What Are the Best Bars and Clubs in Amsterdam?

What Are the Best Bars and Clubs in Amsterdam?

Nightlife in Amsterdam mirrors the city – lively, varied. You’ll find everything from old pubs alongside canals to clubs pulsing with sound well after dawn. Perhaps you favor unique drinks, thumping electronic music, affordable bar hopping, or elegant spots; Amsterdam delivers countless options for an evening out.

Here’s a look at cool spots to bar hop or club around town, with hints about timing and getting the most from evenings at the best bars and clubs in Amsterdam. We’re jumping into what makes Amsterdam nights special.

What Makes Amsterdam’s Nightlife Unique?

The vibe in Amsterdam after dark is special. It feels old-world cozy yet strikingly new – historic pubs alongside places spinning today’s sounds. Amsterdam hums when people connect – a vibrant blend of backgrounds creating something real. Locals, tourists, even travelers simply stopping by themselves chatting in bars or clubs, fostering warmth. Whether it’s chill canal-side hangouts, trendy drinks, or renowned dance floors, evenings here possess a unique welcome.

Best Bars and Clubs in Amsterdam

Looking for Best Bars and Clubs in Amsterdam? This town has something for every mood. Want things relaxed? Or perhaps an energetic dance floor? Amsterdam delivers.

1. Brouwerij ‘t Ij – Proeflokaal De Molen

The taproom is located right under the sails of the windmill (“De Gooyer”) and inside a former bathhouse on Funenkade. Most (or all) Brouwerij ’t IJ’s beers are available on tap at this location. Its timing is Monday to Friday: 14:00 – 22:00 and Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00.

Where Can You Enjoy Authentic Dutch Beer in a Historic Setting?

De Molen is where you grab a drink at the bar before finding a spot – inside among old bathhouse brick, or on the patio when weather permits. They serve up snacks too, like locally sourced peanuts, grilled sausages, plus hearty ossenworst designed for enjoying alongside their brews. Ambiance mixes locals and visitors; historic setting gives it character; good for relaxed beer tasting rather than club‐level loud nightlife.

Brouwerij ‘t Ij – Proeflokaal De Molen Pricing and Contact Details

Item Description Price*
Blondie (5.8%) Soft blond beer with malt & subtle aroma € 3.95
IJwit (6.5%) Wheat beer with coriander seed & lemon, crisp finish € 3.95
Zatte Tripel (8%) Classic Tripel, fruity nose, dry finish € 4.10
I.P.A. (6.5%) Dark-blond IPA, strong hoppy character with Cascade/Citra/Mosaic € 3.95
Columbus (9%) Amber special beer, strong flavour € 4.20
Calypso Session IPA (4%) Refreshing session IPA, fruity hop profile € 3.95
Biri (4%) Tropical maize lager, thirst-quencher € 4.95
Flink (4.7%) Fresh pale ale with modest strength € 4.95
Cherry Sour Sour ale blended with cherry, spontaneous fermentation € 4.95
Beef/Snack Platter – 6 pcs Bitterballen With mustard; snack made with their beer € 7.50
Vegan Bitterballen – 6 pcs Vegan version of the snack, with mustard € 7.50

Phone: +31 (0)20 261 9801

Email: info@brouwerijhetij.nl

2. Escape

Right in the heart of Amsterdam, near Rembrandtplein, Escape Club is a well-known spot for night out. Inside, you’ll find multiple rooms equipped with impressive lights alongside booming sound. They play popular dance music – think electronic beats, house rhythms, also some pop tracks – but keep their doors shut on Mondays. The rest of the week, things get going from eleven PM until five AM.

What makes Escape Club Amsterdam perfect for a full VIP night out?

The club features several areas including the main dancefloor, the “DeLuxe” section upstairs, lounge areas and table/VIP service options. It also offers special packages like “Dine & Dance” which combine dinner and club access for a premium experience. Strong entrance policies apply: a dress code, age checks, and sometimes queues or guest-list requirements.

Escape Club Amsterdam Ticket Pricing and Contact Details

Item Price (approx) Notes
Standard entry ticket €25 per person (online) For general admission, queue skip available.
Dine & Dance package €49 (Mon-Thu) / €59 (Fri-Sun) Dinner + club entry; rates may increase during special events.
VIP/Table service Variable — e.g., bottles & table from ~ €120+ per person Premium service with reserved table, bottle, etc.
Cloakroom / bathroom fees Entry reviews mention cloakroom ~€2, toilets ~€0.50-1 Typical for large clubs in Amsterdam.

Phone: +31 20 622 1111

Website: escape.nl

3. Club Prime

Right in Amsterdam’s center, specifically Rembrandtplein 22, you’ll find Club Prime. It’s known for its energetic atmosphere. Inside, sleek lights illuminate a bustling dance area alongside a fully stocked bar. Expect themed events – like neon nights – with DJs spinning everything from electronic beats to hip-hop, R&B, and moreover house music.

You’ll find people there – townies, students visiting from abroad, folks journeying through – all hoping for an exciting evening. It’s open Mondays through Thursdays, eight at night until three in the morning; also Fridays and Sundays, eight at night till five the next day.

Club Prime Ticket Pricing and Contact Details

Item Price (approx) Notes
Standard entry ticket €25 per person (online) For general admission, queue skip available.
Dine & Dance package €49 (Mon-Thu) / €59 (Fri-Sun) Dinner + club entry; rates may increase during special events.
VIP/Table service Variable — e.g., bottles & table from ~ €120+ per person Premium service with reserved table, bottle, etc.
Cloakroom / bathroom fees Entry reviews mention cloakroom ~€2, toilets ~€0.50-1 Typical for large clubs in Amsterdam.

Website: clubprime.nl

4. Stone’s Café Bar & Nightclub


Nestled on Amsterdam’s lively Warmoesstraat 96, Stone’s Café Bar & Nightclub – established back in ’94 – offers a unique mix. Imagine a traditional English pub colliding with a classic Dutch ‘brown café’. It has comfy wood interiors, plenty of beer on tap, sports shown on large screens, yet also a bumping dance floor alongside DJs spinning tunes into the night.

Why choose Stone’s Café Bar & Nightclub for cannabis-friendly fun?

The venue is smoker-friendly (allowing cannabis consumption in designated areas) which is relatively rare and adds to its “Amsterdam local meets tourist” feel. Guests can start their day here (with breakfast or toast or toasties) and stay on into the early hours, thanks to its generous opening hours and easygoing crowd. Its opening hours are Mon–Thu & Sun: 09:00 – 04:00 Fri & Sat: 09:00 – 05:00.

Stone’s Café Bar & Nightclub Pricing and Contact Details:

Item Approximate Price Notes
Entry Fee Free to modest cover Some reviews mention cover up to ~€20 on occasion.
Drink Prices Heineken around €5-6 Example: reviewer paid ~€5 for a Heineken.
Food Menu Sample Toastie €4.50, English Breakfast €9.90, Steak €17.95 Good for meal + drinks.

Website: stonesnightclub.com

Email: info@stonescafe.nl

Telephone: +31 (0)20 624 1406

5. The Waterhole

Right by Leidseplein in Amsterdam, at Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49, sits The Waterhole – a popular spot for live tunes since way back. They’ve had bands playing every night for more than a quarter century, expecting everything from familiar songs to spontaneous jams. Beyond the music, there are also pool tables, games on TV, and likewise a spacious patio where folks gather for daytime drinks.

It really shines with its extended happy hour – every day from twelve to nine – ideal whether you’re warming up for a night out or enjoying tunes. The feeling is somewhere between a laid-back pub yet still has that lively music venue vibe; folks like friends, visitors, those who dig music, also people around here seeking good times without airs find it fitting.

The Waterhole Pricing and Contact Details

Item Approximate Price Notes
Happy Hour pint (0.5 L) ~ €4-5 During happy hour (12:00-21:00)
Regular pint after happy hour ~ €6-€7+ Standard drink pricing for the area
Entry fee (on some nights) Free to small cover Cover may apply for live band nights or special events

Website: waterhole.nl

Phone: +31 20 620 89 04

Email: info@waterhole.nl

Final Thoughts

Whether you like cozy bars, thumping clubs, or gigs with pals, Amsterdam comes alive at night. The city boasts varied spots – from relaxed pubs to vibrant dance floors – so each evening feels different. Regardless of how you roll or what you spend, a nighttime adventure here sticks with you. Pick a mood, wander freely, then soak up everything Amsterdam delivers. Here’s to a night you won’t forget!

FAQs

What kinds of music genres can I expect in Amsterdam’s clubs?

Amsterdam clubs generally playhouse, techno, drum and bass, yet also feature hip-hop, R& B, even Latin beats – it really depends on the venue.

Is cash or card payment accepted in bars and clubs in Amsterdam?

You can usually pay with card likewise nightclubs, however smaller spots might lean toward money – or tack on a fee if you don’t. Having some bills handy is smart; they come in useful for getting in or meeting drink requirements just in case.

Are there age-restricted nights (21+, 25+) in Amsterdam clubs?

Certain clubs can impose an age restriction on certain night or VIP sections, but 18 years is the common age of entry of most clubs.

Are there bars and clubs in Amsterdam that are LGBTQ+ friendly?

Amsterdam, as a rule, seems to be a safe place to make a bet – it is open, with both spots designed to accommodate LGBTQ+ individuals and common clubs that everyone should attend.

Can I smoke cannabis or drink alcohol in the same venue in Amsterdam nightlife?

 

Bars serving booze can sometimes let people smoke inside, however cannabis use has restrictions. You likely won’t be able to bring or light up cannabis at ordinary bars – it hinges on what each spot permits.

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Peter

Hello I am Peter, Born and raised in the Amsterdam area in the Netherlands. I am a private guide and content writer how would love to show you my city. Experience the city as a local, get to know the amazing history and learn about the Dutch way of living!

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