Amsterdam Nightlife Areas

Amsterdam’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from vibrant clubs to cozy bars where the party never stops. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a group, or simply looking to experience the best of what Amsterdam has to offer after dark, we’ve got you covered. Ultimate Party Amsterdam presents our curated list of the top 5 must-visit bars in the city, each with its unique charm and appeal. From lively DJ sets to cozy corners perfect for a chat, these spots are where unforgettable nights begin.

1. St Christopher's at The Winston (Belushi's)

St Christopher’s at The Winston, also known as Belushi’s, is more than just a hostel; it’s a vibrant bar and restaurant where the atmosphere ramps up as the night progresses. With a DJ spinning tracks that keep the energy high, Belushi’s offers a lively and international vibe perfect for starting your night. It’s a place where travelers and locals mingle, making it an ideal spot for solo visitors looking to make new friends.

Join our Red Light District Pub Crawl to kickstart your evening at Belushi’s with a bang.

2. Red Light Bar

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District, the Red Light Bar offers three floors of entertainment. Shoot some pool on the first floor, relax in the seating area on the second, or dance the night away in the small club on the top floor, which opens its doors for the weekend crowd. The Red Light Bar is a must-visit for those looking to dive deep into the Red Light District’s unique nightlife.

Discover our Red Light District adventures and make the Red Light Bar a highlight of your night.

3. Bar Twenty Two

Bar Twenty Two, nestled in the bustling Leidseplein, is a cozy yet vibrant spot to enjoy a drink. With a DJ setting the mood in the evening and an inviting outdoor area, it’s the perfect place to either start your night or wind down after an evening of exploration. The atmosphere here manages to strike a delightful balance between energetic and relaxed, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Explore our Leidseplein Pub Crawl and include Bar Twenty Two in your Amsterdam nightlife experience.

4. Big Ben Bar

Big Ben Bar is a staple in the Red Light District, known for its sports-centric vibe with plenty of screens displaying football and other games. Beyond sports, the bar boasts music, unique paintings on the walls, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot to catch a game, enjoy some tunes, and soak in the local culture.

Experience the Red Light District with us and don’t miss out on the vibrant ambiance of Big Ben Bar.

5. Cafe De Buurvrouw

Tucked away in a small, hidden street of the Red Light District, Cafe De Buurvrouw offers a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle. Known for its friendly bartenders and intimate setting, this bar is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet drink while picking up some insider tips about Amsterdam. It’s small, charming, and epitomizes the warmth of Dutch hospitality.

Join our Pub Crawl and let Cafe De Buurvrouw be one of your cozy stops.

Find out all the main Amsterdam Nightlife Areas so you know where to party!

Amsterdam nightclubs and bars are spread across the cities but the three most known sites for tourists are the Red Light District (also known as De Wallen), Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Here we summarise what each famous Amsterdam nightlife area has to offer.

THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

The Red Light District has a wide selection of pubs and bars and whilst they are mostly geared up towards tourists and visitors, there are a number of historic brown bars frequented by locals. In addition to the bars and coffee shops, there are a number of rather unique attractions including a Cannabis museum, sex shows and the infamous red windows. If you want to check it out, take a look at our Red Light District Pub Crawl.

LEIDSEPLEIN

Leidseplein is a real melting pot – home to the city’s liveliest dance bars and a number of iconic clubs (Melkweg and Paradiso are both in this areas and have been favourites of the Amsterdam clubbing scene for many year), you’ll find everyone from tourists and students to born-and-bred Amsterdammers partying together in this part of town. The Leidseplein Pub Crawl takes you to a number of bars around this area and is the perfect option for those who want to party hard and see a livelier side to the city’s nightlife.

REMBRANDTPLEIN

Rembrandtplein (named after the city’s most famous artist) is the ending location for both of our Pub Crawls and home to some of the city’s biggest and best clubs. The party rages on in this square until the sun comes up in summer and you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bars and clubs. Like Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein attracts a mix of tourists, students and locals and is just a few mins walk away from Amsterdam gay clubs like Nyx and Soho on the Reguliersdwarsstraat. Located just behind Rembrandtplein on the Amstel River Jungle Club Amsterdam offers a fun and intimate vibe, it’s open to the public on weekend nights and available to book for the best private party Amsterdam offers during weekdays!

NDSM

Although it’s not exactly a square, this part of the city has become home to a number of really cool bars and clubs in recent years. Just a short ferry ride across the Ij from Amsterdam Centraal Station, NDSM is home to some fantastic and alternative drinking spots. When the sun’s out, bars facing onto the water are packed with locals and with everything from smart terraces where you can grab a cocktail to manmade beaches with hammocks (the perfect place to chill out after a busy morning of sight seeing). If you’re staying at a hostel like Clink Noord, you’re just a stone’s throw away, so these spots are the perfect place to grab a couple of drinks or some dinner before heading into town for a big night out!

CHECK OUT THE BEST AMSTERDAM NIGHTLIFE AREAS ON OUR PUB CRAWLS!

Wanting to check out all these Amsterdam Nightlife areas? Why not go for the one week pass, where you can do as many Pub Crawls as you want over seven days? For your first class pass to Amsterdam nightlife, check out our offer here!

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