The nightlife in Amsterdam is versatile, cosmopolitan and never sleeps. The city has a progressive club scene, internationally renowned orchestras and fantastic rock and pop venues. From evening theater to lounge bars; from coffee shops to clubs; from cozy pubs to grand cafes. Enjoy a pint of beer with two fingers of foam in a traditional ‘brown cafe’ or party until dawn to the sound of Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, Afrojack or Hardwell. Amsterdam offers something for everyone.
Amsterdam's nightlife is just as varied as the residents of the city itself. The city offers everything, from night theater, art festivals and live music from known and emerging international groups, to packed clubs with the best DJs spinning everything from R&B and house, to hard rock and hip-hop.
Pub Crawls in Amsterdam
Join one of the Pub Crawls and meet other travellers on a mind-blowing, trouble-free evening offering a taste of the best that Amsterdam has to offer:
The center of Amsterdam's nightlife is the Leidseplein. Here are the most popular pubs, bars and clubs within a stone's throw from each other. In the summer you can nicely relax here at one of the bustling terraces. Around the Leidseplein you will find several theaters, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, the casino, the Lido theater with live entertainment. The local cultural, and musical centers offer varied music: rock, pop, dance, rap and live performances by major national and international artists.
Rembrandtplein is another square that really comes to life when night falls. It has a rougher reputation than the Leidseplein, but for party animals it's really worth it. The square is adjacent to the Thorbeckeplein. You will find plenty of bars on these two squares, cinemas, restaurants and clubs. Because of the many bars, restaurants and cafes the square is one of the best known nightlife areas in Amsterdam. The area is popular among locals and tourists, young and old.
Those looking for a real Amsterdam experience should not miss a visit to a quintessential Amsterdam cafe, also known as a ‘brown cafe or bar’. The reason these charming cafes are called brown cafes is quite simple: it is because of the many years of smoke. However, sometimes the walls are just painted brown. The interior is a bit faded, and the decor includes wooden tables with carpet (on the tables!), historical showpieces and a friendly waitress, who is with us since the opening.
Some of the finest brown cafés can be found around the Zeedijk near Central Station, in the Jordaan, and along the Utrechtsestraat. The old part of Jordaan is mainly visited by young people. In these cafes and bars it is easy to meet local people and make new friends.
Red Light District
At the back of the Dam, the entire Red Light District is always overwhelmed by large groups of tourists who walk the streets and look at the women behind the windows. If you really want to know the history of the Red Light District, book a tour, this is really a must. Besides window prostitution, strip clubs and sex shops you will also find many small restaurants, cafes and coffee shops in this area.
Here are the most popular clubs:
Overview
Paradiso
Paradiso, housed in a former church, is a legendary music venue in the heart of Amsterdam. This iconic building on the Weteringschans has held a special place in the music scene since the 1960s and attracts artists from all over the world. What can you expect at Paradiso? - Unique Concerts:Paradiso is known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse music program. From ...
AIR Amsterdam on the Amstelstraat is the place for a unique nightlife experience in the heart of Amsterdam. This massive nightclub offers an unforgettable evening filled with cutting-edge dance music and an atmosphere of freedom and creativity. What can you expect at AIR Amsterdam? - Multiple Floors and Bars:AIR features multiple floors and no less than five distinctive ...
Club Maïa is a hidden gem on the bustling Korte Leidsedwarsstraat, just around the corner from the iconic Leidseplein. Nestled among some of the city’s most popular clubs, Club Maïa offers a unique nightlife experience in a setting that feels both luxurious and cosy. What can you expect at Club Maïa? - Beautiful Decor: The club is inspired by the beauty of the Greek ...
Experience one of the most iconic nightclubs in the Netherlands, Club Escape, located at the vibrant Rembrandtplein in the heart of Amsterdam. Since 1986, Club Escape has been known for its spectacular parties, entertaining the crowd with both local and international DJs until the early hours. What can you expect at Club Escape? - Exclusive Club Nights: With ...
In the heart of the vibrant Reguliersdwarsstraat, you’ll find Club Nyx, a club where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or sexual orientation. With an open and inclusive atmosphere, this is the place to enjoy a colourful night filled with music, entertainment, and surprises. What can you expect at Club Nyx? - Three Floors of Dance Fun:Club Nyx offers three ...
The Melkweg is one of the most iconic cultural venues in the Netherlands, known for its diverse offering of music, art, film, and theatre. This unique centre for pop culture attracts visitors from all over the world and provides a platform for both emerging artists and international stars. What can you expect at the Melkweg? - Dynamic Concerts: The Melkweg is known for ...
The Chin Chin Club on the Rozengracht is the place where delicious food and vibrant parties come together. With its bright red walls and an abundance of Maneki Neko (lucky cats), this 'social club' offers a spectacular and unique experience from the moment you step inside. What can you expect at the Chin Chin Club? - Spectacular Entrance: As soon as you walk in, you’re ...
The Jimmy Woo is one of the most iconic nightclubs in Amsterdam, known for its exclusive atmosphere and stylish design. This club attracts both local partygoers and international celebrities and is famous for its unique blend of music, luxury, and a top-class crowd. What can you expect at Jimmy Woo? - Exclusive Atmosphere:Jimmy Woo is renowned for its chic, ...
After the quiet early evening hours, the streets and squares of Amsterdam become very busy at night. There is plenty of time to enjoy the varied nightlife, because most night clubs stay open until deep into the night. Bars and cafes in the city center may open weekdays until 1:00am, weekends until 3am. Clubs usually open their doors around 22:00, and are often open until 3am. In Amsterdam you will also find a number of night pubs, these cafes are open weekdays until 4am and on weekends are open until 5:00am. Most cafes and bars are open every day, but especially on Thursdays (student night), Friday and Saturday it is jam packed in the popular nightlife areas.
Dress code
Amsterdam's nightlife is in terms of dress code usually pretty casual. Provided you look groomed and sober, you'll often can find your way inside. However, large groups of men are not really appreciated. Only a small number of clubs in Amsterdam handle a strict dress code.
Minimum age
Furthermore, with most clubs you need to be at least 18 years of age, some even set a minimum age of 21 years. For most pubs and bars there's is no minimum age requirement, but there's a smoking ban, though not always obeyed to.
Nachtleven attracties & musea in Amsterdam
Hieronder vindt u leuke interactive en informatieve activiteiten om overdag te doen waar u meer te weten komt over de wereldberoemde Nederlandse dance scene.
FAQ
Which day is best for going out in Amsterdam?
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the best days to go out in Amsterdam.
Why are some clubs 21+?
The reason these clubs exist is that in 18+ clubs, there are often teenagers aged 17 or 16 (or even younger) present. 21+ clubs indicate that they specialise in young adults.
Where was the nightclub iT located?
The iT was opened by Manfred Langer on 7 September 1989 at Amstelstraat 24 in Amsterdam. The iT closed permanently in 2004. Since 2010, Club AIR has been located here, and since 2021, the dance museum Our House has also been based at this location.
Where was the nightclub RoXY located?
The RoXY was opened in August 1987 by the trio Arjen Schrama (known from the magazine Vinyl), DJ Eddy de Clercq, and artist Peter Giele at Singel 465-467 in Amsterdam. On 21 June 1999, the day of Peter Giele’s funeral, the nightclub was completely destroyed by fire. It never reopened afterwards.
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