Where to Find the Best Craft Beer in Amsterdam

Nothing caps a day of exploring Amsterdam’s iconic art, architecture and canals better than a good beer. While the city’s traditional lagers are served with a hefty amount of foam, a growing number of craft beer bars offer more diverse options.

One of Amsterdam’s best craft beer venues, Proeflokaal Arendsnest, situated on the Herengracht Canal, offers more than 50 local Dutch microbrews, outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere. With its copper accents, mahogany walls and waistcoat-clad bartenders, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time with a pint of contemporary craft beer in hand.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is popular with tourists and locals, located next to Amsterdam’s largest windmill in an old municipal bath house with many of its original features. In addition to its unique atmosphere, the bar brews some of the city’s best-loved beers, like Columbus ale and Dubbelbok.

Head to the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood to check out Brouweij Troost, a monastery turned brewery. The beers are brewed on premise, so you can glimpse the vats as you sip your IPA. The cozy, candlelit bar offers a relaxing getaway from the bustling city, and with 10 freshly brewed beers on tap, you can post up for quite awhile.

With a rotating selection of 40 beers on tap, the menu at Craft and Draft changes almost daily. The comfortable bar located in the Overtoomse Sluis neighborhood features exposed brick, wooden furnishings and a friendly staff. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the options, simply ask to do a tasting of three beers.