Beer Tour: Amsterdam

MORNING

Pancake Welcome Brunch, anyone? Pancakes are Dutch tradition and acceptable at any time of day. Fuel up for a day of beer — and always be sure to rehydrate after your travel day!

Recommendations: The Pancake Bakery, MOAK or Blin Queen.

AFTERNOON

Wander through the scenic canal ring to your first breweries:

Asperius BV: family-run bar/restaurant with home-brews and a selection of other local options. A cozy, down to earth introduction to Amsterdam bar/cafe culture.

Troost Oud West: one of the beloved Troost outposts; pub quizzes on Monday nights.

Gebrouwen door Vrouwen: translated to Brewed by Women, this 100% women-led team headed by two Amsterdam sisters stands out in an industry dominated by men. Love to see it.

NIGHT

Dinner in De Pijp:

Cannibale Royale: Local chain renowned for its burgers and other meats; tons of good veggie options too.

GialloArancio: Chef/owner doling out fresh pasta as if he were serving you from his own kitchen in Sardinia.

After some much-needed dinner, swing by a comedy show at Vice Versa, an intimate neighborhood bar carrying - you guessed it - several local craft options. (Cocktails are also lovely.) Be sure to check show dates in advance on their website.

Other nearby recommendations

Cafe Gollem: Local vibes, resident cat, insane beer selection (don’t be afraid to give our friends in Belgium some love while you’re there.)

Bariek: Not yet open, but keep an eye out. Bariek will be the reincarnation of what used to be “Foeders” — the winning spot for lambics, sours and wild ales.

MORNING

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without getting on a bike. Rent one via your hotel or the many options throughout the city (Black Bikes is reliable) and enjoy a leisurely ride around Amsterdam’s most famous green spaces: Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark.

AFTERNOON

Feeling comfortable on two wheels? Bike onwards to your breweries of the day:

Brouwerij ‘t IJ: One of Holland’s most famous breweries housed inside a giant windmill. Great charcuterie and outdoor canal-side outdoor seating.

Homeland: Located in the old Navy Yard with a beautiful view of the harbor.

NIGHT

Nearby is Het Elfde Geboud, a brilliant beer-centric bar in the Red Light District. (Tip: Aim for a weeknight when the area isn’t absolutely overflowing with tourists.)

Soak up the beer with a beautiful wood-fired pizza at Lucca Due.

MORNING

Bike to Centraal Station and take the free ferry furthest to the left to “NDSM”. Explore this industrial-chic neighborhood north of the city filled with street art and galleries, a cultural center and food galore.

AFTERNOON

Bike/Uber to Oedipus and Walhalla Breweries.

Oedipus: A personal favorite and the colorful home to semi-famed Thai Thai & Mannen Liefde brews found at many bars throughout the country.

Walhalla: Intimate tasting room next door, tables in the sun, sometimes featuring live jazz music.

NIGHT

Head to one of my favorite bars in Amsterdam: Waterkant. Hidden behind a gas station, it is the perfect canalside spot to chill and grab (another) beer for sunset. Calm during the day, a party at night. Bonus: the food — Dutch & Surinamese fusion — is tasty and affordable.

MORNING

Noordermarkt: stroll through this popular open-air market with something fun for everyone. Clothing, antiques, fresh produce and baked goods, hot food stands and more. Mondays & Saturdays only.

AFTERNOON

Walk to nearby Proeflokaal Arendsnest – A beerhall legend serving 52 beers on draft and more than 100 in bottles/cans. All from Holland. Enjoy the bustle of the surrounding Jordaan neighborhood on a weekend.

NIGHT

Head to Two Chefs FoodBar (Hugo de Grootplein) for dinner. Here you can have it all: food options for every palate, fresh brews and a fun-filled atmosphere.

Now we say goodbye… or not. See where the beer leads you. It’s another night in Amsterdam. There are a million ways this could go.