The Ultimate Guide to Pub Crawling in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife is as famous as it is varied — from raucous clubs and techno bars, to traditional pubs and hidden secrets. To sample the city’s broad range of drinking establishments, there’s nothing quite like a pub crawl. Whether you’re planning a solo night or partying with friends, a pub crawl is the perfect way to explore Amsterdam’s lively drinking spots.

In this guide, we’ll give you the best tips for pub crawling in Amsterdam. From where to go, to what to expect, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying the city’s party culture.

What is a Pub Crawl in Amsterdam?

A pub crawl is a fun way to spend an evening bar hopping and exploring local pubs. It’s a great way to get acquainted with Amsterdam’s unique atmosphere and experience the variety of top drinking spots around the city. The concept originated in the UK and Europe but has now spread around the world.

For those pubs with lower door charges, you can book tickets online or simply turn up at the door. For big events, it’s best to buy tickets in advance or book ahead to guarantee entry. You’ll usually be provided with a map and an itinerary, outlining where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing.

What Can You Expect From a Pub Crawl in Amsterdam?

Pub crawls in Amsterdam are incredibly popular, with well-trodden trails running through the nightlife hotspots of the city. You can also pick up a tour that visits pubs exclusively, or find one that takes in some of Amsterdam’s other attractions too.

Regardless of which kind of tour you choose, here’s what you can expect when you join one of Amsterdam’s pub crawls:

• Explore Multiple Pubs: Depending on your choice of tour, you can usually expect to visit between three and five bars and nightclubs during an evening out.
• Drink Discounts: Tickets often include discounts on drinks or complimentary shots throughout the evening.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Most tours will provide guides to lead your pub crawl who know the city intimately and can help you make the most of your night.
• A Fun Crowd: As well as locals, you’re likely to bump into people from all over the world while crawling through Amsterdam’s bars and nightclubs.
• Party Games: Many tours provide games throughout their itinerary, such as beer pong, flip cup and tequila roulette, which makes for plenty of extra fun when the dancing starts.

How to Choose the Right Pub Crawl in Amsterdam?

With so many different pub crawls to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant night out, an alternative experience or something a little more exclusive, here’s what we recommend looking out for when choosing a pub crawl in Amsterdam:

• Drinking Theme: Pub crawls come in many styles, so there’s something for everyone. Some have specific themes, such as karaoke crawls and beer tours, while others focus on specific genres of music, like rock or reggae. Read up on what kind of night you’re signing up for before signing up.
• Cities Covered: Many pub crawls cover multiple cities around Amsterdam, so it’s worth working out where you’ll be spending most of your time before signing up.
• Sightseeing Tours: If you’re looking for something a little bit different, there are some tours that combine pub crawling with sightseeing. This type of trip gives you the perfect introduction to Amsterdam with time for drinking breaks during the day.
• Exclusivity: If you’re after something much more exclusive, some nights out cater specifically to VIPs or high rollers. Be ready to pay something more than regular pub crawl ticket prices, but enjoy freebies such as free drinks and entry fees throughout the night.

What’s the Best Pub Crawl in Amsterdam?

With plenty of pub crawls available in Amsterdam it’s hard to pinpoint exactly which one is best. Some focus more on nightlife than others, while some add other activities such as sightseeing tours into their itinerary. However, if you’re after a traditional pub crawl experience it can be hard to beat the 2 hour guided gay bar pub crawl from GetYourGuide. It’s an exciting tour that takes you through some of the best establishments Amsterdam has to offer. And if you’re gay or lesbian (or part of the LGBTQ+ community) it’s even better as almost every place we visited welcomed us with open arms and had great ambience for us to enjoy our drinks in – we even met a few people who became our friends for the rest of our visit.

If you want something a bit more unique then there are also some slightly more offbeat pub crawls around Amsterdam – try Coco Crawls, which takes groups through the quieter areas of Northern Amsterdam while sampling some local beers. It’s a great way to get away from the bustle of the centre and explore another side of Amsterdam’s party culture – plus they offer some great beer discounts too!

Final Thoughts on Pub Crawling in Amsterdam

Pub crawling is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife – whether you’re looking for traditional pubs or alternative experiences there’s something for everyone here. From discounts on drinks to guided tours that take in some of the city sights too, make sure you make time for at least one night out on the town when you visit Amsterdam – you won’t regret it! And why not get started with the 2 hour guided gay bar pub crawl from GetYourGuide? Book your tour today and let your evening unfold!