Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings

A Complete Guide to the Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking to discover its vibrant craft beer scene, this Brew Bus Amsterdam tour offers a fun, social, and taste-filled way to explore the city’s best breweries. Rated a perfect 5.0 by travelers, this experience combines luxury transportation, insider guides, and carefully curated brewery visits into a three-hour adventure that’s both informative and enjoyable.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances educational insights with relaxed tasting sessions. Plus, the small group size—capped at 15 travelers—ensures a more intimate experience, making it easier to connect with guides and fellow beer enthusiasts. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include snacks or meals, so plan accordingly if you want to pair your beers with some bites.

This tour is perfect for beer lovers, social travelers, or anyone curious about Amsterdam’s craft brewing scene. Whether you’re a dedicated connoisseur or just someone looking to enjoy some good beers and great company, this experience promises a lively, authentic taste of the city’s craft scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit three small, independent breweries just outside Amsterdam’s city center, each offering unique atmospheres.
• Educational Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and share interesting facts about the breweries and Amsterdam’s craft beer history.
• Tastings Included: Enjoy a total of 9 beer tasters across three breweries, offering a good variety of styles and flavors.
• Comfortable Transportation: Travel between breweries in a well-equipped, air-conditioned bus, ensuring a relaxed journey.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and more engaging conversations.
• Value for Money: At $75.47, the ticket price covers transportation, guided tours, and all tastings—offering a comprehensive experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at Overhoeksplein

The tour kicks off from Overhoeksplein, a lively spot in North Amsterdam, close to public transportation options, making it easy to find. We love that the tour begins in a familiar, accessible location, setting the tone for an effortless afternoon. The initial 10-minute gathering is a quick meet-and-greet, with no cost involved, giving everyone a chance to get comfortable before heading out.

First Stop: Oedipus Craft Space

The first brewery is Oedipus Craft Space, a name well-known among craft beer fans. This brewery is always included, and reviewers highlight how much they appreciate the knowledgeable guide’s insights. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process, plus a tasting of some of their best beers. The fact that admission is covered in the tour fee makes this a fantastic value, with many describing the beers as “very good” and the host as “knowledgable”.

Second Stop: Surprise Brewery

While the exact breweries visited are a surprise—adding an element of excitement—the reviews assure that each location is a small, hospitable craft brewery outside the city center. The second stop typically lasts 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere, ask questions, and sample three different beers. Visitors have noted the friendly brewery staff and the chance to try craft beers they probably wouldn’t find on their own.

Third Stop: Another Unique Brewery

The third brewery varies depending on the day, but it never disappoints. The reviews emphasize the hospitality of the brewers and the delicious beers on offer. One guest mentioned that they “probably wouldn’t have discovered this brewery otherwise,” which underscores how this tour offers a curated experience that’s both fun and educational. The final tasting includes three more beers, wrapping up the brewery visits on a high note.

Return to Overhoeksplein

The tour concludes back at the starting point after 3 hours of filled with good conversation, tasting, and sightseeing. The bus ride itself is a highlight—comfortable, air-conditioned, and often accompanied by interesting tidbits from guides like Walther, who is praised for making the experience more engaging and fun.

What You Can Expect at Each Brewery

Oedipus Craft Space is often the first stop, known for its creative approach and excellent beers. Here, you’ll learn about their brewing philosophy and get a taste of their innovative brews. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, making it an ideal start.

The second and third breweries are kept a surprise, but reviews highlight that they are small, friendly, and passionate about craft beer. Expect a good variety of styles—some reviewers mention tasting “delicious craft beers” and “perfect atmospheres,” which suggests these breweries focus on quality and character.

The tastings are generous—three beers at each stop, totaling nine tastings—so you’ll likely find new favorites. Many reviews mention that guides share interesting facts about each beer, helping you appreciate your tasting experience more fully.

The Experience: Transportation, Guides, and Atmosphere

The luxury bus provides a comfortable setting for travel between breweries, with air conditioning making the journey pleasant, especially during warmer months. The small group size ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Guests like Kathy note her guide was “knowledgeable and friendly,” even tasting one of his beers with the group.

Guides often share insights about Amsterdam’s craft beer scene and history, adding context that enriches the tasting experience. The reviews speak highly of Walther, who is described as an “excellent host,” making the overall experience more personable and lively.

Pricing and Value

At $75.47, this tour offers value that balances transportation, guided brewery visits, and tastings. Considering you get to visit three breweries, sample nine beers, and enjoy a guided experience, this isn’t just a casual pub crawl—it’s a curated, informative adventure tailored for beer enthusiasts.

It’s worth noting that the tour does not include snacks or meals, so bring some snacks or plan to eat before or after. Nevertheless, the tastings are quite ample, and many reviewers felt they received good value for the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits a range of travelers: from craft beer fans eager to taste unique brews, to social groups looking for a lively afternoon, to those wanting to gain insight into Amsterdam’s brewing culture from passionate guides. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer a small, intimate tour rather than large group excursions.

If you’re short on time but still want an authentic, taste-focused experience outside the busy city center, this tour hits all the right notes. It also makes a great activity for a Saturday afternoon or a special outing in Amsterdam.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus is a standout option for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing, socializing, and tasting in a relaxed and authentic setting. With knowledgeable guides, delicious beers, and carefully curated brewery visits, it offers a balanced experience that’s both fun and educational.

While it doesn’t include meals, the generous tastings and engaging atmosphere compensate for that. The small group size enhances interaction, making it feel like a friendly outing rather than a commercial tour.

Ultimately, if you’re a beer lover, curious about Amsterdam’s craft scene, or just looking for a fun way to spend a few hours, this tour is a fantastic choice. It offers genuine insights, tasty beers, and the chance to meet fellow travelers—all wrapped up in a well-organized package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including visits to three breweries and transportation time.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers private transportation in a luxury bus, guided brewery visits, and nine beer tastings (three at each brewery).

Are the breweries outside the city center?
Yes, the breweries visited are small, independent locations just outside Amsterdam’s center, offering a more authentic craft experience.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Since tastings are part of the experience, it’s best suited for those who enjoy craft beer. However, non-drinkers might still enjoy the tour for the guides’ insights and the brewery atmospheres.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves alcohol tastings, it’s more appropriate for adults. Service animals are allowed.

To sum it up, this craft beer tour offers a perfect mix of local insight, tasty brews, and a social atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore Amsterdam’s new craft scene, it’s a memorable way to spend an afternoon.