3 Best Bars in Red Light District, Amsterdam

If you need to gain a little confidence by drinking jenever, as the British slur goes, head straight for this charming cocktail bar. Owned by the dynamic duo Tess Posthumus and Timo Janse, who are also behind the excellent (neo)classical cocktail bar Flying Dutchmen ( Singel 460) and the Amsterdam Cocktail Week every September, you can sample over 150 jenevers and many jenever-based cocktails here. There's also a nifty kopstootjesautomatiek, a type of vending machine that dispenses a so-called kopstootje: a shot of jenever and a cold local beer—a potent combo.

Right in the heart of the Red Light District, this cozy specialty beer bar has 14 beers on tap and more than 120 bottled brews. Engaging staff and a relaxed, mixed crowd of locals and tourists are only too happy to abide by the eponymous 11th commandment "thou shalt enjoy."

You won't find Her Majesty the Queen here, but a mainstream crowd, fun-loving princes enjoying DJ beats, theme nights, drag bingo, and parties that pour out onto the sidewalk.