In ‘t Aepjen in Burgwallen-Oude Zijde

Cool little cafe with a nice beer

Great beer selection, cool atmosphere and bar decor. Friendly service.

some of the best beer i’ve ever had in my life

What a beautiful pub in the heart of Amsterdam. The atmosphere is great. It was very enjoyable.

Café In’t Aepjen is hands-down one of the coolest and oldest bars in the city. The history here is incredible. Just Google the backstory about sailors paying their bar tabs with actual monkeys! The inside is packed with character, vintage trinkets, and monkey decor. ​They have a fantastic beer selection. Just a heads-up for tourists: the Dutch don't really drink pints, so order a medium (vaasje) instead. It hit the spot perfectly, super cold on a hot summer day. ​It was also a favorite spot of the iconic Anthony Bourdain, and it's easy to see why. Authentic, historic, and full of soul. Highly recommend!

Great old pub!!! There are very few like it! Super authentic. But the bartender was constantly eating something before serving the savory order. Furthermore, he radiated complete disinterest. No communication whatsoever with guests, who are there to bring him their money after all! There is so, so much to be gained here...

The bartender reminded me of a Dutch guy from Amsterdam I met in Thailand decades ago who told me a story about a woman telling him how much she loved Amsterdam and how nice the people were. "No they're not!" he told her, and, no, they're not, but sometimes they try a little

Top café in one of the last historic (wooden) buildings in Amsterdam?

Amazing bar with tons of history. The house beer, Aepjen bier is truly one of the best I have had. A must try for any beer lover!

Traditional old bar in Amsterdam

Canadians visiting during Liberation Day. Great spot had an opportunity to hear about the history. Fascinating. Great beer.

A must. What a great place. Small and very old. Try their home brew.

Highly recommended! Great atmosphere in this small bar with its unique decor. Candlelight, soft red lighting. Friendly and efficient service at the bar. We paid €10 for two 25cl beers.

Friendly service, a great atmosphere, and a unique decor. I highly recommend it. The perfect place to try genever.

Wonderful ambience in a tiny bar that only serves a few beers, cocktails, and liquor. Excellent service.

Great atmosphere and the bartender was great. 100% recommended if you like local, chill and good beer!

Great place to have a drink. Lots of choices. Very cozy, few tables and some bar seating.

Eclectic.... weird.... wonderful

Nice cozy bar - great service! Some seating at the end if you’re a large group

This place is more than just a bar, it’s a piece of living Amsterdam history. The building dates back to 1519, and it’s one of only two medieval wooden buildings still standing in the city. What makes that even more impressive is that after the Great Fire of 1452, wooden buildings were largely banned to reduce fire risk—yet this one somehow survived. Just being inside feels special, like you’re having a drink in a museum (but in the best, most relaxed way). Now for the drinks: their Aepjen Bier is a must. It’s a house beer you can basically only enjoy here—an amber ale with a slightly higher alcohol level (around 7.5%), and it has this deep, rich flavor that feels perfect for the cozy, historic vibe of the place. If you enjoy trying local spirits, don’t miss Dutch jenever. There’s something really fun about tasting a few different ones and getting a feel for the old-school Dutch drinking culture. And if you want the full classic experience, try it the local way with a “Kopstootje" jenever paired with beer. It’s simple, traditional, and honestly a great combo (no wonder sailors have been drinking it since the 17th century). Food-wise, the Ossenworst was surprisingly delicious, an Amsterdam-style raw beef sausage that pairs incredibly well with beer and jenever. I’m not a huge eater when I’m bar-hopping, so this was perfect: just enough food, super local, and genuinely tasty. Even though I was only in Amsterdam briefly, this is exactly the kind of place I know I’ll keep coming back to. If you want a truly authentic, historic, and uniquely Amsterdam experience, In ’t Aepjen is a must.

Very cool bar and excellent service, Peter was awesome 🙏

We stopped in the afternoon for a beer. Bruin Café is a historic and unique place, worth a visit. Frequented by locals. Great music. Fair price.

Cozy. One of the oldest cafes in Amsterdam. One of the wooden houses.

A must-visit if you're looking for a place to experience Bruin Cafes. It's small but has a great atmosphere. The cheese and liverwort are decent, and the beers are good. When we arrived, the service was good, but then it got crowded, and you have to keep going to the bar for your drinks, being extra careful not to push anyone or get pushed yourself. Everything was fine until a small group, clearly drunk, started bothering people. We found it rather amusing and part of the local scene, but apparently not everyone agreed 😅

If you're in Amsterdam – and want to grab a beer – go here. Absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere, the bartenders, the beer, the music. Top-notch – highly recommended!

If you're scared of fleas then I have good news for you. The monkeys are gone, only a few taxidermy are left in their stead. The monkey bar is charmingly small, cozily lit and has a rich history.

Richard is Awesome, made everyone feel welcome!!

Visited In ’t Aepjen after it was recommended for the atmosphere, and it definitely delivers. The place is tiny, so seating is limited, and there was only one member of staff when we arrived, but he was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. There’s a large selection of beers, and the whole place feels like a little museum full of character and history. A nice mix of locals and a few tourists like ourselves made it feel lively without being overwhelming.

A really cool historic bar located in one of the few remaining wooden houses in Amsterdam. This place has a lot of history. Definitely worth a visit.

If you know this area, you'll know this isn't going to be an oasis of tranquility. However, it's relatively calm when judged against its neighbours. Great beer, but what really stands out are the exceptional staff. They made all the difference.

Wow!! A great experience. Super friendly bartender and the gin was excellent.

A very cool relaxed place with lots of character and great service will definitely return.

My favourite corner in the heart of Amsterdam! The evening I visited was fabulous. The bar is so old timey, pop in here for a quick time travel! They say poor and broken explorers into the exotic lands would pay the lodging in monkeys 🐒🙈🐵🙉🐒🐒 hence in the monkeys (in 't Aepjen)! Start your bar crawl through Amsterdam's little alleys ay In 't Aepjen. Be sure to bring some monkeys when you come 😉 (Thanks and regards to my bartender. He was such a classic Dutch gentleman and adds to my fond memory of this Monkey inn every time I recall this time 😊)

A "dark" place due to its lighting!, calm, quiet... and an authentic and unusual decor

Great bar, very small like many of the old bars in this town. All wood, fantastic decor. Excellent local beer. Worth trying if you're lucky enough to get a table!

I want to come here again!! Read the whole review!!

Nice new pub. It's great that there are pictures of monkeys and monkey statues to live up to the name.

Another fantastic bar in the heart of Amsterdam. Not the biggest and certainly not suited for groups but time it right and you are taken back in time where payment was accepted in monkeys ! Great beer , attentive and friendly bar man and a cosy snug atmosphere.

Great brown bar in fully wooden building, we enjoyed the atmosphere in it so much that we came back few times! It can get crowded, but since it is in touristy area, that is to be expected.

A cool little venue for a beer of an evening - slightly more bar vibe than pub

The oldest of the Bruin Cafés, excellent beer, and an owner straight out of a Sherlock Holmes story in style and demeanor. Recommended if you want a good beer downtown.

Friendly waiter, reasonably priced drinks and snacks, and a nice atmosphere. Would recommend!

Nice old pub in the heart of Amsterdam.

Stepped into a time capsule on the Zeedijk with dark wood, creaky floors, and centuries of stories 🕰️

It's a shame! This place used to make you feel welcome, but today we were kicked out with no chance to even order anything since he was going to get busy and we were going to order only 4 drinks, however the place was empty and the guy refused to serve us and, basically, showed us the way to the door with no further explanation and an arrogant smile in his face. Again, what a shame after few times bringing friends and family visiting the city.

Pub with good beer selection. Relaxed atmosphere with interesting decor. Good service.

A hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam. A very cool backstory of how they owner used to accept monekys as payment for your drinks. Very small pub, so go early if you want a spot. Also one of the oldest pubs in Amsterdam.

I was assigned to the bar. The service was excellent.

We didn't eat, just drank. The atmosphere was quiet in a small but very welcoming place.

Very unique & special bar in Amsterdam. They say it’s the oldest in the city.

Nice beer, funky pub, good location

Very authentic and beautiful bar. The aroma of the ‘Aepjien bier’ beer was very nice. You should definitely come and try it. You can take great photos inside.

An old bar with great atmosphere. The music is great as well.

A good place to have a few beers surrounded by stuffed animals, which were forms of payment in the last century. It has two floors but no terrace. A 5-minute walk from the central station.

A quaint little bar in the northern center of the city that has captured my heart. Here you'll find, among other things, the house beer, the taste of which I will never forget. In't Aepjen is a unique bar that I visit every time I'm in Amsterdam, and I highly recommend a short stop and a taste.

Beautiful pub with interesting people. The bartender was really friendly with us as we chatted for a while together also with random people that we’ve just met there. Would highly recommend!

Secretly my favorite pub in Amsterdam!

Such a fun little bar!! Drinks were good, service was great, vibes were amazing

Amazing old pub with large selection of beers and very friendly owner. The decor is incredible and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.

A place with history. Its relationship with monkeys is very interesting.

If you are in Amsterdam - you must visit this bar! It is located in one of the oldest wooden buildings that did not burn down during the great fire. Very tasty liqueurs. And what is most important - a bartender with a great sense of humor 😁

A bit over the top 🙈. Come in and are completely ignored. Bartender was too busy with a guest at the bar. Not even a look or a nod. He probably thought 2 tourists who will never come again. Well indeed we will never come again.

We came because it is supposed to be a traditional, famous place “brown café”.. The man in charge is very unpleasant, unkind and has no patience talking and attending customers… definitely do not recommend the place.. unless you want to be treated badly.

Neat decor, fun history, and the house beer is fantastic!

My favourite bar in the world but, what do I know? Spent many an afternoon sitting at ‘my ‘ table near the book shelf , looking at the stuffed cat and, just drinking and dreaming of what had gone on in that place in times past. 4 or 5 hours there and then down the street of Zeedijk to choose where to eat my dinner. The local crowd come in at 5pm and in winter they tie a dish towel on the door knob to keep the door open to let the condensation out. A tiny place and you should stay away so I can enjoy it , in peace!

From now on, my favorite bar. Unbeatable history, the gentleman behind the bar is a real professional, and there is also something to drink. Aepjen house beer is perhaps the best in Amsterdam. And Genever is not bad either. Get higher numbers of shirts and good luck going forward.

A very famous and old bar in Amsterdam. Famous for his collection of monkeys. (The story is very interesting). Good atmosphere, service from the bartender (and maybe owner) is not friendly, but the place is definitely worth it. Very delicious beer.

The last standing wooden building in the center - they said

Very attractive brown pub with Dutch snacks and wide choice of drinks. We will come back again.

Oldest wooden building, probably not too different inside to 400 years ago. Average drinks and prices

Small space but very cozy and we easily got a spot at the bar.

Loved this bar. Something cool to see with all the ornaments and monkeys. Very welcoming atmosphere

Very nice place. I recommend for people looking for an authentic place

One of my favorite pubs in the world. Welcoming, atmospheric, with hundreds of years of history and a great modern beer list. A wonderful place to while away an hour or two.

Stopped in to try Genever and some local beer. Barman was pleasant and helpful, recommending a nice Genever to try. Sampled the Aepjen ale, which was sweet and tasted really nice. Will definitely go again next time I'm in Amsterdam.

Super nice cozy pub. With super good service. Had another great evening with a group of friends.

Wonderful atmosphere, a truly special pub full of history.

Great pub...despite being in a touristy area, it's an authentic place

Really a very good choice in the center!! Good service, good wine!! Their beer is excellent!! Nice space

Very traditional, charming place!

When Anthony Bourdain tells you to go to a specific bar in Amsterdam; you definitely go.

My fav place in Amsterdam! History. atmosphere, beer, bartender, everything! Go there, have a Aepjen beer and be aware it\s one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam.

Really a cafe like there used to be many, but super cozy on the Zeedijk, and pre-dinner drinks

Great atmosphere, very historic area and building

Pub in an early 16th century building. Very cool. Monkey beer is great.

Stopped in for a drink. Very small and cozy. If you are claustrophobic you shouldn't go. Great history. Original wood building from 1500s I believe. Monkeys everywhere. The name of the pub translates to Monkeys. 😊

Love love love adore this bar. Came across happenstance but I am so grateful we did. Peter is amazing, reasons to come back to Amsterdam absolutely

Absolutely arrogant and unpolite service by the bar tender. A true display on how not to treat customers, not only in terms of pace of service but also on the approach to visitors

What a hidden gem. If you're in Amsterdam look it up. A pub that takes monkeys as payment! Try their own beer, ask for it if uncertain it's lovely.

Lovely little bar with a wonderful story and history. Their own brew beer was really nice. The decor is a lovely mix of antiques which is so nice to see in a modernising world

Good place to have Chelita, good atmosphere

Really nice and welcoming environment. Characteristic historic pub in Amsterdam. Great beer!

Good place for a chilled drink, good for couples and small groups!

They have dead stuffed animals in the window. It’s 2024, wake up!

Great welcome/service from bartender... good selection of beers especially the 'house'beer... excellent!

We went at a quiet time late afternoon. The beers were reasonable, decor lived up to reviews. It was nice. Didn't try food.

Ohhh super nice bar! Classic Amsterdam 🙌

From Amsterdam's historic bars. Rustic atmosphere, "all the money" bartender, very good prices. "Aepjen" is well worth it, a beer of their own production with mild fruit notes that is one of the best IRAs I've had in my (still) short life.

Small and very charming place. Excellent beer. We only stopped for a drink after a long walk, but they also serve some snacks.

One of my favourite pubs, ever. Small, cosy, unique and a flavour from a different time. And the Aepjen tap beer is ridiculously good. Do yourself a favour and go