The Heineken Beer Museum in Amsterdam: A Unique Experience

The Heineken Beer Museum in Amsterdam shows how they make their world-famous beer and reveals the secrets of trade. You can experience the crafting of one of the most popular and famous beers in the world, and even sample a little fresh from the source. Learn more below about how to visit the museum and what to expect.

The museum visit is highly enjoyable and interactive, featuring tastings, audiovisual experiences, and even 4D screenings that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the brewing process. During the tour, visitors can touch the ingredients used to make the beer, learn about the eight-week production process, and see the original brewing kettles up close. Visitors can also explore historical advertising campaigns and the brand's graphic elements, all within a beautifully designed space that makes the experience particularly appealing to beer lovers.

The museum spans over 3,000 square meters across two floors and follows a set route. There are three bars along the way where visitors can take a break, and the admission ticket includes tokens that can be redeemed for drinks.

At the end of the visit, guests receive a commemorative memento and can even personalize a Heineken bottle as a souvenir. The visit lasts approximately one hour.

What is the Heineken Experience?

This iconic and historic beer museum in Amsterdam has been one of the top tourist attractions in the city since opening to the public in 1991. The first Heineken brewery was built on this site in 1867 but the majority of the production has since relocated to the outskirts of the city, leaving this to serve as a tourist attraction. It promises an exciting sensory experience, with a boat ride and the chance to sample the renowned Heineken brews. Beer tasting is included in the admission price – for adults only, of course!

The museum has gradually expanded over the years and was officially named "the Heineken Experience" in 2001. Visitors can explore the 19th century architecture, admire old photographs and other memorabilia from the Heineken family and witness the brewing processes at the most renowned beer museum in Amsterdam.

The Heineken Museum in Amsterdam offers several packages and different ways to get the full “Heineken Experience.” You can book tickets for a tour of the original brewery only or combine that experience with a rooftop hangout overlooking Amsterdam’s most famous skyline features. You can also book a VIP experience to get even more details behind the scenes, and you can even add one-hour canal cruise along with the tour. Another cruise option is the Rock the City Tour, which starts at the Heineken Museum and offers a longer cruise around the city’s canals. 

Getting here and booking advice

Guests to the beer museum in Amsterdam will be happy to know that it is open 365 days a year and 7 days a week. Standard opening hours are from 10:30am until 5:30pm, with later opening on weekends. Allow yourself at least an hour and a half to get the best out of the tour.
Booking online is a good way to save money and guarantee a spot. Children below 12 years old can enter free of charge. Many of the city's boat tours even make stops right in front of the brewery so passengers can alight for the Heineken Experience.

Guests to the beer museum in Amsterdam will be happy to know that it is open 365 days a year and 7 days a week. Standard opening hours are from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm, with later opening on weekends. Allow yourself at least an hour and a half to get the best out of the tour. Booking online is a good way to save money and guarantee a spot. Accompanied minors are allowed, but beer will not be served, of course. Many of the city's boat tours even make stops right in front of the brewery so passengers can alight for the Heineken Experience.

Standard tickets start at around 25 €, depending on the package. You can add on a boat tour, for example. For an additional five euros, you can extend the tour and finish the experience on the Heinkeken roof. 

The Heineken Museum in Amsterdam is unlike any other beer tour in the world. You’ll get an up-close and personal view of the unique process by which Heineken is made, the history of one of the oldest beer companies in the world, and your own personal sample straight from the source. Be sure to add the Heineken Museum to your to-do list in Amsterdam

Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our best city center hotels in Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop by the Heineken Museum in Amsterdam during one of the canal tours? 

Yes, many boat tours (booked separately) stop by the Heineken Museum and allow you to step off the boat and take the tour. The Heineken Museum also has its own boat tours that start from the Museum. 

Can I take my children to the beer museum in Amsterdam?

While in the past the beer museum allowed all children under the age of 12 to enter for free, the museum has instituted a new policy that does not allow any visitors under the legal drinking age of 18. 

Do I get beer included with the Heineken tour? 

Beer is offered throughout the tour and afterwards. If you book a rooftop experience, you can purchase additional beer. 

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!