t The modern exterior of the Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ and BIMHUIS at night
The Red Light District may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam at night but clubs have been buzzing here since the 1960s and there’s a thriving LGBT+ scene. For a more laid back atmosphere, jazz can be heard in huge venues, as well as drifting along the side streets.
t The modern exterior of the Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ and BIMHUIS at night
There are plenty of opportunities to hear live music in Amsterdam, from intimate venues to extravagant concert halls. The opulent Concertgebouw has been hosting performances since 1888 and boasts unparalleled acoustics. Meanwhile, modern Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ has spaces for both large and small audiences. The BIMHUIS, which shares the Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ’s stunning building attracts the world’s biggest names in jazz. If you prefer to see undiscovered acts, head to Café Casablanca, which claims to be the oldest and most famous jazz club in the Netherlands (www.cafecasablanca.nl). On the edge of the Red Light district, it has a suitably funky atmosphere.
Amsterdam’s club scene embraces dance music of every kind, from old-school rock and roll to the latest grime sounds. Paradiso, which opened in the city’s hippy heyday has a hedonistic vibe, with the emphasis on cutting-edge sounds and all-nighters (paradiso.nl). A more recent addition to the city, Jimmy Woo has a tough door policy, so dress to impress (jimmywoo.com). Named after the Greek goddess of the night, Club NYX is one of Amsterdam’s top LGBT+ venues (clubnyx.nl).
Since the 1970s, Melkweg – a versatile entertainment venue – has staged alternative performances, including world music, experimental theatre and contemporary dance. Famed for its impromptu raves in the 1980s, Westergasfabriek –the former gasworks – is now a well-organised creative hub with a diverse programme of events (westergasfabriek.nl). Tolhuistuin also occupies a repurposed building – Shell’s former headquarters (tolhuistuin.nl). It’s a laid-back, intimate venue with theatres and exhibition spaces.
Insider tip
The Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket offers free admission to more than 20 clubs for €10 (amsterdamnightlifeticket.com)
Amsterdam After Dark
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drink Nachtcafés stay open until 4 or 5am. Bloemenbar Comfy sofas and soft music make Bloemenbar a great place to chill. E6 ⌂ Handboogstraat 15 ∑ bloemenbar.nl Nota Bene Café A favourite of the local student population. E6 ⌂ Voetbogstraat 4 Nachtcafé de Biecht This bruincafé plays the sounds of the 70s and 80s. G7 ⌂ Kerkstraat 346 |