So, you have 48 hours in Amsterdam and a map. Where do you go, what do you do?
Us guys at Delirium like to think we know a fair bit about drinking and what makes a bar worth visiting. If you are into visiting great bars with great drinks and service then read on.
This guide is not a rigid “stick-to” plan but follow us and we can take you to some nice little places that are not mentioned in your in-flight magazine.
If you have never been to Amsterdam, it is a beautiful city with 17th century architecture and a very laid back attitude to life. If you have been to Amsterdam then you know that it’s a drug fueled, sex filled utopia for non-stop party animals that don’t know how to say no. Well, not quite.
To get around the city of Amsterdam is very easy with a good public transport system it is not difficult to get from one side of the city to the other within 20 minutes. Another way to get around is by bicycle and if you are blessed with good weather during your visit this is definitely the best way to go.
So, once you have dumped your suitcase at your hotel it’s time to get out and get some drinks inside you, you are on holiday after all.
Day one
12.00 – 17.00
Heineken Experience
One of the most well known exports of the Netherlands apart from the porn is Heineken beer. And situated in the heart of the city is the Heineken Brewery where you can learn the history, see the brewing processes and at the end of the tour enjoy a couple of perfectly served Heinies for your troubles. I have been a couple of times to the Brewery and I can tell you that the beers you drink here are some of the best beers I have ever drank in my life! The tour takes around an hour and fifteen minutes and has some interesting and not so interesting parts, but all in all I would say it’s defiantly worth the €15 entry fee.
19.00 – 23.00
Feijoa
Commanding a superb position on the corner of the Vizalstraat and the Regulardwaarstraat, Feijoa looks welcoming and once inside you find it is
exactly that.
The place is small but utilizes its space very well and in summer Feijoa furnishes the street with benches and stools to make a seasonal terrace. They have a pretty good back bar and the guys behind the bar are friendly and know how to mix drinks.
The clientele are chilled back and relaxed and you will find everyone in here from the man in a suit, to the off-duty bartender.
We featured this bar on one of our Delirium episodes for the reason that it is just an awesome bar.
22.00 – 04.00
Door 74
Door 74 is the first speakeasy style cocktail bar in Amsterdam. With only a doorbell on the outside of the place you can see (or not see) it’s easy to miss this unmissable place. When entering the bar, a welcoming host, who is only too happy to make your acquaintance, will take your jackets and escort you to a booth or a seat at the bar. The bartenders here truly are mixologists. The cocktail menu is beautiful and filled with delicious drinks. You can spend ten minutes just deciding which drink you would like. But don’t think that you have to stick to the menu. While you have some of the best mixologists in the country in front of you feel free to venture off the beaten track. With some unique spirits making an appearance on the back bar this is the perfect time to get adventurous.
Day Two
12.00 – 17.00
House of Bols
To start your second day I suggest the House of Bols to set the ball rolling.
Here you will find out the history of the oldest distillery brand in the world, learn about Genever and sample a well made cocktail of your choice at the end of it. The tour is not very long but manages to cram in a lot of info in that time and it’s also pretty fun.
You can try your hand at flair bartending with the flair booth they have at the end of the tour. This padded room is equipped with a video camera to record your efforts that can then be emailed to anyone you wish. Before you leave you can visit the Bols shop where you can buy some bartending equipment, and with a decent selection of hand picked cocktail books a good place to purchase some reading material.
21.00 – 00.00
Vesper
This hidden gem is located on the back streets of the trendy Jordaan area of the city. The bar was started by three of Amsterdam’s finest bartenders whom have created a fine cocktail bar with an impressive back bar and a short but well rounded cocktail list. Named after James Bonds famous Martini the place is tastefully furnished and has an air of Amsterdam back-street class. The service here is personal and friendly and the drinks they make are delicious and bespoke.
23.00 – 03.00
Lola’s
Although an absolute kick ass bar, not everybody in the city of Amsterdam knows of this place. If you are feeling hungry this is defiantly a place where you can get some fine food, however the party really starts after dark. With an island bar in the center of the room and an open kitchen, this a beautiful location and it is is frequented by a beautiful crowd.
The Dj’s really know how to get the party started and the bartenders know how to mix a decent cocktail. At the weekend this place rocks until 3am. You shouldn’t miss it.
Well guys those are my choices for my 48 hours in Amsterdam list.
Be sure to mail me @ martin@deliriumtelevision.com and I’ll see if I can join you for a mad night in Amsterdam.
Proost
Martin Bilsborough
48 hours in Amsterdam weergeven op een grotere kaart
He has been a bartender since his eighteenth birthday (oh so many years ago) and got into flair at the age of nineteen.
Originally from the UK he is now based in Amsterdam sharing his time between filming and working bar.
Marty has been the man with a camera and editor since 2005 and combined his passion of bartending with his love of film to create the feel and style of the Delirium videos.
