Amsterdam’s oldest pubs are living museums with beer taps. These historic drinking spots, some dating back over 400 years, served sailors, distillers, and revolutionaries — and still pour pints under candlelit beams today.
If you’re looking to step into authentic Amsterdam heritage, these brown cafés deliver with every creaky floorboard and classic jenever pour.
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Quick Summary Table: Amsterdam’s Oldest Historic Pubs
Here’s a fast look at the city’s oldest surviving pubs, their age, location, and what makes them stand out.
| Pub | Since | District | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café Karpershoek | 1606 | Martelaarsgracht | Oldest licensed bar, sand floors |
| Café Chris | 1624 | Jordaan | Authentic Jordaan gem |
| Café De Druif | 1631 | Centre | Golden Age spirit room |
| Papeneiland | 1642 | Prinsengracht | Hidden tunnel + famous pie |
| De Drie Fleschjes | 1650 | Centrum | Historic jenever bar |
| Café Hoppe | 1670 | Spui | Beer-skimming ritual |
| Wijnand Fockink | 1679 | Dam Square | Liqueur distillery tasting |
| In de Wildeman | 1690 | Centre | Beer bar in a former distillery |
| Café ‘t Smalle | 1780s | Jordaan | Canal Terrace, stained glass |
| Café de Dokter | 1798 | Centre | Tiny bar with medical antiques |
| In ‘t Aepjen | ~1519 | Zeedijk | Sailor pub with monkey lore |
| Café ‘t Mandje | 1927 | Zeedijk | LGBTQ+ pioneer café |
Why Are These Pubs Historic?
These pubs are considered historic because they’ve survived wars, revolutions, and modernisation — often with interiors and customs intact. Many started as inns or tasting houses for VOC sailors and distillers, and they continue to embody the character of old Amsterdam.
What Are Amsterdam’s Must-Visit Historic Pubs?
These pubs are more than old — they’re atmospheric, authentic, and full of stories. Here’s where to go:
Café Karpershoek
Founded in 1606, this is Amsterdam’s oldest continuously licensed pub. Sand still covers the floor — a centuries-old trick to soak up beer and tobacco spit.
Café Chris
Built in 1624 in the Jordaan, Chris offers a quiet step back in time with its worn wooden bar and simple warmth. Locals love its unpretentious vibe.
Café De Druif
Meaning “The Grape,” this former jenever room has remained essentially unchanged since the 1600s. Sit at a barrel, sip something Dutch, and watch history pass.
Papeneiland
Legend has it that this charming pub once had a tunnel leading to a hidden Catholic church. Whether true or not, it’s pie and views over the Prinsengracht are legendary.
De Drie Fleschjes
Tucked behind Dam Square, this “Three Little Bottles” tasting room is lined with antique barrels. Ask for a custom jenever flight.
Café Hoppe
Famous for beer poured to the brim — then sliced clean with a knife. Since 1670, it’s been a place to mingle in Spui’s golden glow.
Wijnand Fockink
A liqueur lover’s heaven. Don’t lift the glass — lean in and sip. It’s the traditional way, preserved since 1679.
In de Wildeman
Now a craft beer hub, this 17th-century distillery building still echoes its past — only now with over 250 beers on offer.
Café ‘t Smalle
Located on a postcard-perfect canal, ‘t Smalle boasts stained-glass windows and antique charm, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon stop.
Café de Dokter
Founded in 1798 by a surgeon, this is Amsterdam’s tiniest bar — packed with medical antiques and candlelit coziness.
In ‘t Aepjen
The name means “In the Monkeys.” Sailors once paid their tab here with exotic animals. It’s one of the few remaining wooden buildings in town.
Café ‘t Mandje
Opened in 1927 by Bet van Beeren, this Zeedijk classic became one of the first openly inclusive LGBTQ+ venues in Europe.
What Defines a Brown Café?
A brown café is a traditional Dutch pub known for its dark wood, aged patina, and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. These places feel lived-in — because they have been, for centuries. Most of Amsterdam’s oldest pubs fall into this beloved category.
Untold Story: The Owl Lamp That Warned of Nazis
At Café ‘t Mandje, Bet van Beeren installed a secret owl-shaped lamp to signal Nazi raids during World War II. It warned queer patrons to stay discreet — or flee. Today, the owl remains on display as a symbol of courage and community.
Can You Pair These Pubs With a Day Trip?
Yes — you can mix historic pub visits with scenic regional escapes. Try this pairing plan:
- Morning in Zaanse Schans → Evening jenever at De Druif
- Afternoon in Haarlem → Nightcap at Café Chris
- Tulip season at Keukenhof → Late bite and beer at Papeneiland
Hop back on a GVB tram or ferry, or rent a bike for a relaxed return to Amsterdam’s historic heart.
Travel Tips for Visiting Historic Pubs
- When to go? Afternoons are quieter; evenings are busier but more gezellig.
- Cash or card? Most establishments accept cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some euros as a precaution.
- What to order? Try a local beer, a tulip glass of jenever, or apple pie at Papeneiland.
- Are tourists welcome? Many staff members speak English and love sharing the stories behind the bar.
Ready to Raise a Glass to Amsterdam’s History?
Walk, bike, or float your way through the city’s most atmospheric pubs. From ancient sailor bars to resistance cafés, every spot tells a story — and you’re invited to be part of it.
👉 Visit AmsterdamTourism.net for:
- Self-guided historic pub crawl maps
- GVB transport tips
- Bike rental locations near Jordaan and Zeedijk
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