What Is the Nightlife like in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and the Netherlands’ cultural capital. With its unique canals, museums, Amsterdam’s red light district, and its famous coffee shops, it’s no surprise that the nightlife here is popular among locals and tourists alike. From traditional pubs to modern nightclubs and romantic beer gardens, Amsterdam offers something for everyone when it comes to nightlife.

The city is bustling with activity throughout the day and night, so you certainly won’t be at a loss for options when it comes to how to spend your evenings. To give you an insight into the best of Amsterdam after dark, here is a guide of some of the greatest places to experience the city’s nightlife.

Popular Nightlife Areas in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is concentrated in certain parts of the city. One of the most popular neighbourhoods is the Red Light District, which is famous across the world due to its ‘liberal attitudes’. Around this area, you’ll find a variety of bars, clubs and live music venues to enjoy.

If you are looking for something more traditional but still buzzing with energy, head to Leidseplein Square in the city centre. This area attracts people who are on the lookout for an authentic Dutch café experience and an alternative underground scene. Additionally, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat before you start exploring the area further.

The Jordaan district is also home to many music bars, where you can choose from a selection of traditional Dutch and international music to dance the night away. This is where to go if you’re after a relaxed and laidback vibe, as many of these cafes offer drinks and snacks and provide a chill atmosphere.

Other popular districts for nightlife include Reguliersdwarsstraat, Pijp and Leidsebuurt.

Bars and Pubs in Amsterdam

Whether you want to enjoy a cold beer with traditional Dutch snacks or prepare yourself for hours of dancing at a nightclub, Amsterdam has something for everyone when it comes to bars and pubs. Many locals start their night by meeting at a bar with friends and drinking a Heineken or sharing a bottle of wine to catch up.

If you’d like to sample some Dutch local food while you chat with friends in a laidback setting, head over to Café Hoppe at Spui Square. This popular pub has been open since 1670, so it’s full of history and filled with lively energy. To soak up all that beer, try their famous bitterballen – deep-fried ravioli-looking snacks perfect for sharing with your mates.

If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, check out Café p’s Graanmarkt near Stopera Square. This chic bar/restaurant incorporates contemporary decor with art deco elements for a truly elegant look. And everything inside is locally sourced – from the wine to the charcuterie board.

Clubs in Amsterdam

If you prefer to dance your worries away then Amsterdam has plenty of clubs to choose from, so no matter what style you prefer it won’t be difficult to find something that fits what you’re looking for. It’s also worth noting that most clubs have a dress code – casual attire is usually just fine but some nightclubs may require suits or special dressy attire depending on the event so be sure to check before you leave the house!

One of the largest clubs in Amsterdam is Air Amsterdam, located directly near the well-known A’Dam Tower near the IJ lake. Themed around a futuristic industrial atmosphere, Air Amsterdam has regularly scheduled local (and international) music acts including house, electro and techno DJs. The club usually opens at 11pm Fridays and Saturdays and offers two different dance floors for visitors to enjoy.

For something more clique-y, visit Music Hall at Rembrandtplein. Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, Music Hall’s venue covers multiple stories and different venues each offering their own flavor of music. They also offer tickets inside their VIP rooms which are ideal if you’re looking to experience a more secluded environment – although it’s worth calling ahead if you plan to do this as space can be limited.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for something more relaxed or an all-night affair, Amsterdam’s nightlife can offer something for every preference and taste. From classy mixes of European restaurants to rowdy pubs and beer gardens, and from chilled out cafe nights to pumping nightclubs – no matter what type of evening you’re looking for you’ll find what you need in this amazing city. So why not explore the vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam for yourself?