Amsterdam Food Tour: Dutch Beer and Cuisine

Going for a pint in Amsterdam has been a must-do for centuries. This 3-hour tour taps straight into the story of brewing in Amsterdam, from ale and lager to distilled spirits. With the help of a local culinary expert, you'll go beyond your previous experience with Dutch beer (think: Heineken) to taste the breadth and quality of Dutch craft brewing. Between sips, we'll dive into what Amsterdam's effervescent beverages can tell us about the city's culture, making this a tour suited to both brewery enthusiasts as well as casual sippers aiming to understand Amsterdam's social history and norms. 

Amsterdam has long been known for its nightlife. As a historic port city, the harbor once welcomed sailors seeking the pleasures of the Red Light District; today, the city is a destination for bachelor parties and weekend getaways. Beneath the debauchery and indulgence of many visitors, however, is nightlife as the Dutch really do it: casual and locally brewed. 

Our tour begins on the Zeedijk, originally the location of the old "sea dike." Constructed in 1200, the dike was instrumental in allowing Amsterdam to develop as an urban center. We'll stop at a bar that itself has a history nearly as old as the city: Cafe In 't Aepjen. Having survived the 15th-century fire that leveled the rest of the city, it's a strong contender for Amsterdam's oldest bar. Old recipes dating back to the Middle Ages are still in use at some breweries today, and we'll have the chance along this tour to try traditional Dutch beer. The interior of 't Aepjen is also brimming with odd objects, many with their own legends—like the story behind the pub's name, which translates to "In the Monkeys."

Continuing along our route, we'll visit a selection of favorite local bars and food stops. There's a beer for every palate in Amsterdam, from golden blondes and full-bodied wheat ales, to complex IPAs, among many others. To keep ourselves energized, we'll pair our beers with typical snacks—depending on how adventurous we're feeling, we might try sausage, fresh herring, and fries the way Amsterdammers like them. We'll also stop for a Kroket, a deep-fried Dutch guilty pleasure.

There's another side to Amsterdam's brewing tradition that can't be left out: jenever. This distilled spirit, lightly scented of juniper berries, comes in subtle colors from golden to clear. Depending on whether it is oude or jonge, old or young jenever, which is determined by the method of distillation, the liquor takes on very different tasting notes. We'll have the chance to choose from a whole menu, including distilled fruit versions. The tulip-shaped glass will be placed on the counter in front of us, full to the brim. That's our cue to "bow" to the jenever and bend down for the first sip.

To learn more about the neighborhoods and histories you'll explore on Brews & Bites, we recommend our Introduction to Amsterdam Tour and our Dutch Golden Age Tour. 

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. Most of our small group tours require at least three (3) participants to run, although there is some variation from walk to walk. However, there is some variation from walk to walk. As you sign up for a tentative walk we display the minimum number required in order to confirm.

The tour usually begins and ends near the Central Station. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Typically, yes. If you have any specific allergies/intolerances please indicate these in the Travel Notes section when you're booking and your guide will do his or her best to accommodate. If you are booking privately, we can adapt a route that will avoid such items, something that we cannot fully do on our small group walks. 

Is it possible to book for more than 6 people?
Yes - but the route of the tour will be adapted. This tour visits several small, intimate venues, some of which simply can't accommodate large groups. For groups of larger than 6, please inquire at info@contexttravel.com for advice about alternative options.

Does this tour visit the Red Light District?
No it does not, though the arc of the border is discussed as your expert shares the history of the area.

What if it’s raining?

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed. 

We cover quite a bit of ground on this tour, although in some cases we may be able to adjust the itinerary based on the needs of your party. Please get in touch with us so we can advise if this itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.