One of the most popular cities in Europe, Amsterdam has no shortage of cultural and historic attractions to entice visitors. From its remarkable museums, including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum, and its cobblestoned streets and intricate 17th-century cruise-worthy canals, to its bike-friendly neighborhoods, the capital of the Netherlands is a must-see destination that always delights.
But scratch the surface and you’ll find there’s another Amsterdam, a city that springs to life when the clock strikes party time. While its beer bars and nightclubs are, of course, the stuff of legend, Amsterdam’s tentacles reach far beyond the typical tourist checklist to hip speakeasies and its ilk. Here, then, are some of the best secret bars in Amsterdam that every intrepid traveler should put on their radar (and keep under their hat).
Top-shelf cocktails and a Prohibition-era vibe
Door 74
- Reguliersdwarsstraat 74
Renowned among night owls as one of the city’s most atmospheric speakeasies, the Door 74 cocktail bar is well worth seeking out. And we do mean ‘seek’: in true speakeasy fashion, this pioneering hideaway bears no number or signage to confirm that you’re in the right place. Fear not; we’re here to drop a few breadcrumbs—just look for the plain black door with glass panes across the street from Bar Feijoa. Another hint: make reservations on the day you plan to visit Door 74 or (bummer) you won’t gain entry. Once inside, revel in the long list of expertly-balanced signature cocktails, the comfy leather booths, the 1920s tin ceiling, the antique barware, the friendly bartenders, and the fact that you snagged an enviable spot at this tiny, exclusive hangout.
©Skitterphoto/Pixabay
Beyond the burgers and fries: a hidden cocktail den
The Butcher
- Albert Cuypstraat 129
With a name like The Butcher, it stands to reason that this local chain is burger heaven, serving creative iterations of the all-beef patty with a motherlode of toppings. But there’s more to this original location lodged in Albert Cuypstraat Markt (aka Albert Cuyp Market) than hamburgers and funky Delft-tile surroundings. By night, and only by reservation, you can experience its incognito alter ego. Ring the buzzer, share the secret password, and enter the Butcher speakeasy, a chill, dimly lit hideaway done up with velvet couches and leather Chesterfields. Sip curated cocktails, including signature and classic tipples, and let your special evening unfold.
Argentine wines in centuries-old catacombs.
The Wine Cellar
- Nieuwezijdsvoorburgwal 137, across from the Magna Plaza
We covet craft cocktail experiences as much as any drinks enthusiast, but sometimes only a perfect glass of wine will do. When you’re craving standout vino, skip the typical wine bars and make tracks for The Wine Cellar, a cozy, family-owned cellar specializing in Argentinean wines (including selections from the owners’ vineyard in Mendoza) plus New World wines from New Zealand, Chile, and Australia. Though not exactly a secret bar, this unique destination bears all the trappings of a hidden jewel: all of the curated wine tastings, led by an expert sommelier, are held deep in the catacombs of the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) next to Dam Square. Book ahead to guarantee your spot, then continue your (very important) wine education by purchasing bottles to be consumed offsite.
©Damian Kamp/Unsplash
Unobtrusive exterior and superior drinks
Hiding in Plain Sight (aka HPS)
- Rapenburg 18
As its name indicates, you could pass by Hiding in Plain Sight, or HPS mistaking it for just another unassuming building on a residential street, but then (horrors) you’d miss out on discovering one of the best secret bars in Amsterdam. Enter the street-level digs and nab one of the red-topped stools at the curved wooden bar, or head a few steps up to an intimate room replete with vintage-y wallpaper and a 1920s-esque vibe. Treat yourself to a classic martini or old-fashioned, or any number of signature cocktails, served in retro glassware, with festive garnishes. A bowl of popcorn, and voila, your night is off to a perfect start. Note that HPS hosts live music and special events on the regular, so make sure to book in advance. Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more, and groups are limited to under eight people on weekends.
©Milad Alizadeh/Unsplash
An intimate jewel with top-tier drinks and bar food
Bar Oldenhof
- Elandsgracht 84
Stained-glass windows, blue drapes, vintage-style chandeliers, a dark wood bar, and the odd deer head hanging on the wall help set the stage at Bar Oldenhof, a dimly lit speakeasy under wraps behind a no-frills yellow-painted storefront. Whether you settle into one of the inviting leather club chairs beside the fireplace mantle or take a cushy red velvet seat, you’ll be whisked away to the Jazz Age era, or at the very least, a saner, calmer world, far from everyday cares, complete with standout signature cocktails, exceptional wines, and niche craft beers. It may be one of the best hidden bars Amsterdam has to offer. No reservations are accepted.
A luxurious hotel bar overlooking picturesque canals
Pulitzer’s Bar
- Pulitzer Hotel, Keizersgracht 224
Tucked away in the Pulitzer Hotel, in the city’s charming Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) canal-district neighborhood, Pulitzer’s Bar feels like a portal to a genteel past. Kitted out with stacks of books, paintings that almost evoke the old Dutch masters, comfy velvet armchairs beside a fireplace, and a sweeping Art Deco bar, this chic retreat is the ideal setting for cocktail hour. Sip signature drinks like the herbaceous Green Gimlet (a riff on the Appletini) or the Direttore (an homage to a Cuban cocktail, El Presidente), in the glow of globe light fixtures, while snacking on nibbles like shrimp croquettes or fries with mayonnaise. Note: The bar only accepts parties of four or fewer and takes reservations.
A former bank vault reimagined as a cocktail den
The Vault Bar
- Waldorf-Astoria Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556
Once home to a bank vault, The Vault Bar, set in the basement of the Waldorf-Astoria Amsterdam, feels like the ultimate find. This sleek, subterranean lair has a living room feel, with elegant club chairs surrounding round tables—a thoughtful arrangement that’s conducive to actual conversation. The creative signature cocktails are also a step above, while the bar’s collection of rare spirits, including the world’s most exclusive whiskies, are showcased in handsome cabinets and against wall lockers, formerly used (we assume) to stow clients’ fortunes. And, indeed, you’ll feel lucky to steal away to this sophisticated getaway, considered one of the must-visit bars in Amsterdam. Gather your closest pals and spend the evening sipping a pour of single malt Scotch, or sublime drinks, while indulging in small bites. Cheers!
Opulent and refined or cozy and relaxed, Amsterdam boasts countless cocktail bars, all yours to discover. Some, like the picks spotlighted here, are among the best secret bars and speakeasies anywhere, transporting you back to the days of Prohibition, while others simply make a stir by serving out-of-this-world drinks in classy surroundings. Wherever you land, one thing’s for sure: Amsterdam is a city worth toasting.
