Amsterdam: 5 fun (and affordable) bars

stained glass window above bar area
The Flying Pig Downtown Bar. Photo by nicasaurusrex.

It’s been a tiring day of sightseeing and you’re all set to grab a beer or two. Luckily, Amsterdam’s streets are sprinkled with cafés and bars that cater to the tastes of various travelers.

Here are five pubs and cafés that offer drinks and snacks at attractive prices.

1. Cafe Belgique
Gravenstraat 2

Located at Gravenstaat, Cafe Belgique is a cozy pub with a laid-back atmosphere. This is a great place to try a variety of beers, including some well-known Belgian ones. Its rustic décor, complete with wooden counter and brass taps, adds to its overall ambiance. If you’re looking for a quiet night mingling with the locals, this is the place to be.

2. Belushi’s
Warmoesstraat 129

Those who are hoping for a quick snack and perhaps a few pints of beer should check out Belushi’s. This bustling sports bar in the Red Light District has burgers and snacks for under €10, plus a variety of beer and cocktails at decent prices. Belushi’s has live music throughout the week, which draws in a younger crowd.

3. Flying Pig Downtown bar
Nieuwendijk 100

This is another spot that is perfect for the younger crowd. Set in the Flying Pig Hostel, the Flying Pig Downtown bar buzzes with energy and is a great place to mix and mingle. The bar and hostel cater to the university-going crowd, and this is reflected in the low-priced drink menu. This, coupled with the varied music genres on the bar’s playlist, shows that there’s something for everyone here.

4. Nederlands Biercafe ‘t Arendsnest
Herengracht 90

Popularly known as “‘t Arendsnest,” this charming pub is the ideal stopover for the beer connoisseur. Prices are mid-range, but if you are hoping to try a wide variety of Dutch beers, this place is highly recommended. This is a great spot to chill out and relax.

5. Café Hoppe
Spui 18-20

Café Hoppe is a quiet little spot that will appeal to different age groups. This terrace pub offers a full menu with sandwiches (from €2.50) and a wide selection of beer (from €2.10). With its on-the-go vibe, it’s a perfect place to meet new folks. At the same time, its pleasant interiors make it a good place to unwind after a rough day out.

About the author

About the author: Amy K Goemans is a writer and web developer based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her travel experiences include Europe and Southern Africa with occasional visits to Asia. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Durban are currently her top favorite cities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One thought on “Amsterdam: 5 fun (and affordable) bars”