Top Bars in Amsterdam – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled on the lively Eerste van Swindenstraat in Amsterdam Oost, Bar Botanique invites you into a vibrant, jungle‑infused escape in the heart of the city. Inside, lush greenery, retro furniture, and warm textures mingle with daylight pouring through restored double‑height French windows—blurring the line between indoor comfort and tropical adventure. Previously home to a neighbourhood gym and Café de Ponteneur—the famed “living‑room of East”—the venue cleverly preserves its community‑center roots while reimagining it as a botanical café, courtesy of Studio Modijefsky’s playful design. A marble‑topped bar, mezzanine lounge, tropical plants, hexagonal Marrakech‑style tiles, and mirrored accents cultivate an atmosphere that’s both retro‑chic and immersive. Bar Botanique is open from morning until late—serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, teas, juices, and drinks—welcoming all day long with its Café Tropique charm. Its menu spans French Mediterranean, Neapolitan sandwiches, pizza, salmon crudo, steak, burgers, Börek, and exciting new warm‑drink offerings like Chai and Matcha—plus vegan and vegetarian delights, including non‑alcoholic cocktails. Whether you're shooting emails with a café latte, meeting friends with wine, or lingering into the evening over a creative workshop (think bead‑embroidery nights!), this place adapts to your mood—and always stays green and glowing. Offering indoor charm, a terrace, vegan options, and lively weekend music, Bar Botanique embodies retro‑stylish comfort with bright communal energy.

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is the cocktailbar owned by Tess Posthumus and Timo Janse in the heart of Amsterdam. Its focus is on (neo-)classic cocktails and features the largest backbar of the Netherlands with over 800 unique spirits. It is open 7 days per week, from 5 pm till 4 am, making it the latest cocktailbar of Amsterdam. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is proud to have been awarded Best Cocktailbar 2018 by Esquire magazine, Best Cocktailbar at the Entree awards, Top 10 Best Cocktailbar Europe 2019 and nominated for Best New International Cocktailbar at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Like most countries, in the Netherlands people are getting more and more aware of what they eat and where it comes from. Slowly the Dutch consumer is starting to think, not only about what they eat, but also about what they drink. Because of this, a true cocktail culture emerges. The consumer is more knowledgeable about food, but is still somewhat lost when it comes to cocktails. Slowly the Dutch are exploring the wonderful world of mixology, but they don’t know the difference between existing recipes and the signature creations of the different bars.

Tucked discreetly along one of Amsterdam’s oldest canals, Rosalia’s Menagerie is a cocktail bar and mini-inn that channels the mystique of 17th-century Dutch menageries—where the exotic met the local in everyday magic. Housed within a historic inn, the bar’s candle-drenched interior is a tapestry of rich wallpapers, plush seating, and antique curiosities that invite exploration, memory, and lingering conversations. Founded in 2017, Rosalia’s honors the Netherlands’s storied tradition in distilling and global trade by showcasing the country’s most expansive collection of genever—the aromatic, juniper-led spirit central to Dutch drinking culture. Here, bartenders craft thoughtful, evolving drinks that blend timeless classic profiles with adventurous flair, spotlighting locally made spirits and international gems with equal reverence. Behind a secret door up a narrow staircase lies Rosalia’s Inn Upstairs, a boutique, six-room guesthouse where artistic whimsy continues—each room uniquely styled, offering a discreet and romantic escape for travelers seeking a narrative-rich stay above the bar. This dual identity—bar below, inn above—makes Rosalia’s more than just a nightcap; it’s a sensory journey through Amsterdam’s spirit heritage and intimate hospitality. Evenings here feel hushed and theatrical. Seating is walk-in only; no reservations. With soft lighting, attentive service, and décor that feels plucked from a bygone era, the ambiance is perfect for immersive, intimate moments—whether discovering a gin-spiced twist or savoring a seasonal creation. The secretive setting, layered with whispers of legacy and craftsmanship, renders each visit memorable in its quiet opulence.

Door 74 is often credited as Amsterdam’s first speakeasy-style cocktail bar, tucked discreetly behind an unmarked door at Reguliersdwarsstraat 74. Once you ring the bell and are welcomed inside, the setting transforms into a plush, dimly lit interior of mahogany, leather banquettes, vintage lighting, tin ceilings, and curated antique barware—a rich and moody Art‑Deco vibe with classic jazz or swing as the soundtrack. The menu features around a dozen seasonal, theme-based cocktails, each with imaginative names like “Simon the Fruit Vendor,” “Trader John’s,” or “Single Not Ready to Mingle.” These drinks strike a perfect balance: bold and aromatic, subtle and refined. They’re crafted with passion and theatrical flair, often incorporating genever, rare spirits, and unexpected ingredients like pickled shrubs or goji‑berry syrup. Door 74 offers seat‑only reservations by text (via +31 6 34045122) or email, and typically opens at 20:00 nightly. The experience is deeply personal: bartenders chat recommendations, and each visit feels like being hosted in a refined friend’s lounge. It doesn’t serve food, so cocktails take center stage. Even seasoned bar tourists rave about Door 74’s unforgettable atmosphere and cocktails—some reviewers call it their most memorable stop in Amsterdam. It has made The World’s 50 Best Bars list multiple times, signaling its global influence on the craft cocktail scene.

Nestled within the iconic Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square, Bar The Tailor is a hotel bar that gives classic cocktail culture a sartorial twist. Rooted in the legacy of its founder A.W. Krasnapolsky—himself a tailor—the bar pays homage to craftsmanship: the menus, the décor, and even the presentation of drinks are infused with tailoring references. Think fabric themes, ribbon-light fixtures, carpet patterns that evoke stitched cloth, and brass details like tape measure edges on the bar counter. The cocktail menu is curated with precision. Bespoke “tailor-made” cocktails are crafted using in-house infusions, specialty bitters, perfumes, and fresh ingredients. The drinks are grouped with flair (e.g., by fabric: cotton, velvet, cashmere) and often surprise with elegant twists or deeper flavor profiles. Beyond drinks, The Tailor offers pairing bites and snacks, and those interested in cigars are catered for with a humidor and a terrace space where cigar-cocktail pairings happen under heaters for cozy evenings. Atmosphere is refined but welcoming: large lounge-style areas, comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a sense of elegance without stiffness. Live music is part of the offer—regular DJ sets on Thursdays, and jazz trios on selected Sundays add to the mood. It tends to be busy later evenings, especially weekends, but the layout with multiple rooms and a terrace helps maintain ambience. Service is polished, staff attentive, with knowledge of drinks and spirits. Given the hotel setting, it attracts both travelers and locals who appreciate design, detail, and drinks with personality. If you want a drink that feels more like an experience (flavor, story, setting), The Tailor delivers styling, ritual, and flavour in equal measure.

Nestled discreetly at Rapenburg 18, near Amsterdam's Red Light District, Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS) is a celebrated cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks and sophisticated ambiance. Despite its unassuming exterior, HPS offers a warm retreat for those seeking expertly crafted cocktails. The menu features both classic options, such as the sherry cobbler and perfect martini, and unique creations like "The Kiss," which combines Calvados, fennel, orange, lemon, and prosecco. The intimate setting, complete with comfortable upstairs seating, makes it an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or a cozy evening with friends. Given its limited space and popularity, especially on weekends, reservations are recommended to ensure a spot.

Tales & Spirits, tucked into the tiny Lijnbaanssteeg alley between Singel and Spui, brings unforgettable cocktails and small plates to a beautifully restored 16th-century canal-house setting. Its interior exudes charm: exposed brick walls, wooden beams, vintage chandeliers, and a bar that feels both elegant and cozy . Patrons typically sit at the polished wooden bar or small tables, while bartenders deliver top-tier hospitality—friendly, theatrical, and brimming with local personality. Cocktails are the main event: inventive in flavor and presentation, often playful or whimsical in concept—drinks like "What If…" a pineapple‑ginger daiquiri, “No Siesta No Fiesta,” or the Tiki‑leaning “Zombie” riff—each built around a story and crafted with precision. The bar is sometimes described as a "cocktail museum"—full of antique glassware, vintage bitters, and walls showcasing memorabilia tied to cocktail history. The food menu focuses on refined small plates and bar snacks—standouts include wild mushroom risotto, steak tartare, scallops with oyster emulsion, and even playful "Cup of Noodles" with dashi bacon broth and Sriracha. Diners can enjoy dinner Tuesday–Saturday evenings until 10 pm . Late-night energy kicks in on Fridays and Saturdays, when Tales stays open until 3 am—making it a nightly local favourite and booking essential spot in Amsterdam’s cocktail circuit. Despite its popularity, the vibe remains welcoming and unpretentious—part local haunt, part destination for cocktail lovers from around the world . Tales & Spirits frequently ranks among Amsterdam’s top cocktail venues and is acknowledged for its hospitality, creativity, and classic-meets-quirky flair on lists like World's 50 Best Bars.

Super Lyan Amsterdam stands out as a playful, stylish lounge tucked into a 17th-century Dutch townhouse in central Amsterdam. Conceived by celebrated mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), this is his first international outpost—and it oozes personality. The interior is a feast for the eyes—neon-lit horseshoe bar, retro seating, a color-rich design that nods to mid-century kitsch, and lively yet inviting ambiance. During the day, it doubles as a neighborhood hangout serving stroopwafels, donuts, and coffee; by night, the vibe shifts to expertly crafted cocktails, beers, wines, and inventive snacks. Cocktail menus oscillate between “Lyan All Stars” (consistent favorites like the Beeswax Old Fashioned or Frosé Margarita) and “Lyan Explores” — playful reinterpretations of classic Savoy-era cocktails. Non-alcoholic versions are equally imaginative. You’ll find creative bites like modern takes on bitterballen. It’s not just about snapping pics—it’s about tasting the city’s spirit. Hospitality here is exceptional—no pretension, just slick, inclusive service that makes every visit feel special. From early drinks to late-night socializing, Super Lyan is a bold, joyful reinterpretation of Dutch cocktail culture—witty, warm, and endlessly inventive.

Tucked beneath the streets of Amsterdam, Zum Barbarossa is a bar with a story — one of hidden doors, moody ambiance, and immersive experience. Its owners, who also run The Seafood Bar, transformed an old cellar space into an intimate, theatrical cocktail lounge. As you approach Voetboogstraat 1, you’ll find a mosaic giving a hint of history — “Zum Barbarossa” references that mosaic and the old cellar beneath. Entry feels deliberate: ring or seek a hidden door, and descend into a world of deep red lighting, plush seating, mirror-lined walls, art-nouveau flourishes, and flickers of shadow. The drink menu blends classics with daring touches. Reviewers mention a Penicillin served in rosemary-smoked glass, an Old Fashioned married to an oyster & brine, and visually striking cocktails like a Porn Star Martini topped with brûléed passion fruit. For seafood lovers, the bar pairs cocktails with oysters and small plates; its connection to The Seafood Bar ensures quality bites alongside the drinks. The music leans late and lively. On Fridays and Saturdays there’s a DJ into the night (to ~2 am or later). The setting is tight — though the space can welcome ~120 people (standing) including a special bar table and a hidden “Pearl” room for small groups. Patrons often praise the service, cocktail technique, ambiance, and the sense that Zum Barbarossa feels like discovering something underground and exclusive. plekkies With its layered narrative and musical energy, it’s a bar that claims the night.

SHU (located at Handboogstraat 15 H) is a relatively new arrival on Amsterdam’s nightlife map, aiming to fill a niche between upscale cocktail lounge and full club experience. The concept is carefully layered: initially, you enter a refined cocktail bar space with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and luxury materials — wood, marble, velour, brass touches — designed to feel intimate yet stylish. As the night progresses, seating gives way, lights shift, and the music intensifies: DJs bring deep house, disco, funk to life, and the bar transitions into a higher-energy dance zone. The layout is divided into multiple zones: the main bar, a lounge corner, and a dance floor / DJ booth area. There’s a sense of movement built into the design — you begin in a more reserved mode, then gradually move deeper into the energy. SHU’s sound infrastructure is also a selling point: they installed a professional L-Acoustics sound system optimized for both immersive club audio and respect for the neighborhood above. The cocktail program is ambitious. The bar is run by Stefan Sumual (awarded “Entree Best Bartender 2022”), who combines classic techniques with modern flair and local influences. SHU’s signature “The SHU” cocktail (a highball style concoction mixing Ketel One Citroen, passion fruit syrup, Strega, raspberry and more) is frequently cited in media. On peak nights (Friday, Saturday), entry is via guest list only; midweek it’s more flexible, though you might still need to register with the host. Capacity is moderate — reports suggest ~55 seated places plus standing / club capacity of ~150. The vibe appeals to a 25+ crowd wanting more polish than typical bars, but still desiring late-night energy and dance. It blends sophistication, nightlife, and social vibrancy.

By day, The Butcher looks like an edgy burger joint in Amsterdam’s De Pijp (Albert Cuypstraat), serving high-quality burgers and fries. But behind the scenes lies its secret: a hidden cocktail lounge known (to those in the know) as “The Butcher’s Secret Bar” or “The Secret Kitchen.” Entry is theatrical. You need a reservation and a password. Once accepted, you’re guided to a discreet door (sometimes behind a refrigerator or freezer lookalike panel), ring the buzzer, give your reservation and password, and slip inside. On one account, the host “whisked us off to a silver door, pressed buzzer, asked password, then led us into a swanky bar.” Inside, the secret lounge is intimate, dimly lit, and moody. Expect Chesterfields, velvet couches, dark woods, and a long, oval bar. The cocktail menu is robust: signature drinks, barrel-aged cocktails, large-format punches, and creative specials from their “secret kitchen” menu (ceviche, squid, nachos, bresaola, etc.). The bar aims for balance: elegant but not overbearing, where you can talk without shouting. Because it operates as a hidden lounge, The Butcher’s Secret Bar feels exclusive. The reservation system, password entry, and the fact that not everyone knows of its existence all contribute to that mystique.

Hidden beneath the historic Odeon building on Amsterdam’s Singel canal, Belly of the Beast is a cocktail bar born from escapism and maritime myth. The brainchild of Tess Posthumus (of Flying Dutchmen Cocktails) and Joeri Salet (of Supper, Bar Rouge), it merges theatrical narrative with mixology, taking guests on a descent from a breezy “beach house” entry into a deeper, darker world beneath the waves. Inside, the décor leans heavily on nautical fantasy and immersive storytelling. You’ll pass through warmer tones and lighter motifs at first, then transition into deep greens, moody lighting, textured walls reminiscent of ship hulls or reef structure, and subtle aquatic references. The layout is generous: seating for up to 120 people, with multiple zones, including a Bartender’s Table (an interactive station at which the bartenders showcase their craft as part of the guest experience) and The Pearl, a hidden private space with its own bar intended for small groups. The drink program is ambitious and playful. Cocktails are often named after sea creatures or oceanic mythos — think Siren’s Call, Sea Horse Smash, Nessie’s Pearl, or Wildebeest (non-alcoholic). They also serve snacks and small plates (bites to pair with cocktails). The bar embraces late hours: open from 17:00 until 4:00 am daily. The backstory is part of the charm: the name Belly of the Beast refers to multiple layers — the “belly” as the interior under the waves, the idea of late-night dining and drinking, and the subterranean location beneath its sibling establishments. The founders have positioned it as the only bar in the area with a late night serving permit until 4:00 am, offering both drinks and food late into the night. It’s not just a bar; it’s designed as an experience of descent, narrative, and sensory layering. Whether you come for a cocktail, a workshop, or private hire in The Pearl, the space encourages you to let your expectations drift deeper.

Pulitzer’s Bar is the refined cocktail lounge of the Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel, occupying a discrete entrance on the Keizersgracht and overlooking the city’s signature canals. Inside, the ambiance is timeless elegance: leather armchairs, dark woods, ambient lighting, brass accents, and jewel-toned upholstery invoke a lounge from a bygone era. The bar plays with scent as a conceptual layer: the cocktail program is developed in collaboration with fragrance house DS & Durga, using botanical distillates, rare spices, and “aged essences” to create aromatic cocktails that unfold like perfumes. The menu blends classic cocktails reimagined—some described by flavor profile rather than ingredients—with bespoke creations like Leather Negroni, Golden Fields Fashioned, Rose Garden Margarita, and more. Seating is by design intimate and reserved: the bar operates via seated service with limited capacity, ensuring a quiet, thoughtful drinking experience. Pulitzer’s Bar is often regarded as the perfect after-dinner destination—not a rowdy nightlife venue, but one to linger over a drink, savor craftsmanship, and soak in the canal views.