Top 5 Pubs in Amersfoort (2026)
Amersfoort is one of the oldest beer cities in the Netherlands, and you can still taste that history today. Tucked behind the medieval gates and the leaning Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, the old center is full of cozy brown cafés, a real copper-kettle brewery, and craft beer bars with hundreds of taps and bottles. It is a short train ride from Utrecht, yet far less crowded. In this guide, we share the top 5 pubs in Amersfoort for 2026, based on real reviews and local tips.
The best spots mix cozy gezelligheid (the Dutch word for warm togetherness) with great beer and friendly staff. Our five picks are De Drie Ringen, Café de Prins, De Dikke Koning, Long John's Pub, and Kafé van Zanten. Skip the big chains, bring a little cash for the smaller cafés, and order with a friendly Dutch "alstublieft" (please). Here are the spots you should not miss.
1. Stadsbrouwerij De Drie Ringen
De Drie Ringen is the heart of beer in Amersfoort. This city brewery sits right by the water near the famous Koppelpoort gate, and it has been brewing on site since 1989. You drink your beer surrounded by the big copper kettles and open fermentation tanks, so every glass is as fresh as it gets. Pair it with bitterballen and the free boiled eggs at the bar.
Locals love the history and the honest, fresh beer. One review says, "You sit right between the copper kettles, and the beer is brewed a few steps away. Great ambience, kind staff, and fair prices. The little eggs at the bar are a fun touch you won't find anywhere else." It is the perfect first stop for a taste of the real Amersfoort. Come early and try a tasting flight.
2. Café de Prins
Right on the lively Hof square, Café de Prins is the cosiest brown café in town. This is the kind of place where everyone feels at home, from morning coffee to late-night singalongs. The covered terrace looks out over the whole square, and the bar pours cold Amstel along with a good list of specialty beers. Add 80s and 90s tunes, Dutch classics, and a bit of jazz, and the mood is always warm.
Guests love the friendly buzz and the great spot. A regular wrote, "The most gezellig café on the Hof, with a lovely covered terrace and a crowd that quickly feels like friends. Cold beer, fun music, and staff who make you laugh. We came for one and stayed all evening." It earns a strong 4.6 from happy visitors. A proper Amersfoort café feel.
3. Biercafé de Dikke Koning
For the craft beer crowd, De Dikke Koning is the place. Tucked on the quiet Appelmarkt square, this snug beer café keeps more than 600 beers for you to explore, from local brews to wild international finds. The owner knows the list inside out and loves to point you to something new. Grab a board game, settle in, and take your time.
Beer fans rave about the choice and the warm welcome. A visitor shared, "Over 600 beers and an owner who really knows his stuff. He picked one I had never heard of, and it was the best of the night. Friendly, cozy, and never pushy. The board games are a nice touch." In summer, the little terrace on the calm square is a hidden gem. Honest, lively, and full of heart.
4. Long John's Pub
If you fancy a beer by the water, Long John's is the spot. This warm, Irish-style pub on the Krankeledenstraat has a hidden garden out back, where the canal flows quietly past your table. There is a separate beer menu with a fresh guest beer on tap each week, plus a long whisky list and tasty pub sandwiches. On match days, the live sport draws a friendly crowd.
Visitors love the cozy mood and the leafy terrace. One guest noted, "A proper pub with loads of beer choice and a hidden terrace by the water full of plants and flowers. The Chouffe on tap was spot on, and the staff are kind and quick. A lovely surprise behind the door." It feels like a little oasis in the city. Great any night of the week.
5. Kafé van Zanten
To end the night with music, head to Kafé van Zanten. This beloved café on the Bloemendalsestraat has been a meeting place since 1979, set in a handsome building from 1893. It draws a happy mix of locals, musicians, and beer lovers, with a big beer list, a heated terrace, and music that never gets too loud. There are games on the shelf and hearty pub food in the kitchen.
The cozy, welcoming vibe wins people over. A regular said, "A fantastic wee bar with super staff and an astounding range of beers. Great music, a warm crowd, and the kind of place you don't want to leave. We came as strangers and left as regulars." It is full of soul and history. The perfect last stop on an Amersfoort night out.
From a copper-kettle brewery by the Koppelpoort to a music café in an old building, Amersfoort's pubs have a story for every taste. For the best night, bring a little cash for the smaller cafés, take your time, and raise your glass with a warm "proost" (cheers). Most of these spots are a short walk from the Hof, so you can try a few in one evening. Enjoy the city's cozy and lively beer scene.
