Nightlife in the Netherlands

Nightlife in the Netherlands offers night owls a fine blend of lively dance clubs and elegant pubs and bars. There are numerous bars, lounges, and karaoke bars. restaurants, pubs, clubs, coffee houses, microbreweries, jazz club live music concerts, and bowling alleys to satisfy people of different ages, cultures, and all kinds of music preferences. Locals go out mostly on Fridays or Saturdays. Bars are very busy in the evening and you will see Dutch people drinking small beers with a frothy head. In the bars, pubs and clubs it usually starts to get crowded around midnight. It is not unusual to return around 5 o’clock in the night after a night of going out.

The Dutch love live music and many bars and cafes have bands playing live most nights of the week, but the biggest attraction is a real rock concert. The stadiums in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam attract international artists all year round. A couple of cities host pop festivals over several days in the summer; one is held in August in Biddinghuizen and it is called the Lowlands Pop Festival. The Northsea Jazz Festival also attracts big crowds and is held over three days during the summer in Rotterdam.
The atmosphere in the clubs of the Netherlands is simply unbelievable. The clubs have a dimly lit atmosphere with beams of laser lights and a dancing crowd in pulsating music simply creating a magical effect. The dance clubs in the Netherlands are mostly packed on Saturday nights.
The country has an abundance of coffee shops, where you can legally buy and smoke small amounts of cannabis. Coffee shops do not usually sell alcohol although a couple in the capital have licenses. Coffee shops are not allowed to advertise the sale of drugs, so many display the Rastafarian red, yellow, and green colors to inform people that they supply cannabis. Inside there is usually a menu or a blackboard listing the types of hashish available along with the prices.

For seniors and more serious types who do not like dancing, a visit to the theater or the music concert hall is ideal for enjoying the night. Cinema is very popular in the Netherlands and each town will have at least one, which is usually located within the town centre. The Dutch film industry is very small limiting itself mainly to documentaries so the films shown tend to be British and American box office hits which are played in English with Dutch subtitles. If you prefer live performances then head off to the theatre, there is one in every city, where you will be able to see some classic or alternative plays.

Amsterdam is a vibrant city with a legendary nightlife. When the sun goes down the city turns into a paradise of busy streets, restaurants, cafes, clubs, bars, and cinemas. There is something for everyone in the Dutch capital.
This city is a perfect location with a progressive club scene, internationally renowned orchestras, and fantastic rock and pop venues. There are a plethora of world-class nightclubs where everyone can party with famous DJs and plenty of touring bands. If you are looking for something mainstream then there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can enjoy great drinks and food at varying price options.
During the week several bars and cafés in the centre of Amsterdam can stay open until 01:00 and until 03:00 at the weekend, but in practice some close their doors a bit earlier. In general, dance clubs can stay open until 03:00 during the week and 04:00 at the weekend. In Amsterdam, you will also find a special classification of bars called nachtcafés or night cafés. These bars are allowed to stay open until 04:00 during the week and 05:00 at the weekend.

Welcome to Amsterdam, where the night comes alive with an array of vibrant experiences waiting to be explored. From historic neighborhoods to modern hotspots, the Dutch capital offers something for every nocturnal adventurer. Whether you’re seeking pulsating clubs, cozy bars, or cultural diversions, Amsterdam has it all. Let’s dive into the best areas to visit for nightlife in this dynamic city.

1. Leidseplein: The center of Amsterdam’s nightlife is the Leidseplein. This square has the most popular pubs, bars, and clubs within a stone’s throw from each other. The square has several theaters, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, casinos, and Lido theater with live entertainment. The local cultural and musical centers offer varied music such as rock, pop, dance, rap, and live performances by major national and international artists.
You can find street performers on the square’s eastern side. From acrobatic break-dancing to freestyle jazz on the double bass, there is always something to see. During summer months, the other side of Leidseplein is taken up by the large terraces of the bars lining the square. During colder times of the year, the terraced area is covered by an outdoor skate rink, while hot food stalls appear throughout the square.
Famous music venues such as Melkweg and Paradiso can be found here, while Irish pubs, brown cafés, and smaller nightclubs line the square and the streets radiating off it. For a classy night out, the city theatre, the Stadsschouwburg, sits directly opposite the tram stop on the square itself.

2. Rembrandtplein: Rembrandtplein square comes to life when night falls. On this square, you will find plenty of bars, cinemas, restaurants, and clubs. It is one of the best-known nightlife areas in Amsterdam and is popular among locals and tourists. Rembrandtplein is home to many popular Amsterdam clubs.

3. De Jordaan: De Jordaan also known as Jordaan is a district in the city center of Amsterdam known for its beautiful houses, nice restaurants, and original shops. Those looking for a real Amsterdam experience should not miss a visit to a quintessential Amsterdam cafe, also known as a brown cafe or bar.

4. Red Light District: At the back of the Dam, the entire Red Light District is always overwhelmed by large groups of tourists who walk the streets and look at the women behind the windows. Besides window prostitution, strip clubs, and sex shops you will also find many small restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops in this area.

5. Bloemendaal aan Zee: Bloemendaal attracts a more energetic and mixed crowd of young locals. After playing in the waves all day at Bloemendaal, beachgoers enjoy an incredible sunset before setting off to explore the ultra-hip beach clubs that line the strip. Most of the clubs are terrace cafés and restaurants by day that roll up the carpets and turn up the flashing lights and ground-shaking sound systems at night.

6. Westergasfabriek: Westergasfabriek is a former gas plant outside the city center that now houses a collection of bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and a vibrant cultural park. At night the movie theater attracts an early evening crowd, while various clubs offer late-night party options. On the west edge of the park is Westerunie with its grand covered terrace for daytime dining and upscale modern club featuring international DJs and all-night parties. The crowd at Westergasfabriek is a melting pot of people and the scene in this park setting is much more relaxed than city clubbing.

7. De Pijp: The De Pijp neighborhood is filled with restaurants and local bars. The crowd tends to be a nice mix of students, young professionals, expats, and a few tourists. Most bars are located on the Marie Heineken Plein, Gerard Douplein, and Eerste van der Helststraat.

8. Dam Square: Dam Square is the iconic 13th-century square and one of Amsterdam’s best-known squares. Several times a year the square is the site of a funfair. From time to time there are other events as well, such as concerts, sports events, or a used book market. It is the central meeting point for many locals and tourists. There square has a fair selection of restaurants, trendy bars, and shopping streets.

9. Oud West: Oud-Zuid is an area of great charm and appeal having a laid-back vibe and easy to cycle around with friendly cafes and bars on every block, including some of Amsterdam’s traditional brown cafes. The Oud-West is a great area to see live music and smaller art exhibitions by local artists and design students.

10. Plantage & Oost East: Plantage and the connecting Oost East district are regarded as foodie havens, with a steadily increasing stream of bistros and bars moving into the old warehouses and rooftops. The fare is international, fresh, and often experimental, and in the summer there’s no better place to cool off and try something new in style.

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, transforms into a magical wonderland when the sun sets. The city offers a plethora of activities and experiences that cater to every taste and preference. From the infamous Red Light District to charming canal cruises, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark in Amsterdam.

1. Pub Crawl: Amsterdam pub crawl offers a complete package with access to exclusive clubs and bars, allowing you to meet people and spend a night sampling some of Amsterdam’s best nightlife. On your pub crawl, you will visit six venues and you get a free beer wine, or soft drink at the venue.

2. Heineken Brewery Experience: The Heineken Experience is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions. It includes an interactive self-guided walk through the factory, a tasting session, and fun information about the company’s history and the Heineken logo.

3. XtraCold Icebar: Xtracold Icebar is one of the coolest places in Amsterdam. This amazing bar is kept at a constant temperature of -10 degrees Celsius and everything is made entirely out of ice like the walls, bar, chairs, and even the glasses you drink from. Be amazed at this remarkable feat of engineering and enjoy this unique venue as you sip on your favorite drinks from ice glasses.

4. Gondola Ride Through Amsterdam’s Canals: Amsterdam’s canal ring is a complex of waterways surrounding the Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the sights and sounds of Amsterdam from the water, as you go on a canal cruise while enjoying a sumptuous dinner and a few drinks.

5. Melkweg: The Melkweg is one of the most famous music venues and cultural centers of the Netherlands. It hosts music, theatre, film, photography, and media art shows regularly. The Melkweg is best known for its international music program in all kinds of genres. Housed in a former milk factory the venue houses a cinema, a restaurant, and an exhibition space.

6. Amsterdam Dance Event: The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the leading electronic music platform and the biggest club festival in the world for the whole spectrum of electronic sub-genres. The ADE Festival features 1000 events and 2500 artists in 200 venues over five days which together combine to make Amsterdam one of the busiest and most inspiring clubbing cities in the world. It is a unique, dance-related lifestyle program offering five days of film screenings, music shows, art shows, and exhibitions, exclusive fashion offers, interactive talk shows, promotional activities, and pop-up musical performances at various creative hotspots around the city, including roof-top terraces, clothing shops, and art galleries, as well as outdoor exhibitions and cinemas.

7. Standup Comedy: Amsterdam has the most vibrant comedy scene in the Netherlands. You can watch Dutch and international stand-up acts, and open-mic nights at buzzing comedy clubs with restaurants. Most clubs are located right in the city center so it is a great way to start your Amsterdam night adventure. Comedy clubs in Amsterdam come in all possible sizes and shapes and feature all kinds of comedy.

8. Amsterdam Museum Night: The Amsterdam Museum Night has museums and cultural institutions staying open late till 2 AM offering inspiring performances, activities, and parties that show a different side of their collections. It is held in October every year in the first week of November where more than 50 museums in the annual Museum Night throughout Amsterdam with well-known names like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum along with small museums open their doors during this art and culture themed night.

9. Movie at Pathé Tuskinski: Due to its outstanding structural design, Pathé Tuskinski is recognized among the most beautiful cinemas in the world. The theater’s interior incorporates elements drawn from Art Deco and Art Nouveau, forming a wonderful, pastiche of artistic motifs. Besides hard-hitting blockbuster films, the cinema also screens arthouse movies and often hosts international film festivals.

10. Clubs: For some, a night out is all about showcasing your latest style and hitting the dance floor to see and be seen, and there are a couple of Amsterdam clubs that are geared towards just that. Amsterdam has several trendy clubs and some of the best night spots in the city can be found in the popular Rembrantplein area.

11. Brown Café: For a taste of authentic Amsterdam flavor and Dutch culture visit the traditional Dutch pub known as a brown café. These local watering holes are a quintessential part of Amsterdam’s culture and are the favored haunts of some colorful local personalities. The brown cafe is an extension of home which is a laid-back and cozy place where you can have a drink, chat with friends and just simply relax. They will have Dutch beers on tap, a decent liquor selection, and a no-frills kind of atmosphere.

12. Concertgebouw: Concertgebouw is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world, thanks to its exceptional acoustics. Concertgebouw is one of the great prides of Amsterdam. The incredible sound quality means that catching a concert here is a unique and highly enjoyable experience. Originally opened in 1881, the hall was designed by A. L. van Gendt and has benefited from many successful renovations over the years. You can expect performances of the highest caliber from world-renowned performers.

13. Candlelight Cruise: The Canal Belt of Amsterdam is without a doubt the city’s crown jewel, and seeing it at night completes the love affair. For a truly memorable date night, it is possible to enjoy a candlelight dinner on the canals and book a table on one of the many floating restaurants that cruise through the city every evening.

14. Dine Out in Style at a Michelin Star Restaurant: There are over 40 Michelin star restaurants in Amsterdam, many of which are attached to the city’s most luxurious hotels such as the InterContinental Amstel, Hotel Okura, and Hotel d’Europe. It is always advisable to book ahead before heading over to these classy establishments, as their menus, service, and ambiance put them in high demand.

15. Zoo: Amsterdam Zoo Artis during summer on Saturday is open till 10 PM. You can see wild animals up and also enjoy live performances by Dutch musicians and students from Amsterdam’s music academy.

16. Dark Restaurant: Ctaste is a concept restaurant in Amsterdam, which challenges guests to use all their senses when they dine in the dark. The specially prepared 3-course dinner features unique flavors and textures to make up for the lack of sight served by highly-trained blind or partially-sighted servers.

17. Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Ripley’s Believe It or Not family entertainment is fun for all ages. It showcases the world’s most remarkable collection of natural, scientific, artistic, and human oddities. At Ripley’s Amsterdam, you will meet people who made it into the book of Guinness World Records or hear the stories of rare art pieces collected by the curious explorer and world traveler.

18. A’DAM Lookout: A’DAM Lookout provides an unrivaled 360-degree view of Amsterdam and the surrounding area. From the top floor and the sky deck of the A’DAM Tower, you will see the historical center, pulsating port, Schiphol airport, and the unique polder landscape. Dine and drink while you are surrounded by spectacular views of Amsterdam in the Panorama Restaurant & Rooftop Bar.

19. Groningen – not on the list: Groningen is a famous place to visit for people from all over the world. Unlike in other cities, the bars have no closing hours, so the party doesn’t end until you leave. The city center is the place to be, with the Grote Markt and Poelestraat as a focal point. With dozens of bars, often with live music, clubs, casinos, and even cinemas located within a few blocks, you don’t even have to bring your bike and can walk off your buzz, or take the first bus home after you’ve had breakfast at one of the many kebab places or other night restaurants.
As Groningen is a student city, you can find entertainment for all prices; student discounts are even applied in bars, which means that drinks are cheap and there is no cover fee. At ESN’s International Student Night, beer and soft drinks are only 1 euro, and there are many other places where you will find comparable prices.
But even if you want to have an early night to get back to the UB first thing in the morning, you can consider a wide range of options, from theatre to concerts to film. The city’s festivals are the culmination of all these year-round cultural vibes, and show why Groningen is the best place to go out. You’ll quickly understand why it is that even people from outside the province flock to Groningen for a good night out.

Welcome to Groningen, a city that truly comes alive after the sun sets. While this Dutch gem may be known for its charming canals and historical landmarks during the day, the nighttime scene offers a whole new array of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered.

1. Eurosonic/Noorderslag: Eurosonic is the largest showcase festival in Europe. Over 200 bands give their all during the three-day festival, and Dutch media have hailed Groningen “the music capital of Europe” because of the wide variety of acts. Accompanying the event is a conference, where A&Rs and artists can mix and mingle, often with a record deal as a reward. Noorderslag is the Dutch component of the festival, in which a variety of Dutch bands get the opportunity to convince the world of their talents. Many Dutch artists have since been propelled to national fame, and Noorderslag is the perfect way to sample everything that our small country has to offer—and trust us, that is quite a lot! You have to purchase festival tickets to witness all the goodness, but if your wallet doesn’t match your musical appetite, there are also other opportunities during the festival. In the music store Plato and next door coffee place Coffee Company, many acts that also perform at the festival give free showcases. And if you’re simply too comfy in your room to go outside at all, the concerts are also broadcast live on Dutch television.

2. Noorderzon: Noorderzon is a magnificent performing arts festival. The program includes all forms of art, from plays to sculptures to music, and most events are accessible for free. The festival spans eleven days in August, and over 120.000 people visit every year. Sit back in the park, bring your picnic, and watch interpretative dance or a Tunisian play. Look at alternative American theatre, or listen to Dutch bands sweep up the audience. The mix of cultures and disciplines is what gives this festival such a distinctive atmosphere. Whether you’re a diehard theatre fan or a casual music listener, the festival can broaden your horizons.

3. StuKafest: StuKafest is the most original festival in town, as all of the action takes place in student rooms. Bands perform in rooms made available by Groninger students, which gives an intimate and unique touch to the concerts. There are also plays and other art forms that showcase themselves during the festival. If you’re not willing to wait for the actual event, then you should check out the brand-new initiative WishfulMusic. This volunteer-based initiative organizes so-called ‘living-room concerts” regularly, with national and international bands giving act de presence. And the best thing is, it’s with some exceptions all for free. Reservations are required, as capacity is not unlimited because of the setting.

4. Rotterdam: Rotterdam is the premier clubbing city in the Netherlands. Whether you want to dance all night, have a nice beer, or just relax with a cocktail, it is all possible in Rotterdam.
The best parties are held in various bars and clubs with high frequency. A huge variety of bars and clubs are present thanks to the city’s increasing popularity. From traditional brown cafes to trendy clubs, there is plenty of opportunity for an all-nighter in Rotterdam.
Numerous bars and clubs are located on the Stadhuisplein where weeknights are also pleasantly crowded. The area is vibrant and perfect ground for a pub crawl. Swing it out in the tropical Coconuts café, yodel along at the Après-ski hut, or reminisce while dancing to hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s at Club Get Back. There is truly something for everyone.
Rotterdam is home to one of the largest and most impressive event locations in The Netherlands known as Ahoy. Massive parties are organised here along with international performances by leading artists. Be sure to visit when an appealing event or concert is happening.
Rotterdam also has plenty to offer jazz lovers. The renowned North Sea Jazz Festival is held here annually in June. The city is home to Jazz café Dizzy which is the oldest jazz café in Rotterdam. Rotown has a prominent music venue with weekly club nights held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Witte de Withstraat is one of Rotterdam’s favorite nightlife districts. Apart from the streets, there are numerous restaurants, pubs, cozy cafes, and stylish wine bars, where you can find many people enjoying the nightlife. On this street, you will find tourists, locals, students, intellectuals, creative workers, and colleagues all rubbing together in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

5. Den Bosch – not on the list: Den Bosch and its nightlife are generally known for its southern friendliness. The bar and club area is very accessible in Den Bosch. At finding the first bar or club at least you won’t have any trouble seeing the next ahead. The people in Den Bosch are very hospitable which makes almost every bar worth visiting.
M’n Tante (My Aunt) in the clubbing area Uilenburg. A good place to start the evening. Passing various bars in the Karrenstraat and the Ridderstraat we end up at the Market. This is where amongst others Plein 79 is available for alternative music and a great atmosphere.
Continuing on the Kerkstraat you find the Korte Putstraat. Remember that this is all within an acceptable walking distance of each other. Next on the Kerkstraat, we pass the Torenstraat on the left and the Parade on the right. The latter is the place to be for a young audience.

6. Eindhoven – not on the list: Nightlife in Eindhoven offers a variety of entertainment. Each age group can find a suitable grand café, bar, or club. All the places are within walking distance from each other. That’s the great thing about Eindhoven nightlife.
Every week, there are big names on the stages at the Effenaar pop venue and in the many other smaller venues in the city. Eindhoven has a rich music culture so you can always find a live show somewhere. Large festivals are also organized regularly in the Klokgebouw at Strijp-S, such as Awakenings.

Eindhoven, known for its innovation and technology, also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to locals and visitors alike. From trendy bars to pulsating nightclubs, there’s something for everyone seeking an exciting evening out. Let’s explore some of the best areas to visit for nightlife in Eindhoven.