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Beyond the smoke and red-lighted windows, Amsterdam is a city teeming with music, dance, theater, and art, which has given it the epithet "nightlife capital of the world." Think outside the box—even outside the Grachtengordel—and you'll be amazed at what this city that (almost) never sleeps has to offer. Many people know that Th
Beyond the smoke and red-lighted windows, Amsterdam is a city teeming with music, dance, theater, and art, which has given it the epithet "nightlife capital of the world." Think outside the box—even outside the Grachtengordel—and you'll be amazed at what this city that
Beyond the smoke and red-lighted windows, Amsterdam is a city teeming with music, dance, theater, and art, which has giv
Beyond the smoke and red-lighted windows, Amsterdam is a city teeming with music, dance, theater, and art, which has given it the epithet "nightlife capital of the world." Think outside the box—even outside the Grachtengordel—and you'll be amazed at what this city that (almost) never sleeps has to offer.
Many people know that The Night Watch is the name of Rembrandt’s most famous painting, but not everyone remembers that, back in the early 2000s, it was also the nickname of a bunch of "Night Mayors." This group of cultural leaders saw their role as fighters against the frumpiness that had cast a shadow over Amsterdam’s night scene since the city fathers cleared away the "squats"—the deserted buildings that were the settings for city’s wildest nighttime events and raves. Now, 15 years later, Amsterdam has happily reclaimed its reputation as a true nightlife capital. The city is a must-stop on the international DJ circuit, and new pop-up clubs and dance venues, plus a plethora of homegrown festivals, keep all walks of life shaking until the wee hours of the morning. The city is rich with inspired folk who are willing to organize a video-arts festival in a cruise-ship terminal, a gentle Bach recital on a canal, an arts festival in an abandoned factory, a house party in a football stadium, or some heart-stopping spectacle in a park. So get ready to savor Amsterdam’s giant cultural wallop through its numerous venues—from former churches and industrial monuments to the acoustical supremacy of the legendary hall of the Concertgebouw.
This intimate pub just around the corner from Leidseplein is a local favorite. With a name that translates to "the drunk" in Flemish, the pub is aptly titled: there are more than 100 Belgian beers available and plenty of Dutch brews, too. Balance out all that beer with a hearty meal or thick slices of bread and cheese on the side.
Raamstraat 29, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1016 XL, Netherlands
Hear top-notch local ensembles in the jam-packed and ultraintimate environment of one of Amsterdam's oldest jazz joints. Along with live jazz every night, a little Latin, funk, and salsa can also be enjoyed here.
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 PX, Netherlands
In a former dairy factory—hence the name, "Milky Way"—is one of Amsterdam's foremost entertainment venues, attracting over 540,000 visitors a year. Here, you'll find a varied live program in two concert halls with everything from upcoming acts to internationally renowned names in music and dance. There is also a theater, cinema, a multidisciplinary hall, exhibition space, and a café.
Lijnbaansgracht 234A, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 PH, Netherlands
This former church—vaulted ceilings and stained glass still intact—has become the country's most famous "pop temple," an epic venue for legendary musicians, new bands, and club nights. Paradiso also has a sister location, Tolhuistin, in Amsterdam Noord, just across the river from Central Station.
Weteringschans 6-8, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 SG, Netherlands
Hardly bovine in any sense, the Cow's Café is still a fine place to chew the cud or graze a little, and it's a special favorite of local musicians and students. There's an extensive beer menu and, downstairs, a restaurant that's popular for a bite before a show at one of the many venues nearby.
Marnixstraat 381, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1016 XR, Netherlands
One of the few authentic pubs around Leidseplein has a genuinely friendly staff, an extensive beer list, and acoustic music sessions, all of which provide an oasis of civilized authenticity among the noisy tourist traps in the area.
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 86, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 RD, Netherlands
An intimate little shoebox of a venue shares some of its amenities with members-only artists' society De Kring. As a result, arty house parties and banging electro nights attract a hip crowd that's sometimes sprinkled with puzzled tourists in search of a dive bar.
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26-1, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 RC, Netherlands
Eyeglasses peek over books and tablets as a well-read and socially conscious crowd fills the café-bar of this center for art, culture, and politics. This is an ideal spot for an affordable meal, drinks with friends, or date night. The English-language program includes film screenings and lectures, too.
Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 RR, Netherlands
Thursday through Sunday, this is probably the hottest club in town for the rich and famous and their wannabes. The urban grooves are funky, and the sound system not too shabby.
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 RC, Netherlands
Tucked away on a side street off of Leidseplein, this unique night club caters to an opened-minded, eclectic crowd that’s LGBTQ+ friendly. The club curates a variety of wildly themed parties with music ranging from disco, funk, and house to hip-hop and soul.
Lijnbaansgracht 238, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 PH, Netherlands
A fantastic 1960s feel and an attractive young crowd, namely local students, keep it lively at this small Marnixstraat pub, a great spot for a nightcap after a live show in nearby Leidseplein. Next door, its sister location, Bar Weber, serves cocktails and bar snacks with a punky vibe.
Marnixstraat 401-403, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 PJ, Netherlands
The legendary "Milk Way" features live performances, DJs, and club nights covering everything from hip-hop to punk to world music. A former milk factory, this space began as a hippie squat in the 1960s. Today it's a slick multimedia center equipped with two concert halls, a theater, cinema, gallery, and café-restaurant.
Lijnbaansgracht 234-A, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 PH, Netherlands
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