North Holland is the most visited province in the Netherlands, home to the vibrant capital Amsterdam, historic Haarlem, and the iconic cheese markets of Alkmaar. The region blends world-class museums, golden tulip fields, windmills, and pristine North Sea beaches into an unforgettable travel destination.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Café 't Smalle
One of Amsterdam's most beautiful and atmospheric brown cafés, in a restored 1786 jenever distillery on the Egelantiersgracht — arguably the prettiest canal in the Jordaan. The canalside terrace is magnificent in summer; the candlelit interior is perfect in winter. Classic Dutch jenever and local beers.
Egelantiersgracht 12, 1015 RL Amsterdam
Brouwerij 't IJ
Amsterdam's iconic organic craft brewery in a working windmill. The taproom and terrace are legendary. Beers include the IJwit wheat beer, Zatte triple, and the powerful Struis barleywine. Brewery tours on Friday-Sunday afternoons.
Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam
Wynand Fockink
A remarkable 1679 Dutch jenever (gin) tasting house tucked into an alley near Dam Square. Tiny, standing-room only, with barrels of jenever on the walls and dozens of varieties to taste. A completely authentic Amsterdam experience unchanged for centuries. Tasting sessions available.
Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam
Pllek
Amsterdam's most beloved outdoor bar — a former industrial site transformed into a sandy urban beach on the IJ. Shipping container architecture, live music, craft beers, and an unbeatable waterfront vibe. Best from April-October when the sandy terrace is in use.
TT Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam Noord
In 't Aepjen
One of two remaining wooden houses in Amsterdam (built 1544), serving as a bar since the 17th century. The name means 'In the Monkeys' — sailors who couldn't pay their tab left their exotic animals as payment. Ancient beams, candles, and the oldest atmosphere in Amsterdam.
Zeedijk 1, 1012 AN Amsterdam
Bar Botanique
A lush, plant-filled cocktail and wine bar in Amsterdam's East, with a stunning botanical interior and an excellent menu of natural wines and creative cocktails. Popular with Amsterdam's young creative class. The bar snacks and small plates are excellent.
1e van Swindenstraat 581, 1093 GG Amsterdam
Bar Oldenhof
An elegant cocktail bar in the Jordaan neighbourhood with an outstanding menu of classic and creative cocktails. The design references old Amsterdam jenever culture. Knowledgeable bartenders and a serious approach to spirits. One of Amsterdam's best cocktail bars.
Elandsgracht 84, 1016 TX Amsterdam
Canvas op de 7e
The rooftop bar of the Volkshotel, on the 7th floor of the former Volkskrant newspaper building. Panoramic views of Amsterdam, a creative crowd, and affordable drinks make Canvas one of Amsterdam's best sunset spots. Regular DJ nights at weekends.
Wibautstraat 150 (7th floor Volkshotel), 1091 GR Amsterdam
Jopenkerk
Haarlem's legendary craft brewery and bar in a magnificent converted Gothic church. Jopen beers brewed on-site, served in the former nave. One of the most atmospheric drinking experiences in the Netherlands.
Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Shelter Amsterdam
One of Europe's finest underground electronic clubs, located beneath the iconic A'dam Tower in Amsterdam Noord. Three dance floors, a 24-hour licence at weekends, and an extraordinary underground concrete aesthetic. The music policy is serious techno and house. Take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station.
Paradiso
Amsterdam's most legendary music venue, housed in a converted 19th-century church on Leidseplein. Has hosted Nirvana, Radiohead, the Rolling Stones, and Daft Punk. A must for music lovers — from intimate club nights to major international acts. The main hall has outstanding acoustics and atmosphere.
Melkweg
The 'Milky Way' — a vast cultural centre in a former dairy near Leidseplein with multiple live music halls, a cinema, gallery, and club nights. One of Amsterdam's most important cultural venues for over 50 years. Hosts a huge variety of music, from hip-hop to folk to electronic.
De School
Amsterdam's most critically acclaimed club, in a converted vocational school in Oud-West. World-class underground techno and experimental music across three rooms, plus a restaurant and bar. 24-hour licence on weekends. The door policy is strict — smart attire and genuine interest in the music.
AIR Amsterdam
A large mainstream club near Rembrandtplein with multiple rooms and an eclectic programme from commercial house to R&B nights. Well-run and consistently busy — a straightforward club experience without the underground door policy strictness of Shelter or De School.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.