De Bierkoning, Amsterdam

When you think “Dutch beer,” your mind probably goes straight to Heineken—the global juggernaut that’s as easy to find as water. And hey, Heineken’s a decent choice, but here’s the plot twist: The Netherlands is brimming with beers that put it to shame.

Enter De Bierkoning, the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s beer shops. This legendary spot has been delighting beer lovers for decades, offering a treasure trove of more than 1,000 Dutch and international brews. If you can dream it, they’ve probably got it, along with a few surprises you didn’t know you needed (anyone up for a cocoa beer?).

Beyond the dizzying array of bottles, De Bierkoning also stocks a delightful collection of beer glasses, mats, bottle openers, and more—all at prices that won’t make you cry into your pint. And the staff? Total beer enthusiasts. They’ll happily help you discover the coolest new brews or steer you toward the ones making waves in the beer world. Cheers!