A visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its quirky, historical spots, and ’t Aepjen is certainly one of those places that offers a fascinating story. It’s not just a pub – it’s a piece of Dutch history, and its tale of sailors, monkeys, and fleas is one that will make you smile. Hundreds of years ago, a sailor who couldn’t pay his bill for drinks decided to give his pet monkey as payment. But this monkey, a tropical pet, was covered in fleas, which ended up causing a lot of discomfort for the other patrons of the bar. That’s how the saying ‘you’ve stayed at the monkey’ was born, referring to a place where you would stay if you had no money and were in trouble. While the pub itself is no longer a place for families to hang out, the exterior and history are worth checking out if you happen to be nearby.
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Why should you visit this bar? ‘t Aepjen is an iconic part of Amsterdam’s history, and it’s not every day that you come across a pub that once hosted a flea-infested monkey. The charm of the place lies in its history, and while you might not be able to experience the original monkey-related chaos, it’s still a fun and memorable spot to check out.
The best thing about this bar is the unique historical story behind it. While it’s not a place for kids to hang out, it’s still worth a visit if you enjoy quirky, off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s best to admire the pub from the outside and move on. You’ll only need a few minutes to take in the charm of this historic building, and since it’s located in the busy Zeedijk area, it’s best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds. Early mornings or weekdays are your best bet. From Central Station, ’t Aepjen is about a 10-minute walk. Head towards the Zeedijk street, you’ll find the pub after 10 meters on the left. When you walk from New Market, walk through Zeedijk towards the end, through Amsterdam’s Chinatown, filled with interesting sights along the way.
Plan Your Visit
More Information
’T AEPJEN
Zeedijk 1
1012 AJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mon-Sun 12:00-22:00
About This Area
THE OLD CHURCH & NEW MARKET
This area, called de Oudezijds or Old Side, is indeed the oldest part of town. It was built before the Golden Age (17th century) and the famous Canal Belt. The church standing in the middle has something peculiar about it. It is the oldest building in the city, so it seems quite understandable that it is now called Oude Kerk (Old Church). Not all streets and canals in this area are suitable for children, avoid the so-called Red Light District.
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