What to Know When Planning a Night Out in Amsterdam & Taking a Canal Cruise

Amsterdam is a vibrant city that offers endless entertainment for those seeking to let their hair down and have a good time. With a reputation for its nightlife, the city is renowned for its pubs, clubs and lively atmosphere, combined with its picturesque landscapes and canals. For any traveler wishing to explore Amsterdam by day and enjoy its liveliness by night, taking an evening canal cruise and hitting the nightspots is a perfect way to spend an evening. Here’s an overview of what travelers should expect from taking a canal cruise and visiting Amsterdam’s nightlife.

Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s beautiful canals, lined with canal houses that date back to the 17th century, make for a stunning vista. Taking a canal cruise is the ideal way to soak in the city’s ambiance and view the city’s landmarks lit up at night. Most canal cruises begin on Central Station side of the Prins Hendrikkade port and offer a multi-lingual audio tour as part of the ticket price. A few canal cruise operators even offer dinner cruises with live music and drinks, making for an unforgettable experience. Once a traveler has completed the cruise, they can enjoy one of Amsterdam’s many clubs or pubs till late in the night.

Canal cruises are an essential part of any Amsterdam experience and tickets for the same can be easily booked on GetYourGuide. Not only does GetYourGuide offer an array of different kinds of cruises, but they also provide fast and secure ticketing along with full travel protection.

Nightlife in Amsterdam

For those looking to tear up the dance floor, Amsterdam has some amazing clubs that cater to all genres of music – from house and techno to hip-hop and indie – every party lover will be able to find their niche. After a canal cruise, travelers usually disembark around 9 PM and then enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlight in crowded hotspots such as Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. As far as places to party go, the options are practically endless, ranging from chic lounge bars serving divine cocktails at Speakeasy, to beer cafés playing local music at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, or to the ever-popular café De Drie Fleschjes.

When it comes to pubs and bars in Holland, it’s worth noting that some establishments do not serve food or drinks at the same time – instead, they rotate. Therefore it’s best to check in advance which ones are serving drinks, snacks or food during particular hours so one doesn’t have to waste time searching for food after partying.

In addition, Amsterdam is known for its array of cannabis “coffee shops’ that are open to tourists as well as residents. They serve a variety of cannabis products, including edibles, which are specifically designed for those who don’t want to smoke marijuana. It’s worth noting that smoking tobacco in coffee shops is banned in the Netherlands, so when using cannabis always opt for vaping or edibles instead.

It goes without saying that when traveling around Amsterdam it is always important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing is common in the city so make sure your personal belongings are well secured. It’s also worth noting that many clubs in Amsterdam charge an admission fee, so it pays off to research where you’d like to go before heading out for the day.

Conclusion

Exploring Amsterdam is always unforgettable – especially when it comes to taking a canal cruise by night and sampling Amsterdam’s exotic mix of clubs by day. Cruises can be booked with GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience as you take in the sights of this picturesque city. Be sure to plan where you want to go before heading out so you can make the most of your evening and make sure you look after your personal belongings for a completely safe experience. With its lively atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Amsterdam looks forward to welcoming you on your next evening out!

An Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam: What to Know When Planning a Night Out & Taking a Canal Cruise

Most tourists to Amsterdam only visit popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum or Rembrandt House Museum. However, the city has many lesser-known spots that only locals know about. Here is our insider’s guide to Amsterdam that will offer you unique and immersive experiences:

Local Attractions

The first must-visit spot on our list is the De Pijp neighborhood. This area is less touristy and offers an authentic Amsterdam experience with its diverse food culture, street markets, and boutique shops. Another hidden gem is the Begijnhof, a secluded courtyard with charming old houses and a rich history.

If you want an Instagram-worthy photo, visit the Blue Bridge on Amstel River, where you can get a stunning view of the Magere Brug Bridge. And if you’re a fan of street art, the NDSM-wharf area in Amsterdam Noord has many remarkable murals and graffiti that reflect the city’s vibrant art scene.

Dining Spots

Amsterdam is famous for its street food, so you must try out some local specialties like bitterballen, stroopwafels, and Dutch herring. For a unique dining experience, try a traditional Dutch meal with a modern twist at Restaurant Blauw or De Kas. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, head to Foodhallen, a trendy indoor food market with a broad range of cuisines from all over the world.

Fun fact: Did you know that Amsterdam’s food culture was hugely influenced by its connection to the Dutch East India Company, which brought in different spices and ingredients from Asia and beyond?

Cultural Experiences

Amsterdam is greatly known for its festivals and cultural events. Some noteworthy events to attend include the King’s Day in April, Grachtenfestival in August, and Amsterdam Light Festival in December. Another interesting cultural experience is the Jewish Historical Museum, which provides remarkable insights into Amsterdam’s Jewish community and its history.

Music lovers must check out Concertgebouw, one of the world’s best classical music venues, while art aficionados should visit the Moco Museum that features contemporary and modern art.

Local History

Apart from its numerous museums and heritage sites, Amsterdam has a fascinating history with many interesting stories. One of them is the Great Amsterdam Fire of 1452, which destroyed almost the entire city and led to the first city planning in the world.

Another captivating story is the life and legacy of Anne Frank. You can visit the Anne Frank House, where she and her family hid for two years during the Nazi occupation, and see the famous diary where she wrote down her experiences and thoughts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unusual and adventurous, try a bike tour through the Amsterdamse Bos forest or a visit to the only floating flower market in the city, the Bloemenmarkt. For a unique night out, visit the Comedy Café Amsterdam, which presents local stand-up comedians in several languages.

And finally, completing your Amsterdam experience wouldn’t be complete without taking a canal cruise. But instead of just any ordinary tour, try the Whisky Tasting Cruise, where you can taste different types of Dutch and Scottish whiskies while enjoying the stunning views of the city.

In conclusion, this insider’s guide to Amsterdam is just a glimpse of what the city has to offer. Still, with these tips, you can explore and experience its hidden gems and create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.