Amsterdam Aficionado: A Dutch Delight for Cigar Lovers
Known for its canals, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Amsterdam is more than just a postcard-perfect city, it’s also a hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts.
The Dutch capital, born from a dam built over the Amstel River (hence the name Amstel-dam), blends old-world elegance with modern indulgence.
Cigar lounges here are typically found within or adjacent to tobacco shops, not hotels, so plan your visit around shop hours, usually until 7 p.m.
With a fine cigar in hand, Amsterdam’s scenic canals and cozy corners offer the perfect setting for a memorable smoke.
P.G.C. Hajenius: Amsterdam’s Temple of Tobacco
While strolling through bustling Rokin Street in central Amsterdam, take a midday detour into one of the city’s most iconic cigar destinations — P.G.C. Hajenius, a legendary tobacconist serving aficionados since 1826.
This architectural jewel greets visitors with grand oak doors, Art Deco interiors, Italian marble floors, artistic moldings, and a chandelier that once glowed with gaslight. It’s an immersive experience from the moment you step inside.
Hajenius maintains precise climate control for its broad selection of premium cigars, and offers private cigar lockers for devoted clients.
Pipe smokers can explore an impressive collection of pipe tobaccos and even collaborate with the expert staff to create a custom blend, which is archived for future orders.
At the heart of the shop lies the Heerenkamer — the Gentlemen’s Room — where a large antique table hints at decades of stories and conversations.
Today, this space hosts exclusive events such as cigar & whisky evenings, pipe workshops, and cigar-rolling sessions.
A separate, well-appointed cigar lounge invites guests to enjoy their recent purchases with a glass of port or a rich espresso.
But the soul of Hajenius is undoubtedly its dedicated, knowledgeable staff, offering every visitor a refined, personalized experience steeped in tradition.
📍 Address: Rokin 96, Amsterdam
📞 Phone: +31 20 623 7494
📧 Email: info@hajenius.com
🌐 hajenius.com
Speakeasy Cigar Lounge: Amsterdam’s Hidden Gem for Aficionados
The term “speakeasy” — once a whispered password during America’s Prohibition era — has taken on new life worldwide, reviving that alluring sense of secrecy and exclusivity.
In Amsterdam, it finds a refined, cigar-centered expression at the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, the first of its kind to embrace this concept in the world of fine tobacco.
To enter, you don’t just walk in. Guests must send a text or email (contact details below), receive a password, and arrive with it at Van Lookeren, a premium tobacconist and official Habanos Specialist.
There, staff will guide you to the discreet entrance of the lounge. Van Lookeren’s humidor features a rich collection of premium Cuban cigars — including rare and limited editions — alongside boutique selections from Panama, Costa Rica, and beyond.
Inside, the lounge is styled with a classic American flair: warm tones, plush leather chairs, and an atmosphere that balances comfort with exclusivity.
For groups of four or more, the lounge offers guided cigar tastings by appointment — perfect for connoisseurs or curious newcomers.
The air stays remarkably fresh, thanks to the use of Lampe Berger, a luxury French air purifier first developed in 1898 for hospital sanitation.
Today, it’s a collector’s piece, with designer versions by Chanel and Picasso — and it’s available for purchase in the adjoining shop.
Whether you’re after rare cigars, intimate tastings, or simply the thrill of a “members-only” escape, Speakeasy Cigar Lounge delivers an unforgettable experience for the true aficionado.
📍 Address: Gelderlandplein 143, Amsterdam
📞 Phone: +31 65 439 4697
📧 Email: cigar@cigarlounge.amsterdam
Freddy’s Bar: A Cigar Lover’s Escape at De L’Europe
Nestled in the iconic Hotel De L’Europe, overlooking the Amstel River and the historic Munttoren tower, Freddy’s Bar has long been a magnet for business elites, politicians, and film stars — many of whom come from beyond the hotel just for the experience.
Named after Alfred “Freddy” Heineken, legendary CEO and grandson of the Heineken brewery’s founder, the bar embodies refined indulgence.
It offers an extensive drink list including premium wines, craft beers, and award-winning cocktails — crowned Best Cocktail Bar in the Netherlands in 2011.
Adjacent to the main bar is the cigar lounge, where a timeless gentleman’s club aesthetic sets the tone: dark wood floors and walls, bottle-green leather armchairs, and a gold-detailed bar pouring elevated classics like cognac and gin.
The lounge features a walk-in humidor with a distinguished cigar selection. A professional cigar sommelier is on hand to guide your choice and light your cigar the traditional way — with Spanish cedar spills and long matches.
Every Thursday from 7 PM, Freddy’s comes alive with live jazz, adding yet another layer of old-world charm to this already unforgettable setting.
📍 Address: Hotel De L’Europe, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2–14, Amsterdam
📞 Phone: +31 20 531 1777
📧 Email: hotel@deleurope.com
🌐 deleurope.com
