Nightlife & Entertainment in Amsterdam

Whether you’re looking to take in a refined classical concert or fancy hitting the dance floor to some heart-rate inducing European trance, Amsterdam’s nightlife is bursting at the seams. On top of all this, there's an array of cabaret and comedy nights, outdoor summertime concerts, and theatre shows.

 

Nightclubs

 

Amsterdam’s scattered with party spots, from eclectic mega-club warehouses to intimate boutique dance spots. You can stay up all night to thumping techno, or find a cool R&B spot to party with the city’s hip urbanites.

 

 

Set in a small VIP-style venue where waiters bring chic cocktails and bottles of bubbly to your table, Jimmy Woo is arguably Amsterdam’s most upmarket club. Head here to glide along to cool hip hop and R&B tunes among the city’s glamorous residents.

 

Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18, 1017 RC Amsterdam.  

 

Trouw

 

If pulsing electronica is more your bag, check out legendary Trouw, where you’ll rave all night in an old newspaper factory turned industrial-chic club. You can even nose over old newspaper remnants scattered around the venue.

 

Wibautstraat 127, 1091 GL Amsterdam.  

 

Live music

 

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein in the central Canal Ring are known as the city’s major nightlife hubs. Head here for cocktail bars, whisky dens, and some of Amsterdam’s best live music nightspots. Melkweg

 

Carrying on the industrial theme, this was once an actual milk factory and is now one of Amsterdam’s top concert halls and dance venues. You'll want to try out Melkweg if you’re looking to party all night to cutting edge music, from rock bands to avant-garde jazz quartets. It’s a firm favourite with younger tourists and lively students.

 

Lijnbaansgracht 234a, 1017 PH Amsterdam.  

 

 

 

One of Amsterdam’s most iconic live music venues, Paradiso’s elaborate interior in an ornate old church just adds to the charm of this favourite performance spot. Over the years it's hosted iconic acts like the Rolling Stones, Joy Division, Nirvana, and Amy Winehouse, and it's a must for musos visiting the city.

 

Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam.  

 

Coffeeshops

 

Amsterdam will forever be synonymous with its liberal cannabis culture. There's no denying that many visitors come here to seek out the famous coffeeshops where they're allowed to indulge in the local wares.

 

 

One of Amsterdam’s best known coffeeshops, this hip spot is swathed with colorful stickers, and offers up an extensive menu that pleases regulars, tourists, and visiting celebrities alike.

 

Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam .  

 

Dampkring

 

A much-loved and very atmospheric hangout, Dampkring boasts an eclectically laid out vintage interior. Opulent mirrors, lit-up wall fixtures, and wood panelling combine to create a grotto-like ambience, as well as TV screens re-running the bar’s claim-to-fame scene in Ocean’s 12.

 

Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam.  

 

Classical concerts

 

There’s always a concert to catch in Amsterdam, and the surging swell of strings will provide a sumptuously classical counterpoint to the modern, thumping nightspots elsewhere.

 

 

To feel like royalty, head to the Royal Concertgebouw – Amsterdam’s famously lavish 19th century concert hall built in a decorative Neo-Classical style. Renowned for its impressive acoustics, it's where you can enjoy shows from master pianists, world-class orchestras, and legendary composers.

 

Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam. Tel:+31 2 0671 8345