Pub Crawls in Amsterdam – Your Go‑To Guide

If you want to see a lot of Amsterdam’s nightlife in one night, a pub crawl is the answer. It saves you time, gets you into different vibes, and often lands you a drink discount. Below you’ll find everything you need to start, from planning basics to the most popular routes.

Why try a pub crawl?

First off, you meet other travelers and locals who love the same scene. The group energy makes it easy to jump into a bar you might normally skip. Second, you get a taste of the city’s diversity – one stop could be a cozy canal‑side lounge, the next a loud dance club. Finally, many organized crawls include a guide who knows the shortcuts, the happy‑hour rules, and the safest ways to move around after midnight.

Top routes to try

1. De Wallen Walk – Start at a classic Dutch pub near the Red Light District, then hop to a modern cocktail bar on Nieuwmarkt. End the night at a rooftop spot with a view of the canals. The area is compact, so you can walk the whole thing.

2. Leidseplein Trail – Begin at a student bar with cheap beers, move to a live‑music venue, and finish at a late‑night dance club. This route is perfect if you love a mix of live sound and club beats.

3. Jordaan Journey – For a more relaxed vibe, start at a canal‑side café, head to a craft‑beer bar, and wrap up at a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshop. The Jordaan neighborhood feels quieter, but the drinks are top‑notch.

When you pick a route, check the opening hours. Some bars close early on weekdays, while weekends stay open until 4 am. Use a map app to mark each stop so you don’t waste time figuring out where to go next.

Safety matters. Keep an eye on your drink, stay with the group, and carry a small amount of cash for places that don’t take cards. If you need to head home, the night buses run every 30 minutes and are reliable.

Want to save money? Look for crawls that include a free drink at the first bar. Many host websites list discount codes for participants. If you’re comfortable, you can also design your own crawl: choose three to five bars within a 1‑kilometer radius, set a budget, and invite friends.

Don’t forget to enjoy the local snacks. A quick bite of bitterballen or cheese fries between stops keeps the energy up. Most pubs have a small menu, so you can order a plate and keep the night moving.

Finally, capture the memory. A quick photo of the group in front of a uniquely decorated bar wall makes for a great souvenir. Just be respectful of other patrons – no flash photography in dim rooms.

With these tips, you’re ready to hit the streets, taste new drinks, and experience Amsterdam’s nightlife like a local. Grab a map, pick a route, and let the night unfold.