Amsterdam is one of the most liberal and lively cities in Europe.
The Dutch capital may be better known for its beer halls, brown cafés and coffee shops, but Amsterdam has developed an excellent cocktail scene over the past decade.
Today, you can find everything from tiny speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors to glamorous hotel bars, rooftop terraces and intimate canal-side cocktail lounges.
Dutch drinking culture also brings something different to the scene. Genever, the country's traditional spirit, appears alongside modern techniques, unusual Dutch ingredients and classic cocktails that have been given a distinctly Amsterdam twist.
And while some of the city's best cocktail bars are hidden away, you don't have to spend the evening searching for a secret entrance.
Whether you're looking for a serious cocktail, a romantic date-night bar, a rooftop with a view or simply somewhere to have an excellent drink after dinner, Amsterdam has plenty of options.
So, after exploring the canals, museums and narrow streets, settle down with a properly made cocktail.
Here is the First-Class.com guide to the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
1. Door 74
If you only have time for one cocktail bar in Amsterdam, Door 74 is arguably the place to start.
Hidden behind an unmarked door on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Book ahead. Door 74 has a small, intimate setting and operates primarily through reservations and has been serving serious cocktails for more than 15 years.
There is no flashy sign announcing that you have arrived.
You simply find the door, ring the bell and enter.
Inside, the atmosphere is dark, intimate and sophisticated, with a small team of bartenders preparing classic and innovative drinks.
Door 74 is particularly good for people who actually care about cocktails. The bar's menus are built around themes, with seasonal drinks designed to tell a story rather than simply look impressive.
The intimate setting also makes it a particularly good choice for a date or a special evening.
Best for: Serious cocktails, speakeasy atmosphere and date night.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam
Tip: Book ahead. Door 74 is small and popular, and reservations are the safest way to guarantee a seat.
2. Tales & Spirits
Tales & Spirits is one of Amsterdam's most established cocktail destinations and remains one of the easiest recommendations for visitors who want creative drinks without an overly formal atmosphere.
Located on Lijnbaanssteeg, the bar occupies a historic canal house and has an intimate, quirky interior filled with vintage details.
The cocktails are playful without sacrificing technique, and the bartenders are particularly good at helping guests choose something based on their tastes.
That is part of what makes Tales & Spirits so enjoyable: you don't necessarily need to arrive knowing exactly what you want.
The bar has also appeared on international cocktail rankings and continues to feature prominently in guides to Amsterdam's best cocktail bars.
Best for: Creative cocktails, atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders.
Address: Lijnbaanssteeg 5–7, 1012 TE Amsterdam
3. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
For serious cocktail enthusiasts, Flying Dutchmen Cocktails deserves a place near the top of the list.
Located on Singel, this intimate cocktail bar has built a reputation for its knowledge of classic cocktails and spirits.
The bartenders are happy to talk about what is in your glass, explain the history of a drink and recommend something based on your preferences.
The atmosphere is much more relaxed than that of some of the city's grander hotel bars, which makes it particularly appealing if you want the drinks to be the main event.
Flying Dutchmen is particularly interesting for cocktail enthusiasts because its bar stocks more than 800 unique liqueurs, making it a particularly interesting stop for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different bottles and techniques.
Best for: Cocktail nerds, classic drinks and an intimate atmosphere.
Address: Singel 460, 1017 AW Amsterdam
4. Hiding in Plain Sight
The name is rather appropriate.
Hiding in Plain Sight, usually shortened to HPS, is tucked away on Rapenburg near Amsterdam's historic centre.
It has a seductive, old-fashioned atmosphere with plush seating, chandeliers and an old-school American speakeasy style.
The cocktails are the main attraction, with classics sitting alongside original creations, while the large windows give the supposedly hidden bar an unusual sense of openness.
Unlike some of Amsterdam's more formal cocktail destinations, Hiding in Plain Sight has a relaxed personality. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable without making you feel as though you need to be a cocktail expert before walking through the door.
It is also a particularly good option for a date.
Best for: Speakeasy atmosphere, dates and classic cocktails.
Address: Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam
5. Pulitzer's Bar
If you want cocktails in a more glamorous setting, head to Pulitzer's Bar.
Located inside the Pulitzer Amsterdam among the city's historic canal houses, the bar has a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere that works equally well for an early evening drink or a late-night cocktail.
Pulitzer's Bar is particularly known for its creative signature cocktails, while the classic drinks are also taken seriously.
The hotel setting makes this a good choice if you are looking for something more polished than a neighbourhood bar without going completely formal.
And the location is difficult to beat. After exploring the Nine Streets and Jordaan, you can simply walk over for a drink.
Best for: Luxury, dates and classic hotel-bar atmosphere.
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
6. Bar Mokum
If you want to understand how Dutch ingredients fit into modern cocktails, Bar Mokum should be on your list.
Located on Ferdinand Bolstraat in De Pijp, Bar Mokum puts Dutch drinking culture at the centre of its cocktail programme.
Genever and locally inspired ingredients feature heavily, giving the bar a distinctly Amsterdam personality rather than simply reproducing cocktails you could find in London, New York or Paris.
One example highlighted by I amsterdam is the Gleuvenrijder, a genever-based espresso martini inspired by stroopwafel, coffee and salted caramel. Like many of the city’s standout bars, it uses local spirits to offer a more distinctly Amsterdam drinking experience.
The result is a cocktail bar that feels distinctly Dutch.
Best for: Dutch ingredients, genever and modern cocktails.
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 11, 1072 LA Amsterdam
7. Bar The Tailor
For something more luxurious, make your way to Bar The Tailor.
Located inside the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square, The Tailor is an elegant hotel cocktail bar with a menu inspired by the history of trade and the Silk Road.
The setting is considerably more polished than Amsterdam's tiny speakeasies, making it a good option for travellers staying in the centre who want a sophisticated cocktail without venturing far.
It is particularly suited to pre-dinner drinks or a more dressed-up evening.
Best for: Luxury hotel cocktails and special occasions.
Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam
8. Rosalia's Menagerie
If you like your cocktails with a little mystery, visit Rosalia's Menagerie.
Situated on Kloveniersburgwal, this intimate bar has a wonderfully eccentric personality.
The bar's story centres on Rosalia, a fictional or legendary figure said to have travelled the world collecting unusual objects and curiosities, and the interior follows the theme.
Expect unusual spirits, creative cocktails and plenty of conversation.
It is a great alternative to Amsterdam's more obvious tourist bars and particularly enjoyable if you want somewhere with personality.
Best for: Quirky interiors, unusual cocktails and something different.
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 20, 1012 CV Amsterdam
9. Dutch Courage
For a distinctly Dutch drinking experience, Dutch Courage | Cocktail Bar Amsterdam is hard to beat.
Located on Zeedijk, Dutch Courage puts genever at the centre of its drinks programme.
This is important because genever is not simply "Dutch gin". It has its own history, production methods and flavour profile and has been part of Dutch drinking culture for centuries.
The bar uses it as the foundation for cocktails while also offering a broad selection of Dutch spirits.
It is therefore a good place to go if you want to understand the country's drinking culture rather than simply order another standard Negroni.
Best for: Genever, Dutch spirits and local drinking culture.
Address: Zeedijk 12, 1012 AX Amsterdam
10. Bar Oldenhof
For a quieter and more traditional cocktail experience, Bar Oldenhof is an excellent choice.
Located near the Jordaan, this intimate cocktail bar has a classic feel and puts the emphasis firmly on well-made drinks.
There is no need for elaborate theatrics.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the bartenders know their spirits and the menu is designed for people who want to sit down and enjoy a proper cocktail.
It is especially good if you have already spent the evening exploring the Jordaan and want somewhere sophisticated but not overly formal.
Best for: Classic cocktails and a relaxed evening.
Address: Elandsgracht 84-H, 1016 TZ Amsterdam
11. Super Lyan
Located inside the Kimpton De Witt hotel, Super Lyan brings a more contemporary approach to Amsterdam's cocktail scene.
The bar was created by internationally recognised bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, better known as Mr Lyan, and It has become one of Amsterdam's most recognised modern cocktail destinations, earning major international recognition.
The style is playful and contemporary, with drinks designed around modern techniques and unexpected combinations.
It is also more casual than many high-end cocktail bars, making it a good choice if you want sophisticated drinks without a formal atmosphere.
Best for: Modern cocktails and a more relaxed luxury setting.
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, 1012 MB Amsterdam
12. CIMA Rooftop Bar
Amsterdam doesn't have the skyline of London or New York, but that doesn't mean you should skip rooftop cocktails.
CIMA Rooftop Bar offers a different perspective on the city from its rooftop setting near Amsterdam Centraal.
The bar combines cocktails with panoramic views and a stylish atmosphere, making it particularly appealing around sunset.
This is the place to choose when the view matters almost as much as the drink.
Arrive before sunset, order a cocktail and watch Amsterdam gradually transition from day to night.
Best for: Rooftop drinks, views and sunset.
Address: Hekelveld 10, 1012 SN Amsterdam
13. Vault Bar
Hidden beneath the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Vault Bar is one of the city's more atmospheric luxury cocktail bars.
The setting is appropriately sophisticated, with a discreet, intimate atmosphere that works particularly well for a special occasion.
If you are staying in one of Amsterdam's luxury hotels, this is an easy choice for an evening cocktail.
If you're not staying at the hotel, it is still worth making the trip for the atmosphere and drinks.
Best for: Luxury, intimate evenings and hotel-bar sophistication.
Address: Herengracht 542–556, 1017 CG Amsterdam
14. Law & Order Cocktail Bar
For something more playful and contemporary, try Law & Order Cocktail Bar.
Located near Spui, this cocktail bar takes its inspiration from courtroom dramas, with a playful theme that runs through the drinks and interior.
It is a good option when you want excellent cocktails without the quiet, serious atmosphere associated with some of Amsterdam's traditional cocktail bars.
The bar is also conveniently located in central Amsterdam, making it an easy stop between dinner and the rest of your evening.
Best for: Fun cocktails, groups and a lively evening.
Address: Voetboogstraat 4, 1012 XL Amsterdam
15. Sins of Sal
If you want something a little more intimate and modern, Sins of Sal is worth considering.
Located on Westerstraat in the Jordaan, the bar has a more neighbourhood feel than many of the luxury hotel cocktail destinations.
It is particularly good for travellers who want to combine excellent drinks with the atmosphere of one of Amsterdam's most charming neighbourhoods.
Head here after dinner and settle in for a few cocktails rather than treating it as a quick stop.
Best for: Jordaan nightlife, intimate drinks and a more local atmosphere.
Address: Westerstraat 86, 1015 MN Amsterdam
The best cocktail bars in Amsterdam by experience
Not every cocktail bar is right for every occasion.
If you're wondering where to go, here's the easy version.
Best cocktail bars in Amsterdam for a date
Amsterdam is an excellent city for a cocktail date.
The canals, narrow streets and candlelit bars provide plenty of atmosphere, but some cocktail bars are considerably better suited to conversation than others.
For a romantic evening, our first choices would be Door 74, Hiding in Plain Sight and Pulitzer's Bar.
Door 74 is intimate and sophisticated.
Hiding in Plain Sight has the cosy, slightly mysterious atmosphere that makes a date feel more special.
Pulitzer's Bar is the better choice if you want something elegant and luxurious.
For a more casual date, Tales & Spirits works particularly well because you can combine cocktails with food.
Best rooftop cocktail bars in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's skyline is relatively low, which makes rooftop bars particularly enjoyable.
For the best combination of cocktails and views, CIMA Rooftop Bar is a strong choice.
The best time to go is around sunset.
Amsterdam's canals and historic buildings look beautiful during the day, but watching the city light up as evening arrives makes the experience considerably better.
Best cocktail bars in Amsterdam for tourists
If this is your first time in Amsterdam, location matters.
You probably don't want to spend half an hour travelling across the city between every drink.
A good central cocktail crawl would include Door 74, Bar The Tailor, Pulitzer's Bar and Vesper Bar.
They are all relatively central and give you completely different experiences.
You could start around Dam Square, walk towards the canals and Nine Streets, have dinner in the Jordaan and finish with cocktails.
Just don't try to visit all 15 bars in one night.
Amsterdam cocktails can be considerably stronger than they look.
A perfect Amsterdam cocktail evening
If we were planning the ideal cocktail evening in Amsterdam, we'd start with dinner around the Jordaan.
After dinner, head to Vesper Bar for something creative.
Walk along the canals towards the centre and take your time.
Then make your way to Door 74 for a more serious cocktail experience.
If you're still in the mood for another drink, finish at a late-opening cocktail bar rather than trying to squeeze in another three stops.
Amsterdam is a city best explored slowly.
The same applies to its cocktails.
Amsterdam cocktail bar etiquette
There is no complicated dress code for most cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
Smart casual is generally a safe choice, particularly at hotel bars.
At the more intimate cocktail bars, however, the atmosphere is part of the experience, so don't treat them like loud nightclubs.
And if you are visiting somewhere such as Door 74, make a reservation.
Some of Amsterdam's best cocktail bars are deliberately small, and turning up with a large group without booking is unlikely to work.
Also remember that Dutch cocktail bars can be quite serious about their drinks.
If you want something sweet, smoky, strong, bitter or refreshing, tell the bartender.
A good bartender can usually make a much better recommendation than simply choosing the most interesting-looking name on the menu.
Final thoughts
Amsterdam has long been associated with beer, but its cocktail scene deserves just as much attention.
From the hidden-door atmosphere of Door 74 to the creative cocktails at Vesper Bar, the classic expertise of Flying Dutchmen, the glamour of Pulitzer's Bar and the distinctly Dutch approach of Bar Mokum, there is an impressive amount of variety.
And that is probably the best thing about drinking cocktails in Amsterdam.
You don't have to spend the entire evening in one style of bar.
Start with a classic cocktail in a grand hotel, disappear into a tiny speakeasy, try a genever-based drink and finish the evening somewhere overlooking the city.
Amsterdam has the bars.
All you have to do is decide what to order.
