Amersfoort, with its charming streets and lively nightlife, is a city full of hidden gems for a perfect night out. In Amersfoort, there’s something for everyone. Personally, my favorite hotspot is the Appelmarkt, which is a cozy square on the edge of the city center, lined with inviting cafés and terraces. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere while exploring the local pub scene. Here are the 11 best pubs in Amersfoort to check out on your next night out!
1. Biercafé De Dikke Koning
Address: Arnhemsestraat 59, 3811 LE Amersfoort
My personal favorite is Biercafé de Dikke Koning. If you’re a fan of craft beer, this is definitely the place to go. With an impressive beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere, Biercafé De Dikke Koning is the top spot for a laid-back evening of beer tasting. With over 600 beers to choose from, you’ll never run out of options!
De Dikke Koning doesn’t serve dinner, but you can order pancakes that are prepared and delivered by a restaurant on the same square (Appelmarkt).
2. Kafé Van Zanten
Address: Bloemendalsestraat 2, 3811 ES Amersfoort
Kafé Van Zanten is one of those places where time seems to stand still. Not just because the bar has been a cornerstone of Amersfoort’s nightlife since 1979, but also because its walls are steeped in stories. Former owner Huub Smink ran the café for over 36 years, turning it into a true meeting place for locals, musicians, and beer lovers alike.
The building’s history goes back even further—to 1893, when it housed a liquor and tobacco shop called De Rustende Landman. That long tradition makes a night at Van Zanten extra special: here, you’re not only tasting craft beers, but also a piece of Amersfoort’s history.
3. Dikke Dirck
Address: Groenmarkt 8, 3811 CP Amersfoort
The name of this café is reminiscent of De Dikke Koning. However, this café has a slightly more modern touch. Inside, it features a modern-industrial design with all sorts of unique items hanging from the ceiling, such as hot air balloons and various rotating machine-like contraptions.
This spot is very child-friendly: they can entertain themselves with the custom-built life-sized marble run or play with toys in a somewhat more secluded section of the café. Be sure to try the apple pie—it’s delicious!
4. De Drie Ringen Brewery Café
Address: Kleine Spui 18, 3811 BE Amersfoort
A beer lover’s dream! This brewery café serves locally brewed beers in a charming, rustic setting. Just a stone’s throw from Amersfoort’s most beautiful spot, the Koppelpoort, you’ll find Brouwerij De Drie Ringen. Here, you can book a beer tasting with a tour to learn about the brewing process, available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
They also offer a High Beer experience, which is available every day of the week, except Monday and Tuesday. It’s a great place to discover unique flavors while soaking in Amersfoort’s atmosphere.
5. Boothill Saloon
Address: Krankeledenstraat 12-16, 3811 BN Amersfoort
This rock-themed pub offers a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and an excellent selection of beers. A perfect spot for a lively night out. The pub is located in the heart of the city center, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
At the Boothill Saloon, you can also enjoy live music from various genres. Check out their current schedule here to see what’s on!
6. Stadscafé Amersfoort
Address: Lieve Vrouwekerkhof, 3811 BS Amersfoort
This charming café is known for its cozy ambiance and excellent drinks menu. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends after a day of exploring the city. A few years ago, Stadscafé Amersfoort underwent a major renovation, enhancing its welcoming atmosphere and modernizing its interior.
At Stadscafé Amersfoort, various cultural activities are organized, such as live music in the conservatory or exhibitions. You can find the schedule here.
7. Miles Café
Address: Hof 25-26, 3811 CK Amersfoort
If live music is your thing, you’ll love Miles Café. Enjoy the lively vibe, great drinks, and a variety of musical performances. At Miles, live performances are regularly held until late into the night, with all kinds of music making an appearance. Want to know the schedule? Check it out on their Facebook page.
8. Café de Noot
Address: Hamseweg 33, 3828 AA Hoogland (near Amersfoort)
A short trip from Amersfoort, Café de Noot is a must-visit for music lovers. It offers a fantastic lineup of live performances along with a relaxed atmosphere. From Amersfoort Central Station, take bus 4 towards Kattenbroek, get off at the De Bik (Hoogland) stop, and walk just 4 minutes to the café. Check out their schedule to see what’s coming up!
9. Café Marktzicht
Address: Hof 25, 3811 CK Amersfoort
This cozy pub is ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed vibe. Known for its friendly service and central location, it’s perfect for a casual drink. Enjoy a selection of specialty beers and natural wines, and don’t miss their delicious platters. They also offer simple yet tasty meals, such as a burger or salad.
10. Tjommies Music Bar
Address: Lavendelstraat 13, 3811 CN Amersfoort
This vibrant spot offers a lively mix of music, drinks, and good vibes. Tjommies always delivers, offering a lively atmosphere and creative cocktails that never disappoint. Tjommies Music Bar is a cozy café with an alternative character, bringing a little piece of South Africa to Amersfoort. ‘Tjommies’ is Afrikaans slang for ‘friends,’ perfectly capturing the warm, welcoming vibe of the place.
11. Long John’s Pub
Address: Krankeledenstraat 20-22, 3811 BN Amersfoort
A favorite among locals and visitors, Long John’s Pub is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and a wide range of beers. They serve various well-known specialty beers, such as Tripel Karmeliet and La Chouffe. Moreover, this location also offers fantastic accommodation. The big advantage is that you’ll be staying very close to the city center, with only a short walk to your hotel room.
Raise a Glass in Amersfoort
As you’ve seen, there are several great spots in Amersfoort where you can enjoy a drink. The advantage of the city is its compact size, meaning everything is relatively close to each other. With the exception of Café de Noot, all the bars are just a few minutes’ walk away from one another. Enjoy your time in Amersfoort!