Planning an unforgettable night out in Amsterdam? Whether you're joining a pub crawl, organizing your own, or just bar hopping with friends — where you go matters.
Here are 9 of the best bars to include in your Amsterdam pub crawl, curated by locals, tested by tourists, and perfect for pub golf challenges.
1. Café Cooldown (Leidseplein)
Great for starting the night. Casual vibes, decent beer prices, and right in the heart of the action. Ideal first hole.
Why we love it: Fast service, great people-watching, and always buzzing by 8PM.
2. Troost Brewery (De Pijp)
A laid-back bar with house-brewed craft beers. Great for slowing down the pace without killing the vibe.
Tip: Grab a tasting flight and count it as 3 strokes in one hole.
3. Excalibur (Red Light District)
Dark, loud, filled with rock music and motorcycle decor. Not for everyone — but unforgettable if it’s your style.
Dare idea: Order their strongest shot and finish it with no chaser. Par 1.
4. Bubbels Bar (Leidseplein)
One of Amsterdam’s classic late-night spots. Karaoke, flashing lights, and a crowd that’s always ready.
Best for: Hole 7 or 8 — just before things get really blurry.
5. Molly Malone’s (Near Nieuwmarkt)
Irish vibes, good music, strong Guinness, and even stronger conversation.
Why it’s a crawl favorite: Friendly staff, tourist-friendly, and open late.
6. Café Nol (Jordaan)
Small, loud, and very Dutch. Expect sing-alongs, clapping, and a hilarious crowd. If you want local flavor, this is it.
Recommended challenge: Learn one Dutch drinking song. Bonus strokes if you can lead it.
7. Café de Kroon (Rembrandtplein)
Big, beautiful, and packed on weekends. Start here if you're skipping the tourist zones.
Par suggestion: One cocktail + one selfie with a stranger = Hole complete.
8. Kingfisher (De Pijp)
Hidden away just enough to feel like a secret. Perfect for regrouping or kicking off a second crawl.
Why we include it: Strong cocktails, quiet corner tables, and a solid local crowd.
9. Hiding in Plain Sight (East of Central)
A bit fancier, but worth the detour. Craft cocktails done right. Not your cheapest stop, but easily your most delicious.
Final hole option: Last drink before calling it a night — or restarting the crawl.
Suggested Route Order
If you want a route that flows well and covers multiple districts:
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Troost (start mellow)
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Kingfisher (craft round)
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Molly Malone’s (louder crowd)
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Café Nol (Dutch energy)
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Café de Kroon (mainstream mayhem)
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Excalibur (chaotic intermission)
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Cooldown (return to Leidseplein)
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Bubbels (karaoke climax)
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Hiding in Plain Sight (end like a legend)
What Makes a Great Pub Crawl Bar?
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Walkable from other bars
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Friendly staff
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Signature drinks or vibe
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Accepts cards
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Late-night food nearby
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Room for 4–8 people without a reservation
Pro Tip: Add Structure with Pub Golf
Assign a par level to each drink:
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Par 1 = Shot
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Par 2 = Wine, small beer
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Par 3 = Pint or cocktail
Track your strokes, dares, and bathroom breaks. Use our Pub Crawl Route PDF to make it all effortless.
Honorable Mentions: Extra Bars to Swap In
Depending on your group’s vibe, some other great options worth trying:
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Waterkant: Surinamese food + riverside drinks
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Café Belgique: Tiny, hidden, amazing beer selection
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Bar Botanique: Tropical, aesthetic, very Instagram
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Roest: Industrial-chic hangout with events in summer
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The Waterhole: Live music near Leidseplein almost every night
Best Nights to Crawl (And When to Avoid)
Best nights: Thursday–Saturday for full energy. Wednesday for deals. Sunday if you’re brave.
Avoid: Mondays (quiet) and King’s Day (too chaotic to crawl).
Late-Night Food Stops to Sober Up
A good pub crawl always includes food at the right time. Some top choices:
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Febo (Leidseplein): Dutch snack vending machines. Quick and greasy.
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Wok to Walk (Rembrandtplein): Noodles and rice bowls, open late.
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Pizza Heart Bar (City Center): Surprisingly solid pizza by the slice.
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Doner Company (Centraal): Post-drinking classic with extra garlic sauce.
What to Bring for a Smooth Night
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Phone + powerbank
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€30–50 cash (not all bars take card)
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Printed or digital crawl route
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ID (age checks are random)
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Jacket or hoodie (it gets cold fast on the canals)
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Snacks or gum (just trust us)
Quick Pub Golf Scoring Ideas (For Each Bar)
Turn each bar into a game:
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Cooldown: First drink in under 60 seconds = Par 2
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Troost: Try 3 different beers = Par 3
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Excalibur: One strong shot + headbang = Par 1
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Bubbels: Sing karaoke = Par 2
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Molly Malone’s: Guinness in one go = Par 1
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Nol: Sing along with Dutch crowd = Par 2
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De Kroon: Order drink in Dutch = Par 3
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Kingfisher: Take a group photo = Par 2
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HIPS: End with a fancy cocktail = Par 3
Group Tips for Maximum Fun
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Assign a crawl captain (makes final decisions)
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Keep the group under 10 people if possible
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Use WhatsApp Live Location in case someone gets lost
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Nominate a group photographer
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Set a few light rules: one drink per bar, one penalty for bathroom breaks
Final Thoughts
Whether you follow this list bar by bar or just use it as inspiration, these are the places that keep Amsterdam’s nightlife exciting.
A good crawl isn’t just about the drinks — it’s the people, the vibes, and the moments in between.
So grab your crew, grab your route, and crawl like a legend. 🍻
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