Where to go: bars, pubs, clubs and cafes in Amsterdam
As you can imagine, Amsterdam has a place for whatever nightlife needs you might have. Or daily. Too many places actually. Let’s narrow it down with a list of recommendations by your friendly local guide (please check hours and availability as some of those places need a reservation).
Oudezijds Achterburgwal, the main canal street of the Red Light District and one of the busiest spots of the city at night.
FOR THE DRINKS:
BEER BAR - TASTING ROOM IN DE WILDEMAN - Kolksteeg 3, 1012 PT Amsterdam
Charming vintage former destillery, has more than 250 beers from pretty much every corner of Europe, and a rotating selection of local brews. Can sit indoor (they have some really old board games in the shelf) or by the sidewalk. Very friendly and competent staff, some nice snacks to order along with the beers.
COCKTAIL BAR - RUN BARREL WEST - Spaarndammerstraat 17, 1013 VN Amsterdam
As someone that is VERY picky with my favorite mixed drink (Dark & Stormy), I usually struggle to find a place that doesn’t compromise on ingredients, execution or presentation. This place has consistently provided all those needs. Besides 300 bottles of rum for tasting. Now, if you are looking for something a bit more eccentric, with signature cocktails and a conceptual menu with tales instead of drink description, I do recommend Rosalia Menagerie as my other go-to place for a few sips.
WINE BAR - GLOU GLOU - Tweede van der Helststraat 3, 1073 AE Amsterdam
If you enjoy natural wines, that’s the place to go. Fair prices, friendly and helpful staff, and you can buy any bottle in the shop inside.
SAKE BAR - KYO AMSTERDAM - Koningsstraat 29, 1011 ET Amsterdam
Not really a bar, instead an izakaya-style restaurant, they have the largest selection of sakes I’ve seen in the city, and the staff knows (and enjoys) their product. I would not be that much of a sake enthusiast without the few afternoons I spent there.
WHISKEY BAR - CAFE ZILT - Zeedijk 49, 1012 AR Amsterdam
With a selection of more than 350 whiskeys, limited editions and rare bottles alike, this is a solid choice in the old city center. Servings of 6 whiskeys with snacks for 52 euros.
JENEVER BAR - WYNAND FOCKINK - Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam
Of course, this list needs a place to sip some Dutch Courage, or Sailors Courage! Jenever is the traditional dutch spirit and also the ancestor of gin, although very different in flavor today. Besides the tasting room and the oldest distillery in town (active since the 17th century), they also have a little museum where you can learn more about the spirit’s history and it’s distillation process.
FOR THE MUSIC:
JAZZ - JAZZ CAFE ALTO - Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115, 1017 PX Amsterdam
Really easy choice. Very affordable entrance - 5 euros from Sunday to Wednesday, 10 on the rest of the week. The musicians can be upcoming talents, seasoned locals or foreign guests, but they are always solid. And sweaty by the end of the night.
ELECTRONIC MUSIC - MELKWEG - Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam
Located inside the International Theater Amsterdam, it’s easily one of the most popular night addresses in the city (together with Paradiso), perfect for your digital beat needs. The Techno Tuesday weekly event is self explanatory. Mondays usually have chill beats.
ROCK AND BLUES - CAFE SOUNDGARDEN - Marnixstraat 164-166, 1016 TG Amsterdam
Wanna find out what is coming out of the local bands amps? On Soundgarden you will find that, a classic pool table, jukebox, drinks and a place to chill in the backyard if the music gets too loud. There are also 2 other places to consider nearby - Maloe Melo (rock and blues) and New Anita (different styles, alternative). If you are looking for a place to enjoy live covers from your favorite bands, just check the agenda on Waterhole.
LATIN - EL PUNTO LATINO - Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam
Either if you want to engage with the very active local salsa community or just swing by yourself, the place has a large dancing hall where they also play a lot of bachata and reggaeton.
FOR EVERYTHING ELSE:
RIVERSIDE BAR - PLLEK - T.T. Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam
This sustainable bar/restaurant has its own private beach on the back, where you can sit down with your feet in the sand, drinking and eating while enjoying the great view of the city accross the IJ river. Take the free ferry bellow the Central Station to cross the river, which is quite enjoyable by itself.
DOCKSIDE BAR - HANNEKES BOOM - Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam
This has been a trendy spot for a while, so it can get busy. But if you are looking for a very cheerful, cool looking open space where you can sit down by the river dock and while enjoying your order, you won’t regret.
QUEER - PAMELA - Jacob van Lennepstraat 86H, 1053 HM Amsterdam
A welcoming and relaxing safe space, where it’s chill earlier - easy to connect and make friends. But the dance floor gets on fire later! Bar Bario is another cool inclusive hotspot and creative hub pretty much next door to Pamela.
COFFEESHOP - DAMPKRING - Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam
One of the most traditional coffeeshops in the city, it became even more famous after being used for a scene of the movie Ocean’s Twelve.
STORYTELLING & STAND UP COMEDY - MEZRAB - Veemkade 576, 1019 BL Amsterdam
Might be my favorite place to go out in Amsterdam. It’s a cafe owned by community of international storytellers (they also offer workshops and courses) where you find concerts, storytelling and stand-up nights with people from all over the world. On the stage and on the crowd. Very unique and authentic place.
KARAOKE - 24K KARAOKE BAR - Halvemaansteeg 8bg, 1017 CR Amsterdam
Massive playlist, chill place and the staff pays attention to avoid letting people wait too long. The kind of place it’s easy to get a few strangers singing along with you. Also if you prefer private karaoke rooms, look for the Duke of Tokyo.
BOWLING - KNIJN BOWLING - Scheldeplein 3, 1078 GR Amsterdam
Has a large bowling hall with many tracks, although still advisable to make a reservation. The place also has a restaurant and disco evenings.
GAMES - TON TON CLUB WESTERGAS - Polonceaukade 27, 1014 DA Amsterdam
Competing with Mezrab as my favorite hangout spot, this place has it all for me. Located in my favorite park Westerpark, has loads of all kinds of board games, pinball and arcade as well, and a great menu for drinks and bites. The kind of place I’ll easily go even by myself. And maybe someday on a date.
THE OLDEST - IN’T APJEN (IN THE MONKEYS) - Zeedijk 1, 1012 AN Amsterdam
No, it’s not the Old Sailor neither Café Karpershoek, but this ancient wooden cafe from 1475. It smells like any other brown bar in Amsterdam, but it’s definitely older. Back in the days of the Dutch East India Company, the place used to accept exotic animals as payment for meals and drinks, and sailors often were eager to dispose of anything they didnt sell on the market. They still have a few stuffed animals inside, and god knows how long they’ve been there.
I guess this concludes my list for now, and it should keep you busy for quite a while! Let me know what you think in the comments, and also check this other post to find out where to get the best bites in the city!