Explore a variety of establishments, ranging from the classic coffee houses to the fashionable hangouts favored by the trendy crowd, as you uncover the premier destinations to experience a vibrant evening in the city.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam's busy city center and indulge in the hidden gem that is ACRA. Here, you can find solace away from the bright lights, long lines, and crowds near Central Station. With its peaceful ambiance and intimate setting, ACRA provides the perfect retreat for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic nightlife experience.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse offerings of Amsterdam's bar scene. From the traditional bruin cafés nestled in the charming Jordaan neighborhood to the trendy hipster hotspots of East Amsterdam, there is a watering hole to suit every taste. As the birthplace of one of the world's brewing giants, Heineken, it's no surprise that beer reigns supreme in Amsterdam. However, the city also boasts a wide selection of swish wine bars, lively nightclubs, and cozy tasting rooms where you can savor the original jenever, considered the precursor to gin.
If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, you might want to consider arranging accommodation in advance. You can find great hotel deals in Enschede on www.hotels-in-netherlands.com that cater to various budgets. Enschede is conveniently located, making it a strategic base for exploring Amsterdam's bustling nightlife.
Additionally, when exploring Amsterdam, having a comfortable place to stay is essential. Tophotels.com provides a comprehensive list of accommodation options in Amsterdam, ensuring that you can choose the perfect spot to unwind after a night out in the city.
Below our expert picks out his favourite places for a night on the town. For more Amsterdam inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, shopping, things to do, things to do for free, and how to spend a weekend in Amsterdam.
Central Amsterdam De Dokter
Some say that at just 18 square metres, ‘The Doctor’ is the smallest pub in Amsterdam. Certainly, it is one of the most venerable, run by six generations of the same family since 1798 – a fact emphasised by the rather melodramatic dust and cobwebs on some lampshades and bric-a-brac. Many decades ago a drinking hole for medical students, De Dokter is these days famed for its range of whiskies and both Dutch and Belgian beers. The whisky is very favourably priced – the ‘whisky of the month’ is usually a top-class single malt, for around€6.50 (£5.70) a glass.
Contact:cafe-de-dokter.nl
Prices: £
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Amsterdam's nightlife, where hidden gems like 'The Doctor' offer a unique experience. Known as the smallest pub in the city, measuring just 18 m sq, this cozy establishment provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area near Central Station.
Step inside and discover a blend of sophistication and comfort. Trendy individuals gather around the sleek black bar, bathed in the gentle glow of a mosaic wall, while relaxing in stylish leatherette tulip chairs. If you prefer a quieter setting, wander into the lounge area, adorned with designer chairs and shelves filled with art books.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of pale, gaudy, and sparkly cocktails, crafted to perfection and served in delicate glassware. For an unexpected twist, take your drink and venture down the stairs to the basement gallery. Here, you'll find an intriguing display of edgy contemporary Dutch art, adding a touch of cultural intrigue to your evening.
For more information, visit:larcaamsterdam.nl
Expect modest prices within the range of ££
Bierfabriek
This vast, multi-chambered microbrewery, exuding rustic charm with its scrubbed wood and austere surfaces, is a vibrant hot-spot for students, transient backpackers, and individuals in their twenties and thirties seeking some excitement. The establishment is always abuzz with lively chatter, with copious amounts of beer flowing and a festive spirit prevailing. While the brewery takes pride in crafting a warm porter and a flavorful red ale, their outstanding Puur catches my fancy, a full-bodied, unfiltered pilsener with a yeasty flavor profile. In a showcase of their culinary skills, they prepare their bread in-house using brewer's yeast and serve generous portions of organic grilled chicken, providing the perfect fuel for your night out. For group hangouts, consider reserving a taptafel - a table complete with a dedicated draft pump for your private use.
Get in touch at: bierfabriek.com
Prices: ££
As a host to a plethora of rooms and home to a mini brewery, Bierfabriek keeps the beer flowing. Yet, Super Lyan shines as a star with a unique blend of creativity and deliciousness.
Located in the hub of Amsterdam, Super Lyan is a masterpiece created by Jacu Strauss, famed for his impressive revamp of the Pulitzer Hotel. His talent for blending the past and present culminates in the venue's retro-1950s design, enhanced by contemporary illumination. The playful colour palette extends to their cocktails, each one a perfect blend of art and taste. Every sip feels like a guilty pleasure, including the East 8 Straight Up - a cocktail marrying vodka, Aperol, lychee, and an enticing dash of passion fruit. As for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, their choice is far from compromise. Instead, they enjoy an array of innovative and mature offerings, each vying for top spot.
To know more, visit: superlyan.com
Price Range: ££
Super Lyan offers imaginatively mixed cocktails in a vibrant, modern ambiance.
The Dutch design prodigy, Droog, boasts an incredibly stylish café situated above their working studios. Adorned in brilliant snow-like white, the café is interpolated with furniture, artifacts, and a jumble of prototypes and remnants from Droog's collaborators. Tejo Remy’s ingenious Rag Chair and Rachel Harding’s miniature Chinese restaurant interior, designed within a fish tank, are especially noteworthy. This niche is a haunt for design connoisseurs and trendsetters to unwind with fresh juices like a fusion of fennel, celery, lime, and cucumber. Surprisingly, this serene escape remains relatively undiscovered by the patrons of the Droog store below, thereby preserving a tranquil atmosphere amidst the city's frenzy, with a handful of tables offering scenic canal views.
Contact: droog.com
Prices: ££
This chic Amsterdam café adds an extra dimension to your travel experience by combining style, relaxation, and the city's unique design culture. It's definitely a hidden gem amongst Amsterdam's best bars and nightlife.
Café Droog is a cool space for design enthusiasts De Pilsener Club (De Engelse Reet)
There is no barat De Pilsener Club (commonly known as De Engelse Reet). Drinks are dispensed in a small backroom, opening into a voorkamer (‘front room’ or parlour). It’s a centuries-old set-up which, as far as I know, remains nowhere else in town. The current owners have run the bar for four generations, and successive first sons have all had the same name. I love the fact that the barman has been called ‘Teun van Veen’ for more than 85 years. Try one of the jenevers (Dutch gin) from local distillery De Ooievaar, which dates back to 1782 – they have a really good range here.
Get in Touch: Begijnsteeg 4; Dial 00 31 20 623 1777
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, Noon to 1am; Fridays and Saturdays, Noon till 2am
Rate: £
Visit Grand Café 1e Klas
This opulent refashioning of the former central station's first-class waiting room is worth your visit. Imagine stepping into a time capsule that harkens back to 1882– you'll marvel at high ceilings, massive Delft vases, and the signature patterns of William Morris adorning the walls and beams. Not forgetting the potted palms and the resident cockatoo that may not be the friendliest—the grandeur is overwhelming. This was a time when first-class travellers were treated like royalty and the elegance of that time remains preserved in this place. If you're looking to rendezvous with someone who isn't familiar with the city, this is an easily accessible location, although you might need a complimentary platform access ticket. Remember, it's located directly on stationPlatform 2B.
Visit Their website: restaurant1eklas.nl
Approximate Expenditure: £
The Grand Café 1e Klas retains its original majestic aura of Hoppe
Imitation of the Old Master on the wall, delicate grains of sand covering the wooden flooring, and barrels aligned behind the bar; all together constitute Hoppe, the epitome of a conventional ‘brown café’. This term originated from the wooden panels and the perpetual tinge of tobacco smoke on the walls and ceiling. The testament to its success and legacy is its existence since 1670. The ‘Standing Room’ is the most aged portion of this café. Historically, it catered to the tastes of the elites, contrasting to the more hipster Café De Zwart just across the alley. Interestingly, these distinctions continue to thrive. It's advisable to steer clear during early evening hours when the venue gets overwhelmed by an influx of after-hours professionals looking to unwind.
Reach out: cafehoppe.com
Admission: £
The In De Waag Café
The In De Waag café proudly stands as a testament to Amsterdam's rich history. Remarkably built in 1488 as one of the city's gates, this charming establishment underwent a transformation in the 17th century into a public weigh-house– known as 'De Waag.' It now operates as a café and restaurant that boasts an interior featuring raw brick and polished wood, magnificently illuminated by close to 300 candles. This warm ambiance may make the temperature rise during summer, but worry not! There is a beautifully sheltered terrace just outside the front entrance, offering a delightful view of the lively Nieuwmarkt square and bordering the notorious Red Light District. This is your spot if you're craving for a more tranquil atmosphere to enjoy your drinks, unlike what nearby cafés can provide.
For inquiries, visit: indewaag.nl and get a glimpse of their pricing brackets as they return fair rates.
Prices: ££
De Waag, which once served as a city portal in 1488, shares the limelight with De Jaren in Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife scene.
The captivating interior of De Jaren, featuring pristine white walls, light-hued wood, and expansive windows offers a striking view of the Amstel River, magnified by a terrace that extends over the tranquil water. Known to be a frequent socializing space for individuals in the art and media sector, it is usually buzzing during cocktail hours. However, it's during sunny days that De Jaren truly shines, especially when you can dock a boat and enjoy drinks on the terrace. On rainy days, it serves as a cozy retreat, inviting you to sink into a wicker chair or sit by the elongated reading table. The establishment offers a variety of sandwiches and salads, apart from more substantial meals throughout the day, all reasonably priced.
For more information, visit: cafedejaren.nl
Price Range: Moderate
The terrace of De Jaren is a sun trap in the warmer months Café Van Zuylen
A down-to-earth ‘brown café’ (bars named for their traditional wooden interiors, and tobacco-smoke-stained walls). One room, especially in the evenings, is cheerfully noisy, and crammed shoulder-to-shoulder. Another –reached through a door beside the bar, or via a separate street entrance –sports a chandelier and paintings on the wall, and tends to be a little quieter and better suited to couples. In good weather, tables and basket-chairs are spread out on an enormous terrace, which stretches across a bridge over the Singel canal – an ideal spot to lean back and bask in the sun for a while.
Contact:cafevanzuylen.com
Prices: £
If you're looking for a memorable night out while in Amsterdam, then a trip to Café Van Zuylen would be perfect. Known as one of the city’s traditional 'brown cafés', this historic establishment also shares its premises with Wynand Fockink's distillery.
Keep your giggles in check, Wynand Fockink is the genuine name of the original proprietor who first launched this distillery and tasting room back in 1679. The proeflokaal, or tasting room, has remained almost unvaried after more than 300 years, boasting wood panelling, sawdust-covered floors, and shelves full of uniquely named liqueurs in charming bottles. Small and cozy, it tends to get quite busy in the evenings, but if you time it well, visiting late in the afternoon can be a rejuvenating experience, especially on a cold winter day.
If you've previously tried the sharp-tasting commercial Dutch jenevers and found them lacking, Wynand Fockink offers a luxurious treat in the form of its Superior three-year-old malt. This tasting experience is unlike any other and is a must-try when you visit.
For more information, you can visit their website wynand-fockink.nl. The prices offered are reasonable and will ensure you get a value-for-money experience.
Wynand Fockink functions as a dual entity, serving both as a distillery and a palatable tasting room situated in the Canal Belt - West De Melkweg.
The ‘Milky Way’, a significant player in the European counter-culture movement of the 70s, continues to thrive today. It represents a dynamic convergence of music, performance, weekend clubbing, and more. The vintage dairy edifice now boasts of stylish new additions including a cinema, art exhibit space, and a café. They feature an eclectic mix from Dutch pop, grunge rock, and hip-hop, to the rhythmic movements of contemporary dance. Interestingly, De Melkweg was the birthplace of the first public marijuana consumption during the Flower Power era. Visitors are required to be registered members, which costs €4/£3 per month, for the majority of event access. Some events encourage early registration, although this may attract additional charges.
You can reach out to them here.
Approximate costs: £
Going strong since the 1970s is the popular music venue, 'Milky Way'
This two-level café, nestled canal-side, is a timeless favorite with a diverse crowd of thirty-somethings (a demographic that gradually expands every passing year), local professionals releasing their corporate façade, and transient visitors. Creating a nearly constant hum of activity, this café is abuzz day in and day out. When weather permits, easily accessible tables can be found outdoors, located directly adjacent to the canal (be forewarned of the slightly unsettling proximity to trams and bustling traffic). However, it's the upper-level room that steals guests' hearts, where a snug window corner overlooks the canal, establishing an ideal setting for lengthy afternoons preferably on rainy days.
Connect: morlang.nl
Charges: ££
Gracing the scenic canal-side, Morlang is a treasured café in the Museum District and De Pijp Flamingo.
Situated in the bustling core of De Pijp, this lively café nestles beside the Albert Cuyp Market. It boasts a vibrant terrace, adorned by stacks of fruit boxes, in one of the most sought-after streets for nightly festivities. Its diverse offerings include warm, spiced wine in the colder months, refreshing mojitos for the summer, and a copious selection of beers courtesy of the esteemed local establishment, Brouwerij ’t IJ. The unique location of Flamingo makes it an ideal first stop for immersing yourself in De Pijp's vibrant nightlife. With at least a dozen more bars just a short stroll away, patrons can enjoy a leisurely beverage while observing the lively comings and goings of the locale.
For more information, visit: cafeflamingo.nl
Price range: £
Flamingo, a cheerful nook in neighborhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, and Amsterdam West hosts De Tuin, a lively café.
This unpretentious bar in Jordaan, thrives on the regular crowd, primarily consisting of residents of the local area. De Tuin is a cherished hangout in this district, especially when you've found a cozy outdoor seat that allows you to observe life's happenings. Its indoors boast a rustic charm with stone flooring and timber seats where flower-patterned wallpaper unintentionally lends a vintage touch. The interior design is complemented by an eclectic assortment of prints and images. They offer ten beers on draft and more in the bottle, all of which are worthy of a trial, along with agreeable wine. I would highly recommend experiencing a brew from Oedipus, or any other indigenous Amsterdam brewery.
For More information:cafedetuin.nl
Cost indicator: £
De Tuin, a cherished spot of both local Amsterdammers and our author Oosterdok, and the buzzing Amsterdam East Bar Bukowski/Henry's Bar serve as firm favorites.
Bar Bukowski, bearing the name of the revered writer and poet Charles Bukowski, plays host to a vibrant atmosphere filled with noise and energy, especially when its dive-packages crowd-together in lively camaraderie under a mammoth typewriter-key light installation. For those fixated on quieter environments, Henry's Bar, tucked away through an archway, offers comfort with its spread of soft chairs, where dexterous mixologists prepare a variety of splendid cocktails. Their bar menu ranges from traditional classics to the distinctive 'Bar Bukow' spiked with ginger and chili. Interestingly, an uncommon range of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages is also served here, that includes an intriguing pine-flavored option.
Visit their website for more details: barbukowski.nl
Expect moderate pricing: ££
Inspired by the infamous author and maverick Charles Bukowski, Bar Bukowski graces Holland's capital, opposite Hannekes Boom.
The venue sits by the bustling rail lines exiting Central Station on one end, and the looming backdrop of the copper-detailed NEMO building by Renzo Piano on the other, replicating a colossal ship. Hannekes Boom is situated on a secluded piece of land, more like a concealed island, offering some of the city's best and unique panoramic views. This rustic and charming cabin-like edifice boasts expansive patios and tree-dotted al fresco dining spaces, luring in a diverse, youthful, and avant-garde crowd. It also often hosts eclectic music performances (ranging from untamed funk and intricate jazz to soulful singer-songwriters) and intriguing arts events. The best experience in the colder months? Cozying up by the open fire within the premises.
Get in touch via: hannekesboom.nl.
Cost estimate: ££
Frequently hosting live music and artistic events, Hannekes Boom is a consistent hub of activity. De Ysbreeker is a favorite hotspot of design connoisseurs and admirers of aesthetic appeal, often seen enjoying their time alongside notable names from the political arena and media celebrities.
This enormous café, adorned with sky-high ceilings, opens up to an impressive view of River Amstel through its grand windows. With a history dating back to the 18th century, De Ysbreeker boasts a rich past, having served as an inn, a top-rated billiards bar, and a modern music spot. Today, renowned local designer Ronald Hooft has brought an elegant refresh to the café, deftly blending 21st-century aesthetics whilst retaining original features such as the intricately moulded cast-iron pillars. When the temperature ratchets up, visitors find solace on the vast, shaded terrace, perched directly on the river.
It's a place that's as much about absorbing culture as it is about delicious food and drink. Notably, it once entertained prominent figures of the Dutch Golden Age, evidencing the establishment's historic charm. Nowadays, patrons can find an eclectic menu that features both traditional Dutch delicacies and global cuisine, inspired by Amsterdam's vibrant international scene.
To get more information or to book a seat, visit: deysbreeker.nl
Keep in mind that prices fall within the mid-range bracket.
The history-rich De Ysebreeker, a charming establishment dating back to the 18th century, joins hands with the dynamic Amsterdam North Café-Restaurant Tolhuistuin.
It's a bustling hangout spot frequented by artists, travelers, and local trendsetters alike. Patrons can immerse themselves in an eclectic food and drink menu ranging from traditional apple pie and coffee to nacho-infused drinks and sizzling bitterballen (delicate croquette spheres). For those seeking innovative culinary experiences, there’s an impressive list of vegetarian and vegan delights to savor - like the jackfruit rendang combined with a tangy fermented soybean accompaniment and a hint of sweet-and-sour ginger. The establishment, once a canteen for a Shell research facility, now forms part of a thriving arts and cultural hub. It features a serene garden that comes alive with performances during the summer months. For anyone exploring Amsterdam Noord with an appetite and thirst to quench, it's the place to be.
Contact: tolhuistuin.nl
Prices: £