An Amsterdam Pub Crawl

Amsterdam is one of the most up and coming cities in Europe, famous for its beautiful surroundings, cool cafes and laid back way of life.

 

With year round cheap flights from the UK and budget accommodation on every street, Amsterdam is the perfect place for a last minute weekend away. There is something for everyone with its many museums and attractions all within a short tram journey of each other. It’s also a haven for beer enthusiasts, with its many bars and breweries scattered across the city, Amsterdam is just a quick flight away and is a great place for a pub crawl.

 

The Brouwerij 't IJ

 

The Brouwerij 't IJ is built inside an old windmill is every real ale lover’s dream, set in classic Dutch surroundings. With its own in house brewery, it lies to the east of Amsterdam’s city centre and is home to a variety of reasonably priced beers from around the world. Relax outside in the sunshine on one of its many long wooden benches, which reflect its old world style. From its own dark and robust Ijbok to caramel malted Natte, even the most astute beer lover will find something they have never tried before.

 

T’smalle Bar

 

T’smalle bar in the fashionable Jordaan district, is perfect for a quiet drink in traditional Dutch surroundings. Guests can sample one of many oak casked beers and vintage wines from all over the Netherlands. The bar itself is a homage to its former Dutch trader’s haunt with its dripping candles stacked into used wine bottles and 18^th century décor. Many of the Jordaan’s locals can be found here as the building is also located on one of the prettiest canals in Amsterdam, meaning waterside seats are a must as the summer months roll in. It's best to get there early, or soak up the atmosphere inside.

 

Café Belgique

 

Café Belgique is located down a small alleyway just off the beaten track from the city centre. Here, you will find a selection of ales and great Belgian beers as well as a varied aromatic cocktails list if you are not such a beer lover. Belgique has become somewhat of a hipster hangout in the last few years, just a stone’s throw from Dam Square it has achieved a reputation as one of the main hot spots for street artists and DJs in Amsterdam with its 17th century Dutch charm, covered with graffiti art. Try one of Amsterdam’s famous Jenever Bols cocktails or choose from over 50 bottled beers, there really is something for everyone.

 

Vesper Bar

 

Vesper Bar can be found in a quiet corner just off busy Haarlemmerstraat, attracting locals from all over Amsterdam for being one of the only up market cocktails bars in the city. The kitsch, sophisticated décor is almost Mad Men inspired with its art deco prints and conservatively upholstered furniture. The perfect place to take the girls for afternoon tea, Vesper offers a bespoke high tea service, complete with cocktails in teapots and traditional Dutch pastries and cakes from local bakeries. In a city not renowned for its cocktail bars, Vesper has raised the standards.

 

In De Wildeman

 

The city’s Red Light District is one of its well known hot spots for tourists and locals alike. With many cheap Amsterdam hotels nearby it’s a great place to end your pub crawl on a high note, but it can be hard to find a cool bar which isn’t full of tourists and teenagers. Just off Dam Square, In De Wildeman is housed in a former distillery and is full of choices with 18 different beers on tap and 250 bottled beers. The bar also has the benefit of being directly opposite the Walk to Wok noodle bar, for a quick bite before you head back to your hotel for the night.