Best breweries to visit in Amsterdam

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Located in a former bathhouse in Amsterdam-Oost, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small-scale brewery founded by musician Kasper Peterson. It has been busy brewing a range of speciality beers since 1985. The famed windmill next door--the biggest one in the country--has become a trademark symbol of Brouwerij ‘t IJ ever since. A tour of the facilities is available, topped off by a free beer of your choice. Their second taproom, ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, boasts a giant terrace with Vondelpark views and an extensive food menu. Grab a glass of IJwit, one of Amsterdam’s most popular craft beers, and be prepared to spend a couple of hours in good company.

Oedipus Brewing

With their colourful labels and inventive names – Mama, Thai Thai and Polyamorie, for example – beers brewed at Oedipus Brewing guarantee a good time. Founded by four friends in 2009, this brewery now features its own taproom (open Wednesday through Sunday) as well as private beer tastings, including a personal tour. If you’re feeling peckish, don’t fret. Delicious award-winning burgers from The Beef Chief make a great addition to a cold glass of pils.

Brouwerij Troost

When the first Troost brewery opened in 2014, it was immediately a hit – and its popularity quickly led to the opening of not one or two but three additional breweries throughout Amsterdam. The Troost Westergas location is where most of the magic happens: with the seats squeezed nearly between the beer tanks, you’ll never feel closer to the brewing process. There's also the smaller Troost De Pijp location, which brews small-batch beer. It doesn’t matter which location you visit, though: they all have brewpubs that are worth a visit.

Brouwerij De Prael

Treat your taste buds with a refreshing beer from Brouwerij De Prael, a brewery located in the centre of Amsterdam. Over a dozen types of beer – without any artificial flavours or fragrances – are brewed here, proudly made by those who have difficulties entering the job market. Make sure to stop by its tasting room during one of the many live music, bingo and beer battle events.

Bird Brewery

Bird Brewery in Zuidoost is considered one of the most successful microbreweries in The Netherlands, and its creators are laser-focused on well-balanced taste and brewing sustainability. House of Bird, the tasting room of Bird Brewery, is the crowning jewel within the Diemer forest. With over 20 speciality beers and a seasonal menu, you can head outside and indulge in nature sounds and a spot of bird-watching. There’s also the Brew Lab, where visitors can taste test batches or try their hand at brewing.

Brouwerij Walhalla

Walhalla Brewery & Taproom has quickly become the go-to brewery for a spot of gods-blessed ale and beer. With 13 delicious beers on tap, the taproom and terrace are open for business from Thursday to Sunday. Try their IPAs named after the Norse gods of old, and keep an eye out for the seasonals that celebrate ingredients such as rye, spices, lemon and chocolate.

Brouwerij Kleiburg

At Brouwerij Kleiburg, a project of the Kleiklooster, you can taste some of the best beer in Bijlmer: Porter Saison, Tripel IPA or Quadruple Poorter, for starters. The brewery doesn’t just make beer for the fun of it – it’s a social enterprise in which a portion of profits goes directly back into the monastery’s activities for the good of the people.

Poesiat & Kater

Get a taste of history at Poesiat & Kater, a brewery located in a historic location in Amsterdam-Oost with a tasting room that’s just as charming. Brewer Julián Álvarez Zárate, a ‘yeast specialist’, is the brains behind the brewery and creates not only Poesiat & Kater speciality beers but also the resurrected legendary Van Vollenhoven beer. Both of which you can enjoy alongside brunch, lunch or dinner on their summer-proof waterside terrace.

Brouwerij de 7 Deugden

Brouwerij de 7 Deugden, whose name translates to the ‘seven virtues’ and employs those who have trouble finding work, doesn’t brew just any old beer. Using a mix of herbs and spices, the brewery offers up specialities such as Ruw+Bolster, which features a hint of lime; Scheeps+Recht, whose spicy-sweet flavour comes from cloves; or Stout-Moedig, which gets a kick from coffee beans. Tastings and tours are by request only. Add to this unique experience next door, where you can tour the historic Molen van Sloten, the only functioning windmill in Amsterdam.

Two Chefs

The largest microbrewery in Amsterdam may sound like a misnomer, but it’s true: this undertaking from two chefs was founded in 2012 as a way to stock up on ‘funky’ beers they couldn’t find elsewhere, and it quickly grew. The facility itself isn’t open for touring, but their location at Two Chefs FoodBar West offers an opportunity to execute a full-scale taste test as you hop through their rainbow of flavours.

Brouwerij Homeland

Part of Pension Homeland, a hotel and restaurant, Brouwerij Homeland has become a hub of additive-free, honest beer. The brewery is just a couple of years old, but they’ve already tapped into fresh flavour combos ranging from fruity to spicy. There are no brewery tours, but you can use the Tap Service, where an experienced brewer comes to your home or party to serve up freshly tapped beer, such as Katzwijm IPA or the Kielzog Tripel. While you’re there, explore the surrounding Marineterrein, a growing urban district boosting local business and innovation.

De Bierfabriek

It’s a brewery and a restaurant, but neither outshines the other: De Bierfabriek is not only known for its world-class, house-brewed beer but also its hearty dishes such as slow-roasted chicken from a charcoal barbecue. De Bierfabriek feels less like a brewery and more like a friend’s living room, making it the perfect setting for small events. The self-serve tap tables are a sign you’re somewhere special and will surely impress your party.

De Bekeerde Suster

You can already see the green neon sign of De Bekeerde Suster – an addition that is certainly not from the location’s original nunnery – from the Nieuwmarkt, calling you for a sip of cool, refreshing beer. The tasting room and café are open daily, but you might aim to visit on Thursday or Friday at around 12:30 to get a glimpse of Master Brewer Harrie Vermeer working his magic.

Brew Bus Amsterdam

Want to explore Amsterdam’s best breweries without worrying about the logistics? Hop on the Brew Bus Amsterdam for a stylish and comfortable ride to three top-notch breweries. Along the way, a passionate beer guide will share fun facts and stories about beer and the city. At each stop, you’ll enjoy a tasting session and a behind-the-scenes tour. It’s the perfect way to dive into Amsterdam’s craft beer scene.