Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience Entry Ticket

Experience the Spirit of Amsterdam at Bols Cocktail Experience

If you’re heading to Amsterdam and looking for a fun, interactive way to learn about the city’s famous distilled spirits, the Bols Cocktail Experience is worth considering. Even if you’re not a cocktail fanatic, this tour offers a little bit of everything: intriguing history, sensory activities, and, of course, some top-notch drinks. We particularly like how it combines education with entertainment — you get to learn, taste, and even try your hand at shaking a cocktail.

One of the standout features is the Mirror Bar, where you can relax and enjoy a professionally crafted cocktail after your self-guided tour. The other is the chance to shop in the Bols Shop, which makes it easy to pick up some spirits or bar tools as souvenirs or gifts. That said, a potential drawback is that the experience is self-guided, so if you’re the type who really loves having a guide to answer questions or tell stories, you might find it less engaging.

All in all, this experience is best suited for adults who enjoy a good drink and are curious about the world of spirits, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just a casual drinker wanting to learn more. It’s a solid choice for a relaxed afternoon or evening activity when you’re in the mood for a little history and a lot of flavor.

Key Points

• Accessible and Affordable: At $22 per person, it offers good value considering the drinks and experience.
• Interactive and Educational: Learn about Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand, through a self-guided audio tour.
• Tasty Rewards: Enjoy a free perfect serve cocktail, with options for alcohol-free if preferred.
• Shop for Home: The Bols Shop is a highlight for those wanting to buy spirits or cocktail gear.
• A Fun Challenge: The cocktail-making area lets you test your skills in a shaking contest.
• Age Restriction: Must be 18+ to visit, with a minimum age enforced strictly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam

When we think about memorable ways to get to know a city, visiting a spirits house like the Bols Cocktail Experience is a fantastic choice. It offers a mix of history, sensory fun, and tasty rewards that make for a well-rounded outing. Located conveniently across from the Van Gogh Museum, the experience is easily accessible and perfect for those wanting a break from sightseeing or a little afternoon indulgence.

The Setting and Location

The experience is based at the House of Bols in North Holland. The building itself is attractive and modern, designed to entice visitors into the world of spirits and mixology. Being right across from the Van Gogh Museum, it’s a natural stop for travelers in the area. The location makes it easy to combine with a museum visit or a stroll through the nearby streets.

What’s Included in the Ticket

Your entry ticket covers a self-guided audio tour in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Chinese, and Italian. This means you control your pace and can revisit sections or skip ahead if you’re eager. The tour is designed to be both informative and sensory, helping you understand the history of Lucas Bols, the oldest spirit brand in the world, with over 450 years of tradition.

Once you finish the tour, you’re taken to the Mirror Bar, where a professional bartender whips up your perfect serve cocktail. You get to choose between alcoholic and alcohol-free options, so everyone can participate. The experience also includes the chance to shop in the Bols Shop, which offers spirits, bar tools, and souvenirs. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just looking for a fun souvenir, this is a highlight.

The Tour Itself: What You’ll Experience

The tour begins with an overview of Lucas Bols and his legacy. You’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful displays, aromatic scents, and bottles that tell stories of centuries past. The mix of visual and olfactory elements allows you to engage all your senses, making learning about spirits more lively than a traditional museum visit.

One of our favorite parts is the sensory experience, where you can smell different liqueurs and try to guess their ingredients. Many reviews highlight how engaging this activity is, with visitors mentioning how much they enjoyed the opportunity to touch, smell, and taste.

The cocktail-making component is a fun twist. You learn to create a cocktail in six steps, which feels like a practical skill you can bring home. This part is especially popular among those who love to get hands-on, and some reviews suggest trying the “surprise me” option — letting the bartender craft a surprise tailored to your preferences.

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The Mirror Bar: A Tasty Ending

After the tour, the journey culminates at the Mirror Bar. Here, you can enjoy a well-made cocktail crafted by skilled bartenders. The selection is vast, and many comment on the quality being exceptional, with some calling the cocktails “the best they’ve ever tasted.” The bar’s aesthetic is modern and stylish, adding to the overall experience.

A nice touch is the option to purchase additional drinks — at about EUR 8 each — if you want to extend your tasting. Several reviewers mentioned that the drinks are strong but enjoyable, and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Shopping for Spirits and Bar Gear

The Bols Shop is a highlight. Whether you’re after a souvenir, a gift, or some home bar equipment, this shop is well-stocked. Many visitors appreciate how convenient it is to pick up a bottle or some cocktail tools before leaving. If you’re a cocktail lover, you’ll likely find something to take home that reminds you of this experience.

Price and Value Analysis

At $22 per person, this experience offers solid value. The ticket includes the audio tour, a free perfect serve cocktail, and access to the shop. When compared with similar activities, especially those that include tastings and interactive elements, it feels well priced.

However, keep in mind that the second cocktail is an additional EUR 8, which is reasonable considering the quality, but worth budgeting for if you plan to indulge further.

How Long Does It Take?

The experience is designed for about an hour, though you can take longer if you wish to revisit the shop or linger at the bar. Many reviews note that it’s a relaxing activity suitable for a leisurely afternoon, especially if paired with nearby attractions.

Who Is It For?

This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy learning about spirits and trying new flavors. It’s accessible for most, including those who prefer alcohol-free options. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, it’s a fun way to share an interactive experience. Families with older teenagers might also find it interesting, but the minimum age is 18.

The Downsides

While many rave about the experience, some find it a bit short — roughly 30-40 minutes of touring before the bar. If you’re seeking a longer or more in-depth experience, you might want to look at other tours like the cocktail-making workshops or immersive audiovisual experiences. Also, seating can be limited, so arriving early might help you secure a spot.

Final Thoughts

The Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam offers a lively, tasting-focused look into the world of spirits. It combines history, sensory engagement, and skill in a way that’s accessible and fun. Whether you’re a cocktail novice or a seasoned drinker, you’ll find something enjoyable—especially the chance to taste expertly crafted cocktails and learn about a centuries-old brand.

It’s a particularly good choice if you want a relaxed, adult-oriented activity that’s easy to fit into a day in the city. The price point makes it a reasonable splurge, and many reviews confirm you get your money’s worth, especially with the quality of drinks and friendly staff.

For those curious about spirits, or just looking for a memorable way to spend an hour in Amsterdam, this spot hits the right notes. Just remember, it’s best for those 18 and over, and booking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your visit.

FAQ

Is the Bols Cocktail Experience suitable for children?
No, the minimum age for visiting is 18, so it’s strictly an adult activity.

Can I get a non-alcoholic cocktail?
Yes, delicious alcohol-free options are available for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

How long does the experience last?
Expect to spend about an hour, though you can take more time if you choose to browse the shop or linger at the bar.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to check availability and reserve your spot. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the self-guided audio tour and one perfect serve cocktail, either alcoholic or alcohol-free.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
It’s a self-guided audio tour, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Can I buy extra drinks?
Yes, additional cocktails are available for about EUR 8 each, and many visitors enjoy trying more after their free drink.

Where is the meeting point?
You start at the House of Bols, located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, across from the Van Gogh Museum, in North Holland.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and tasty activity in Amsterdam, the Bols Cocktail Experience is a solid pick. It’s fun, informative, and offers some of the best cocktails you’ll find in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: