What Is The Netherlands Drinking Age? Important Dutch Alcohol Laws

If you’re asking: “What is the Netherlands’ drinking age?” you’ve come to the right place. The Netherlands is one of the countries I’ve visited the most, and I’ve definitely had a few delicious Dutch beers in and around Amsterdam!

If you’re headed to the Netherlands or Amsterdam on a trip, there are definitely a few Dutch alcohol rules that govern the drinking scene you should know.

It goes without saying that people have flocked to Amsterdam from all over the world to party and drink their way through the city. However, drinking in Amsterdam is not a free for all. In fact, there are some surprising rules you might want to know about.

Here is what you need to know about Dutch alcohol laws:

What is the Netherlands Drinking Age?: The Dutch Alcohol Laws

It’s super important if you’re traveling to the Netherlands that you know what is appropriate and legal…especially when it comes to drinking. Obviously, you should avoid biking while intoxicated (so you don’t fall into the canals– lol!), but there are a few other specifics you need to be aware of.

✅ Law: The legal drinking age in the Netherlands is 18.

Like many other countries in the European Union, the legal drinking age in the Netherlands is 18. Anyone under the age of 18 cannot consume or purchase alcohol. Selling alcohol to anyone under age is also a criminal offense.

Although many may be used to the 21-year-old drinking age in the United States, teenagers can drink earlier in the Netherlands at age 18.

✅ Law: It is illegal to serve drinks to a drunk person.

The Netherlands recognizes the addictive qualities of alcohol and has made strides to prevent the rise of alcoholism in the country. As such, it is illegal for bars and restaurants to serve anyone who is visibly intoxicated.

✅ Law: It is illegal to be drunk in public.

Recently, Amsterdam in particular has been attempting to curb the rampant and rowdy tourists in the city. As such, there is a fine for public drunkenness.

If you are disturbing the peace and are intoxicated, you can be fined.

Here are a few more fines you can get if you’re caught drunk in public:

Urinating in public: €140
Making too much noise: €140
Drinking alcohol in public: €140
Being obviously drunk in public: €90
Insulting a police officer: €300 or more

While there are certainly places where you will find this less likely (i.e.- the Red Light District), it is absolutely a possibility and remains a Dutch law around alcohol.

✅ Law: Public alcohol consumption is illegal.

It is technically illegal to drink alcohol on the streets in Amsterdam or the Netherlands, regardless of whether you’re within the Netherlands’ legal drinking age.

However, alcoholic beverages are sold in supermarkets, bodegas, and cafes, and you will see people drinking in public. As a custom, many people have alcohol with their picnics in places like Vondelpark.

That being said, it is illegal, and you can be fined at any time for having alcohol on the street in public.

If you’d like to drink, pop into one of the many bars or restaurants to try a local brew!

✅ Law: Cycling and driving a car while drunk is illegal.

Heading home on your bike after a fun night out? Remember, in the Netherlands, you’re only allowed about two drinks (0.5 BAC) before you’re over the limit.

If you push it and get caught, you might end up with a fine or even a temporary ban from cycling.

The penalty depends on the situation, so it’s better to stay within the limit and cruise home worry-free!

Brown canal houses along the water in amsterdam with boats in the foreground.

Best Places For Drinks in Amsterdam

Having a drink is a form of custom in Amsterdam. On my last trip, I was shocked by how many people were sitting outside in a cafe or restaurant and simply having a beer or glass of wine…no food in sight!

Amsterdam is well-known for having some great breweries as well, and there is no shortage of delicious beers to try during your stay.

So, if you’re looking to experience Amsterdam like a local, you absolutely want to check trying a few local brews off of your Amsterdam bucket list! Here are some of my favorite places to grab a drink in Amsterdam:

The outdoor view at in de Wildeman, a local bar in Amsterdam where the drinking age is 18 years old. — Sitting outside at In de Wildeman

Two beers from In de Wildeman, a Proeflokaal in Amsterdam where the drinking age is 18 years old. — Beers at in De Wildeman

🍺 Bierproeflokaal In De Wildeman

This is, hands down, my favorite place to go for a beer in the city. Seriously, don’t get my husband started… he could talk about this place all day.

It is centrally located, just a few minutes walk away from Centraal Station. And this is SUCH a local haunt. We make it a point to visit each time we are in Amsterdam.

A proeflokaal is a word that used to describe tasting rooms that were attached to distilleries. Now, this is a sign of a less touristy bar that carries delicious beer.

In De Wildeman is ALWAYS packed with locals. The last time we were there, we couldn’t even find a seat…and it was the middle of the day! It has indoor and outdoor seating, and the ambiance is so fantastic. The rustic wood interior makes you instantly feel like you were transported back in time.

The bartenders here are always so friendly, and they’re ready to offer a beer suggestion! You might need it, since the beer list is about a mile long with some lesser-known draughts that can be difficult to find! If you’re going to drink in Amsterdam…this is the place to do it!

🍺Brouwerij t’IJ

Skip the Heineken Experience and have a drink at Brouwerij t’IJ. You’ll need to take a tram to get to this local brewery, but it is well worth the journey.

Located next to an old windmill, this small specialty brewery serves up some delicious craft beers. The outdoor beer garden is a fantastic place to sit and enjoy a drink and some snacks.

During our last visit, every seat in the beer garden was taken, and there was live music happening! However, with two bars serving beer and another counter serving snacks, we didn’t have to wait more than 2 minutes to be served.

There were hardly any tourists here, and we felt like we found the local hotspot as soon as we arrived! Plus, all of the beers I had were delicious. There was not one I tried that I didn’t love!

🍺Restaurants and Bars in Leidseplein

Leidseplein is an area in the southern part of Amsterdam Centrum that is known for its bars, restaurants, and clubs. All in all, it’s where you’ll find a large party and nightlife scene.

Consequently, it’s a great place to grab a drink in the evening hours. Leidseplein Square is lined with plenty of bars and restaurants, all of which offer outdoor seating. Even in cold weather, the cozy seats, heaters, coverings, and blankets make people-watching on the patio possible.

Take your pick of places like the more upscale Cafe de Waard (which also has the best avocado toast I’ve EVER eaten!), the traditional Irish bar, Hoopman, or the aptly named Le Pub where you can get a Belgian beer and some French fare!

Beers in Leidseplein at Cafe De Waard where you must be 18 years old to drink. — Enjoying a drink at Cafe de Waard in Leidseplein!

Enjoying a local Amsterdam beer at a restaurant. — Nothing better than a local Amsterdam brew!

FAQ: Drinking Age in Amsterdam & the Netherlands

Here are a few other questions you might have regarding the drinking age in Amsterdam and the Netherlands and what you should expect!

What is the Legal Drinking Age in Amsterdam?

The legal age to enjoy a drink in Amsterdam is 18 years old. This is the same as the drinking age for the Netherlands as a whole.

Can You Walk Around With Alcohol in the Netherlands?

It is illegal to walk around with alcohol in the Netherlands. You can be fined heavily for carrying alcohol on the street, even in Amsterdam.

You may see some people drinking on the streets in the cities, but this is a risk and you should not do it. You can be penalized at any time.

Can You Drink at 16 in Amsterdam?

No, you cannot drink at age 16 in Amsterdam. The legal drinking age is 18 years old. Underage drinking as a minor is a criminal offense in the Netherlands.

Can You Drink at 18 in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can drink at 18 years old in Amsterdam and in the Netherlands. Eighteen is the legal drinking age.

A bridge across a canal in Amsterdam where the Netherlands drinking age is 18.

Conclusion: The Drinking Age in the Netherlands

If you’re 18 years of age or older, you’re welcome to drink during your trip to Amsterdam and the Netherlands! I’ve had some of my favorite beers there for the first time, and I would definitely recommend trying a few out!

You can find great beer and wine just about anywhere, and the Dutch really know how to take a step back, smell the roses, and enjoy a great drink.

Traveling to Amsterdam Soon? Here is some more helpful content!

✅ My favorite Amsterdam itineraries for 4 days or one day in Amsterdam!
✅ All the Canal Cruises I recommend in Amsterdam- including private tours!
✅ An Amsterdam Bucket List to complete!
✅ Everything you need to know for visiting the Anne Frank House
✅ Top Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
✅ Review on my #1 Place to stay in Amsterdam
✅ If you’re biking around the city, here’s what you need to know!
✅ Wondering if you can speak English in Amsterdam? Or do you need to greet in Dutch?