Top 5 Pubs in Giethoorn (2026)
Giethoorn has no real roads in its old heart, just canals, wooden bridges, and thatched roofs. After a slow boat ride through the "Venice of the North", nothing beats a cold beer on a terrace by the water.
TL;DR: The best pubs in Giethoorn for 2026 are Grand Café Fanfare, Café-Restaurant Smit, Brasserie De Pergola, Café Restaurant De Rietstulp, and 't Achterhuus. Each one mixes good drinks, hearty food, and lovely canal views.
Note: In the Netherlands, a "coffeeshop" sells cannabis, while a "café" or "grand café" is a normal pub-style bar that serves beer, wine, and food. This guide is about the pubs and bars where you can grab a proper drink.
1. Grand Café Fanfare
This is the pub of Giethoorn. You will find it right in the village centre at Binnenpad 68, named after the famous 1958 Dutch comedy film "Fanfare", which was shot here. The bar has that warm, old-Dutch pub feel, and one of the most famous terraces in the country sits right by the canal.
Beer fans should pay attention. Fanfare pours local brews, some made right here in Giethoorn, plus jenever and wine. A happy guest wrote: "Lovely old pub vibe, great beer, and the terrace by the water is the best seat in the village." One tip from regulars: go early, because it gets busy and service can slow down on packed weekends.
2. Café-Restaurant Smit
Sitting on Zuiderpad 58, Smit is the perfect last stop after a boat tour. The waterside terrace is beautiful, and the mood is warm and easy-going. It is famous for hearty ribs, but it is also a great spot to slow down with a cold drink.
People love the relaxed feel here. A guest shared: "We came in tired after a long day on the water. The beer was cold, the staff were kind, and the canal view was stunning. A cosy end to a perfect trip." It is friendly, simple, and just works.
3. Brasserie De Pergola
Part of Hotel De Pergola at Ds. T.O. Hylkemaweg 7, this brasserie has a stylish, calm vibe. When the sun is out, the terrace is a lovely place to sit back with a drink and watch the village go by. It feels a little quieter than the busy main path.
The drinks-and-dinner combo wins people over. A traveller noted: "We stopped for a beer and ended up staying for the spare ribs. Comfy spot, friendly service, and a peaceful terrace away from the crowds." A solid pick if you want to relax.
4. Café Restaurant De Rietstulp
You will find this cosy café-bar by the water at Dominee T.O. Hylkemaweg 15. The canal views are lovely, the staff are friendly, and you can even pair your visit with a boat trip. It has a true small-village charm.
It is simple, but the setting makes it special. A visitor said: "Such a friendly little spot right on the canal. We had a couple of beers on the terrace and watched the boats drift by. Pure relaxation." A great place to take a breath between walks.
5. 't Achterhuus
Tucked along Dominee T.O. Hylkemaweg 43, 't Achterhuus blends a warm bar with classic Dutch food and a boat-tour service. The canal-side setting is gorgeous, and the welcome feels genuine. It is a nice mix of pub, kitchen, and water adventure.
Guests praise the care and the calm. A regular said: "Friendly staff, good drinks, and a beautiful spot by the water. We felt right at home." It is an easy, charming place to end the day.
Giethoorn is tiny, but its pubs have huge charm. Skip the rush and treat yourself to a slow drink by the canals instead. From a local brew at Fanfare to cold beers on the terrace at De Rietstulp, each spot has its own story. Cheers to that.
