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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 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.
The best-known jazz place in town occupies the utterly awesome Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. Everyone from fans of the old legends to those of the latest avant-gardists agrees: the space is close to perfect. Views of the city are breathtaking, the acoustics great, the chairs comfy, and the house rules laid-back; all drinks ordered at the bar, even full wine bottles, can be carried inside.
The quirky Nieuwe Anita, darling of the alternative crowd, is home to screenings of cult classics, spoken-word nights, and live gigs put on by underground magazine Subbacultcha!. They also do cocktails, haircuts, and club nights.
This hippie hot spot offers a waterfront terrace, boat access, and live music some nights.
Hear top-notch local ensembles in the jam-packed and ultra-intimate 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.
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.
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 Centraal Station.
On the edge of the Red Light District sits this neighborhood institution, which dates back to the 1940s. For better or worse, cracks have started to appear in its jazzy foundation, as the programming has become dominated by karaoke and DJ sets. Open until 4 am on weekends it's a good late night bet.
A family business since 1966, Café Nol has a cozy living room feel where four generations of owners have welcomed guests for a biertje and the lively sounds of native Jordaaners singing folk songs while having the time of their lives. Looking for live music? Stop by on a Thursday evening.
This dive bar is the place to be for rock, blues, and live music with a local vibe. Occasionally, local musicians are joined on stage by bigger names, fresh from their gigs at bigger nearby venues.
This legalized squat in the former film academy offers fun alternative nights with live bands and DJs. The eclectic music ranges from hardcore to free jazz and Latin beats. Also on the premises are a movie theater, an art gallery, and an organic café serving on Sunday.
Run by students, this artsy cultural café on the Zeedijk attracts a young, alternative crowd. They serve tasty, well-priced food, and three times a week there is live music, including jazz on Sunday.
"Podium voor ongehoord geluid" (A stage for unheard sounds) is how this former squat describes itself. It's one of the few places in Amsterdam where you can hear live jazz every Tuesday, and on Thursday, anyone with an instrument can join in with the Oktopedians, a workshop orchestra playing jazz, blues, and world music. The restaurant serves a three-course vegetarian meal some nights.
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