Posted on: November 1, 2024
Discover the top 5 bars in Amsterdam City Centre for a fun night out! With so many spots surrounded by the city’s beautiful streets and historic buildings, finding the perfect place can be tough.
But don’t worry—we’ve put together a list of must-visit bars, from cozy lounges to lively hangouts. Check out these awesome spots and make your nights in Amsterdam unforgettable!
Right in the center of the Dutch capital you will find a beautiful square that has several important historical highlights, which you must see. For example Amsterdam’s Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument. Furthermore, Dam Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings of typical Dutch architecture.
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All of these highlights are fantastic to watch – especially when the sun is out. And what is nicer to see these cultural highlights from a terrace while enjoying a nice drink?
This list includes 5 good bars in Amsterdam Dam Square where this is all possible. Five places in a prime location, in the middle of the city and all easily accessible by taxi, public transport and on foot.
Amsterdam’s Dam Square, Royal Dutch Palace and New Church in the back.
This list starts with number five and ends with what we think is the best bar in Amsterdam Dam Square.
A typical Dutch brown bar.
This bar has a relatively small terrace overlooking Dam Square and it is also not too big from the inside. Nevertheless, this pub always exudes vibrancy, partly due to the beautiful wooden bar. “Gezelligheid” is what we would say in Dutch. Inside it has that old-fashioned look, but with modern amenities – including neat toilets. Also a good place for a first or last drink in town.
Wanna order a beer in Dutch? Just say these four magic words: ‘Mag ik een biertje?’
TIP: Do you rather want to taste real Dutch gin which is called ‘jenever’? Visit the Wijnand Fockink bar around the corner.
✦ Google: 181 reviews – 3.8 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 87 reviews – 3.5 out of 5 stars.
✦ Sluurpy: 669 reviews – 72% out of 100%.
✦ Foursquare: 26 reviews – 6,6 out 10.
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and its cafe on Dam Square.
As the name suggests, this is more of a cafe than a bar. Located on a fantastic location, next to the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – one of the oldest buildings in the city – with a friendly atmosphere. Most people who visit this place come here for lunch supplemented with a drink. You won’t find many tipsy people here. You can sit here both inside and outside on a terrace where you can enjoy people-watching. Dutch tourists regularly come here to visit an exhibition (such as the World Press Photo) in the Nieuwe Kerk.
TIP: Order coffee with Dutch apple pie or a delicious pancake here. Mind the opening hours which are between 8:30 AM and 6 PM.
✦ Google: 224 reviews – 3.7 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 265 reviews – 3.5 out of 5 stars.
✦ Facebook: 41 reviews – 4.0 out of 5.
“If we can enhance your Dam Square experience in any way, kindly let us know“
That is written on the awnings of this place (originally from 1927), located on the corner of Dam Square and Damstraat. This shows that they find high service very important here. For more than 30 years, Cafe Zwart (Cafe Black) is owned by one of the best catering entrepreneurs in the Netherlands – Won Yip – who also owns other good bars in Amsterdam Dam Square.
The terrace (with heaters) is relatively small, but it has the right, lively atmosphere. At Cafe Zwart they also have very modern and clean toilets which can be used for free. Cafe Zwart is also a great spot for people-watching! See how fast Amsterdammers ride through the city on their bicycles. Or listen to all the different languages you can hear from the terrace. There is always something special to see here! One side faces ‘De Dam’ and one side faces the busy Damstraat.
Amsterdam’s beautiful Damstraat.
Cafe Zwart is a good place to enjoy a good glass of beer or wine after a busy day. It’s a nice spot to celebrate that you are in the most beautiful city in the world. Perhaps this bar is not much visited by Amsterdammers, but there are always many cheerful Dutch and foreign tourists. Here they serve all kinds of European beer such as Bavaria, Palm, La Trappe, Guiness, and whatnot. But you can also go here for wines, cocktails, whiskey, shots and soda. Take into account that the prices are higher here than elsewhere in the city because of the fantastic prime-location.
✦ Google: 380 reviews – 3.4 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 293 reviews – 3.0 out of 5 stars.
✦ Facebook: 64 reviews – 4.2 out of 5.
Euro Pub sits on the corner of the Warmoesstraat.
The Euro Pub is located on the corner of Dam Square and Warmoesstraat (which is part of the Red Light District). It has a larger terrace than Cafe Zwart and a good view of the rear part of the square and the monument on Dam Square. The Euro Pub is located on the corner of Dam Square and Warmoesstraat. It has a slightly larger terrace than Cafe Zwart and a good view of the rear part of the square and the National Monument. This is also a pub where sports matches are broadcasted. It is often visited by foreign tourists and football fans. This pub is often used as a meeting place to start a nice day in Amsterdam. Inside is a round bar, where visitors can stand around. Downstairs you can find clean and modern toilets, just like at Cafe Zwart.
✦ Google: 514 reviews – 3.8 out 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 238 reviews – 3.0 out of 5 stars.
✦ Facebook: 11 reviews – 4.0 out of 5.
The big terrace of Majestic offers sun and shade.
If you want to drink or eat something on Dam Square, this is the best place to go. Why? First of all, Majestic has the biggest terrace and the best view of all bars on Dam Square. Moreover, inside restaurant Majestic you will find a beautiful bar, lots of space, a luxurious interior and an extensive menu. Again, this is not the cheapest place in Amsterdam but certainly one of the better catering establishments that offers a fantastic view of the central, historical point of the capital.
From here you can see whole Dam Square perfectly.
In general, the crowd at Majestic is a bit neater compared to most of the bars in Amsterdam Dam square. The people who come here love quality and are willing to pay for that. Especially with good weather it’s really nice to sit on the terrace here. It has spots with shade and sun.
✦ Google: 783 reviews – 3.6 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 943 reviews – 3.5 out 5 stars.
✦ Facebook: 213 reviews – 4.2 out of 5.
✦ Sluurpy: 4.946 reviews – 71% out of 100%.
Undoubtedly there are cheaper options in the city to get a drink, but these good bars in Amsterdam Dam Square do offer the following benefits.
✦ Prime location
✦ Fantastic view
✦ Easily accessible
✦ Ideal for sun lovers
✦ Good place to meet other travellers
✦ Surrounded by attractions and shops (like De Bijenkorf)
The top 5 bars in Amsterdam City Centre around the main square are:
Consider what type of atmosphere you’re looking for: cozy and quiet, or lively and bustling. Check online reviews and menus ahead of time to see which bar suits your taste preferences and budget. Additionally, location can be crucial, so look for bars that are easily accessible from your accommodation or near Amsterdam’s main attractions.
Yes, these bars are highly suitable for tourists! Each bar offers a unique aspect of Amsterdam’s nightlife, from traditional Dutch brown cafés to modern cocktail bars. They’re great spots to experience the local culture, meet new people, and enjoy a wide range of beverages.
For the best experience, especially at Majestic and Yip Fellows, it’s recommended to make reservations, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. For Euro Pub, Cafe Zwart, and ‘t Nieuwe Kafé, reservations might not be necessary but checking in advance can ensure you get a good spot.
Vondelpark is a large public park in Amsterdam that is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It is well known for its beautiful gardens, tranquil pond, and Amsterdam’s Open Air Theatre. The park is located just south of Dam Square, making it very easy to get to. In fact, it is only about a 30 minute walk or a 15 minute tram ride from Dam Square. This makes Vondelpark the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll or picnic lunch, especially on a sunny day. So if you’re ever in Amsterdam, be sure to check out Vondelpark – you won’t be disappointed!
Amsterdam is a city renowned for its liberal attitude and vibrant nightlife, and the Red Light District is one of its most famous tourist destinations. However, many visitors are surprised to learn that Dam Square, the city’s central square, is only a 5-minute walk from the Red Light District.
Learn everything about Holland’s most fascinating area with this Red Light District tour and become an Amsterdam connoisseur in record time. In less than two hours you learn everything you need to know about the Red Light District. Afterwards, treat yourself on a drink at one of these good bars in Amsterdam Dam Square.
One of Amsterdam’s best highlights.
Looking for something else? Visit Madame Tussauds, Body Worlds or Moulin Rouge.
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10x Hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District
15x Must See In Amsterdam Red Light District
I heard Americans traveing from America anyway, were not being authorized travel to anywhere in Europe, due to covid19, and Trumps refusal to wear a mask, and tell the truth?