Het Wapen van Londen is a compact karaoke and gay-friendly bar at Amstel 14, 1017 AA Amsterdam, on the eastern edge of the city-centre canal belt by Rembrandtplein. Also known to regulars as the Czech and Slovak Café, it occupies a historic Amstel-side building distinguished by a raised neck gable with pilasters dated 1661. Travelers come for an informal late-night drink, sociable sing-alongs and a local alternative to the larger clubs around Leidseplein.
What to Expect at Het Wapen van Londen
This is a small, characterful bar rather than a purpose-built karaoke lounge with private suites. The mood is convivial and camp, with karaoke at the core of the experience: expect guests and groups taking turns on familiar crowd-pleasers, conversation at the bar, and a room that feels most animated later in the evening. Its identity as a Czech and Slovak meeting place adds a distinctive Central European strand to Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ bar scene.
Look up before going in: the building’s 1661 raised neck gable and pilasters are an unusually old architectural detail on this busy stretch of the Amstel. Inside, the focus is drinks and company rather than a full restaurant menu; plan on the €€ price tier for a night out. It is a good fit for visitors who would rather join an unpretentious mixed crowd than commit to a ticketed club night. Late Friday and Saturday are the peak social periods, while early opening hours suit a quieter first drink.
- Karaoke atmosphere: A public, social sing-along format suited to groups, spontaneous performers and supportive spectators.
- Czech and Slovak Café identity: A long-standing Central European community connection that distinguishes the bar from generic party venues.
- 1661 gable: The façade’s raised neck gable with pilasters gives the address a tangible link to old Amsterdam architecture.
- Amstel location: Steps from Rembrandtplein, with canal-side streets, theatres and central nightlife close at hand.
- Late closing: Friday and Saturday hours run until 3am, making it an easy last stop after dinner or a show.
Het Wapen van Londen at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Amstel 14, 1017 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Amsterdam-Centrum, Amstel / Rembrandtplein |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 4pm–1am; Fri 4pm–3am; Sat 2pm–3am; Sun 4pm–1am |
| Admission / Price Range | No general admission charge; drinks at a €€ price tier |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Rembrandtplein tram stop (lines 4 and 14); Waterlooplein Metro is about a 10-minute walk. Parking Waterlooplein is nearby. |
| Official Website & Phone | Phone: +31 6 40762392 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive soon after opening if you want a drink and a look at the historic façade before the room fills; come after 10pm on Friday or Saturday for the fullest karaoke energy. Walk-ins are the natural approach for a bar of this size, but larger groups should call ahead, particularly for weekend plans. Bring a contactless card: card payment is standard in Amsterdam, and carrying a small amount of cash remains useful for incidental purchases elsewhere in the centre.
Tram lines 4 and 14 stop at Rembrandtplein, a few minutes away on foot; Metro lines 51, 53 and 54 serve Waterlooplein roughly 10 minutes away. Drivers can use Parking Waterlooplein and finish on foot, avoiding the difficulty of street parking in the canal belt. The historic, narrow-fronted setting makes it sensible for wheelchair users and guests with mobility needs to call ahead about the entrance, interior circulation and toilet access. Nearby, stroll five minutes to Rembrandtplein, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet at Waterlooplein, or the Willet-Holthuysen Museum on Herengracht; Utrechtsestraat’s cafés and restaurants are also within an easy 10-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Het Wapen van Londen’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The bar opens at 4pm Monday through Friday and Sunday, and at 2pm on Saturday. It closes at 1am most nights and 3am on Friday and Saturday; arrive early for a calmer drink or later on weekends for a busier sing-along crowd.
Is there an entry fee or do I need a reservation?
There is no general admission charge for entering the bar. It operates at a €€ drinks price level, and walk-ins are suitable for most visits; call +31 6 40762392 before bringing a larger weekend group.
How long should I plan to spend here?
Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for drinks, karaoke and a relaxed social visit. Its Rembrandtplein location makes it especially easy to combine with dinner on Utrechtsestraat, a theatre performance, or another central Amsterdam bar.
Is Het Wapen van Londen suitable for families or wheelchair users?
This is primarily an adult-oriented late-night bar, especially after dark and on weekends. The 17th-century building has a compact historic footprint, so guests using wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility aids should phone ahead to arrange the most comfortable visit.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or browsing verified karaoke bar in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including SottoZero Gelatobar Amsterdam: Visitor Guide & Menu, Nesciobrug, Conscious Café, and Incanto (nearby).
