Café Karroesel in Centrum

Cafe Karroesel is the heart of Hilversum — a place where eras, styles, and people meet. If you're looking for a spot with genuine old-school charm and an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, this is it. Located on Spoorstraat 44, this bar has been a warm and welcoming gathering place for decades — for locals, visitors, and even random passersby near Hilversum Centraal station. Karroesel lives and breathes its own history. In 1987, Mick Jagger, frontman of The Rolling Stones, unexpectedly walked in. Back then, Karroesel was a cult hangout for die-hard Stones fans, and that moment left such a mark on the city that a mural now adorns the cafe’s wall in his honor — not just a quirky detail, but a cherished piece of living legend. The name “Karroesel” isn’t random — it nods to the Dutch word for carousel. A symbol of constant motion, shifting faces, moods, and stories — perfectly capturing the spirit of the place. Here, everyone finds their space — whether you’re a regular, a rocker, a student, a nostalgic music lover, or just someone in search of warmth and good vibes. Stepping into Karroesel feels like stepping into another time: a wooden bar, worn tables, vintage touches, soft lighting, and a sense of real, lived-in coziness. It’s a true bruin café — full of character, soul, and a friendly, welcoming spirit. In the evenings, carefully curated music fills the space — rock, alt, and classic pop, but not the obvious hits; instead, songs that feel handpicked with heart. The vibe is relaxed and sincere, almost DIY in its charm. You can play a round of pool, share a laugh with a stranger at the next table, or just enjoy a great beer. Karroesel is probably the most diverse bar in Hilversum — a place where people of all ages and styles come together. A place of connection, freedom, and true openness. It’s the kind of cafe you’ll want to return to, again and again — for the atmosphere, the music, the people, and the comfort. If you’re looking for something real, don’t miss it. Karroesel is more than a bar — it’s a little universe in the heart of the city, where a warm smile is always waiting♥️

I've been coming here for so long, during a night out or during the day. The bartenders are always super friendly and you get helped pretty quickly. So great.

Classic, relaxed bar with great service selling a bold range of predominantly high quality Dutch and Belgian beers on tap and in bottle. Bar keep is pleasant, helpful and welcoming and the music is excellent. Felt very at ease here and had great drinks at a sensible price.

One of the nicest pubs in Hilversum!!!

Stayed the same all those years.

Always a vibe!! Rockinroll and drink!

This bar is a god send. They were open, I arrived a little before 1am. Greeted us with open arms! Blessed. Will repeat, often.

I had a great time playing pool here. Nice people, nice atmosphere

Top tent, cozy, top staff. And a super pool team Karoesel 2!!

Super cozy and a wonderful atmosphere, just great 🍺🥰

Remains the nicest pub in Hilversum and the surrounding area 👍

Cozy cafe with good staff and good music

My favourite bar in the Netherlands, and beyond.

Beer and good music! What else do you want?

Best pub in Hilversum and surrounding areas!

Epic place with a nice atmosphere, just strange urinals, a bartender, actually, he was bald with a beard, he was really super nice.

Wonderfully accessible. Always cosy! When you enter, you immediately feel welcome. Friendly and diverse crowd. From young to old!

Cosy, friendly staff and good music.

When you walk into this pub, you step back in time 30 years. Nothing has changed since I came here a lot in the 90's!

Very hospitable, full of atmosphere and a neat café! Plus pinball machine. Very cool!

Masser af sjæl og historie. Hyggelig atmosfære og flinke stamgæster.

Accueil au top, on a beaucoup rigolé avec les habitués malgré la barrière de la langue ! Merci Google Traduction !

A cozy local bar with great drinks and music. I really loved their pinball machine (Stranger Things) and even though I'm not a regular, I was still welcomed as one.

Heerlijke sfeer (bruine kroeg-achtig) met fijne muziek en een lekker selectie aan speciaalbier. Ik ga zeker nog een keer!

Ik kom hier al ruim 25 jaar, toppers!

Kroeg zoals een kroeg hoort te zijn...

Heerlijke kroeg. Warme deken. Fijn personeel. Nooit maar dan ook nooit gezeur hier. Top, ook door de weeks altijd reuring.

Gezellig knus cafe, leuk kunnen poolen.

gezellige gasten en leuke medewerkers

This is a really nice pub. Even as a non local it was enjoyable. Friendly service and generally a nice atmosphere. Music selection is great.

Wat een gezellig café. Leuk sfeertje. Voelt je als vreemdeling welkom!

Altijd weer leuk om een biertje te drinken kom er al ruim 40 jaar

Ouderwetse fijne kroeg. Uitstekende service achter de bar en verzoeknummers worden gedraaid. Met pooltafel en flipperkast is het feest compleet!

Visited the place on a Saturday night and fell in love. Incredible music with a nice variety of drinks. Interesting people all around and friendly staff. Will definitely go again very very soon...

Обстановка особенная. Кажется, что здесь все знают друг-друга и ты зашел на вечеринку к друзьям. Пиво вкусное

In this pub you can be your self. Everyone is open for conversation. And the bar personal are the best!

Best bar in Hilversum and only plays rock music

Been to the Karroesel plenty its always good fun. One of the nicer more fun bars in the area.

Super authentic and alternative dutch pub.

Altijd een goede en relaxte sfeer, goed bier op de tap en fles en lekkere muziek

Gezellige kroeg met de leukste barmannen!

Great bar. Music and a good selection of beers.

Fijne sfeer, goede muziek en lekker bier :-D

Top café! Goede muziek en gezellige en aardige mensen 👌

Top café, personeel is altijd vriendelijk en het voelt alsof je bij een grote vriendengroep zit!

Altijd gezellig het is mijn topper. Vriendelijke bediening, lekker muziek wat wil je nog meer 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Dit cafe behoort al jaren tot de top in Hilversum. Een uitstekend assortiment aan bier. Uiteraard alle andere dranken zijn er ook. De gezelligheid staat hoog in het vaandel en wordt door het personeel dan ook goed gewaarborgd. Stap hier gerust naar binnen je zult er altijd welkom zijn en je op je gemak voelen.

Leuk Bar/Café met gezellige omgeving. Ook mogelijk om buiten te zitten. Super vriendelijk personeel en draait erg leuke en gevarieerde muziek!

Lekkere speciaalbiertjes op tap en fles, iedere zaterdagmiddag is er een speciaalbiertje dat alleen dan beschikbaar is. Lekker!

Dit café is erg gezellig, heeft lekkere biertjes op tap en het personeel is erg vriendelijk en behulpzaam. Lekkere muziek!