Best Night Out in Amsterdam

Our Local Expert Says:

You may notice that not all the windows are red. The blue windows on Barndesteeg are windows for women who are women only from the waist up.

Description:

Quite possibly Amsterdam's most defining feature, the Red Light District is the place to see some truly unique things. If prostitutes in windows aren't enough, you can also find an Erotic Museum, which takes you through the history of prostitution, the Hash Marijuana and Hemp Museum, which tells you all you need to know about weed, and the Banana Bar, a bar where waitresses are highly skilled in the various ways of eating a banana. If you want to learn more about prostitution in the Netherlands, visit the Prostitute Information Centre, located next to the Oude Kerk. If this doesn't excite you, the Warmoestraat, which runs along the Red Light District, is full of coffeeshops, bars, hostels and gay S&M clubs. Walking through the Red Light District today you may notice that some windows contain out of place fashion exhibitions. This is a result of the city's efforts to "clean up" the streets.

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:

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:

This classy lounge/nightclub is for the champagne sippers and the beautiful women on their arms. A stone's throw from the many touristy bars of Leidseplein, this place stands out for its touch of class. The flow of cocktails keeps the partiers loose and the DJs keep them moving.

Description:

Situated not far from the centre of Amsterdam, Korsakoff is the place to be in the alternative scene. This club used to be famous for its alternative hardcore nights. This, however, changed a little bit due to a broad range of music including rock, gothic, grunge, metal, hip-hop and punk rock. The interior looks very nice and arty. Upstairs there is a bar with a pooltable and a balcony from which you have a good view of the dance floor. The atmosphere is friendly but on Sundays a bit more weird and extravagant.

Description:

Winston Kingdom is an old hotel located in the Red Light District. Winston organizes a variety of performances from poetry readings on Monday to obscure underground-bands on other weekdays. On the weekends there are (house) parties with resident DJs who all have their own style and followers. Examples are Nova, Superfly, Polak and DR Wackenstein. The music they play varies from 70s disco to the latest underground house. The ambience is hot and steamy and appeals to musicians, groupies and artists as well as to locals and visitors.

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.

Description:

Amsterdam has quite a few Irish pubs and this is one of the best. Located on the Rokin, the Tara is a trendy pub frequented mainly by tourists and Brits who have made Amsterdam their home. The interior is lovely with the highlight being an authentic fireplace to sit by during those long winter months. The Tara kitchen has an extensive and reasonably priced menu featuring traditional Irish cuisine as well as international favorites. Popular lunch options are the all day Irish Breakfast, Club Tara, and the famous Steak Sandwich. Dinner favourites include Irish Stew, Fish & Chips, Tara Burger and much more - not to mention the daily specials.