The 8 best places to go out in Amsterdam

Want to enjoy the nightlife of the Dutch capital? Discover the 8 best places to go out in Amsterdam!

Are you looking for a place to go to Amsterdam once the night has fallen? Eclectic, romantic and lively, the capital of Netherlands has many strengths to keep you awake. With its numerous pubs, rooftops, clubs and coffeeshops, the reputation of Amsterdam’s nightlife in Europe, and in the world, is no longer to be done.

Whether you’re looking for a place where to party, or a trendy bar where to drink a drink, there are many possibilities for you. Beautiful day and magical at night, the Venice of the North has many surprises!

Discover the 8 best places to go out in Amsterdam, to taste its nightlife!

1. Binnenstad, old town

Binnenstad is composed of the old centre, Chinatown and Red area . As in most capitals, the old city, which is also the historical heart and the centre of Amsterdam, offers a wide choice places to go out at night.

Unsurprisingly, it is also one of the most touristic districts in Amsterdam. At the turn of each alley are emblematic monuments of the city, such as the Royal Palace on Dam Square (Dam Square) or Beguinage , but also restaurants, bars and other coffeeshops. From day to night, this neighborhood is never empty.

In the heart of the old town, a neighbourhood attracts attention. This is the De Wallen area, Red Lights District, or Red Quarter, in French. Although some of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam are located there, the Red Quarter speaks about it for its sulphurous atmosphere.

The red windows behind which prostitutes offer – legally – their services and the famous coffeeshops (The Jolly Joker, Green House, Friend’s Price...) where it is possible to consume – legally – cannabis are at the origin of this reputation. There is also a large number of bars and clubs open all night.

Note: the police ensure safety and security from day to night.

2. Leidseplein, where the party beats its full

Are you wondering where to get out of Amsterdam? Leidseplein is a must-see area to enjoy the night and cultural life of the city. The day, shopping enthusiasts, street artists, curious and local tourists walk on its place and in its living streets.

But once the night falls, it's the festivities who take possession of the place! It must be said that Leidseplein welcomes some of the most popular bars, coffee shops, cultural places and clubs in the city.

Those who are interested in games of chance can try their chance at Holland Casino . Want an evening at the theatre? The famous square is occupied by Stadsschouwburg , the oldest theatre in Amsterdam. Nothing prevents you from drinking a drink, among other things, at the bar and coffee shop Bulldog Palace .

Extend the evening to the Paradiso , an ancient church transformed into a true temple of alternative music. Unless you prefer programming Melkweg Aka Milky Way? This former dairy is today one of the most famous concert halls in the Netherlands.

Finally, the most motivated will be able to dance until the early morning in one of the many clubs in the neighborhood, such as the Jimmy Woo or Chicago Social Club .

3. Rembrandtplein, the young and free place

It would be inconceivable to list the best places to go out to Amsterdam without mentioning Rembrandtplein. This district is named after its large central square, around which several bars, coffeeshops and restaurants rise. The presence of many popular clubs, like Escape , Air Club or Club Smokey , made it a nightlife center in the capital. We can see Rembrandtplein live on the evening. You will understand that, this district of Amsterdam will seduce young people, and less young, beetles!

Less than 5 minutes walk from this gathering place Reguliersdwarsstraat a street that lists a large number of gay bars and clubs.

4. Jordaan, the hype area

Formerly popular, Jordaan is today considered to be the arty and bohemian district of the capital. It is located west of the old city of Amsterdam. If you like to stroll around the day, along its charming canals, you will love the atmosphere that reigns there once the night falls!

The Jordaan district has many restaurants and pubs. You will enjoy a strong and tasty beer in one of its brown coffees, such as Café Tuin , Café Chris or Het Papeneiland . In addition, you can also enjoy it for a good time in one of the coolest coffeeshops in the city (Paradox, Grey Area, Tertulia, Siberie...), then taste the local gastronomy, or elsewhere, in the restaurant of your choice. Are you passionate about jazz music? Don't miss the blues club Maloe Melo !

In other words, going out in the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood is the promise of spending a memorable evening.

5. From Pijp, the authentic

The friendliness and authenticity of the former workers’ quarter De Pijp is one of the best places to go out in Amsterdam. Some will say that we discover the “real Amsterdam”. By day, his famous Albert Cuyp market , the largest in Europe, is particularly worth a visit.

This neighborhood, becoming trendy, shelters the highest concentration of cafes, bars and restaurants City. Good addresses are multiplying and some are particularly unusual. The restaurant in hamburger The Butcher , for example, hides an underground bar to which you can only access one condition: know the password! We'll let you find out...

6. Westerpark, the most versatile

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Westerpark, a western neighborhood of Amsterdam, and its eponymous park where festivals are regularly organized. Westerpark is the perfect mix between cultural activities, green spaces and lively nightlife.

In this area still quite unknown to tourists, is the creative and cultural complex of Westergas . A variety of independent shops, restaurants, bars and even a club are now housed in the former gas factory. The gamers will enjoy, among other things, the arcade room of Tonton Club West . It opens its doors until 1:00 a.m. a week, and until 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If you are looking for traditional brown coffees, know that the Westerpark neighbourhood is not left behind. Amstellodamois and visitors like to meet there to enjoy a brown and strong beer.

7. Oud-West, between music and design

Where to go to Amsterdam for a drink while listening to live music concerts? Always in the west, head towards the dynamic Oud-West, a district of Amsterdam in the throes. You will find it De Nieuwe Anita , a trendy nightclub whose decoration will make you travel in time. Ambiance 70s Guarantee!

The Oud-West district also boasts fashionable design boutiques, high-end restaurants and trendy cafés.

8. NDSM Wharf, artists' corner

Change of scenery at the NDSM Wharf, on the north bank of Amsterdam, accessible by ferry from Pier No.1, behind the central station. In the midst of this industrial landscape, dotted with street art-covered friches, emerged a beautiful community artistic project . While the warehouses of the NDSM Wharf are now occupied by artists, the fields are dedicated to the organization of concerts or festivals throughout the year.

Otherwise, bars in industrial style, like Noorderlicht or Pllek , welcome to the waterfront with a superb view of the Old City of Amsterdam.

It is easy to travel between most of these areas on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. Don’t hesitate to explore several of these must-see places in Amsterdam’s nightlife!