House of Bols I Historic Distillery Experience

Amsterdam, the vibrant Dutch capital, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and cultural richness. Among its attractions is the House of Bols, a historic distillery dating back to 1575. As the birthplace of Bols Genever, the precursor to modern gin, it draws visitors with its fascinating history and interactive exhibits. Discover ticket options and essential information to ensure a fulfilling experience at this iconic Amsterdam attraction.

Why Visit House of Bols?

House of Bols
  • Historic significance: Step inside Amsterdam’s oldest working distillery, founded in 1575, and trace centuries of local craftsmanship and heritage.
  • Genever heritage: Discover the birthplace of Genever — a historic Dutch specialty that paved the way for modern distilling traditions.
  • Flavour journey: Experience a wide range of signature blends and unique house recipes, each telling its own story through taste and aroma.
  • Craft workshops: Join expert-led sessions to master blending techniques and creative pairings inspired by House of Bols’ rich legacy.

House of Bols Highlights

Mirror Bar

The Mirror Bar lets you shape your own tasting journey. Pick your preferred flavours and watch skilled hosts transform them into unique signature blends, turning personal taste into an interactive sensory experience.

Genever Room

Travel back in time in the Genever Room, where you’ll uncover the fascinating story of this iconic Dutch specialty — from its early days as a local elixir to its influence on distilling traditions worldwide.

Do it yourself mixology

After the tour, head to the Do It Yourself Bar, where you can experiment with different flavours and techniques to craft your own unique blends — a playful, hands-on way to put your skills to the test.

Shake it up cocktail workshop

Take your skills further in the Shake It Up Workshop. Guided by experts, this session shows you how to balance flavours, experiment with fresh ingredients, and master the craft behind these iconic Dutch creations.

Plan Your Visit

House of Bols

Opening hours: 1 PM to 6:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 1 PM to 9 PM (Friday and Saturday)

Closed on: None; House of Bols is open every day of the week.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the House of Bols is during weekdays and early afternoons to enjoy a more personalized experience and avoid large crowds.

House of Bols

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 12 14 16, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Find on Maps

  • By Tram: Hop on tram lines 2, 12, or 24 from Amsterdam, Dam
    Closest stop: Museumplein or Vijzelgracht, depending on which line you get on.
  • By Metro: Get on metro line 52 from Central Station
    Closest stop: Vijzelgracht, 850 m away from the attraction.
  • By Car: Drive down the S100 route from Oude Kerk attraction. It is 6 km away and will take around 25-30 minutes away, depending on the traffic conditions.
    Closest parking spot: ParkBee Amsterdam Marriott Hotel car parking is the closest available (700 m away).
House of Bols
  • House of Bols has restrooms within its premises.
  • Guests can store their bags and coats in the cloakroom.
  • There is free Wi-Fi at the museum.
  • You can get gifts and souvenirs from the House of Bols gift shop.
  • Audio guides are available in 5 languages: English, French, Dutch, Spanish and German.
House of Bols
  • The House of Bols offers wheelchair accessibility throughout the attraction.
  • Elevators can be used to access all the floors at the House of Bols.
  • Portable ramps are also available.
House of Bols
  • Admittance is restricted to individuals under the age of 18.
  • Please respect your slot timings and reach the attraction early for hassle-free entrance.
  • Smoking may be prohibited within the premises.
  • Certain areas may require visitors to maintain a quieter atmosphere.
  • Guests may be prohibited from bringing outside food or beverages.
  • Visitors are expected to behave respectfully towards staff and fellow patrons.
  • Adhere to any posted safety instructions and emergency procedures.
House of Bols
  • Srikandi (500 m): A true haven for enthusiasts of Indonesian cuisine, Srikandi immerses visitors in Indonesia's rich and diverse flavors, presenting a menu featuring aromatic and flavorful dishes that capture the essence of their country’s authentic culinary traditions.
  • Hosokawa (650 m): Hosokawa stands out as a Japanese culinary gem, renowned for its exquisite and authentic offerings. From meticulously crafted sushi to traditional delicacies like sashimi, this restaurant delivers an authentic taste of Japan, all within the heart of Amsterdam.
  • Mangia Pizza & Wine da Antonio (900 m): A stone's throw from the House of Bols, Mangia Pizza & Wine da Antonio specializes in genuine Italian fare, focusing on mouthwatering pizzas and a curated array of premium wines.
House of Bols
  • Van Gogh Museum (180 m): The Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. You will encounter an extensive array of paintings and drawings, offering insight into the artistic progression and genius of the renowned Dutch painter.
  • Rijksmuseum (300 m): A cornerstone of Dutch heritage, the Rijksmuseum is a comprehensive repository of Dutch art and history. It features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts, including iconic pieces such as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch."
  • Foam (1.8 km): Foam is Amsterdam's leading photography museum dedicated to contemporary photographic art. Exhibitions present a nuanced exploration of visual storytelling, showcasing innovative perspectives and the evolving landscape of modern photography.
House of Bols

Luxury: Conservatorium Hotel (160 m), Pulitzer Amsterdam (2.3 km), Hotel Okura Amsterdam (2.4 km)

Mid-budget: Hotel JL No76 (190 m), Hotel Roemer (700 m), Hotel Catalonia Vondel Amsterdam (750 m)

Low-budget: Hotel Aalders (180 m), Hotel Abba (800 m), Hotel Titus (950 m)

Visitor Tips

  • Save time by booking tickets online to avoid long queues.
  • Consider participating in a mixology workshop for a hands-on experience.
  • Ensure compliance with age restrictions for alcoholic tastings.
  • Plan approximately 1-2 hours to have a luxurious experience at the attraction.
  • Opt for weekdays and non-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
  • Explore the gift shop for exclusive Bols products as memorable souvenirs.
  • This experience may include alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry valid ID. Drink responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions About House of Bols

House of Bols is a distillery museum in Amsterdam that showcases the history of Bols Genever and offers interactive exhibits and mixology experiences.