The Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure in Amsterdam!

Dive into Amsterdam’s Top Craft Beer Tour for Enthusiasts and Curious Explorers

For those eager to experience the best of Amsterdam’s craft beer culture, the Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure offers an engaging, well-organized 3.5-hour journey through the city’s most celebrated microbreweries and historic bars. Priced at $125.61 per person and rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 20 reviews, this tour promises a flavorful blend of local brews, Dutch snacks, and lively stories from an expert guide. It’s a perfect fit for beer lovers and anyone interested in exploring Amsterdam’s vibrant drinking scene beyond the usual pubs.

This tour departs from Dam Square at 3:00 pm, making it suitable for an afternoon adventure. The experience is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate atmosphere. While the tour includes award-winning beers and tasty Dutch bites, it does not include lunch or additional drinks, so plan accordingly. A key advantage is the flexibility of cancellation, which is free up to 24 hours before the start time, offering peace of mind for spontaneous plans.

Key Points

• In-depth exploration of Amsterdam’s craft beer scene with visits to top microbreweries and historic bars
• Includes tastings of 5–6 Dutch craft beers and a curated selection of Dutch snacks
• Guided by knowledgeable hosts, with engaging stories about local traditions and bar histories
• Visit iconic spots like De Drie Fleschjes, Proeflokaal Arendsnest, and In de Wildeman
• Tour duration is approximately 3.5 hours starting at 3:00 pm, ending in the Red Light District
• Free cancellation available if booked at least 24 hours in advance

Starting at Dam Square with a Walk through Iconic Amsterdam

The tour kicks off at Dam Square, where the guide welcomes up to 10 participants. From there, the group walks to the Nieuwe Kerk, a famous church with towering presence, setting the tone for a day immersed in Amsterdam’s cultural and culinary history. Although the church itself doesn’t require an admission fee, the real exploration begins with visits to historic bars and microbreweries.

This initial segment emphasizes the city’s historic ambiance while preparing for the beer-focused part of the tour. The casual pace and small group size foster engaging conversations, making the experience both relaxed and informative.

Visiting De Drie Fleschjes: A 300+ Year-Old Jenever House

The next stop takes the group inside De Drie Fleschjes, a bar with over 300 years of history. Here, visitors sample Dutch jenever, a traditional spirit loved by legends like Rembrandt. The guide shares timeless stories of this beloved hotel, which has been serving locals for generations.

This stop offers a taste of Dutch tradition beyond beer, enriching the experience with cultural flavor. The admission is free, and tasting Dutch jenever provides a unique perspective on local drinking customs.

Strolling Along Amsterdam’s Picturesque Canals to Singel

After experiencing the historic spirit, the tour proceeds with a 10-minute walk along Amsterdam’s iconic canals to reach Singel, one of the city’s most beautiful waterways. These scenic views set the perfect backdrop as the group approaches the next beer stop. The walk is leisurely, allowing time to admire the charming architecture and lively street scenes.

This segment highlights the city’s famous waterways, making it clear that this tour combines both culinary delights and visual splendor.

Sampling Dutch Craft Beers at Proeflokaal Arendsnest

At Proeflokaal Arendsnest, the group enjoys a 45-minute visit to one of Amsterdam’s most acclaimed beer bars. Recognized as “Best Bar” by RateBeer in 2019, this venue features an impressive selection of 52 local craft beers on tap. The guide explains the story behind the bar’s success while the group savors Dutch craft beers paired with cheeses.

This stop highlights the quality and variety of Dutch craft brewing, making it a must-visit for beer aficionados. The focus on local brews and Dutch cheeses offers an authentic taste of the Netherlands’ brewing mastery.

Discovering In de Wildeman: A Craft Beer Temple

Next, the tour visits In de Wildeman, another RateBeer award-winning bar from 2019. Known for its historic brown cafe vibe, this spot attracts craft beer enthusiasts, sommeliers, and brewers from around the world. Here, the group samples local craft beers and traditional Dutch snacks, in a setting that combines cozy ambiance with expertise in beer selection.

This stop underscores the diversity and depth of Amsterdam’s beer scene, appealing to those interested in both history and innovation in brewing.

Walking Through the Red Light District to Brouwerij de Prael

The walk continues through Amsterdam’s renowned Red Light District, providing a glimpse into one of the city’s most lively neighborhoods. The microbrewery Brouwerij de Prael is the final stop, where the group spends 45 minutes. This brewery is one of Amsterdam’s first five microbreweries and boasts a special story of its origins.

At Brouwerij de Prael, visitors enjoy award-winning Dutch craft beers alongside home-cooked Dutch snacks. The brewery’s atmosphere is welcoming, emphasizing local craftsmanship and community spirit.

What’s Included in the Tour: Beers, Snacks, and Recommendations

Participants receive a curated tasting menu featuring 5–6 Dutch craft beers along with Dutch snacks, particularly cheese, which complements the beers perfectly. The guide also provides a list of additional recommendations for places to eat, drink, and visit in Amsterdam, encouraging continued exploration after the tour ends.

This combination of tastings and local insights makes for a well-rounded experience, especially for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Dutch beer culture.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The meeting point is Gravenstraat 21, with the tour ending at Brouwerij De Prael in the Red Light District or Zeedijk. The tour starts at 3:00 pm, an ideal time for a relaxed afternoon of tasting and strolling. The maximum group size of 10 travelers ensures an intimate, engaging environment, guided by a knowledgeable host.

The tour is suitable for most travelers and is accessible near public transportation. It’s also flexible, with free cancellation available if booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Works for Beer Enthusiasts and Curious Explorers

This experience stands out for its focus on local Dutch craft beers at renowned microbreweries and historic bars. The small group setting and insider stories add depth, making it more than just a tasting. The quality of beers—including award winners—and the pairing with Dutch snacks elevate the experience.

While it does not include lunch or extra drinks, the curated tastings and the variety of venues compensate well. The duration of 3.5 hours offers enough time to enjoy the beers without feeling rushed, with a pace that balances walking, tasting, and storytelling.

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Craft Beer Tour

The Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure delivers a highly rated, authentic look into Amsterdam’s brewing scene, guided by passionate locals with a wealth of stories. It’s ideal for beer lovers, those interested in Dutch culture, or anyone seeking a fun, social afternoon in the city.

The tour’s strengths lie in its curated beer selection, historic bar visits, and engaging guide. Its main limitation is the absence of lunch or additional beverages, so plan to eat beforehand or afterward. Overall, it offers great value and a chance to sample some of the best Dutch beers in a welcoming setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?
While the focus is on Dutch craft beers and snacks, non-beer drinkers may find it less appealing since tasting is central. However, the historical and cultural stories could still interest those who appreciate local traditions.

How accessible is the tour for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking between stops and exploring historic bars, which may include some uneven surfaces. It’s best for those with comfortable mobility, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

Can I join this tour if I’m traveling alone?
Yes, the tour is designed to be friendly for solo travelers, and the small group size encourages social interactions.

Are additional drinks available during the tour?
The tour includes a set tasting of 5–6 beers and Dutch snacks. Extra drinks and snacks are not included, so you may wish to purchase more at the venues.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The process offers flexibility and peace of mind in case plans change.

How long before the tour should I book?
Most bookings are made about 42 days in advance, suggesting high demand and the importance of early reservation to secure a spot.

This detailed review offers a comprehensive look at the Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure in Amsterdam, highlighting its authenticity, intimacy, and focus on Dutch brewing excellence. It’s a memorable way to deepen your appreciation of Amsterdam’s lively craft beer scene.