Amsterdam nightlife

There is no question about it, Amsterdam has a great nightlife scene, there are bars, pubs and clubs all over the city. Not only that, as there are also attractions dedicated to some of the Dutch nightlife aspects that have become global phenomena’s. City Sightseeing Amsterdam can take you to some of these amazing hotspots in the city.

Where is the best nightlife in Amsterdam?

While you can find things to do all over the city, the main locations known for nightlife in Amsterdam are around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. And of course, there is the Red Light District, which offers far more nightlife attractions than the name might suggest. Not all nightlife activities are exclusively open during the night, most bars and attractions are also open during the day.

There are a lot of great Amsterdam nightlife activities to explore, from evening and dinner cruises to clubs and bars. Of course, we have are own favourites in the city, which you can find here. And several can be combined with a ticket to either the Hop-on Hop-off bus or boat.

Our favourite Amsterdam nightlife activities

So what are our favourite nightlife activities to explore in Amsterdam?

• Amsterdam Icebar: this is the coolest bar in town, figuratively and literally! At -10° drinking from an ice glass just feels right.
• Red Light Secrets: this boutique museum explores a world that is often hidden and secretive. Here you can learn and maybe overcome some superstitions about the world’s oldest profession.
• Heineken Experience: the original brewery of the Dutch beer brand that took over the world.
• Our House Amsterdam: the world’s first immersive experience on electronic music, one of the Netherlands’ biggest export products

Some of these attractions are open well into the night and will make for a fun experience before heading out to the nightclubs of Amsterdam.

Crazy things to do in Amsterdam

This city offers something for everyone, including some crazy experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. But what is crazy really, that is all a matter of perspective. A visit to the Red Light District might be crazy to some, others will go there to the local butcher’s shop for a nice lunch sandwich.

Things to know about Amsterdam if you’re not a local:

• A coffeeshop is not for coffee, for a cup of coffee go to a café
• Bike paths are not for pedestrians, stepping into bike traffic has traumatised some visitors
• Famous museums like Anne Frank House and Van Gogh sell out, so book your tickets in advance, months in advance if possible
• Cash is not king here, paying by card or with your phone is the norm
• Substances from street dealers are not safe to use, we guarantee that you can have a great time in Amsterdam without using illegal substances