Think you know Amsterdam’s café and bar scene inside out? Think again. From spots that twist traditions to places that make you do a double take, the city is full of surprises. These five quirky and unusual cafés and bars in Amsterdam prove that your next drink might just come with a twist.
Café de Schreierstoren
Located on the edge of Amsterdam’s canals, Café de Schreierstoren is housed in a 15th-century tower that was once part of the city’s medieval defenses. The tower, named after the emotional farewells of sailors’ wives, combines history with a touch of spooky charm. From the thick stone walls to the rustic, time-worn interior: you’ll love it. Grab a drink or lunch and enjoy the view over the water. It’s a place where legend, history, and a touch of the unexpected come together. 📍Location: Prins Hendrikkade 95, 1012 AE Amsterdam
Ripley’s Lounge
Ripley’s Lounge offers a bird’s-eye view of Dam Square, combined with the atmosphere of an attic café. After exploring the museum’s incredible collection —from shrunken heads and a massive robot made from car parts to record-breaking fingernails and microscopic sculptures, all very, very weird—you can relax here with Dutch and American snacks while discussing the day’s oddities. It’s a place where amazing curiosities, mind-boggling exhibits, and a cozy atmosphere collide, making it one of the craziest and most unusual bars in the neighborhood! 📍Location: Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam
Cafe ‘t Papeneiland
Tucked away on the corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, Café ’t Papeneiland dates back to 1642. It still evokes its secret past, with a hidden tunnel that once led to a clandestine Catholic underground church. Inside, creaking floorboards, a central potbelly stove, and a bar adorned with Delft blue tiles preserve the charm of 17th-century Amsterdam. Famous for its homemade apple pie—once tasted by Bill Clinton—this café combines history, legend, and old-Dutch coziness in every corner. 📍Location: Prinsengracht 2, 1015 DV Amsterdam
Café In ‘t Aepjen
Located in one of Amsterdam’s last remaining wooden buildings, In ‘t Aepjen dates back to 1475. It is officially the city’s oldest traditional pub. Legend has it that sailors used to pay their bills with monkeys from the East! That gave the café its witty name, while the interior, filled with monkeys and a quirky staircase leading nowhere, keeps the story alive. With a lively atmosphere, a wide selection of jenever and beers, and centuries of history beneath your feet, it’s a spot in the heart of the Red Light District where past and present meet. 📍Location: Zeedijk 1, 1012 AN Amsterdam
Hill Street Blues
Right in the heart of Amsterdam, Café Hill Street Blues is a rugged, underground hideaway where locals, expats, and tourists gather within walls covered in ever-changing customer artwork. With DJ nights, live graffiti sessions, and a laid-back vibe where anything goes, this café-bar feels like a creative playground. Affordable drinks, chaotic charm, and a rebellious spirit make it a place where the city’s free-spirited energy comes to life! Always a bit messy, but absolutely unforgettable. 📍Location: Warmoesstraat 52A, 1012 JE Amsterdam
