Amsterdam’s nightlife is known for its wide range of venues that cater to every taste. The nightlife in Amsterdam is diverse, with pubs and bars ranging from the modern & large to the modest & cozy. From techno to jazz, Funk to hip-hop, DJs and live performances entertain the crowd from night to dawn. The Dutch capital is home to three major areas for partying – Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein.
You will likely want to unwind and drink after a long day of exploring the city’s attractions. This list is hand-curated to give you the best nightlife in Amsterdam.
1. Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam
The Xtracold Icebar is Amsterdam’s coolest bar, as it is made entirely of ice, from the walls & furniture to the drinking glasses. Xtracold offers the unique experience of drinking from a glass made out of ice and experiencing what it’s like to be at the North Pole. Three drinks are included. You will receive two drinks at the Icebar (sambuca or rum of your choice, Heineken beer of different flavors, regular vodka, and orange juice) and one cocktail or beer in the Lounge Bar. Before entering the Icebar, coats and gloves are also provided.
Location: Amstel 194, 1017 AG AmsterdamTimings: Monday – Sunday: 11:45 PM – 1:00 AM
2. Club Escape
Club Escape is an energetic weekend nightclub, one of the largest and most popular dance clubs in Amsterdam. It features a magnificent dance floor, DJs, and a bar with a VIP area. Escape is a popular nightclub in Amsterdam, both among tourists and locals. The service is prompt and high quality. Everything, from the music to the ambiance, bar, menu, and crowd, is outstanding. The hotel organizes themed & genre parties throughout the year, and guests are expected to look well-groomed. On certain themed nights, there is a dress code.
Location: Rembrandtplein 11, 1017 CT AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Friday – Sunday: 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM Dress code: Sportswear and obscene or broken clothing are not allowed.
3. Waterhole
Waterhole is another popular nightlife venue in Amsterdam. It is located right in the center of the city. This is a music bar with a variety of music, from rock to pop. You can also enjoy a quick meal and a refreshing drink at the Tap & Dine. Waterhole has a charming ambiance and an old-school vibe. The most remarkable feature is the separate beer tap that is located at each table. The weekly music program features local and international artists. Indie Mondays, 80s Funk and Rock Thursdays, and Fridays are just a few of the highlights. This bar offers a wide variety of music to suit all tastes.
Location: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49, 1017 PW AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
4. Beer Temple
The Beer Temple, a bar in Amsterdam’s city center that is known for its wide selection of American beers and friendly service, offers a reasonable range of American-style beer. It’s one of the few American bars in Europe to serve around 50 draft beers and nearly 200 bottles or cans. Stone, Anchor Goose Island Lagunitas Rogue, and Evil Twin are among the breweries that are represented. Also, Uiltje Brewing in Haarlem offers a variety of house beers and a number of beers on draft. The bar’s interior is bright and modern, with rows upon rows of beer taps. The atmosphere is friendly, and the vibe is amazing. The house beer Tembelbier, brewed in the Netherlands, is a must for those seeking a local flavor.
Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250, 1012 RR AmsterdamTimings: Monday – Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
5. Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Proeflokaal Arendsnest is a cozy bar located in the heart of Amsterdam at Herengracht. For over 20 years, it has presented its special beers by Dutch Breweries. Beer lovers from around the world have praised this bar’s passion and expertise for Dutch beers. Proeflokaal Arendsnest offers over 100 beers, 50 on draft, as well as other drinks, such as liquors, ciders, and whiskeys. It also has more than 40 different types of gin. The space is intimate, with copper pipes and wood-paneled wall panels. It also has a beer tasting room & terrace on the canal. Visitors can enjoy a fine beer while learning about the product they are drinking.
Location: Herengracht 90, 1015 BS AmsterdamTimings: Monday – Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
6. Cafe Hill Street Blues
Cafe Hill Street Blues, a canal-side bar nestled in a cozy Amsterdam street, is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. Formerly a coffee shop, it has been transformed into a coffee bar & juice bar with friendly staff and modest prices. Hill Street Blues’ artful interior is the main attraction. Its extensive decor is a blend of vintage and contemporary, with vintage leather sofas, funky lighting fixtures, and colorful, sprayed graffiti from floor to ceiling.
Location: Warmoesstraat 52A, 1012 JG AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM to 03:00 AM
7. THE BUTCHER Social Club
The popular THE BUTCHER social club is located in the A’DAM Tower, right on the water. It’s a party hotspot that offers a variety of services for townies. The BUTCHER Social Club brings together the early and late birds in the city with its amazing food, music, and creativity. It is a cafe with a party atmosphere, a restaurant with a relaxed vibe, and a bar that plays live music. The urban lounge is a combination of a well-known Burger Bar and an old-school arcade with football tables, a pool, ping-pong, pinball, and video games. The club is open all day, as well as its all-day bar, where you can stop by before or after dinner to pre-club or for a nocturnal craving.
Location: Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday & Saturday 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM
8. Excalibur Cafe
The Excalibur Cafe, located in the Red Light District on Oudezijds Achterburgwal Street, is a boisterous pub decorated with armor suits and bikes. The staff is friendly and humble, making it a great place to meet up with friends. Sky Sports TV and pool tables are located on the upper floor, where smoking is permitted. The atmosphere is pleasant, and there are also great views of the main road. Rock music lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy Excalibur!
Location: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 48, 1012 DP AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM
9. Cafe Old Sailor
Cafe Old Sailor, a bar with a nautical theme, is popular amongst both locals and tourists. The bar is located in the Red Light District in Amsterdam. This traditional Dutch brown pub has a nice atmosphere and used to be the local for sailors. The interior is unusual and decorated with many tools that were used on ships, like steering wheels and meters. The Cafe Old Sailor offers draft beer, cognac, whisky, and football game broadcasts.
Location: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 39-A 1012 DA AmsterdamTimings: Sunday – Thursday: 11:15 PM – 01:00 AM
Friday – Sunday: 11:15 PM to 03:00 AM
10. Stone’s Cafe Bar & Nightclub
Stone’s Cafe Bar & Nightclub is located in the heart of the Red Light District. The wood-paneled club serves English breakfasts such as pancakes and toasties and has a pool table and big-screen sporting events. This bar is a wonderful mix of local culture and international vibes. It combines a Dutch Cafe with a proper English Pub. This bar offers a wide selection of draft beers and cocktails, as well as large-screen televisions to watch sports.