35 Best Things To Do At Night In Amsterdam
Are you a visitor or a local who is looking for the best things to do at night in Amsterdam? As an Amsterdam ex-pat and millennial myself, I understand that you are looking for nighttime activities and less conventional things to do in Amsterdam at night.
Amsterdam’s nightlife offers something for all tastes, from art to food to party lovers. Stroll the canal streets, dance the night away in the clubs, enjoy breathtaking views and have unspoken experiences.
In this article, you’ll discover the 35 best things you can do at night in the city, the best hotels, the hotspots to have dinner and drinks, and how to get around the city.
Amsterdam’s after-hours are waiting to be discovered.
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Experience the Dark Ages at Amsterdam Dungeon
Travel back in time to the eerie history of Amsterdam, where spooky stories and interactive shows await you at the Amsterdam Dungeon. Get ready for a night of frights and fun!
Join the Amsterdam Pub Crawl
Party with fellow travellers as you hop from one pub to another with free drinks and free admission.
Experience AMAZE Amsterdam
Engage your senses with an audio adventure that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, leaving you mesmerized.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Try the artisanal craft beers brewed in Amsterdam’s Windmill Brewery, a perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Shopping at Nine Streets
Enjoy late-night shopping and indulge in retail therapy like never before as you stroll through the Nine Streets.
Hop On a Night Canal Cruise
Experience a unique boat tour starting in the heart of the Red Light district of Amsterdam.
Enjoy 2 free drinks aboard on this smoke-friendly luxury boat cruise and check out the iconic sights outside the window.
The Amsterdam Icebar
Experience Amsterdam’s coolest venue and enjoy complimentary cocktails at the Amsterdam Icebar.
Wrap up warm in the provided jackets, and drink from glasses made of ice in a bar sculpted from 35 tons of natural ice and kept at -10 degrees Celsius.
Heineken Experience
Discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, and learn everything there is to know about the world’s favourite beer.
Dance the Night Away at Paradiso
Let loose on the dance floor of one of Amsterdam’s most iconic venues, where music, art, and culture converge together.
Museumplein
Stroll through the Museumplein – the modern and contemporary architecture at Stedelijk Museum and the tunnel below the Rijksmuseum.
Melkweg
Each year, there are hundreds of concerts, club nights, films and music films, theatre performances, and expositions happening at Melkweg.
Jordaan Food Tasting Tour
Taste different foods at 6 unique venues by the hand of Dutch neighbours meanwhile, you stroll the canals and learn the cultural history of Amsterdam along the way.
Book a Dinner in the Dark
Experience food like never before at a 3-course dinner in the dark in Amsterdam where you’ll learn how to use all your senses in complete darkness.
Red Light Secrets Museum
One of the things the Netherlands is famous for is the Red Light District.
Learn the story of sex work in the Netherlands with an entry ticket to the Museum of Prostitution, located in a former brothel in Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the museum closes at 11 pm instead of 10 pm.
Madame Tussauds
Wander through the halls of Madame Tussauds and rub shoulders with lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebrities, historical icons, and pop culture stars.
Concertgebouw
The Royal Concertgebouw is one of the world’s most famous concert halls renowned for its acoustics. Concertgebouw offers a varied programme featuring leading international musicians, orchestras, and conductors.
There are scheduled tours three times a week (from September to June) and for groups available on request.
Every Wednesday, there is a free 30-minute concert in the Concertgebouw. Due to the popularity of these concerts, it is recommended to arrive at least 45 min before the concert.
Amsterdam Light Festival
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival on a canal boat cruise, including live commentary from the ship’s skipper.
Travel through the city’s famous canals as you marvel at 20 works of light art.
This is a yearly event that takes place from late November to January.
A’DAM Tower
From A’DAM Amsterdam you’ll have a 360º view of the city.
Swing on the highest swing over the edge of the tower and enjoy the views.
Eye Film Museum
For cinephiles and art enthusiasts alike, the Eye Film Museum offers a beautiful cinematic experience.
Enjoy screenings of classic films, thought-provoking documentaries, and international gems on Friday nights.
Dutch National Opera & Ballet
Dutch National Opera & Ballet is one of the largest cultural organisations in the Netherlands.
Coffee Shops
Learn about the cannabis culture and history of Amsterdam on a walking tour and visit one of the city’s legendary coffee shops with a local guide.
Enjoy Jazz Music
If you like jazz, blues and funk this is your place. It only costs 10 euros (in 2023) to get in and enjoy the live music.
Powerzone Glow-in-the-Dark Mini-Golf
Take part in a unique glow-in-the-dark mini-golf experience that is fun for friends and family.
Holland Casino
Next to Leidseplein, you can find Holland Casino. It has various table games, such as Black Jack, Poker, Punto Banco and Roulette.
Amsterdam’s Weirdest Museum
Explore the realm of the bizarre and unbelievable at Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum located in Dam Square.
Get a Panoramic View at the Public Library
If you’re interested in architecture, great city views, or if you’re simply a lover of libraries, you must visit this site.
The OBA library is very spacious and has an inviting cafe on the 6th floor from which you can look out over the harbour and the city beyond.
It is located at a relatively short walk from the Centraal Station.
Self-guided Tours
Explore Amsterdam’s Jewish and maritime past on a self-guided audio tour of the old town.
Enjoy the GPS playback while visiting the Nemo Science Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and more.
Amsterdam: Fabrique des Lumières
See art come to life before your very eyes at Fabrique des Lumières, the largest digital art centre in the Netherlands.
Get an admission ticket to discover the immersive exhibitions of Dalí and Gaudí.
Watch a Movie
Watch the latest movie at the cinema. The biggest chain of cinemas in the Netherlands is called Pathé.
You can book your movie ticket together with a 2-day ticket for Amsterdam’s nightlife.
The Waterhole Live Music Bar
The Waterhole is a live music bar in Leidseplein Square where they play different music genres. There is a happy hour until 9 pm and they have 3 pool tables.
Have a Cocktail at House of Bols
The predecessor to gin, genever has been a popular addition to Dutch cocktails for centuries.
You can learn all about it and sample some of the liquors at the House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience.
Hang Out at Nieuwe Anita
De Nieuwe Anita is a bar with eclectic furniture and music. De Nieuwe Anita is the meeting ground of the cultural underground that is lively thanks to a squat scene and the more mainstream music, literature and arts scenes.
Foodhallen
The Foodhallen is a 1200m2 indoor food market with 21 culinary stands located in a monumental building in Amsterdam-West. It also offers local craft beers, wines and gin tonics to pair your dish.
Hash & Hemp Museum
Explore the Hash & Hemp Museum to learn about the cultural and historical importance of hemp and cannabis. With the help of an audio guide, you’ll discover the past, present, and future of the cannabis plant.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Popular areas to stay in include the city centre (Centrum), Jordaan, De Pijp, and Oud-West.
Distances in Amsterdam are short, so don’t worry if your hotel is not in the city centre because everything is well connected.
My handpicked recommendations:
- Couples: Hotel 717
- Sustainability lovers: Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam & Van der Valk Hotel
- A quiet night: Nhow Amsterdam Rai
- Design Lovers: Met Hotel Amsterdam
- A hotel with a story: INK Hotel Amsterdam-MGallery
- Families: Sir Adam Hotel
- Luxury travellers: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a concept by Hyatt
- Groups: Ecomama
- Solo traveller: Cocomama
- On a low budget: ClinkNOORD Hostel
If you prefer to peruse more hotels, then you can check out Booking.com as they have the best deals and the most extensive hotel inventory.
Where to Have Dinner in Amsterdam
There are so many options for dinner and so many cuisines to choose from. These are my handpicked recommendations for you:
- Michelin-star restaurant: Restaurant Bougainville
- Japanese, Seafood: Mo-Jo Japanese Kitchen
- Caribbean: Mondi Amsterdam New-West
- Asian: Bhatti Pasal
- French: Restaurant Bleu
- Steakhouse: Mr. Meat Steakhouse
- Vegan: Vegan Temple Bar
- Indian: Sizz
- Italian: Piccolo
Where to Have Drinks in Amsterdam
Some of the local hotspots for having a drink and a bite are the following:
Getting Around Amsterdam
Best for sightseeing: One of the easiest and most convenient ways to see Amsterdam is by the hand of the Hop On Hop Off Bus. The Bus offers 10 stops while you listen to the most important facts about the places you visit along the way with its GPS audio guide in 19 different languages.
Public transport: Amsterdam has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metros, which can easily take you around the city. You can pay by card for your ticket inside the trams and busses. For the metros, you’ll need to buy a ticket in a ticket machine. You can also buy tickets in advance from the official website of GVB.
Bicycles: With more bikes than citizens, bikes are a popular mode of transport in Amsterdam, and renting one can be a fun and convenient way to explore the city.
Taxi: Another convenient way to move around is by taxi, although it is more costly than other methods of transport.
Boat: There are many different canal boat tours you can choose from evening canals, open boat cruises, canal cruises with audio commentary, and cruises with drinks and local snacks.
Walking is another great option, as many of Amsterdam’s attractions are near each other. Make sure you are not walking on the bike paths as this can cause accidents.
FAQs
Amsterdam offers several free nighttime activities like strolls along the canals, the light festival, Dam Square, Red Light District, panoramic views from the public library or open-air events and concerts in parks.
Additionally, some museums and galleries may offer free entry during specific late-night openings.
Amsterdam’s nightlife is very lively. The city has a mix of nightclubs, bars, live music venues, and cultural events.
You can enjoy everything from techno and electronic music scenes to jazz clubs, comedy shows, and theatre performances.
The cost of clubbing in Amsterdam can vary depending on the venue and the night of the week. Some popular clubs may have higher entrance fees, especially on weekends and special events.
However, many places offer student discounts, early bird tickets, or free entry before a certain time. To save money, consider planning your clubbing nights on weekdays or checking out lesser-known venues.
The best area for nightlife in Amsterdam is the city centre, particularly around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
These squares are packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
The Red Light District also offers a unique nightlife experience, featuring a mix of bars, adult entertainment, and quirky nightlife spots.
Amsterdam is generally safe at night, but like any city, it’s essential to take precautions. Stick to well-lit areas and main streets, and avoid wandering alone in secluded areas.
Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings. As long as you exercise common sense and awareness, you can enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife without any major concerns.
Amsterdam’s closing times can vary depending on the type of establishment and the day of the week.
Generally, bars and clubs close around 3:00 AM, while some may have extended hours on weekends, staying open until 4:00 AM or later.
However, many cafés and restaurants close earlier in the evening, around 10:00 PM or midnight. It’s always a good idea to check specific venues’ closing times in advance.
Conclusion: Things to Do at Night in Amsterdam
After reading this article, one thing becomes clear—the city never sleeps. Amsterdam’s after-dark activities cater to everyone’s desires, making sure that the night is never boring.
You could easily spend one week in Amsterdam exploring its nightlife and daylife.
Whether you’re dancing the night away in clubs, or simply savouring the tranquillity of the moonlit canals, Amsterdam’s night is beautiful in any way.
I hope it serves as your guide for nights filled with delight in Amsterdam.
Before You Go
Getting To and Around the Netherlands
The Netherlands is well-connected, and you can easily reach major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht by flying into Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the efficient train system, rent a car or rent a bike and discover the cities like a local.
Two important transportation phone apps when in the Netherlands are: 9292 and NS Travel Planner.
Best Time to Visit
The Netherlands is stunning all year round, but the best time to experience its beauty is during spring (April to May) when the iconic tulip fields are in full bloom and autumn when Amsterdam transforms into a magical city. The weather is mild, perfect for exploring the cities and enjoying the outdoor attractions.
Where to Stay in the Netherlands
You can book your hotel via Booking.com as they consistently have the cheapest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
If you prefer a hostel, then you can book with Hostelworld as they have the best deals and the biggest inventory.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against theft, illness and cancellations. EKTA covers travellers all over the World with 24/7 client support from 1.65 USD a day.
European eSIM
With eSIMs from Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack for over 200 countries/regions and get connected anywhere in the world as soon as you land.
Book Your Attraction Tickets
Get Your Guide, Viator and Tiqets are some of my favourites.
