Pubs & Bars
On Amsterdam Now you will find a directory of cafes and bars in Amsterdam - from classic brown pubs and grand cafés to cocktail bars, wine bars and coffee bars.
The selection is broad and varies widely in atmosphere, concept and price level. Amsterdam bars and cafes are therefore one of the most diversified segments of the city's nightlife scene.
Brown pubs
The brown café is the most recognizable expression of Amsterdam's pub culture. The name refers to the dark interior - wood paneling, dim lighting, a bar with draft beer. Many of these cafes have been around for decades and are intertwined with their neighborhoods. They can be found throughout the city, but the Jordaan has a particular concentration of them. See also our overview of Amsterdam bars for specific addresses.
Grand cafes
The grand café has a different scale and history. Spacious interiors, often in historic buildings, with a menu that goes beyond drinks. Lunch, drinks and dinner blend together. Some of Amsterdam's best-known grand cafés are around Leidseplein and the Amstel River. For a complete picture, check out the Amsterdam restaurants guide on AmsterdamNow.
Cocktail bars
The cocktail scene in Amsterdam has grown considerably in recent years. From speakeasy-like affairs with no sign at the door to designer cocktail bars with an elaborate menu. The emphasis is increasingly on craftsmanship: homemade syrups, local spirits and seasonal ingredients. Most cocktail bars are in the city center and around Utrechtsestraat.
Wine bars
Natural wines have become a fixture in Amsterdam. Wine bars with a focus on low-intervention wines can be found in De Pijp, Oud-West and the Jordaan. They combine a compact wine list with a small kitchen - cheese, meats, small dishes - and an informal atmosphere. For related addresses, see also Amsterdam restaurants on Amsterdam Now.
Coffee bars
Amsterdam has a mature coffee culture with a wide range of specialty coffee bars. From small one-man stores with their own roaster to more spacious coffee bars with workstations. Many coffee bars in Amsterdam combine good coffee with a lunch menu. Check out our overview of Amsterdam coffee bars for a current overview by neighborhood.
Neighborhoods
Pubs and bars in Amsterdam can be found throughout the city, but a few areas stand out. The Jordaan has the highest density of brown pubs. De Pijp combines wine bars, coffee bars and eateries. The center - around Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and the Zeedijk - has the greatest variety. Amsterdam East and North are growing as entertainment areas. The full list of cafes and bars in Amsterdam can be found via the Amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.