From the 16th to the 18th of November, METSTRADE, the world’s largest leisure marine equipment trade show, takes over Amsterdam’s RAI convention center. The global superyacht industry will head to the yacht show for exhibitions, meetings, and networking, but it’s not all work and no play, especially in a city like Amsterdam. We’ve got ahead of the game and researched the bars that are worth checking out when you are looking to wind down after METSTRADE, or are next in the city from the hundreds of amazing options in Amsterdam.
Whether you need to decompress after a busy day networking at METS, you’re looking to debrief the day’s events with your team, meet prospective clients, or simply want to enjoy the city’s nightlife, this list of the best bars in Amsterdam might be just the tonic to your gin.
Hiding In Plain Sight
Hidden in the streets between the Rembrandt House Museum and the Nemo Science museum is the classic speakeasy-style bar, Hidden In Plain Sight. Pass through the cramped ground-level bar and head upstairs to the luxurious vintage-styled cocktail bar, complete with luxurious leather sofas, wooden bookcases, and chalkboard menus. Their menu features a variety of imaginative handcrafted cocktails, and the atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. If your group consists of more than four people, it is recommended to book as the bar can get busy.
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails is located right in the centre of Amsterdam, close to the flower market. It features the largest back bar in the Netherlands, with over 800 unique spirits. Open from 5 pm until 4 am, it is also the cocktail bar that opens latest in the city. Travel back in time and relax in the boujee vintage décor and sip on a historically inspired, expertly crafted cocktail.
Along with their creative cocktails, they also offer a vast choice of wines, beer, soft drinks, and coffee. Want to learn more? Book your crew in for one of their celebrated cocktail workshops, where they explain the history and techniques involved in making cocktails.
Rayleigh & Ramsay Van Wou
If you’re a lover of good wine, then Rayleigh & Ramsay Van Wou is the perfect post METS stop. Described as a candy store for adults, R&R offers more than 100 wines by the glass. Serve yourself either a 25ml tasting glass, 75ml half glass, or 150ml full glass and treat yourself to the taste of wines from all across the globe. It offers a great way to bond with your team, and crew may even discover new wine recommendations for future yacht charter guests. They also serve beers on tap, cocktails, coffee, and small tapas-style plates if you’re feeling peckish.
Pllek
Over in Amsterdam Noord, sitting right on the waterfront is Pllek. This multi-use space is a restaurant, beach bar, and creative space, with regular yoga workshops, live music, and theatrical performances held throughout the week. To get here, you will need to take the free ferry from Amsterdam Centraal, but the views of the city, drinks, and food are all worth it. Pllek is the largest green restaurant in Amsterdam, serving freshly grown vegetables from their own Amsterdam garden and ethically sourced local fish and meat. They also have an extensive drinks menu.
Hannekes Boom
Across the water from the NEMO Science Museum sits Hannekes Boom. This cosy hotspot is constructed from reclaimed wood and salvaged materials and features an outdoor beer garden, rooftop bar and terrace, and artsy indoor space. They host regular live music and DJ nights, and the restaurant serves a good mix of local dishes, popular plates and rustic snacks. They pour a large selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it the perfect place to watch the canal go by.
Amsterdam is packed full of amazing and unique bars catering to all tastes and appetites. Whether you visit one of our favourite bars or go rogue and stumble into your own new favourite Amsterdam watering hole, you are sure to have an unforgettable evening. We would love to hear about your favourite Amsterdam haunts so tag @FunAirFun in your social posts and maybe we will see you there!
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