Amsterdam is a city that’s as much about its beer culture as it is about its canals and art. Yet, the craft beer scene here is surprisingly dynamic, with small breweries creating bold, unique brews that reflect the city’s independent spirit. Whether you want a relaxed bus tour visiting several breweries or an intimate tasting session with cheese and snacks, Amsterdam offers options for every beer lover. We especially like the Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings for its mix of fun, social atmosphere and insider knowledge. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems outside the busy city center while enjoying guided tastings with a lively group.
While many tours focus on visiting multiple breweries or offering tasting workshops, the diversity of options means you can choose based on your time, budget, or specific interests. Some tours emphasize local Dutch breweries, like The Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure in Amsterdam, which stands out for its curated selections from top microbreweries. Others, such as the Guided Craft Beer Tasting with Cheese & Sausage, combine beer tasting with local snacks, making for an engaging, snack-filled experience. Below, we cover all the best options, so you can find the perfect match for your beer-loving soul.
1. Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings
At number 1, this bus tour is perfect if you want to cover multiple breweries without the fuss of planning transportation yourself. For around $75, you get a 3-hour guided experience visiting three of Amsterdam’s best craft breweries, with tastings included. The tour starts at Overhoeksplein and includes visits to places like Oedipus Craft Space and an element of surprise with the third brewery—it keeps things fresh and interesting.
What makes this tour stand out is its social, relaxed vibe. It’s limited to 25 beer enthusiasts, which keeps the experience intimate but lively. Your guide shares insider insights into the Dutch craft beer scene, making it educational as well as fun. Reviewers rave about the friendly guide, the quality of the beers, and the chance to meet fellow travelers. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of Amsterdam’s brewing scene without dedicating an entire day. The value is excellent considering private transportation, guided brewery visits, and tastings are all included.
Bottom line: This tour offers an authentic, social introduction to Amsterdam’s craft breweries, perfect for first-timers or those short on time wanting a lively experience.
2. The Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure in Amsterdam!
Next on our list is the Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure, rated a perfect 5.0 by 20 reviewers. For $125, this 3.5-hour tour takes you beyond the city center to some of the top microbreweries in the Netherlands. The tour kicks off from Dam Square, where you’ll meet your guide and receive an overview of the day’s program. The journey then includes visits to iconic spots like De Drie Fleschjes, a 300-year-old jenever tasting house, and the renowned Proeflokaal Arendsnest, which boasts 52 local craft beers on tap.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on exceptional, distinct brews from high-quality microbreweries, giving you a taste of the Dutch craft scene’s diversity. The guide shares engaging stories about each place, making the experience more than just sampling beers. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guide and the chance to try beers that are often hard to find elsewhere. This tour appeals to beer aficionados keen to explore Amsterdam’s craft scene deeply.
Bottom line: If you want a more in-depth, curated experience with a focus on exclusive, high-quality Dutch beers, this tour offers excellent value for the price.
3. Amsterdam: Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings
Number 3 on our list is a guided bus tour, costing around $68 for a 3-hour experience. It combines transportation and brewery visits, making it ideal for travelers who prefer to stay mobile. Starting at Overhoeksplein, the tour visits three breweries, including Oedipus and another surprise destination, with guided tastings at each stop.
What’s appealing here is the expert guidance and the lively atmosphere, perfect for groups or families. The tour includes plenty of beer tasting opportunities, with the guide explaining the brewing process and what makes each brewery special. It’s a good choice for those wanting a well-rounded, relaxed tour without breaking the bank. Reviewers mention the friendly hosts and the quality of the beers, although some note that those very interested in brewing techniques might want more detail.
Bottom line: This tour offers convenience and a fun, social experience, suitable for travelers who enjoy guided outings with a focus on sampling local beers.
4. Amsterdam Guided Craft Beer Tasting with Cheese & Sausage
For a shorter, more interactive experience, the craft beer tasting with cheese and sausage is a 1-hour session priced at about $35. This experience skips the brewery visits and focuses on sampling five unique local beers in a lively, informal setting. Your guide provides engaging commentary on Amsterdam’s brewing traditions while pairing each beer with regional snacks, including cheese and sausage.
What makes this experience special is its focus on local, independent brews and the interactive, fun atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of Amsterdam’s craft scene along with some delicious snacks. Reviewers love the insider knowledge shared, plus the opportunity to meet other beer lovers in a cozy setting. It’s ideal for solo travelers or couples who want a quick, satisfying beer experience without a lengthy tour.
Bottom line: This tasting workshop offers a quick but rich taste of Amsterdam’s craft beers paired with local snacks, perfect if you prefer an interactive, snack-focused experience.
5. Amsterdam Craft Beer Tour – Discover the Tastiest Dutch Brews!
Coming in at number 5 is the Dutch craft beer tour, priced at roughly $103 and lasting about 3.5 hours. Starting at Nieuwe Kerk, the tour guides you through the heart of Amsterdam to visit iconic spots like De Drie Fleschjes and the famous Proeflokaal Arendsnest, known for its all-Dutch craft beer selection.
This tour’s strength lies in its focus on Dutch breweries and the local brewing culture. You’ll learn about the history and traditions of Dutch beer while sampling a variety of styles—from crisp IPAs to hearty stouts. Reviewers appreciate the depth of tasting and the opportunity to explore Amsterdam’s historic neighborhoods, including passing through the Red Light District. It suits travelers who want a mix of culture, history, and beer.
Bottom line: For those interested in Dutch brewing traditions and local flavors, this tour blends culture with craft beer seamlessly.
6. Amsterdam: Guided Craft Beer Tasting with cheese and snacks
Another shorter and lively option is the craft beer tasting with cheese and snacks, rated 4.5 and lasting just about an hour. It offers a fun, interactive way to sample five beers along with Dutch cheeses, sausage, and nuts. The focus here is on local beers from small breweries, combined with snacks that perfectly complement the drinks.
This experience is best suited for those who want a casual, social tasting without committing to a full brewery tour. The enthusiastic guide makes the session engaging and informative, making it a hit for solo travelers or couples looking for a quick, memorable experience.
Bottom line: If your schedule is tight but you want a fun, snack-filled beer tasting, this lively experience will fit the bill.
7. Amsterdam’s Brews & T’ales – Discover Delicious Craft Beers
Finally, Amsterdam’s Brews & T’ales offers a 2.5-hour journey into Dutch brewing with visits to historic bars and cozy cafes. You’ll sample four craft beers and one traditional Dutch liquor, tasting regional flavors and enjoying the convivial “gezelligheid” in classic Amsterdam settings.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, traditional bars where locals hang out. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore Amsterdam’s old-world pub scene alongside craft beer tasting. Reviewers love the chance to experience Dutch hospitality in a relaxed, social environment. It’s well suited for travelers who appreciate both beer and local culture in equal measure.
Bottom line: This tour provides a cozy, authentic experience with the chance to taste both craft beers and Dutch spirits in historic pubs.
How to Choose the Best Craft Beer Tour in Amsterdam
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer guided brewery visits or casual tastings. For a lively, social experience with multiple breweries, the Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus offers great value. If you want a more curated, exclusive selection of Dutch beers, the Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure is ideal. Shorter, interactive options like the Craft Beer Tasting with Cheese & Sausage work well for tight schedules or those seeking a fun, snack-heavy experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. Think about whether you want to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, hop on a bus, or stay local for a quick tasting—each tour offers a different slice of Amsterdam’s thriving craft beer scene.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam’s craft beer scene is surprisingly varied and full of character. From bus tours visiting multiple breweries to quick tasting workshops with cheese and snacks, there’s something for every beer enthusiast. For those wanting an immersive experience, the Ultimate Craft Beer Adventure provides curated tastings from top microbreweries. If you’re short on time but eager to sample local brews, the craft beer tasting with cheese is a perfect pick.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on the fun. Cheers to exploring Amsterdam’s rich craft beer culture—your taste buds will thank you!
