De Druif

Café De Druif, located on Rapenburgerplein, is one of the oldest brown cafés within Amsterdam’s current boundaries. The historic building dates back to 1566 and officially received its liquor license in 1631. But local stories suggest naval hero Piet Hein – who died in 1629 – already called this pub his favorite. That makes De Druif part of old-Amsterdam’s heritage.

One of the most famous regulars was Piet Hein, the renowned Dutch admiral and seafarer. He became legendary for capturing the Spanish treasure fleet in 1628, bringing an enormous financial boost to the Dutch Republic. Hein was known as a disciplined man, yet one who inspired and protected his crew. It’s easy to imagine him at this very bar, sharing tales of the seas with fellow sailors, a glass of jenever in hand.

Once, De Druif was a sailors’ enlistment pub, where men signed up for voyages, and a cluster of grapes hung from the façade as a sign that this was the place to embark on adventure. Inside, the heavy liquor casks and gas lanterns still recall its days as a distillery. Step inside, taste a jenever, and realize you’re drinking in a living bastion of the city’s history – rooted in trade, seafaring, and gezelligheid.