Quick answer
Amsterdam isn't just about Heineken — it's one of Europe's best craft beer destinations. With 40-50 craft breweries and dozens of specialty beer bars, the city offers everything from historic proeflokalen (tasting rooms) in 17th-century buildings to cutting-edge taprooms in the industrial Noord district.
- Best overall
- Brouwerij 't IJ
- Top pick
- Brouwerij 't IJ
Top verdicts
- Brouwerij 't IJ: First-time visitors wanting the quintessential Amsterdam brewery experience
- In de Wildeman: Beer enthusiasts seeking variety and knowledgeable staff
- Proeflokaal Arendsnest: Anyone wanting to explore the full range of Dutch craft brewing
The Dutch craft beer scene is fiercely independent and refreshingly experimental. You'll find Belgian-inspired abbey ales, hoppy American-style IPAs, wild fermented sours, and unique Dutch creations using local ingredients. Many bars offer small tasting pours so you can sample widely.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brouwerij 't IJ | brewery | mid | Oost (beneath De Gooyer windmill) |
| 2 | In de Wildeman | beer-cafe | mid | Centrum (Kolksteeg 3) |
| 3 | Proeflokaal Arendsnest | dutch-only | mid | Centrum (Herengracht 90) |
| 4 | Brouwerij Troost De Pijp | brewery | mid | De Pijp (Cornelis Troostplein 21) |
| 5 | Oedipus Brewing | taproom | mid | Noord (Schaafstraat 21) |
| 6 | Walhalla Brewery & Taproom | taproom | mid | Noord (Asterweg 2) |
| 7 | De Biertuin Oost | beer-garden | mid | Oost (Linnaeusstraat 29) |
| 8 | BeerTemple | american | mid | Centrum (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250) |
| 9 | Butcher's Tears | taproom | mid | Zuid (Karperweg 45) |
| 10 | Brouwerij De Prael | social | mid | Centrum (Oudezijds Armsteeg 26) |
1Brouwerij 't IJ
BreweryQuick comparison
- Best for
- First-time visitors wanting the quintessential Amsterdam brewery experience
- Strengths
- Known for Brewery · Oost (beneath De Gooyer windmill)
- Limitations
- Gets very crowded on sunny days · Minimal food options
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- The birthplace of Amsterdam's craft beer renaissance. Zatte and Natte are iconic Dutch beers.
- What to order
- Start with Zatte (blonde tripel) or Natte (amber dubbel) — their flagship beers.
2In de Wildeman
Historic Beer CafeQuick comparison
- Best for
- Beer enthusiasts seeking variety and knowledgeable staff
- Strengths
- Known for Historic Beer Cafe · Centrum (Kolksteeg 3)
- Limitations
- Can get crowded evenings · Limited seating · Food is basic (cheese plates)
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Consistently rated Amsterdam's best beer bar. A must-visit for serious beer lovers.
- What to order
- Ask the bartender — they love matching beers to your preferences. Try a Belgian Trappist or local Dutch craft.
3Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Dutch-Only BeerQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone wanting to explore the full range of Dutch craft brewing
- Strengths
- Known for Dutch-Only Beer · Centrum (Herengracht 90)
- Limitations
- No Belgian/international beers · Can feel cramped when busy
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- The best place to discover Dutch craft beer. Same owner as BeerTemple.
- What to order
- Ask for a tasting flight of Dutch beers — they'll guide you through regional styles.
4Brouwerij Troost De Pijp
Brewery & RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups wanting good food with craft beer in a lively neighborhood
- Strengths
- Known for Brewery & Restaurant · De Pijp (Cornelis Troostplein 21)
- Limitations
- More restaurant than pure beer bar · Can be loud and crowded
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Best brewery for a full meal. Also has locations in Westergas and Oud West.
- What to order
- Try their Troost Blond with a burger or their seasonal specialty beers.
🕐 Opening hours
5Oedipus Brewing
Experimental TaproomQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous beer lovers seeking unique, experimental brews
- Strengths
- Known for Experimental Taproom · Noord (Schaafstraat 21)
- Limitations
- Requires ferry to Noord · Limited hours · Not for traditionalists
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Best for unusual beers. Try Mannenliefde (peppery saison) or Thai Thai (spiced tripel).
- What to order
- Mannenliefde (their flagship saison) or whatever seasonal/experimental is on tap.
🕐 Opening hours
6Walhalla Brewery & Taproom
Brewery TaproomQuick comparison
- Best for
- Beer lovers wanting brewery-fresh pours in an atmospheric setting
- Strengths
- Known for Brewery Taproom · Noord (Asterweg 2)
- Limitations
- Limited hours · Smaller taproom · Noord requires ferry
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- One of Amsterdam's best small breweries. Combine with Oedipus for a Noord brewery crawl.
- What to order
- Try Lansen (their IPA) or whatever's newest — freshness is the point here.
🕐 Opening hours
7De Biertuin Oost
Beer GardenQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups wanting good beer, good food, and outdoor seating near Oosterpark
- Strengths
- Known for Beer Garden · Oost (Linnaeusstraat 29)
- Limitations
- More casual beer garden than serious beer bar · Can be loud
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Best beer garden atmosphere in Amsterdam. Perfect pre/post 't IJ stop (10 min walk).
- What to order
- Rotisserie chicken or their burger, plus a Dutch craft from the tap list.
🕐 Opening hours
8BeerTemple
American Craft FocusQuick comparison
- Best for
- American craft beer enthusiasts or those missing US microbrews
- Strengths
- Known for American Craft Focus · Centrum (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250)
- Limitations
- Limited Dutch/Belgian selection · Small space · Higher prices for imports
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Same owner as Arendsnest. Best place for American IPAs, stouts, and sours in Amsterdam.
- What to order
- Ask what's fresh from the US — they get regular shipments of limited releases.
9Butcher's Tears
Minimalist BreweryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Serious beer geeks seeking small-batch, thoughtfully crafted beers
- Strengths
- Known for Minimalist Brewery · Zuid (Karperweg 45)
- Limitations
- Out of the way in Zuid · Very limited hours · Small taproom
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- One of Amsterdam's most respected small breweries. Worth the trek for beer enthusiasts.
- What to order
- Their saisons and farmhouse ales are excellent. Ask what's fresh.
🕐 Opening hours
10Brouwerij De Prael
Social Enterprise BreweryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those wanting good beer with a social conscience
- Strengths
- Known for Social Enterprise Brewery · Centrum (Oudezijds Armsteeg 26)
- Limitations
- Located in Red Light District area · Smaller selection than other bars
- Price / value
- €€
- Why it made the list
- Since 2002, De Prael has employed people with psychiatric backgrounds. Great beer, greater mission.
- What to order
- Try their Extra Stout or seasonal releases. All beers are organic.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amsterdam's craft beer scene like?
Amsterdam has around 40-50 craft breweries and is one of Europe's best craft beer destinations. The scene ranges from historic beer cafes dating back centuries to cutting-edge microbreweries in industrial Noord. Dutch craft beer tends to be experimental, with many breweries creating Belgian-inspired ales, hoppy IPAs, and unique seasonal releases.
What's the best craft beer bar in Amsterdam?
Brouwerij 't IJ is the most iconic, located beneath a windmill with an unbeatable terrace. For pure beer selection, In de Wildeman offers 18 taps and 250+ bottles in a historic 1690 distillery. For Dutch-only beers, Proeflokaal Arendsnest serves exclusively Dutch craft from 50+ breweries.
Where can I try only Dutch craft beer in Amsterdam?
Proeflokaal Arendsnest on Herengracht exclusively serves Dutch beers from more than 50 Dutch breweries, including 30 on tap and 100+ bottles. It's the best place to explore the full range of Dutch craft brewing in one location.
Is Amsterdam-Noord worth visiting for craft beer?
Absolutely. Noord has become Amsterdam's brewery district with Oedipus Brewing, Walhalla Brewery, and others. The area is easily reached by free ferry from Central Station (5 minutes) and offers a more local, industrial vibe compared to the tourist center.
How much does craft beer cost in Amsterdam?
Expect to pay €4-7 for a standard craft beer (0.25-0.33L) at most bars. Specialty or high-ABV beers can run €8-14. Brewery taprooms often have better prices than city center bars. Most places offer small tasting pours if you want to sample multiple beers.
What's the difference between a proeflokaal and a regular bar?
A proeflokaal is a traditional Dutch 'tasting room' historically associated with distilleries or breweries. These venues focus on quality beverages and knowledgeable service rather than loud music or dancing. Many of Amsterdam's best beer bars use this term.
Can I do a craft beer walking tour in Amsterdam?
Yes. A great self-guided route: Start at Brouwerij 't IJ (Oost), then head to De Biertuin Oost nearby. Walk or tram to Proeflokaal Arendsnest (Centrum), then finish at In de Wildeman or BeerTemple. This covers 4-5 distinct venues in one afternoon.
Do Amsterdam craft beer bars serve food?
Most do. Brewery taprooms like Brouwerij Troost and De Biertuin serve full menus including burgers, rotisserie chicken, and Dutch bar snacks (bitterballen). Traditional proeflokalen like In de Wildeman offer cheese plates and lighter bites. Brouwerij 't IJ is drink-focused with minimal food.