In 't Aepjen Historic Bar

Red Light District, Amsterdam –

Legend has it that In ’t Aepjen – the first bar built on the first established street in Amsterdam – was a favorite party place in the 1500s among sailors who paid their tabs not with coins, but with “exotic treasure” – in other words, monkeys.

What started as a joke between a barman and a sailor grew into a rumor, so much so that the bar actually did house a number of apes offered by sailors in exchange for drinks – hence the name In ’t Aepjen (In the little Apes).

The bar is one of only two wooden-front houses left in Amsterdam, and the interior décor is just as historic.

Authentic beer barrels, large Rembrandt prints, dusty liquor jugs, antique portraits and posters, and a small, low bar with a brass rail create a genuine feel that takes patrons back to the sixteenth century.

After a few drinks, in fact, it’s quite easy to imagine the space, with its collection of primate figurines, full of sailors and monkeys enjoying the same informal and convivial environment that lively customers still appreciate today, centuries later.

The clientele varies depending on the time of day, but guests can expect to find a cheerful and somewhat male-dominated crowd of all ages.

From young professionals to retirees, In ’t Aepjen welcomes anyone up for a night of easygoing monkeying around.