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Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam

4.4 (103 reviews)
ModerateMuseums, Cocktail Bars
Closed 1:00 pm - 6:30 PM

Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam Photos

BOLS COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE AMSTERDAM ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Touristy
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam

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Mystery shots
Jennifer W.

This was a really fun and low key tour, you get a mystery shot upon entry, plus a ticket for a drink at the bar at the end of the tour (you can purchase additional as well). There's an entire room dedicated to the KLM dutch houses (Bols provides the genever inside these iconic mini houses!). There was also multiple rooms of flavors that you can sniff test. The museum itself is fairly small, easily finish-able within 30 minutes or less depending on your time constraints, but it was fun and interesting and the audio tour was very informative. The bar area at the end is pretty small (and indoors only), but service was fast and our cocktails tasted great. You can even sign up for a session where they teach you to make your drinks, but we did not opt for this part. All in all, very cool museum experience.

Shawn L.

Went here after researching Genever distilleries in Amsterdam. This is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the city. You start off with a very informative and interactive tour and then proceed to the bar. They mix you a drink according to your personal taste. They have over 300 flavors to choose from and it's quite impressive how spot on the outcome was. If you want a second drink you can just pay 8e each which we did. Then you proceed to the gift shop. If you liked your drink and want to recreate it at home you probably should buy the main ingredients from here because It might be difficult to find these specific items at home. We enjoyed this place so much that we decided to do it again today with some of our friends.

Dutch Manhattan
Jeremy B.

After a full day of art and culture at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, the Bols Experience is a great place to decompress. Friendly and helpful staff will get you on your way to a fun and surprisingly educational escape. The room which tests your sense of smell of the ingredients was truly unique. If you appreciate architecture, aviation history, and Delft Porcelain, then the eye-popping display of the KLM Delft Houses might make you a bit giddy. I can't be the only one. For your cocktail, or plural, you've got plenty of choices. My bartender (from South Africa) was a super nice guy who mixed a great Dutch Manhattan. My only criticism is the limited seating in the bar, especially as people will tend to linger. The gift shop offers several quality items for your bar as well.

Exterior
Ashley F.

When I was visiting Amsterdam, I went to Bols for the museum tour and cocktail class. Each ticket comes with 3 included cocktails, so immediately you're getting great value for your money. Their museum was creative, informative, and engaging - it was BY FAR the best museum tour of its kind I've ever been on. I won't spoil what's inside, but I highly recommend checking it out! The tour ends in their bar (which is incredible and very extravagant looking) for the included drinks. For the cocktail class, we learned to make two drinks: a caipirinha and a fruity martini. For both drinks, we were walked through the process, ingredients, and techniques; then we got to choose from about 30 different flavors which one (or multiple ones) we each wanted to put in our drinks. The teacher of the class was hilarious and kept it fun every step of the way, and the drinks came out tasting great.

Great post tour cocktails
J P.

This was a great experience to learn the history of this "Dutch gin"- Genever. The tour is self guided and includes the history, distilling techniques, and the many different flavors extracted from many different plants. The tour ends in a dedicated bar where you can order a specially cocktail from an interactive screen. This produces a ticket with you take to a bartender. It was fun to watch them work.

Old Genever bottles
Warren W.

Learning the different methods liqueurs are made was interesting, but I would have preferred more educational content. Oldest cocktails in the world, that you Dutch East India Trading Company. Bartenders were amazing. I enjoyed the cocktail experience by myself, but would have been more fun with friends. Ambiance is a bit glitzy for my taste, but it definitely curates the experience. Wynand Fockink is another liqueur distillery (owned by the same company) that has a real traditional and casual vibe. Try both!

Raquel P.

Really interesting if you're into distilling and gin history. The experience is fun where you can put your olfactory to the test. Enjoy a drink at the end!

Very cool!
Jane L.

Probably a highlight from the many museums that I visited when I was in Amsterdam. I had very low expectation when I was visiting Bols Amsterdam. It was like the 4th museum of the day and I was not sure what to expect. I bought the tickets at the front and the lady gave me a little bottle of alcohol that she told me that I should hold until one of the interactive experiences. I went down a flight of stairs and voila! I was immersed in this experience. The museum is all about the Bols distillery and there is a few interactive experience including different smells, etc. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to ruin anything. I also went when it was a little later in the day so I was able to wander around without any interruptions. There is also a super cool Instagram worthy exhibit towards the end. Your ticket also includes a drink at the end. If you put in your preference, the computer will recommend a drink. I got this super pretty mai tai. There's a small bar where you can sit and enjoy your drink. The bartender was super nice and gave me some recommendations for night life. It took me about an hour to go through and have a drink. Definitely worth the price for the experience.

Delft houses for Bols.
Jan C.

If you need a fun distraction during your time in Amsterdam, we highly recommend a visit here. We bought our tickets at the door. They give a nice little tour that provides an overview of the distillation process. Parts of the tour include smelling a whiff of scent and trying to identify it. Fun! Then comes the really fun part, you get to input what tastes you like into a screen and then the cocktails that best match what you like come up for your final selection. We each had something different, which are made in a snazzy bar area. Both tasty and then we each opted for the ticket option that includes a small bottle of liquor. We also bought one of the collectable Bols blue Delft houses to start a collection of our own!

J T.

Such a fun tour and experience. It's super interactive and educational plus there are cocktails at the end and additional cocktails can be purchased for 6 £ which is quite the steal! Genever is an alcohol uniquely Dutch. It is the juniper-flavored traditional liquor in the Netherlands, Belgium and adjoining areas in northern France and northwestern Germany. It is similar to gin in that it is distilled malt wine mixed with herbs like that of the juniper berry. This is a unique interactive tour that will trigger your senses; smell, sight and taste. After the tour, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail. There are some delicious options. This was a fun tour. Highly recommend this experience!

Different cocktails at the bar
Jacques I.

Oldest distillery brand in the world! My friends and I visited House of Bols, a distillery known for its genever and gin (and other types of alcohol). Bols is a very popular name brand in the Netherlands, so it was nice to learn about the brand's history and try some liqueurs. Located in the Museum Quarter, House of Bols is walking distance from many of the museums. We were able to walk in without any appointments and our admission fee came with a shot of a liqueur, a complimentary drink token and an audio guide. The audio guide was useful, for allowing you to listen to all of the information for each room you walk though on the self-guided tour. Touring House of Bols was actually pretty interesting and they do a great job of breaking down the different rooms, from Bols' history, to smelling different ingredients used for making the liqueur, how the liqueur is created, and even an interactive room where you walk in and take a shot of the liqueur that you're given with your ticket. At the end of the tour you're then led to the bar area where you can choose from a list of complimentary cocktails. It was better than I anticipated and actually learned about a distillery brand that I never heard about before coming to Amsterdam. I would recommend for anyone who likes cocktails, especially gin-based ones, or anyone needing a break from touring all the artwork in the several museums nearby. It's a fun experience.

Mirror Bar at the House of Bols
Michelle M.

After a prior trip to Amsterdam I discovered my love of genever (aka: jeneveer) and wanted to learn more about this liquor of the Netherlands. While planning our vacation I came across the House of Bols cocktail museum and I knew we had to visit. The tickets to the House of Bols are a little pricey at €16 per person, but it includes a handcrafted cocktail of your choice at the end of the tour. The tours are self-guided and take about an hour to see everything. The highlight of the museum for me (besides the Mirror bar!) was the room where you can smell each genever flavor. My husband, sister and I had so much fun guessing which each scent was! This also gave us a chance to realize what flavors of genever we would most likely enjoy. At the end of the tour you get to select your own personal handcrafted cocktail to be made at the bar. The kiosk allows you to choose whether you prefer fruity, herbal, savory or another variety of cocktail. Our cocktails were so good!!! If you love genever I highly recommend a visit at the House of Bols!

Chi A.

This place is AWESOME!!!!! So happy we stumbled across a Groupon that brought us this way. From the moment we walked in, the experience was A1. The guy at the front desk was so warm and helped us with instructions that were greatly detailed. We started the tour and it walked us through the history of Bols. We also got a shot along the way. At the end of the tour, you get to select your own cocktail and drink it at the bar. I recommend this place to everyone!!

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3 years ago

Cool unique experience. Worth the cost plus you get a free drink at the end. Check it out after the Van Gogh museum!

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Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam

I'd never heard of the House of Bols before and I didn't know anything about genever, but now I know all about it.

Mentioned in 20 reviews

Read more highlights

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails - Perfect Manhattan

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

4.7(25 reviews)
1.1 kmCentrum

This bar was recommended to me by a bartender in Berlin. The first time I came I didn't have a…read morereservation but since it was just me, they were able to squeeze me in at the bar. The bartenders were busy but nice and took care to explain the creative and extensive menu. The second time I came I made a reservation for two online. You pay for the reservation but that amount is then applied to your check. The drinks are quite good and I understand the need for the reservation. It's not a big space but it's very popular so it's consistently full. This is a great bar so I can see why it's so popular. Don't miss Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in Amsterdam.

We stopped here for a cocktail. We did not have reservations so we had to wait until something…read moreopened. The server brought over a pinkish liquid and I asked what it was. He said water, so I assumed it was it was tinted from the lighting. When I took a sip it was a flavored water. I asked if it was gluten-free and he was very rude in his response. Basically was like um yea it just has spices in it. Spices may not be gluten free and could be of concern for a celiac. I asked him if any drinks were gluten free and he said all but 2. I wasn't confident that the drinks would be made separately from the non- gluten drinks so I opted not to get one. My friend got the bees knees and said it was really tasty. The server did come back and switch my water to regular at the end but he should have been upfront with what he gave to prevent any exposure to peoples allergies.

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Flying Dutchmen Cocktails - Beautiful bar with a large selection :)

Beautiful bar with a large selection :)

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

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Super Lyan

Super Lyan

4.8(10 reviews)
2.3 kmCentrum

I've been to this bar a few times and what really makes the experience is if you have good…read morebartenders. During my favorite visits, the bartenders explain each drink you order as they serve it and tell you the story. Every drink has a story. Sometimes they are busy or not interested and you don't get the story. I wouldn't have noticed that the drink tastes like a salad, and not in the bad way, had the bartender not told me the story. A couple of times I asked if they have merch for sale and one time they had pins which I bought. The next time I came, they were out of both pins and shirts. Bummer. I recommend a visit when you're looking for a cool place in Amsterdam, especially when you are staying at the hotel.

Super Lyan was a must visit bar based on the videos I watched on YouTube about Amsterdam. The place…read morewas very cool and I received great customer service from the bartenders. The decor was very nice as well. I didn't try any food there. Now it comes to the important part of the review. It's all about the cocktails. I got the Beeswax Old Fashioned(17 Euros).It was very good and a nice twist on an old fashioned. My second drink was the Paradiso Manhattan(17 Euros) and it was a tasty cocktail with something extra. It came with a piece of chocolate that was made with mushroom powder. They paired well together. I can't give it five stars for one reason. The drinks were very good,but they were a little weak. I felt very little to nothing after my second drink. I'm not a big drinker and I have a low tolerance for alcohol. The drinks need to be a little stronger. More of a kick to them. I would still recommend Super Lyan to anyone that has the pleasure of visiting Amsterdam on holiday.

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Super Lyan
Super Lyan
Super Lyan - Super Lyan's Menu

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Super Lyan's Menu

Door 74 - Their speciality cocktail.

Door 74

4.4(126 reviews)
1.1 kmCentrum
€€€

Epic bar. Social, open until 3am, and overall a fun time. Unique cocktails that were quite tasty…read morewith various flavors and interesting serving cups. Good for small groups or just at the bar.

Thanks to Iago from NJoy, we heard about this soeakeasy and decided to check it out. Reservations…read morerecommended. Carlota who answered the doorbell, was able to accommodate us at the bar (our preferred seating anyway). She took our coats, placed them in the coat closet up front and led us inside. Once seated, we were given gorgeous ruby red complimentary aperitif (hibiscus, honey, ginger). The drink menu is interesting, based on the concept of growing up, with more basic tastes to start and more mature complex tastes later on in life. (The drinks are more complex the later in the menu). I ordered the Awake at Last, and my husband ordered the Ruby Stone. Mine was sweet and coffee flavored and his was more tart and sour cherry flavored. When I tried his drink, I immediately felt nostalgic because it reminded me of umeboshi (pickled plum in Japanese food), so we ended up trading drinks. Both were great for supping. Sitting at the bar was fun, watching the bartender at his work. He was silent, focused, skilled, professional. So glad we checked it out! I didn't post pictures of the entrance or inside because I'll leave it to you to discover! (The fun of a speakeasy).

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Door 74 - Great drinks and atmosphere!

Great drinks and atmosphere!

Door 74
Door 74

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Pulitzer's Bar - View from the bar

Pulitzer's Bar

4.4(45 reviews)
1.5 kmNegen Straatjes, Centrum
€€

My husband and I were in Zürich before coming to Amsterdam and met a friend who is from Amsterdam…read more He recommended Pulitzer's Bar- so we immediately called and made a reservation. We were going on a boat tour that afternoon, to see all the light installations, so we made sure the timing was right to get to Pulitzer's on time! We had a 6:00 reservation, and got there promptly and found the door that we were to enter. The door was locked, but there was a sign that said 'please wait, someone will be with you soon'. Our wait was very short, and someone promptly came, greeted us and took us to our seats at the bar. Because a reservation, I believe is required, (not 200% about that), we were wondering if it would be a bit stuffy. It was not at all, everyone that we spoke to was very friendly, and great service at the bar. There were other couch settings and a few different set ups, but as usual, we love the bar. Our drinks were fabulous and we tried three of their menu items- only have appetizers, but they were very good. In talking to my sister and her husband, after we returned home, who had just been to Amsterdam, I realized that they stayed at the Pulitzer hotel, which we did not know when we were there. They loved the hotel - so I can give a recommendation for that as well. They said all the rooms are different and they really loved their room. I think everyone would really enjoy a stay at the Pulitzer hotel and definitely get a reservation to Pulitzer's bar- you won't be disappointed.

Gorgeous bar! The drenched walls and design is well worth it before the cocktails!…read more We enjoyed Mocktail Bellinos and a tart

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Pulitzer's Bar
Pulitzer's Bar
Pulitzer's Bar

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NJOY - Indoor seating

NJOY

4.5(54 reviews)
0.6 kmCentrum
€€€

Thouroughly enjoyed our visit here on April 6. We rang the doorbell and Iago the bartender greeted…read moreus, letting us choose where to sit--we chose the bar because we like getting to know the bartender and watching them do their mixology. We ordered beef bitterballen to try this traditional Dutch comfort food. Meanwhile, my husband ordered their signature cocktail called "Beurre Noisette" old fashioned and I ordered a Dutch Negroni (Negronis are my favorite drink to order wherever I go). Both were delicious! Meanwhile, we chatted with Iago the bartender, and Lily the manager. We learned more about Amsterdam and why so many people come here from elsewhere in Europe to work. Iago was super fun to talk to. He'd lived in Amsterdam for 7 years and It was only his first week here at NJoy. He was skilled as a bartender, being able to mix fabulous cocktails and also hold an interesting conversation at the same time. We'd go back just to be able to talk with him again, such a friendly bartender, very attentive, and professional. The beef bitterballen was so hot we had to wait a bit to try it. It comes with savory mustard that is better than any mustard I've tried before. Not sure why. The bitterballen were crispy fried with beef ragú inside. I'm not a fan myself but am glad I tried it. NJoy is elegant and romantic and cozy. There's another bar downstairs with a disco ball above. It would be fantastic to host a celebration event here. Their cocktails are memorable! Highly recommend!

Beautifully unique experience. Relaxing atmosphere and delicious drinks. The mixologists are…read morefriendly, and offer great recommendations. Don't miss out.

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NJOY - Go up the stairs and ring the doorbell

Go up the stairs and ring the doorbell

NJOY - Cool chandelier at entrance

Cool chandelier at entrance

NJOY - Downstairs area

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Downstairs area

Rosalia's Menagerie

Rosalia's Menagerie

5.0(28 reviews)
1.9 kmDe Wallen, Centrum

Rosalia's Menagerie is one of the greatest cocktail bars I've visited anywhere. Tucked on an old…read morecanal in a historic inn, it feels less like a bar and more like a small salon devoted to Dutch drinking culture. The rooms read like a cabinet of curiosities: intimate, storyful, quietly romantic. The team centers Dutch spirits, especially genever, and treats the menu as a narrative rather than a list of brands. Seasonal themes frame the drinks by flavor profile and history, and even the snacks stay in character, with simple Dutch-leaning bites that support what's in the glass instead of competing with it. The craft is serious. Most of the cocktails look disarmingly plain in the glass. No umbrellas, no edible terrariums, no theatrics for their own sake. Then you take a sip and the bouquet opens in layers, and the mid palate carries on a long arc that rewards attention. It is the rare bar where you keep drinking more slowly because the drink keeps revealing itself. The menu is a pleasure to read on its own, the kind you can happily peruse between sips as you decide whether to follow the thread of genever, lean into a vermouth frame, or chase something herbal and saline. Service is warm and informed without hovering, which suits the room's scale and keeps the experience personal. Practicalities shape the vibe in a good way. It is small and seating-only, which preserves the hush. Entry skews first-come, and the crowd trends grown-up and conversation-forward rather than boisterous. Taken together, it adds up to a bar with a clear voice and a point of view: unassuming appearances, rigorous composition, deep roots in Dutch tradition. If you love elegant, sophisticated and distinctive cocktails, this is a destination.

I hate that I don't have photos of this bar or our drinks but this was my absolute favorite bar in…read moreAmsterdam! It's a speakeasy as special as they come. They also have a book of Fables with moveable cutouts/pop ups that make for fun drinking games AND they have drinks to go with said fables but you can tell the bar tenders about yourself and be pleasantly surprised with what they whip up too. We had so much fun there, I would go again and definitely recommend it!

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Rosalia's Menagerie
Rosalia's Menagerie
Rosalia's Menagerie

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Bols Cocktail Experience Amsterdam - museums - Updated May 2026

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