Amsterdam's Best Nightlife

Our Local Expert Says:

If all the famous Leidseplein clubs are full, head over to Rembrandtplein. Here you are guaranteed to find a decent party that’s not sold out.

Description:

Rembrandtplein is one of Amsterdam's two main party areas (Leidseplein being the first). Whereas Leidseplein is a very popular destination for tourists, Rembrandtplein is more popular with the Dutch visiting the city for one night of partying. If you want to escape the bright lights and clubs of Rembrandtplein, adjoining Torbeckeplein offers a view over Amsterdam's famous seven bridges; beautifully lit up and reflecting in the water by night. In December, Rembrandtplein gets in the holiday spirit with a temporary skating rink set up in the square.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Leidseplein is full of nightclubs of varying degrees of quality, but the three main venues worth checking out are Paradiso, Melkweg and Sugar Factory

Description:

Amsterdam's main nightlife area is undoubtedly the Leidseplein. Full of cafes and bars with outdoor seating and heated umbrellas, this is a great place to sit down for a drink and watch the city go by, both by day and by night. In Leidseplein you will also find the very large Bull Dog Coffeeshop; the building it's located in was once the police headquarters. On the streets leading away from the square you can find many bars with live music in the evenings, as well as small Italian restaurants that specialize in 5 euro pizzas; the food is good, fast and cheap.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Improv Comedy

Description:

Amsterdam's most famous comedy theater has been dishing out English-language improv for over fifteen years, with a varied dinner menu on the side. After the show, enjoy more drinks in the Boom Chicago bar.

The shows are a fast paced and exciting mix of sketches and improvisation, frequently poking fun at cultural differences between Americans and the Dutch as well as current events and universal topics.

Description:

Located in an abandoned dairy factory, the Melkweg opened in 1970 and positioned itself as a cultural hub, offering five disciplines in one space: music, theatre, dance, photography and film. If you have time, catch one of the fantastic shows. You first must become a Melkweg member. A monthly membership costs €4, while a yearly one costs €25. The annual membership offers three free entrances a month to select shows, pre-sale advantages and various discounts throughout the year. All ages are welcome; for midnight shows, you must be at least 16.

- Jessica E. Lipowski, Amsterdam Local Expert

Description:

Like the Paradiso and Melkweg, the Arena, which is located just outside the centre, is very multifunctional. This is due to the fact that it is actually a youth hostel hosting dance events. Events take place in the former chapel of the convent, in which the Arena is located. During the weekend the parties are called Timezones. On Fridays this means that dance music from the 80's and 90's is played. During the Timezone on Saturdays visitors hear a range of music from the 60's to the 90's. The crowd normally consists of an unusual mix of students, tourists and locals. The atmosphere is unpretentious. A bonus: if you aren't feeling well enough to leave, you can sleep over.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Sunday Night Party

Description:

The Sugar Factory, located just steps away from the Leidseplein, features a variety of shows and doubles as a nightclub. Early shows are played to a seated audience, Cabaret-style, catering to a progressive, artsy audience. The fun only ends at 4 AM when the theater has been a dance floor since midnight with the DJ inspiring the crowd to dance the night away. As most venues in Amsterdam, the bar is stocked, the dance floor is small and the music is loud. Self-proclaimed as culturally independent, this nightclub attracts a more mature crowd than the Melkweg, located across the street.

Description:

Weber is as chic as a bar can get. With art-deco lighting and interiors done up in fur and mosaic tiles, the decor is the first thing you notice as you walk in. The crowd is a mix of students, artists, business persons and theatre-goers that drop in after a movie or a play at one of the Leidseplein's theatres. The music sways from Brit pop to alternative tunes. The laid-back atmosphere welcomes you into the comfort zone-reason enough for the bar to be forever crowded!

Description:

Although the Leidseplein area is quite touristy, laid-back Lux draws in a healthy dose of locals with its chic attitude. Sit on the upper level to enjoy a sweeping view of the place.

Description:

This hip bar/pub is a popular spot for the trendy youth of the city, and it shows! As the evening progresses and tables become scarce and dining service can crawl. But with posh yet funky decor (including bright red walls and comfortable sofas) and loud music, Kamer 401 has established itself among the other modern lounges in the Leidseplein area. Stop by after a show or before heading out to the clubs-- and if hunger strikes, you can grab some Italian fare with your martini.