Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Although folks differ as to whether the bar serves the actual, mind-altering absinthe that was so favored in the 19th century (they're licensed to make their own), it does cultivate an exotic ambience that is in keeping with the mysterious liqueur. The place also maintains a strong alternative quotient, from its North African decor to its hip clientele. Of course, if you don't want to sample the latter-day absinthe, other alcoholic beverages can be had as well. Great for people-watching too.

 

Description: FURTHER AFIELD. If you're a true beer aficionado, interested in the myriad possibilities of wheat, hops, and the like, you'll want to make a side trip to this small micro-brewery, located nextdoor to a windmill. Alcohol content ranges from 6 to 10%, and many of the potent libations are double- or triple-brewed. Along with house-made standards, they also craft seasonal offerings, which you'll want to sample as well, perhaps on their outdoor terrace or the banks of the canal.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. This renowned art-deco café remains virtually unchanged since its establishment in 1913, and is especially popular with literary and artistic folks. Paintings of former owner, Frits Schiller, adorn the walls and it's a welcome respite from many of the square's other noisy watering holes. The restaurant at the rear serves some terrific French fare. The art deco theme extends nextdoor to the larger Schiller Brasserie.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Since 1650, this place has been offering residents of - and visitors to - Amsterdam a bit of alcohol. In the early 19th century, it became affiliated with a local distillery and is now their tasting house. The cozy, authentic establishment invites folks to come in and try jenevers and traditional Dutch liquors. A unique design element (which is not without a bit of practicality) is the series of small wooden kegs that lines the wall at the bar.

 

Description: By day, this desirable cafe offers a quiet place for patrons to sit and indulge in a drink or a bite. Come night, the 'drink and bite' part still applies, but things kick into a higher gear. The social scene picks up, and live bands play a variety of styles in the little theater at the rear. Outside, a shaded street terrace allows patrons to catch a breath of air while they nurse drinks, and the nearby Amstel River offers calming views of the water. Belgian and Dutch beers are available.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Flash and glamor are the name of the game at this kitsch, New York-style bar, whose inspired cocktails are a favorite of gay men and women. Getto also has a fantastic restaurant at the rear, serving up tasty international fare with a deliberate 'home cooked' quality. Its burgers are the best in town! Along with drinks and socializing, the place offers regular special activities such as tarot card readings on Sunday evenings, live DJs, holiday parties and the like. If there's a brief lull, try to score a spot on the lounge area that divides the dining room from the bar. A guaranteed night of fun. Kitchen closes at 11pm.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Occupying space that once sheltered a distillery, this popular tasting house may overwhelm you with possibility. Around 200 bottled beers represent the countries of the world (although the specialty is Belgian brews), 17 draught beers and a substantial array of jenevers (Dutch gin flavored with juniper berries and other flavors) makes for some potent drinking. Should you find yourself in need of sustenance, they'll ply you with savory snacks. A diverse clientele in its main and smaller bars enlivens both the mix and the atmosphere.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Formerly the über-trendy Seymour Likely Lounge, this inconspicuous place can be spotted by large letters on its window which announce: It's a bar. Located just behind Dam square in an area with some of the coolest nightspots, including nearby Supperclub, Absinthe Bar and NL Lounge, it's unsurprising that the clientele are younger trendy types. However, the atmosphere is definitely unpretentious with a firm emphasis on fun and friendliness. DJs fill the long, split-level, lounge-style bar with upbeat contemporary sounds from 9pm (10pm at weekends), and it slips into a grey-area between bar and club. Indeed it's a great venue to partake in a cocktail or two en route to some late-night dancing action. During the day, the bar also opens for lunch and many of the city's clubbers and DJs congregate on its street terrace (open in warmer months) to catch up on the previous night's gossip.

 

Description: FURTHER AFIELD. 'Blue Sky' aptly describes the bar of this desirable French restaurant, given that the two share a lofty perch on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel. The sophisticated venue affords upscale clientele an incomparable view of the city, especially at twilight or at night, when Amsterdam is laid out below like a handful of scattered jewels. Expansive glass walls maximize the panorama, and you'll delight in the opportunity to lounge with a well-mixed drink in good company.

 

Description: Guys - and a few gals - dripping with designer gear head to this sprawling designer bar on the city's trendiest gay street for post-work cocktails and gentle hip action as DJs spin upbeat lounge and other dance music; the action spills out onto the street in the summer. Daily happy hour 5pm-7pm and all night on Wednesday. Staff here are particularly friendly and also purvey a palatable range in nibbles. Kitchen closes at 11pm.