A Night Out in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is an endless mixture of ancient architecture, picturesque canals, scrumptious food, world-class nightlife, eccentric sights, and coffee shops (not the coffee shops you’ll find in most of the world.) Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people and has more canals and bridges than Venice and Paris.
Although Amsterdam isn’t the biggest city globally, it’s home to Europe’s — and arguably the world’s — most excellent night-time entertainment. So, whether you enjoy partying in Amsterdam, spending the night in the coffee shops, walking around the Red Light District, exploring the canals, or drinking Heineken in Amsterdam’s bars — this city has something for you.
In this article, we will give you the best options for a memorable night out in Amsterdam!
Tips For a Night Out in Amsterdam
- There are some incredible breweries in Amsterdam, and you should visit the Oedipus Brewing, Walhalla Brewery & Taproom, or the Homeland Brewery Amsterdam.
- You should use trams because taxis can be expensive in Amsterdam, especially after a night out.
- Smaller venues, like Sugar Factory and the Winston Kingdom, are superb for live music during the day or night.
- Some of the smaller clubs in the Red Light District or Leidseplein offer the city’s cheapest drinks and best entertainment.
- The nightlife in Amsterdam begins early, so don’t be surprised if you’re home earlier than expected.
The Best Amsterdam Coffeeshops
If you didn’t already know, it’s legal to consume cannabis in Amsterdam’s coffee shops. That said, there are over 160 coffeeshops in Amsterdam, and here are the best Amsterdam coffeeshops:
1. The Bulldog
The Bulldog is, without a shadow of a doubt, the mother of all Amsterdam coffeeshops. Bulldog no.90 is in the Red Light District, and it’s the first coffee shop in Amsterdam following the legalization of cannabis. As a result, the Bulldog is a magnet for tourists and backpackers alike.
Website: https://www.thebulldog.com/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Grey Area
The Grey Area has attracted various famous faces over the years, including Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg. The coffee shop is home to award-winning cannabis and a friendly bunch of expert staff guiding you toward a fantastic night.
Website: http://www.coffeeshopmenus.org/Grey%20Area/Menus/Grey%20Area.htmlLink opens in a new tab
Address: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Barney’s Coffeeshop
Barney’s Coffeeshop is one of Amsterdam’s most respected coffee shops. Barney’s Coffeeshop has won various awards for its outstanding service and first-rate weed. Moreover, the coffeeshop aims the menu at prized strains. Therefore, cannabis here is more expensive than in other Amsterdam coffeeshops.
Website: https://www.barneysamsterdam.com/
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Best Clubs in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a truly vibrant nightlife scene, which shouldn’t surprise you, as the city tends to get many things right. Many tourists will enjoy the fun of the bars before exploring the nightclubs, and here are some of the best clubs in Amsterdam:
1. Radion
The Radion is heaven for ravers of all ages. If you’re a fan of pulsating techno, you’ll love spending your night here until the sun rises in the morning. Oh, that’s right — the club has a 24-hour license (talk about endless fun).
Website: https://radion.amsterdam/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Vondelbunker
Amsterdam is a city with many vintage things. After all, it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe. Vondelbunker is a 1940s bunker tucked beneath a bridge. The locals constructed it as an atomic bomb shelter during the Second World War. Today, it’s an excellent place to rave, and it’s free entry, which is obviously very important to the budget traveler!
Website: https://radar.squat.net/nl/amsterdam/vondelbunkerLink opens in a new tab
Address: Vondelpark 8A, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. De School
De School used to be a school, but now it’s one of Amsterdam’s best nightclubs. How’s that for a turnaround? Nevertheless, the club is the king of Amsterdam’s nightlife scene and a world-class venue. It attracts the world’s best DJs and massive international bookings. So, if you’re looking to visit one of the world’s most famous clubs, this is the place for you.
Website: https://www.deschoolamsterdam.nl/en/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat 1, 1056 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Best Bars in Amsterdam
It’s hard to enjoy an Amsterdam night out without spending hours in the bars, and quite frankly, with over 1,100 bars and pubs in Amsterdam, it’s no wonder. However, here are some of the best bars in Amsterdam:
1. Hiding in Plain Sight
Do you love cocktails? Look no further than Hiding in Plain Sight. This bar is close to the city center but still tucked away from the tourists. You’ll find knowledgeable bartenders, inventive cocktails, and a great list of food and drink.
Website: https://hpsamsterdam.com/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. De Druif
Very few cities offer a better history than Amsterdam does. And, if you’re looking for a historic bar — De Druif is at least 400 years old, and it’s rumored that sailors used to drink there as far back as 1850. Nevertheless, today the bar offers the ultimate step into Amsterdam’s past.
Website: https://www.cafe-dedruif.nl/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Rapenburgerplein 83, 1011 VJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Hannekes Boom
Are you visiting Amsterdam during the summer? If so, you must check out Hannekes Boom. This waterfront bar offers massive terraces, a place to go swimming (if you can brave the cold,) and plenty of boats to explore the canals.
Website: https://hannekesboom.nl/Link opens in a new tab
Address: Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Finally…
Whatever floats your (house)boat, you’ll probably find it in Amsterdam. From charming bars to vibrant clubs and classy cocktails, Amsterdam will surely provide the perfect setting and the friendly atmosphere needed for an adventure of a lifetime.
