Brouwerij ‘t IJ’s Windmill Ale-brewed literally next to a windmill. And never, ever ask for a “beer and a shot.” That’s not a thing here. If you want a mixed drink, go to a club. In a pub, you order one thing and you drink it slowly.
Pro tip: If you’re offered a stokkertje (a small glass of genever as a welcome), say yes. It’s not a test. It’s hospitality.
Know the Rules-Even the Unwritten Ones
There are no bouncers in most Amsterdam pubs. No ID checks unless you look 16. But there are rules:- No loud groups. If you’re laughing too hard, you’ll get a look. Not angry. Just… disappointed.
- No standing at the bar unless you’re buying. The bar is a sacred space. Sit down or move on.
- No asking for “the best place to party.” That’s not how it works. The best place is the one where you’re already sitting.
- Don’t take photos of the bartender. They’ve seen tourists do it. They don’t like it.
- Don’t order a “beer flight” unless you’re at a craft brewery. In a traditional pub, you order one beer. One at a time.
And if you’re with a group? Don’t all order at once. Take turns. It’s not about efficiency-it’s about rhythm. The Dutch don’t rush. They wait. They listen. They sip.
When to Stop
The pub crawl ends when your legs stop working, not when the last bar closes. Most places shut at 1 a.m. on weekdays, 2 a.m. on weekends. But the real cutoff? When you start confusing the canals with sidewalks. Amsterdam’s streets are narrow, and the canals are deep. If you’re swaying past the Herengracht at 2 a.m. and thinking, “This looks like a good place to nap,” you’ve gone too far.Know your limits. The Dutch don’t brag about how much they drank. They brag about how many bars they visited-and how well they remembered the conversation.
What to Do After
If you’re still standing at 3 a.m., head to a broodjebakkerij-a sandwich shop that opens at 4 a.m. De Bakkerswinkel on the Haarlemmerdijk is legendary. Get a broodje haring (herring sandwich) or a droge worst (Dutch sausage roll). It’s the only thing that fixes a night of jenever and stout.Or, if you’re feeling fancy, grab a coffee at Winkel 43 in the Jordaan. They serve the best apple pie in the city. It’s not a pub, but it’s the perfect way to end a night that started in one.
Final Tip: Don’t Be a Tourist
The biggest mistake? Acting like you’re on a checklist. Amsterdam’s pubs aren’t attractions. They’re homes. The people behind the bar have lived here for decades. The regulars know each other’s kids. The walls have heard stories you’ll never read in a guidebook.So don’t just drink. Listen. Ask questions. Say “Dank je wel” with eye contact. Leave a few euros extra if the service was good. And if you’re lucky, someone will tell you about the time they smuggled beer out of Belgium in a bicycle tire. That’s the real Amsterdam pub crawl.
Is it safe to walk alone after a pub crawl in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam is one of the safest European cities for walking at night, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. Stick to well-lit streets like the Prinsengracht or Leidsestraat. Avoid the back alleys near the Red Light District after midnight-those are for tourists who don’t know better. Keep your phone handy, your wallet secure, and your eyes open. Most locals walk home alone after a night out. You can too.
Can I bring my own beer to a pub in Amsterdam?
No. Dutch pubs don’t allow BYOB. It’s not just a rule-it’s a cultural norm. The bar is where the beer is chosen, poured, and enjoyed. Bringing your own is seen as disrespectful. If you want a specific beer, ask the bartender. They’ll likely have it-or know where to get it.
Are there pub crawls organized in Amsterdam?
Yes, but avoid the ones with neon vests and shot games. The best organized crawls are led by locals who know the real spots. Look for tours by Amsterdam Beer Tour or De Brouwerij’s own events. They focus on craft beer, history, and conversation-not partying. If it feels like a club tour, skip it.
What’s the best time of year to do a pub crawl in Amsterdam?
Late spring to early autumn (May-September) is ideal. The terraces are open, the weather’s mild, and the city hums with energy. Winter crawls are cozy but cold-some bars close their outdoor areas. If you go in December, hit De Jopenkelder for their Winter Ale and enjoy the lights on the canals. It’s magical.
Do I need to tip in Amsterdam pubs?
Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated. Round up the bill by a euro or two if the service was friendly. Bartenders don’t rely on tips, but they notice when you’re generous. A small extra is a sign you enjoyed the experience-not just the beer.
Next Steps
If you’re planning your first crawl, start small. Pick three spots. Walk between them. Talk to one person. That’s enough. You don’t need to hit every bar to get the feeling of Amsterdam. You just need to sit still long enough to hear it.And if you ever find yourself lost, just follow the smell of fries. Someone will point you to a bar. And they’ll buy you a drink.
