Amsterdam has no shortage of excellent craft breweries in or near the city.
In this article, I've put together a list of the best breweries in Amsterdam.
Brewery in Amsterdam: article summary
A quick introduction to Dutch beer
Beer and the Netherlands go hand in hand.
Although beer may not be as deeply rooted in Dutch culture as it is in neighboring Germany, Dutch people some of the world's finest beers.
You can't name the most important countries for beer without including the Netherlands.
Perhaps you've heard of Heineken?
Brewery in Amsterdam: Heineken
The original Heineken brewery is still in Amsterdam, but these days it's content to show tourists around.
Founded in Amsterdam in 1873, the original brewery still stands just beside the Amstel River. Nowadays, no more beer is made here.
The former brewery houses what is known as the "the Heineken experience"A sort of interactive museum and visitor center.
Brouwerij't IJ
Amsterdam's most popular craft brewery is by far Brouwerij't IJ. It's popular because the beers are delicious and it's located in an old mill east of Amsterdam.
There's a small outdoor café, but it's not enough to seat all the customers. So go when the place opens at 2 p.m. if you want a table.
If you can't make it to the brewery, you can find Brouwerij't IJ beers in most Amsterdam bars.
Just about everything that comes out of the taps at Brouwerij't IJ is delicious. You can't go wrong with what you order. The establishment is best known for its IPA.
The site is not easily accessible from the Amsterdam Central Station by public transport. However, a bike ride or a 30-minute stroll on a sunny day can take you to the Brouwerij't IJ brewery.
Prael brewery in Amsterdam
Brouwerij de Prael's main brewery is in the west of the city, and they are opening numerous branches throughout the Netherlands.
But if you visit Amsterdam, you'll probably visit their brewery in the city center. Brouwerij de Prael offers a wide range of top-quality beers.
Many of the city's bars also serve Prael beer.
De Prael's beers are all good, some excellent (like the milk stout and the pale ale). Their IPA is average, but their double IPA is excellent.
De Prael is located in the heart of Amsterdam's tourist district. There are a million things to do around the brewery and it's easy to stop at De Prael for a quick beer after dinner in the downtown.
Jopenkerk Haarlem
Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station lies the small Dutch town of Haarlemhome to Jopenkerk. Jopen is a popular craft brewery in the Netherlands, and you can find it in many bars and restaurants across the country.
Jopen makes great beer. They're one of the biggest craft breweries in the country, so they try a lot of different things. Their IPA is probably their best product.
The brewery is located right in the center of Haarlem. But alas, it's not Amsterdam, so you'll have to take a 15-minute train to this village.
Brewery in Amsterdam: Oedipus
Oedipus is one of Amsterdam's best craft breweries to visit if you want to feel like a local. Located north of the IJ River, it's accessible by ferry. They have excellent hamburgers and a wide range of draught beers.
There are some very good breweries in Amsterdam, and some not so good. However, by following the list I've provided here, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best beers in Amsterdam. Something to refresh you between two museum visits on your vacation.
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