House of Bols Amsterdam: Cocktail Experience & Visitor Guide
Tickets, what the Bols Cocktail Experience includes, opening hours and tips for visiting the home of the world's oldest distilled spirit brand.
Address
Paulus Potterstraat 14, 1071 CZ Amsterdam
Opening hours
Daily from 13:00 (Fri–Sat until 21:00)
Audio guide
Included
Best for
Cocktail fans, couples, groups
Duration
About 1 hour
Book House of Bols Tickets
Standard admission and combinations. Each card shows what is included. Dates only open when you ask for them.
Bols Cocktail Experience
Entry to the Bols Cocktail Experience with an audio guide, about one hour. Check the listing for what is included.
View details on Tiqets →
Heineken Experience + Bols Cocktail Experience
Two of Amsterdam's best-known drinks experiences on one booking.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
Bols Cocktail Experience + Van Gogh Museum
A cocktail experience and a major art museum, a few minutes apart on Museumplein.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
Bols Cocktail Experience + Amsterdam: Lovers Canal Cruise
Cocktails and a one-hour canal cruise for a relaxed afternoon.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →Booking is handled by Tiqets. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Book in Advance
The experience runs in the afternoon and evening, and weekends can fill. Booking lets you choose your day and pair the visit with the Museum Quarter. Check the listing for what is included, including drinks, before you book.
What is the House of Bols, and why visit?
The House of Bols is the visitor attraction of Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirit brand, on Paulus Potterstraat beside Museumplein. Visit for a one-hour experience about genever, liqueurs and cocktail making, with an audio guide and tasting elements.
Why Visit the House of Bols?
Genever is the Dutch spirit from which gin evolved, and Bols is the brand that has been making it since the 16th century. The House of Bols tells that story in a modern setting.
It is a good rainy-day option and fits easily with the museums nearby. The experience was designed with a focus on flair, and it won a Dutch Design Award for Best Exhibition and Experience.
A Short History of Bols
Lucas Bols was founded in 1575, which makes it the world's oldest distilled spirit brand. The company built its reputation on genever and an extensive range of liqueurs, around 38 according to the listing.
The experience traces that history and then moves to the modern world of cocktail making.
Top Highlights
The Scent and Flavour Corridor
A colourful corridor invites you to smell and compare the ingredients behind the liqueurs.
The Genever Story
You learn how genever became the ancestor of gin and how it is made.
Cocktail Making
The experience introduces classic and modern cocktails and the flair of bartending.
The Bar
The visit leads to the bar, where you can enjoy a drink. Check the listing for details of what is included.
What to Expect
The experience runs along a set route with an audio guide. It is designed to be lively and visual. Alcohol is served, so the visit is for adults.
How Much Time Do You Need?
About one hour.
Age
You must be 18 or over to be served alcohol. Check the listing for rules for younger visitors.
Visitor Information
- Address: Paulus Potterstraat 14, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, next to Museumplein.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 13:00–18:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00–21:00 according to the booking listing.
- Ticket price: Around €20 or more. Confirm the price on the booking page.
- Audio guide: Included with the listing.
- Accessibility: Check the venue's accessibility information before you visit.
Best Time to Visit
Afternoons on weekdays are calmest. Friday and Saturday evenings have longer opening hours and a more social feel. The experience works well in the rain or as an afternoon break after the museums.
How to Get to the House of Bols
The House of Bols is in the Museum Quarter, a few minutes on foot from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Museumplein. Trams 2, 5 and 12 serve the area. Check your journey planner for the best stop.
Local Insider Tips
- Eat something before you go.
- Combine with the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum earlier in the day.
- Bring ID, as you may be asked to prove your age.
- Check what the ticket includes before buying a combination.
- Plan how you get back to your hotel afterwards.
Choosing the Right Ticket
The standard ticket is enough for most visitors. The Heineken combination suits drinks fans, the Van Gogh combination suits a museum day, and the canal cruise combination makes a relaxed afternoon.
Who It Suits
Couples and Friends
A social, lively hour.
Museum-Day Visitors
A change of pace after art.
Families
Not designed for children, since it focuses on alcohol.
Nearby Attractions
- Van Gogh Museum: a short walk across Museumplein.
- Rijksmuseum: Dutch Golden Age masterpieces nearby.
- Moco Museum: modern art, also on Museumplein.
- Heineken Experience: another drinks experience, in De Pijp.
For more options, browse our Amsterdam museums guide or compare the best museums in Amsterdam.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day
Van Gogh Museum in the morning, lunch nearby and the Bols Cocktail Experience in the afternoon.
Museum Quarter Day
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and an evening cocktail experience.
Drinks Day
Heineken Experience at midday and House of Bols in the late afternoon.
House of Bols FAQ
How long does the Bols Cocktail Experience take?
About one hour.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Thursday and Sunday 13:00–18:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00–21:00 according to the booking listing.
Where is the House of Bols?
At Paulus Potterstraat 14 in the Museum Quarter, beside Museumplein.
Is an audio guide included?
Yes, according to the listing.
Are drinks included?
Check the listing for what is included in your ticket.
How old do I have to be?
You must be 18 or over to be served alcohol.
Is it suitable for children?
It is designed for adults. Check the listing for rules for younger visitors.
Can I combine it with other attractions?
Yes. Combinations with the Heineken Experience, the Van Gogh Museum and a canal cruise are listed on this page.
Is Bols really the oldest spirit brand?
According to the listing, Lucas Bols is the world's oldest distilled spirit brand, founded in 1575.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking helps you plan, especially at weekends.
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Final Verdict
The House of Bols is a lively one-hour experience that fits neatly beside the Museum Quarter. It is best for adults who enjoy cocktails and a bit of flair. Book a slot, eat beforehand and pair it with a museum.
Who should visit: couples, friends and cocktail fans.
Who may skip: visitors travelling with children or who do not drink.
Overall rating: 7.9 / 10