Famous traditional Dutch bars in Amsterdam

In the evenings, you can and should do as the Amsterdammer do and enjoy a beer at a brown (Dutch: bruin) café. The name ‘brown café’ comes from the dark but cozy wooden interiors and the nicotine-stained walls and ceilings. Many of the brown cafés you will find in Amsterdam date back to the 1600s, when Jenever first started to be drunk.

Brown cafés are as much a part of the city’s charm as its canals and architecture. A brown café to the Dutch is like what the pub is for Brits. They are a great place to relax and unwind. The atmosphere is absolutely “gezellig”, a word that is quite difficult to translate into English; it’s a cozy feeling that you experience.

Every brown café has its own charm, character and clientele. It is this concept that each café or bar tries to express in its own customized way. It’s a casual place to eat, drink and catch up. Most brown cafés serve beer and wine, as well as jenever. Most brown cafés don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash.

Here a few examples of the best brown cafés in “Amsterdam”.

Café ‘t Papeneiland

This atmospheric café opened in 1642. It’s a great place for some good drinks, food and quiet conversation. You will find the café Papeneiland at the corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht. The café itself is a typical example of a so-called “bruine kroeg”. No music is played, except on special occasions and festivities, the music will have to come from the guests themselves! Address: Prinsengracht 2 (Google Maps), www.papeneiland.nl, open: Sun – Thu 10.00 – 01.00 and Fri – Sat 10.00 – 03.00.

Café de Twee Zwaantjes

Café de Twee Zwaantjes (The Two Swans Café) is a cozy pub located in the heart of Amsterdam. With a very diverse clientele and tourist, there is always something to do. For a snack, a drink after work or a drink later in the evening, at the cafe De Twee Zwaantjes you are always welcome.

Address: Prinsengracht 114 (Google Maps), www.cafedetweezwaantjes.nl, open: Sun – Thu 15.00 – 01.00, Fri – Sat 15.00 – 03.00.

Café Chris

Don’t miss this place while in Amsterdam; it’s the oldest (1624) bar in the Jordaan. It has a relaxing atmosphere where locals and visitors interact very easily. Courteous service is mostly provided by the owner himself. It offers very friendly prices for food and drinks, which are always nicely served, especially the beer.

Address: Bloemstraat 42 (Google Maps), open: Mon-Sun 15.00 – 02.00.

Café Hoppe

Since 1670, one of the oldest cafés in Amsterdam has been located on Spuiplein. This café, with its spacious, partly covered outdoor terrace, is always lively. Inside, you’ll find an authentic classic café, with walls lined with old jenever barrels and a prominent central bar. The bar offers a variety of bottled or draught speciality beers and a selection of award-winning house wines.

Address: Spui 18-20 (Google Maps), website Café Hoppe, open: Sun -Thu 09.00-01.00, Fri-Sat 09.00-01.00.

Café Brandon

The Brandon is an atmospheric old pub located on Keizersgracht. On Friday and Saturday nights, when the bar is full, the tables and chairs are removed to make room for a dance floor, complete with a DJ in a booth in the corner. The café is loved by Amsterdam locals and is a popular meeting place.

Address: Keizersgracht 157 (Google Maps), website Café Brandon, open: Mon-Thu 15.00-01.00, Fri-Sun 12.00- 01.00.