Amsterdam: Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings

When it comes to experiencing Amsterdam’s lively and innovative craft beer scene, this guided brewery bus tour offers an engaging blend of local flavor, expert insights, and relaxed fun. For about three hours, you’ll hop through three distinct breweries, tasting a variety of unique beers and getting behind-the-scenes access, including an exclusive brewery tour at one location. The price point of $68 per person makes it a compelling option for beer lovers eager to explore the city’s microbrewery culture without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the small-group vibe combined with the informative guidance from knowledgeable hosts. The tour’s flexibility in changing breweries each day adds an element of surprise, and the inclusion of transport means you can focus on enjoying the beers rather than worrying about logistics. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not designed for those with mobility issues, as the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible. This activity is best suited for travelers who love craft beer, enjoy social outings, and are keen to discover Amsterdam’s local brewing talent in a lively, relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit three different microbreweries, each with its own character.
• Expert Guidance: Learn about the breweries and beers from a professional guide who shares fun facts.
• Inclusive Tastings: Enjoy nine beer tasters across the stops, including a special guided tour at one brewery.
• Convenient Transport: All transport is included, making it a hassle-free way to explore multiple venues.
• Surprise Element: The breweries visited change daily, adding an element of discovery.
• Social Atmosphere: Ideal for groups, friends, or families (over 18), seeking a fun, relaxed day out.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This brewery bus tour packs in a lot of fun and flavor in just three hours. Starting at Overhoeksplein, a lively square just behind Amsterdam’s Central Station, you’ll meet your guide—easily identifiable in a bright yellow shirt—who will lead you on a journey through the city’s craft beer scene. The first stop involves a quick 15-minute bus ride to your first brewery, setting the tone for an afternoon of discovery and refreshment.

The Brewery Stops

Oedipus Brewing is your first official brewery visit. Known for its vibrant, artistic vibe, Oedipus is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You’ll spend around 45 minutes here, sampling a selection of the brewery’s signature beers. Reviewers mention that the beers were well chosen and align with the brewery’s creative identity. One guest noted that as a homebrewer, they appreciated the quality, though they wished for a bit more detail about the brewing process—an indication of the brewery’s focus on quality over technical explanations.

Next, after a short ride, you’ll arrive at the Craft Beer Brewery for another 45-minute stop, which includes a guided tour. This is the highlight for many, as it offers an inside look at the brewing process and a chance to ask questions directly to the brewers. During our research, a reviewer mentioned that their guide shared fun facts and made the experience engaging, contributing to a memorable visit.

The final brewery, Breugem Beer, is a smaller, intimate venue where you’ll get a quick 15-minute taste experience. This stop is perfect for rounding out your beer journey with another local flavor. Reviewers appreciated the diversity of breweries, noting that each had its own personality and style, making the overall experience rich and varied.

The Guided Tour and Tastings

Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights about Amsterdam’s craft beer scene, the history of each brewery, and what makes their beers special. The nine tastings are spread across the stops, with three at each location, giving you a good sense of each brewery’s signature styles. Reviewers have praised the selection, highlighting the quality and variety of the beers, as well as the friendly, professional guides.

Logistics and Practical Details

The entire experience is all-inclusive—transportation, three brewery visits, and tastings—streamlining the outing so you can focus on the beers and conversation. The tour lasts about three hours, making it a perfect midday activity without feeling rushed. Starting from a central location behind Amsterdam Central Station, it’s easy to access, even if you’re arriving by train or ferry.

The tour operates in multiple languages, including Dutch, German, and English, ensuring language is not a barrier. Be mindful that the activity isn’t suitable for children under 18 or those with mobility challenges, as the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $68 per person, the value becomes clear when you think about the included transport, expert guide, and the opportunity to taste a variety of local beers without the hassle of planning individual visits. The fact that the breweries are different each day keeps the experience fresh for repeat visitors, and the insider access at one brewery adds an extra layer of exclusivity.

Travelers who love craft beer, enjoy social outings, and want a relaxed, well-organized way to explore Amsterdam’s microbreweries will find this tour highly rewarding. The reviews underscore the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the beers—one guest called the experience “just awesome,” and others appreciated the fun facts and professional hosting, making it clear that the tour offers both education and entertainment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is perfect for groups of friends or couples looking for a lively, social experience. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the tastings and the behind-the-scenes access, while casual drinkers will enjoy discovering new local brews in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for those wanting to combine sightseeing with sampling some of Amsterdam’s best craft beers.

However, if you’re not a fan of beer or require accessibility accommodations, this might not be the best fit. The tour’s focus on microbreweries and tastings means it is best suited for adults over 18 with an interest in beer and social experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a fun, authentic taste of Amsterdam’s craft beer world, this brewery bus tour ticks several boxes. It offers a convenient, social way to explore multiple breweries, taste a broad range of beers, and learn from knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of an exclusive brewery tour adds a touch of uniqueness, making it more than just a tasting session.

The tour is especially attractive for beer lovers who want to understand the local brewing scene beyond just drinking—learning about the breweries’ backgrounds, styles, and innovations. It’s a balanced mix of education, entertainment, and excellent value, suitable for travelers who enjoy laid-back group activities and discovering local flavors.

If you’re after a lively, well-organized way to sample Amsterdam’s craft beers and want insider insights from passionate guides, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the brewery tour is only open to guests over 18, as it involves alcohol tastings.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about three hours, including transportation, brewery visits, and tastings.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
Yes, the tour is available in Dutch, German, and English, so language should not be a barrier.

Is the transportation included?
Yes, all transportation between breweries is included in the ticket price.

Are the breweries different each day?
Yes, the breweries visited change daily, which keeps the experience fresh for repeat visitors.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the bus is not wheelchair accessible, so it’s best to check accessibility options if needed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included?
No, food is not included, but you’re welcome to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

This guided brewery bus tour in Amsterdam promises a fun, relaxed way to dive into the city’s craft beer scene, with the added bonus of expert guidance and exclusive access. Whether you’re a dedicated beer connoisseur or just looking to enjoy some local flavors with friends, it’s a lively experience worth considering during your visit.