If you like cocktails and a bit of history, the house of bols amsterdam is an easy stop on a city break. It sits in the museum quarter, close to the big art museums, and mixes a small museum about the spirits trade with a hands-on bar experience. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of it.
What is House of Bols?
Bols is one of the oldest distilling names in the world, with roots going back to the 17th century in Amsterdam. The brand is known for genever, the juniper spirit from which gin developed, and for a huge range of liqueurs. The visitor attraction is built around that story, presented in a modern, playful way rather than as a dusty museum.
What the visit usually includes
The standard visit is an interactive walk through rooms that explain flavours, aromas and the history of the brand. You smell and identify scents, learn how liqueurs are made and see how drinks culture changed over the centuries. At the end there is a bar where you receive a cocktail included in your ticket, and many visitors choose to try a second one.
Most visits last around an hour to ninety minutes. Some sessions offer a cocktail-making workshop where you shake or stir your own drinks, which is a fun option for groups. Check the official website for the current line-up, since formats and prices change.
Tips for visiting
- Book a timed ticket online, especially on weekends and rainy days
- Ask about age rules; alcohol tasting is for adults only
- Go on an empty stomach? Better not. Eat something first
- Combine it with the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum nearby
- If you are driving or cycling afterwards, plan accordingly
Is it worth it?
For fans of cocktails, yes. It is not a deep academic museum, so if you want a full history lesson you may want more reading beforehand. It is better seen as a fun, sociable experience, good for friends, couples or a rainy afternoon. People who don’t drink alcohol can usually ask for a non-alcoholic alternative, though it is worth confirming when you book.
Pair it with other Amsterdam plans
If you are mapping out a few days, it fits nicely alongside a canal walk or a museum morning. Think about the season as well; our guide to Amsterdam weather in April can help with timing. And if you are heading on to the Hague afterwards, see train from Amsterdam to the Hague.
A little more about genever
Genever is the Dutch forerunner of gin, made with malt wine and juniper berries. It comes in young and old styles, with the old style being richer and maltier. Learning that difference is one of the more interesting parts of the visit, and it makes your cocktail taste more meaningful. Many Amsterdam bars serve it neat in a small tulip glass, traditionally with a beer chaser, which locals call a kopstoot.
Getting there
The attraction is within walking distance of Museumplein, and trams stop nearby. From Central Station it is a short tram ride or a pleasant walk of around half an hour along the canals. Cyclists will find racks in the area, though you may prefer to leave the bike if you plan on having cocktails.
Final thoughts
A visit to the House of Bols is light, tasty and quick. It will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for a drink-and-learn experience it is hard to beat in the city. For more about the brand itself, see Bols on Wikipedia.
