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Plan your visit to the House of Bols in Amsterdam

Visiting House of Bols Amsterdam feels less like walking through a museum and more like stepping into the world of cocktails and flavour. The experience is compact, self-guided, and easygoing, letting you explore at your own pace through interactive rooms filled with aromas, tastings, and hands-on displays. While it’s not a huge attraction, knowing what to focus on helps you fully enjoy the sensory elements and avoid rushing.

Navigating your way

Want to get hands-on with your drink?

Dive deeper into the story of Lucas Bols, explore the botanicals behind authentic Dutch genever, and join a hands-on workshop where you create two unique cocktails yourself, guided by expert bartenders. It’s an immersive way to experience House of Bols beyond the exhibits.

How to make the most of your time?

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Quick visit

1–1.5 hrs

Entrance → History Room → Hall of Taste → Mirror Bar

Experience the essence of House of Bols in a short time—taste the key liqueurs, discover the history, and enjoy a signature cocktail.

Balanced visit

2–3 hrs

Entrance → History Room → Art of Flavour → Hall of Taste → Ingredient Room → Genever Room → Mirror Bar → Workshop

Dive into history and sensory exploration, pausing to smell, taste, and interact. You can also enjoy a hands-on workshop to craft your own cocktails.

Handy tips

  • Reserve ahead: Book your tickets a week or two in advance so you don’t miss your preferred slot, especially on weekends and during summer.
  • Pick calmer windows: Arrive between 1 pm and 2 pm on weekdays for the quietest rooms. Crowds usually build after 3 pm on weekends.
  • Try the workshop: Cocktail workshops sell out fast. Reserve at least two weeks ahead if you want a hands-on mixology session.
  • Follow the flow: Stick to the one-way route from History to Flavour to Tasting to the Mirror Bar to avoid backtracking.
  • Taste strategically: Save your Mirror Bar cocktail for the end so your palate stays sharp for the Hall of Taste.

Explore the House of Bols

Before you get there

Know before booking your House of Bols tickets

  • Decision factors: Choosing the right House of Bols ticket depends on the kind of experience you want and your passion for liqueurs.
  • Audio guide: If you want to learn about the history of Lucas Bols, the art of mixology, and the secrets behind the world’s oldest spirit brand, the audio guide ticket is for you. You can explore the museum’s zones at your own pace and finish your visit with a signature cocktail at the Mirror Bar.
  • Craft Workshop Ticket: If you want a hands-on experience and the chance to experiment with flavours, the Craft Workshop ticket is the better choice. You get to create two cocktails under expert guidance, enjoy a signature serve at the Mirror Bar, and learn mixology techniques more interactively.
  • Age requirements: This experience is only for guests 18 and above. A valid ID is required for entry.
  • Accessibility considerations: The House of Bols includes stairs and interactive stations. While most areas are accessible, visitors with mobility limitations should plan accordingly.

Your House of Bols tickets explained

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range

Audio Guide Ticket

Entry to the Bols cocktail experience, multilingual audio guide, one signature cocktail at Mirror Bar

Self-paced exploration and tasting

€19.50

Craft Workshop Ticket

Entry to the Bols cocktail experience, multilingual audio guide, one signature cocktail at Mirror Bar and a chance to create 2 serves during the workshop with expert guidance

Hands-on mixology and flavour experimentation

€34.50

House of Bols timings

DayTimings

Sunday – Thursday

1 pm to 6:30 pm

Friday – Saturday

1 pm to 9 pm

Note: Bar service continues for about 1 hour after ticket sales.

Best time to visit

Where is House of Bols located?

Getting there

Facilities 

  • Audio guides: Audio guides are available in multiple languages to explore the exhibition at your own pace.
  • Mirror Bar cocktail: The tour ends with a professionally prepared cocktail served at the Mirror Bar.
  • Cocktail workshops: Hands-on cocktail workshops are available as a bookable add-on.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available within the premises.
  • Gift shop: House of Bols has a gift shop selling a variety of liquors and souvenirs.

Accessibility 

  • Wheelchair accessibility: The venue is accessible for visitors using wheelchairs.
  • Service animal access: Service animals are allowed within the venue.
  • Accessible paths: The exhibition features step-free routes and areas suitable for wheelchair use.

Visiting with family

  • Strollers can be brought into the venue, and pathways are fully accessible.
  • Family rest areas are available throughout the exhibition for short breaks.
  • The Mirror Bar offers kid-friendly drink options for younger visitors.
  • The on-site gift shop includes items suitable for children.

Rules and restrictions

  • Entry is allowed only with a valid ticket and entry time. Late arrivals may be admitted within a limited window.
  • Alcoholic drinks are served only to those aged 18 and above with a valid photo ID.
  • Large bags and outside food or drinks are not permitted inside.
  • Photography for personal use is generally allowed unless staff indicate otherwise.
  • Smoking, including e‑cigarettes, is prohibited inside the venue.

Where to eat

Where to shop

Where to stay

Frequently asked questions about visiting House of Bols

The self-guided experience usually takes 60 minutes. Adding a cocktail workshop can extend the visit to 1.5–2 hours.