House of Bols: Tickets and Tours

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of liqueurs and spirits and book your House of Bols tickets, experience an unique museum located in Amsterdam — one famously home to the world's oldest distilled spirit.

Originally produced in 1575, the Lucas Bols spirit comes in over three-dozen different flavors and has a rich, expansive past.

Here, in this interactive museum, the history of liquor making is documented with exhibits ranging from ancient distillation machines to make-your-own cocktail experiences!

Explore this vibrant and exciting museum with hands-on displays, an immersive multimedia experience and creative workshops to boot. Step back in time as you uncover the secrets of centuries-old spirits that are still enjoyed today.

Discover the artistry behind each bottle of Lucas Bols and find out why it has been a beloved spirit for generations. Not only can you learn about these beverages, but you will also have an opportunity to sample them for yourself.

This is a great stop for lovers of cocktails and history alike, making it suitable for a wide range of guests and travelers.

Here's all you need to know about House of Bols, one of the most exciting museums in Amsterdam.

How much do House of Bols tickets cost?

There are multiple price points for tickets to the House of Bols, depending on concessions and type of experience.

The standard ticket costs €17.50, which includes a guided tour and a free cocktail at the museum bar.

There's a premium ticket that costs €21.00 which includes a guided tour, free cocktail, special gift, and 10% off at the gift shop.

Tickets are also cheaper during the hours of 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday nights, with standard tickets costing only €12.50

Who is eligible for discounts?

Students get a small discount on standard ticket prices, gaining admission for €16. Amsterdam City Card holders also get a deal, bringing the standard ticket price to €13.

Compared to other Amsterdam museums, the House of Bols is one of the more affordable.

If you're planning on using the House of Bols as the starting point on your Amsterdam adventure, it's worth considering a museum and nightlife combo ticket.

Designed to provide the best value for money for partygoers, this ticket includes admission to the House of Bols, a cocktail at the museum bar and free or discounted entry into dozens of nearby clubs.

Should you book in advance?

Yes, it is important to book in advance as all tickets are for specific timeslots, with tours running every hour. Therefore, it is best to book ahead of time to make sure the time you want is available.

If you don't book in advance, you may be able to purchase a ticket at the door, but it is not guaranteed.

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through the history of liqueurs and spirits? Get your House of Bols tickets today and explore all this museum has to offer!

What are the best House of Bols tours?

There are several tours that enhance your experience at the House of Bols and are very much worth considering for those who want to get the most out of their visit. The most popular options are listed below.

House of Bols museum tour

The self-guided tour experience runs you past the exhibits that display ancient distilling equipment, and bottle design and ends on a visit to the famous Mirror Bar.

Here, you can sample the old spirit that you've just learned so much about before heading into the gift shop or sticking around for a discounted drink or two at the bar!

House of Bols cocktail workshop

Along with admission to the museum, this tour also includes a cocktail-making workshop where you'll pick up skills that will be sure to impress at the next dinner party you host.

Following your tour, the experienced bartenders at House of Bols let you in on a few secrets to making the most delicious drinks around.

Led by local expert distillers and mixologists, this award-winning experience is both modernly designed and beautifully crafted with heritage woven into every corner.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including the House of Bols and other attractions?

For those wanting to save time - and a bit of money - there are a handful tours available that also combine other nearby attractions.

Some tours also show you some of the surrounding nightlife after your museum visit so you can experience the history of the museum as well as the modern nightclub experience in Amsterdam!

The most popular combo tours are listed in further detail below:

Amsterdam nightlife tour plus House of Bols tour

Capable of being used over a 48 hour period, this combo ticket is reserved for party-goers. In addition to including an access ticket to the House of Bols, you'll receive an exclusive access pass to more than 20 clubs, covering all bases of Amsterdam's famous post-sundown entertainment.

Depending on your package, this would usually include the famous Club Prime, techno club John Doe and Latin hotspot El Punto Latino.

At most clubs, you'll be greeted with complimentary welcome drinks and shots, with 2-for-1 cocktail specials at others (such as Hot Or Not).

The combo ticket also covers entre to the Holland Casino Amsterdam, with a free drink on arrival. Throw in bonus additions like free make-up touch-up at Douglas, double beer allowances at Delirium, and a €10 Uber voucher, and you've got the recipe for a perfect night out.

What will you see inside?

The House of Bols has won the Dutch Design Award for Best Exhibition & Experience so you're sure to be shown a great time during your visit.

There are several parts to the experience, beginning with the Art of Flavour and Hall of Taste rooms where the history and processes behind crafting Bols liqueurs are revealed.

From there, you'll be shown the Genever Room which is a multi-sensory experience of smell and taste — it's here where you'll be able to find your favorite of the 42 different flavors.

Once you find your pick of the selection you'll reach the Mirror Bar, where some of the world's greatest bartenders will mix up cocktails with your chosen spirits. Finally, there's the gift shop where you can grab some ingredients to make up some drinks at home!

Before you go, you can pop into the gift shop where an array  of spirits, glasses and accessories await you. With these souvenirs in hand, your House of Bols experience will be remembered for years to come.

Throughout the experience, there are also knowledgable staff on hand to  answer any questions you may have and provide extra insight into the world of distilling.

How to get there?

House of Bols is located in the museum district of Amsterdam, just a few minutes from the sprawling Vondelpark. It is easily accessible by public transport from Central Station and there are plenty of taxis around if you prefer to take one.

It is serviced by bus routes 170 and 172 as well as Tram numbers 2 and 5. Just make sure to hop off at stop Rijksmuseum or Museumplein to be within a short walk of the museum!

Within arm's reach of the House of Bols, you'll find the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum – all of which are worth a visit in their own right.

If you want to walk from Central Station, the scenic stroll will take about 35 minutes.

What are the opening times?

From Sunday to Thursday, the House of Bols is open between 1 PM and 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday, the museum is open from 1 PM to 9 PM.

Entry timeslots are usually every half hour and must be booked in advance. It's generally advised to allow yourself at least two hours to take in the full experience.

When is the best time to visit the House of Bols?

If you're after a quieter, more intimate experience, weekdays are the best time to go. This is generally the case with most Amsterdam attractions, as weekends tend to be more popular and it can become quite busy.

However, if you love a bit of a bustling nightlife, the cheaper 6 PM to 9 PM tickets on Friday and Saturday are a great way to start your evening in Amsterdam, although expect it to be crowded!

Thanks to its location, you can start your evening here with a cocktail and carry on to a handful of bars and clubs within walking distance to make the most of the post-sundown entertainment nearby.

Which other attractions and museums can be visited in Amsterdam?

• Heineken Experience
• Moco Museum
• NEMO Science Museum
• WONDR Experience
• Micropia Museum
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
• Ripley's Believe It or Not

Travel tips

• Book your tours in advance and online to secure the time slot you are after.
• Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your tour and your time at the bar.
• Bring some extra cash if you want to take some Bols spirits back home with you!
• Since you'll have the opportunity to drink, consider making the House of Bols your first stop on an Amsterdam night out — with the Red Light District,  Jordaan and Leidseplein all within walking distance, there's plenty nearby to make an evening of it.