Amsterdam. Famous for its canals, cannabis and red-light district. There’s so much more to this incredibly cool city. Museums galore, cafes offering meals that will fill your belly on every corner and some of the friendliest and most vibrant people around.

With my housemates in tow, Damo, Joe and Caro, we boarded the Eurostar at St Pans and made our way to The Dam. Of course, this did not go to plan as the train broke down leaving us stranded at Brussels. We boarded a local train which stopped at least at 15 little towns en-route to Amsterdam, so on arrival we were more than ready for a beer – or ten – which set the precedent for the next two days. Here is Around Amsterdam in as many beers that your legs can take…

Arendsnet

Herengracht 90

This bar was situated along one of the canals. There is limited outdoor spacing, but we managed to get a table on a hot Friday afternoon. Nice cheese and sausage platter here that was washed down smoothly with a house pale ale! 

Cafe de Jonge Wees (FKA Cafe Chaos)

Looiersgracht 144

This establishment was taken-over three months prior to our trip and speaking to the barman not much has changed apart from a little tidying up. Our experience here was very much made by the bar tender who told us the way locals drink (a shot of Genever with a small beer, 25cl), he gave us all a taster and told us the history of the bar (and his experience as a barman). Very much a locals’ pub – which we revisited.

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Haven van Texel

Sint Olofseeg 11

This was very crowded as it is at the junction of two canals, but we still managed to get a seat and a couple of portions of Bitterballen. This bar was once a Scottish brothel which was quite hard to picture. Here, to wash down our Dutch snack we enjoyed a cold glass of the Texal Dubbel before running off for our canal trip (however, we did make a slight detour to Cafe Mandje – dubbed Mangetout)

Cafe Belgique

Gravenstraat 2

This bar is on the left-hand side heading towards the station from Dam Square. Although a very touristy area, if you head in around the afternoon you won’t see a soul. This is the best way to see this café as it is full of beer signs and art… there’s a picture of a lady with tigers and a cartoon picture of Catwoman and the mice of Amsterdam… needs to be seen in its full glory! Here a glass of Jack’s Precious IPA was very refreshing – especially after a two and a half hour walking tour!

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Drie Fleschejes

Gravenstraat 18

Just a short walk from Cafe Belgique, again this was not a busy bar. Very interesting, but not one to go to for the beer choice but rather to see the sheer volume of barrels privately owned – with lots of Genever inside. This bar would be good if you like the spirits or don’t mind a Pilsner.

 Cafe Mandje

(Zeedijk street near Chinatown – the one with the pink bow on the outside!)

Cafe Hegeraad

Noordmarkt 84

After what was a rather heavy session on Thursday, we retreated to this café for a coffee, full fat coke and a cheese toastie. We sat outside and it was nice and quiet. Most people stopped at the café before that was brimming – but walk straight past and head here. This is one not to be missed. Although we sat outside, when we went inside it was incredible to see the décor. It was almost as if we’d been thrown back into a (wealthy) 1920s Dutch living room. The first thing you’ll notice is the grandfather clock, then as your eyes move across the room, you’ll notice the tables have carpets on them – albeit slightly worn but if they could talk, I’m sure they’d tell a good story. Apparently, there is a tiny Pissor in this room which sadly, I missed.

De Ooievaar

Sint Olofspoort

This is a great little locals’ pub around a five-minute walk from the station but not too busy at all. As I say, very local with a few chaps partaking in the beer and Geneva custom. Here, we were told by a local just how genuine this establishment was – and it really was. Vincent, the bartender, was a delight and enjoying a few beers himself! Interestingly, two of my friends had been here on their last trip and it hasn’t changed a bit. The Texel was the beer I chose here, and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting inside watching the locals go about their business…which involved eating a boiled egg as a bar snack, so I decided to join in the tradition.

Cafe Papeneiland

Prinsengracht 2

This was when things got a little hazy following the canal trip where we were encouraged to sample more beer… This pub was the biggest one we went to, but still had a cosy feeling to it. There was a bedpan on the wall… Not surprisingly it was very narrow and with a rather small bar, but there was lots of outdoor seating to take your pick from. However, I enjoyed sitting inside looking at the old, traditional interior and imagining all the catholic priests escaping through the tunnel in the cellar!