In every part of Amsterdam you can stumble upon a cool club or bar tucked away in an old factory, former office building or an old theatrs. Anyone with the slightest interest in some night time activity will easily find something to do at any time in this vibrant city. For the most up-to-date information about what’s going on in Amsterdam, check out the following websites:
We at Amsterdamapartments.com have created a short list of some of our favourite downtown clubs to swing your hips at and five of the bars to get a good quality beer.
Clubs:
Paradiso – Located just around the corner from Leidseplein, this former church holds one of Amsterdam’s cultural epicentres. You will find all sorts of concerts, festivals, parties, and the like in this impressive complex that holds two areas: the big concert hall, and a smaller room. You can decide to have a dance or enjoy your favourite artist from the standing area in front of the stage or sit down and enjoy everything from above as there are two floors of surrounding terraces that have a Shakespeare-esque theme. Paradiso, Weteringschans 6.
Melkweg – On the other side of Leidseplein, also just around the corner, is another concert building that always hosts a variety of nightly activities. Live music shows will provide you with some great artists and they also have electro dance events for you to enjoy. Make sure you check out the agenda in advance so you can get hold of some tickets before they run out. Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234.
Club Up – Although not directly visible from the street, this nightclub can be entered from a side street off of Leidseplein and is a great choice to go to if you wish to avoid the bigger crowds in the packed pubs at the aforementioned city square. There’s always a nice vibe hanging around in this place and they organise a wide variety of parties with different music styles. Club Up, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26.
Studio 80 – This place is the breeding ground for upcoming electronic music talent. The interior is dimly lit and frequented by the charismatic hipster crowd. You can expect predominantly minimal and techno music in this awesome establishment. Studio 80, Rembrandtplein 17.
Jimmy Woo – Also located at the Leidseplein area, this club is for anyone who likes to hang out with the fabulously good looking socialites, Dutch celebrities and supermodels. If you’re not with a girl, don’t even think about joining the queue to get in. This bar is known in Holland as a luxurious albeit superficial establishment. The music makes up for a lot though with a mix of hiphop and club. Jimmy Woo, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18.
Trouw – This old printing press company now functions as one of the most awesome places to be seen after sunset. Original machines and features of the building, in combination with the industrial look, provide a great space that is quite an experience. Trouw, Wibautstraat 131.
Bitterzoet – All soul and R’nB lovers who prefer the soulful, urban style will enjoy a visit here. It offers special soul nights that are among the best nights out to be had in the city with a sensual vibe. You find lots of hip-shaking funk lovers on the dance floor. Bitterzoet, Spuistraat 2.
Korsakoff – Set in an old warehouse alongside a canal on the western side of the Canal District. This spectacular nightclub attracts Amsterdam’s expat crowd who love to shake their thang on the two dance floors spread over two levels. For those who like a somewhat underground atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Prices of drinks are low and they have different music styles every night. Check out their facebook page ‘Korsakoffamsterdam’ to view their latest schedule of events. Lijnbaansgracht 161.
Escape – Located at the vibrant Rembrandtplein, this place is known throughout the world as one of the epicentres of Dutch electronic music. You will find famous DJ’s from all over the world putting on a showcase that will definitely get you dancing. During the nineties this place set the standard for the Dutch house music culture. Escape, Rembrandtplein 11.
Bars:
Café Belgique – Best Belgian brews. Just off Dam Square, Café Belgique is one of the smallest bars in Amsterdam, specializing in Belgian brews, with eight Belgian draught beers and over 30 bottled varieties. Despite, or perhaps because of, its size, Café Belgique has a definite charm and a reputation for being the haunt of many local artists and DJs. The décor is noteworthy for its visually arresting style which combines modern-day graffiti art with a more traditional Dutch style dating back to the 1700s. There is often live music on offer and you can check out the list of Belgian brews they serve on their website. Gravenstraat 2.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ – The windmill brewery. This pub offers a unique spot to down a few beers. With its trademark thatched windmill towering over the terrace Brouwerij ‘t IJ features affordable prices, and a selection of five high-percentage beers. The Columbus ale is definitely the strongest brew on offer and their Ijwit brew was recently rated as the best white beer in the Netherlands by a Dutch television station. They also sell a very special organic sheep’s cheese known as skeapsrond which is produced by the Dikhoeve farm in Ransdorp, a little village outside of Amsterdam. Strangelty, the cheese comes from sheep that are fed malt dregs from the brewery’s brewing process. Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Funenkade 7.
Vesper Bar – High tea cocktail hour. Evoking a definite Mad Men vibe, Vesper bar, just off Haarlemmerstraat is an elegant establishment. Popular with expats and the after-work crowd, it offers a mixture of elements both urbane and kitsch with James Bond memorabilia alongside pop art prints and fine liqueurs. The highlight is undoubtedly the “high tea cocktail” hour, which is a decidedly alcoholic twist on traditional high tea, complete with designer cakes and cocktails served in teapots! The high tea experience can be booked in advance for parties of eight or more. Vesper bar, Vinkenstraat 57.
Café Lux and Café Weber – Two for one fun. Located next door to each other on the Marnixstraat, they are a great place to start your night out. Café Lux is artsy and laid back with retro movies on an endless loop above the bar. Café Weber is cosy and colourful with an odd mix of Art Deco lighting, tiled mosaics and animal furs. The music tends towards Brit pop, new wave and soul. Both cafes are close to the popular concert venues of Melkweg and Paradis, making them a great stop off point during a night of live music and dancing. Café Weber: Marnixstraat 397 and Café Lux: Marnixstraat 403
Pacific Parc – Rock out for free. For those looking for a cheap night out, Pacific Parc is the answer. It’s a laid-back rock’n’roll café/restaurant that transitions to a free-entry night club in the late evening. It’s located in the Westergasfabriek which is a gasworks reimagined as a cultural complex. Depending on the night you visit you will find either live music or a DJ spinning some decks. The fun starts around midnight and admission is always free. Pacific Parc, Polonceaukade 23.
Note: This information was accurate at time of posting but bars and clubs often change status without notice. Please be sure to confirm details directly with the bar or club of your choice before making plans. By Ömer Üçerler.
