A goblin's cave hiding behind the palace, there's barely room for 20 customers in here, but the atmosphere - enhanced by dripping candles - is intimate...
Gravenstraat 2
This busy, comfy and casual bar triples as a venue for theatre and music. Both bands and DJs tend to embrace the jazzy, world and urban side of sound, as...
Spuistraat 2This long, low-ceilinged room has the feel of a wine cellar, albeit one with mood lighting and banquettes. There are more than 50 wines available by the...
Nes 37
Despite its Swiss origins, the Dutch adopted the cheese fondue as a 'national dish' long ago. Sample its culinary conviviality at this suitably cosy brown...
Nieuwmarkt 9Definitely the smallest bar in Amsterdam at just a handful of square metres, the Doctor is also one of the oldest, dishing out the cure for whatever ails...
Rozenboomsteeg 4Listing crazily, this wooden-framed bar has been pleasing drinkers for decades, though the building itself has been around since 1695, when it began life as...
Jodenbreestraat 1A slice of Paris on the Spui, waiters in long white aprons glide among tables, serving a huge range of drinks, (reasonably good) Dutch brasserie food and...
Spui 24The grandness of this vast café on the corner of the Stopera complex belies the fact that it's modern: velvet drapes, Chesterfields and faux oil paintings...
Zwanenburgwal 15This no-frills bar attracts older gays and straight locals who all enjoy the living room-like atmosphere. Before you know it you're chatting and boozing...
Zeedijk 14The Amsterdam Steambrewery Company has been making beer onsite for five years (though the building's history stretches back to the Middle Ages, when it was...
Kloveniersburgwal 6-8An old-fashioned drinking hole - complete with gritted floors - on one of the main tourist drags. Rough edges are smoothed out by sophisticated breakfasts...
Kloveniersburgwal 125All of Amsterdam - students, tourists, lesbigays, cinema-goers, the fashion pack - come here for lunch, coffee or something stronger all day long, making it...
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22Known for its reputation - sexy and friendly punters, but dirty toilets and unfriendly staff - this men-only cruise bar can get absolutely packed. The...
Warmoesstraat 90Small, stylish and handy for relaxing after retail therapy in Magna Plaza, a night of chat, or sinking a few before hitting the local nightclubs.
Torensteeg 2No longer the nightlife supremo it once was, the Getaway is still a reliable destination for a drink and maybe a dance among relatively young, hip and arty...
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250