A Guide to Amsterdam's Best Nightlife

Does Amsterdam have good nightlife? Absolutely, with four main nightlife districts, each with its own distinct character and vibe. Whatever you fancy, you’ve come to the right place. The city is packed with bars and clubs to suit every taste and budget, which means that clubbing can be expensive in Amsterdam – but it doesn't have to be. And don't forget: you can always save money on accommodation and travel by booking a reasonably priced city-centre hotel like the ibis Amsterdam Centre.

P.S. A night out is best enjoyed with memories you'll want to keep, so pace yourself and make it memorable for all the right reasons.

Famed as the centre of nightlife in Amsterdam, Leidseplein draws a local and international crowd with pulsating clubs, lively pubs serving Dutch beers on tap and side streets dotted with hidden speakeasies. As the area with the most nightspots, it's also where you're most likely to find the best nightlife on weekdays. 

Why is Amsterdam famous for nightlife? The answer is here. Bookended by the Royal Palace and Centraal Station, this buzzing area is packed with bars, restaurants and cafés open late into the evening. It’s especially popular with larger groups of travellers, so expect a raucous atmosphere well into the night. 

An imposing statue of the Dutch painter anchors this square surrounded by laidback pubs, sidewalk cafés and international restaurants. It’s the ideal place to kick off your evening with a casual beer or two while soaking in the friendly atmosphere. 

Rainbow flags fill this street, known for its gay nightlife, in the heart of the old city centre. Drag and LGBTQ+ events are held regularly in the pubs, restaurants and clubs here, so look online for the latest updates. 

Known for: Dazzling laser beams and a high-energy atmosphere

This Rembrandtplein stalwart has a reputation as being one of Amsterdam’s best nights out, with an international crowd and big-name DJs spinning everything from techno and house to R&B and hip-hop. Live dancers keep the party going, but be warned that bar prices can be steep.  

Rembrandtplein 11, 1017 CT Amsterdam

Known for: Its experimental, edgy vibe

Away from the usual nightlife hotspots of Leidseplein and the Red Light District, OT301 is a venue with a social heart, run by a non-profit foundation and sharing a site with a vegan café and artists’ workspaces. Expect weeknight live bands, weekend DJ sets and a night out that won’t break the bank.

Overtoom 301, 1054 HW Amsterdam

Known for: Electronic music in a cosy space

With friendly bar staff mixing up tasty cocktails, drinking games and a casually dressed crowd that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Jungle Club is a fun alternative to the throbbing nightclubs in city-centre Amsterdam. Book a table and bottle service in advance for some VIP treatment.

Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam

Known for: Wild LGBTQ+ and drag nights

Named for the Greek goddess of the night, Club Nyx offers three floors of pop, R&B and house, although many consider the neon-clad bathroom with a DJ spinning electronica to be the best area. Consider buying tickets online beforehand for Friday and Saturday events.

Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam

Known for: Driving techno beats

If a basement venue with stark black walls and a bass-heavy sound system gets you going, look no further. Shelter’s revolving line-up of DJs play everything from throwback trance to melodic techno and UK garage, so dress casual and hop on the ferry from Centraal.

Overhoeksplein 3, 1031 KS Amsterdam

Known for: Canalside drinks with a laidback buzz

Stroll northwest from Leidseplein and you’ll discover Waterkant, with its local draught brews, icy pitchers of colourful cocktails and no-frills Dutch and Suriname dishes. You can relax in the cool blue interior section, but most people prefer to hang out on the waterfront terrace, watching the boats go by. 

Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam

Known for: Jam sessions and live music

A former blues club, Bourbon Street now hosts live music performances of nearly every genre, from jazz to rock and Latin. Weekly jam sessions, plus a line-up of local talent punctuated by the occasional international big name, make this casual-yet-classy venue a perennial favourite. 

Leidsekruisstraat 6-8, 1017 RH Amsterdam

Known for: An extensive cocktail menu

As its name suggests, you could easily stroll past this speakeasy without a second thought. But behind its unassuming door on the corner of Rapenburg and Peperstraat is a low-lit, intimate bar specialising in classic and signature cocktails. The cheerful bar staff will also happily also mix up bespoke requests according to your tastes. 

Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam

Known for: Its Arctic-inspired theme 

Taking chilling out to the next level, Xtracold Icebar features ice walls, ice sculptures and even glasses made from the frosty stuff. It’s more a themed experience than a regular bar, and booking advance tickets is highly recommended. The price of admission gets you three drinks, plus the loan of a coat and gloves to wear in the minus 10-degree room.

Amstel 194, 196, 1017 AG Amsterdam

Known for: Traditional Dutch beers and snacks

Cosy and convivial, this old-school pub celebrates Dutch brewers with over 100 tap and bottled beers. Perch on a stool at the polished wooden bar, or, weather permitting, choose a table on the waterfront terrace and pair your tipple with a platter of Dutch cheeses. A tasting room accommodates up to 32 guests.

Herengracht 90, 1015 BS Amsterdam

If you’re in Amsterdam on the first Saturday of November, don’t miss Museum Night, an annual event combining world-class culture and entertainment. The evening kicks off with a concert, followed by music, dance and foodie events at virtually all of the city’s museums. With so much to choose from, it’s best to check out the full schedule beforehand and plan your route. Separate to the event, many clubs and bars hold after-parties – some free and others where you need to buy a ticket – to keep the fun going. 

Wondering what to wear or how to satisfy those post-party food cravings? We’ve got you covered.

Dam Square ticks all the boxes – good metro and train links, within walking distance of other nightlife areas and with a wide range of affordable and luxury accommodation. If you want to be right in the mix, check out options near Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, while Westerpark and De Pijp offer a quieter stay close to green spaces and hipster cafes.

The good news is, most Amsterdam nightlife spots don't have a formal dress code. For most places, think smart casual with the emphasis on casual. Jeans and a T-shirt, tank top or party blouse will usually suffice, but always double check with upmarket venues.

Amsterdam is a relatively safe place to visit, but as with any major city, you need to be vigilant. Here are some common-sense safety tips to remember as you’re enjoying Amsterdam’s nightlife:

1. Keep valuables like your phone and wallet zipped up in a front pocket or secure bag so you’re less likely to be targeted by pickpockets.

2. Cover the keypad when withdrawing money from an ATM machine, and never count cash in public. 

3. Avoid quiet side streets late at night, especially if you’re alone.

4. Use a taxi app rather than hailing a cab off the street.

5. Use a location sharing app so you can find your group of friends again if you accidentally get separated.

Need to refuel after a night on the tiles? Here’s a round-up of Amsterdam’s most tried-and-tested late-opening eateries.

Fast, hot, cheesy and sold by the slice. Best get a take-out as table space is limited. 

Various locations; closing times between 1am and 4am

A no-frills Middle Eastern joint serving up generous portions of kapsalon, a Dutch fast-food creation of fries, kebab meat, melted cheese and salad, plus Turkish pizzas and doner kebabs.

Rozengracht 154, 1016 NJ Amsterdam; closes 3am Tues-Thurs and Sunday, 6am Fri-Sat

In addition to Angus beef and crispy chicken burgers, this Amsterdam nightlife favourite has vegan options, including falafel and portobello mushroom. You can also create your own burger.

Various locations; closing times between 11pm and 4am 

If your tastebuds are craving the umami of Japanese flavours, come here for steaming bowls of ramen, yakitori skewers and gyoza. Old-school arcade games round off the experience. 

Polonceaukade 27, 1014 DA Amsterdam; closes 1am Tues-Thurs and Sunday, 3am Fri-Sat

Not fond of the smell of meat grease? What you need is the hard-to-beat combo of crunchy veggies wrapped in soft pita bread, with chunky, salty fries on the side.

Muntplein 1, 1017 CK Amsterdam; closes 3am Sun-Wed, 4am Thurs-Sat

Now you know why Amsterdam's known as a European party capital. There's so much fun to be had, you'll be wondering how to squeeze it all in. Enjoy your time here!