Amsterdam Clubbing Guide Music & Dance Clubs In Amsterdam
+ Amsterdam Gay & Lesbian Clubs & Clubbing Guide + Reviews
Related page: Index of clubs in other European Cities
Amsterdam Clubbing Overview
Amsterdam has always had a vibrant nightlife catering for people with broad tastes in music and other night time activities. In the eighties and nineties it’s ‘anything goes’ reputation undoubtedly made it the clubbing centre of mainland Europe but that status is at best shared with Prague and Belgrade. Nowadays it has become a little too commercial- less diverse musically and far more formal than in the past. Dress codes are generally strict erring on the designer/ fashionable classy side and the doorman / security personnel are less tolerant of excitable behaviour. Most of the hardcore clubs can found in the canal area in or around Rembrandtplein.
General Guidance Under Dutch law bar staff are not allowed to sell spirits to anyone under 18 or beers to anyone under 16. Beers in bars cost up to 3€ but much more in clubs.Clubs have a minimum age of 18. A few clubs have a minimum age of 21. Proof of age may required at any club. The dress code is Dutch clubs is fairly strict – sportswear and trainers are rarely acceptable and you should check the dress code of any venue you intend to go to in advance.
Doorman are expected to maintain a balance in the clientele they admit to a club. Thus if there are many more men in a club than women they may refuse a group of single men until there more girls through the door. Wherever possible get on the clubs guest list in advance especially on Thursday – Saturday nights.Anyone of either sex who appears to be drunk will not get in. Body searches are the norm and anyone who attempts to take a weapon or item that could be used as a weapon maybe detained and subsequently arrested.
Amsterdam Clubbing Guide With Club Reviews
Trouw Wibautstraat 12/7 109L GL, Amsterdam/ Trouw is based at the unique location of a former Newspaper plant. You are constantly reminded of what the building used to be by the scattered newspaper on the club floor. Trouw is regarded as one of the City’s major clubbing venues . The club’s predominate style of music is minimal techno and so this hot spot is particularly ideal for the hardcore club creatures. If you’re peckish whilst partying then you’ll be glad to know that Trouw have a tempting food menu which is available until 2 am. The club’s biggest night is ”Rauw” where local and international DJ’s such as Erol Alkan and Crookers are lining up to play a set here. A beer will cost you between 2.50 and 3.50 Euros and a mixed spirit is roughly 7.50 to 8 Euros. Entry fee is a little on the steep side at 15 Euros. Website http://www.trouwamsterdam.nl/en/
The Paradiso at Weteringschans 6-8 Telephone 626 4521 is recognised as one of Amsterdams leading club venues. It puts on live shows in the first part of the evening featuring artists from all the world shows – Justin Timberlake has headlined here – immediately followed by DJ led club nights. The genre ranges from dance hip hop and rock to r&b and soul. Club opens Wednesday – Sunday usually at 7pm. Closes 4am except Friday and Saturday when its open an hour later. Note Membership here is compulsory (€3 for a month minimum) and advance tickets sales apply for some nights. Often rammed .For programme & door charges see website http://www.paradiso.nl/web/English-Agenda.htm. .
The Power Zone (Daniel Goedkoopstraat 1-3, Amsterdam) with a capacity of 5,000 is one of Amsterdam’s biggest clubs. Music themes vary with no two Saturdays the same. Several bars and lounges with a balcony overseeing a huge dance floor. Open till 5am class. Situated outside the city centre at Amstel station Admission between €15 -€ 40 expensive but but classy.Tel 0900 769 379
Open nightly TWSTD at Weteringschans 157 Telephone 320 7030 is a club which plays hip hop, house and techno has a reputation for inviting established DJ’s from all over Europe to host proceedings. Club Opens from 6pm-1am Sunday through to Thursday & from ; 6pm-3am Friday and Saturday. Admission Free Some people & not just locals say this is the club! .For programme details see website http://www.twstd.nl/
Melkweg at Lijnbaansgracht 234A Telephone 531 8181 has earned itself a reputation across Holland for playing a range of good music including dance hip hop jazz rock and r&b and soul. It’s Techno parties are becoming legendary. Membership is a condition of admission though this only €3 for one month. Entry charges depend on type of night but generally are between €10 and €30. Serious club with very knowledgeable DJ’s More info website http://www.melkweg.nl/voorpagina.jsp?language=nederlands&disciplineid=muziek
Probably the biggest club in Amsterdam (was a theatre in it’s previous life) is Escape at Rembrandtplein 11 Telephone 622 1111. Very comfortable spacious club, which can accommodate nearly 2000 guest. Extremely popular with young Amsterdam Clubbers who queue to get in even on Sundays. The music is dance mainstream. The club opens at 11pm and closes 4am Thursday & Sunday – 5am Friday and Saturday Entry charges vary – up to €20.Note Casual dress is advisable here – (T shirt and trainers). Tourists in gangs who are loud and drunk will not get in.website http://www.escape.nl/
Tourists can be confident of a warm welcome from Studio 80 at Rembrandtplein 17 Telephone 521 8333. Acid deep electronic hip hop and techno is played here and the atmosphere is enhanced by the fact the admission is usually below €10 and occasionally free. Club opens from 11pm – 5am Friday and Saturday, 10pm – 4am Wednesday Thursday & Sunday. This Club well respected by in many quarters of the business. For programme see website (Dutch only) .http://www.studio-80.nl/
Dansen bij Jansen at Handboogstraat 11-13 ( in the old centre) Telephone 620 1779 is a gift from heaven if you have real student id. Dance hip hop and rock here plus the bliss of very cheap beer and entry charges usually under €5! This club is well respected in Amsterdam’s student community as its a decent night out if your on a budget but you must have the id and homemade ones are not accepted. Club opens seven days a week at 10pm. Close 4am Sunday to Thursday and 5am Friday and Saturday. website http://www.dansenbijjansen.nl/
An established club in Amsterdam’s nightlife is Flexbar at Pazzanistraat 1 This club success is due to the behind scenes input of several influences such as Wannabeastar and Rednose Distrikt. Dance and hip hop are the order of the nights. Club nights are Thursday to Sunday opening at 10pm. Closing at 4am on Thursday and Sunday – 5am on Friday and Saturday. Entry up to €10 All enquiries and programme details are given on their website http://www.flexbar.nl/
Winston International at Warmoesstraat 125-129 Telephone 623 1380 offering live bands and before handing over to DJ’s afterwards. One of the few clubs in Amsterdam that will play Ska it also plays r&b hip hop and rock and soul. Club opens nightly at 9pm and close at 3am Sunday to Thursday and 4am Friday & Saturdays. Entry up to €10. Friendly club popular with locals good value which also features live gigs in the summer. Further details from website http://www.winston.nl/
Every summer the Ajax Amsterdam Football Stadium (ArenA Boulevard 1 Nearest metro station: Bijlmer )takes on a temporary identity as the Amsterdam Arena hosting live gigs by international mega-stars and occasionally raves. For programme and ticket prices see website http://www.amsterdamarena.nl/
Amsterdam Gay Clubbing Guide Gay Clubs in Amsterdam
Related page: Index of Gay & Lesbian clubs in other European Cities
Overview Gay Club Scene In Amsterdam
Amsterdam Gay & Lesbian Club Guide With Club Reviews
Important Note: The Exit club at Reguliersdwarsstraat 42 has closed down. The venue will reopen as a non-exclusive club in the summer of this year.
For Guys:
Club Fuxxx Warmoestraat,96 - Club Fuxxxs name is self explanatory as one of Amsterdam’s steamiest Gay nights out. The bar is an infamous home to those liberated souls who wish to indulge in the ”Cruising” scene. They are well renowned for their nude and leather themed nights. The clientele are of mixed ages and some of Amsterdam’s finest live DJ’s such as DJ Max Del Pricipe perform here on a regular basis. Entry is 5-10 Euros. Saturday is ”Shirts Off” night and arguably their most popular of the week. Opening hours: Thurs & Sun 11pm- 4am, Fri / Sat 11 pm – 5 am.website: http://www.clubfuxxx.com/
Mixed:
Bump, Kerkstraat, 23 Public transport is Prinsengracht.- Bump is a large Gay and Lesbian hot spot located in the Prinsengracht area of Amsterdam. The club is on two levels and attracts a mostly young crowd. Bump has the prestige of winning the 2011 award for ”Best Gay and Lesbian Venue” in Amsterdam. There is a smoking room and a chill out lounge for those who wish to rest their tired feet. As with the majority of Gay bars you can enjoy their wide range of cocktails but what made my evening and makes Bump unique is their delectable finger food buffet. Opening hours are Wed-Sun 5-1 am, Fri-Sat till 3 am.website http://barbump.nl/
De Trut at Bilderdijkstraat 165, (Oud West) Telephone 612 3524 is one of Amsterdams oldest Gay & Lesbian clubs. Opens on Sundays only from 11pm – 4am. Entry is normally a couple of euros and the drinks are similarly priced. Extremely busy – after midnight queues to get in are common.
Saarein Elaandstraat 119 Amsterdam – Saarein is a mixed Gay club predominately populated by Lesbians. The venue is small and gets pretty crowded on weekends. You are advised to go with a friend because the majority of its clientele are not particularly accommodating. Saarein began life as a strictly Lesbian establishment years ago but in recent times Gay men have been made welcome too. Opening times are Tues-Thurs 4 pm to 1 am and Friday 4 pm to 2 am. 12 pm to 2 am Saturday and 1 pm to 1 am Sunday. website http://www.saarein.nl/
For Girls:
Vive La Vie, Amstelstraat 7 Rembrandtplein – Vive La Vie is one of Amsterdam’s Premiere Lesbian strongholds. It’s been running for over 30 years now and is quite low key during the week but comes alive as a decadent Lesbian celebration by Friday night. Much of its crowd are lipstick wearing Lesbians but it attracts all types of sapphic Women. There’s a sidewalk terrace which is the idyllic setting for relaxation and offers tremendous views of nearby Rembrandtplein. Open Sunday to Thursday from 2.30 pm to 1 am and Friday and Saturday 3 pm to 3 am.website http://www.vivelavie.net/
You II Amstel 178 Amsterdam – You II opened its doors in 2003 and has steadily become one of Amsterdam’s most popular Lesbian clubs. The Pop music is delivered to us courtesy of the Dutch top 40. The club’s Standing toilet may appeal to the more Sexually liberated Lesbian. The mood is generally positive and the average clubber here is cordial. Opening times are Friday and Saturday 11 pm to 5 am.website http://www.clubroque.nl/
Getto Warmoestraat 51 1012 HW - Getto is an esteemed and unique club hidden away in the City’s Red Light District. Getto’s fruity cocktails have sexually suggestive titles. The service is arguably the friendliest of all the Gay/Lesbian joints in the city. Their food, particularly the sumptuous burgers are met with rave reviews. The decor is outlandish and stylish. Drink and food Prices are highly affordable. The music is primarily Dance and opening times are Tues-Fri 5 pm to 1 am and 12 pm to 12 am on Sunday’s.website http://www.getto.nl/
Bars In Amsterdam
One of the challenges in Amsterdam when walking up the street is to workout what is a cafe, bar or restaurant as many of these numerous establishnents will serve at least two of these definitions. Anyway here are a couple worth noting.
Kobalt at Singel 2 close to Amsterdam’s Centraal Station Telephone 320 1559 – opens daily at the obscene hour of 8am – closing at at 1am Sunday through to Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. Serves food all day dinner in the evenings and every drink imaginable. Has DJ’s on Friday nights and live Jazz on Sunday afternoons website http://www.cafekobalt.nl/
The Amstelhaven at Mauritskade 1 in the east area is a fashionable bar especially popular in the summer with it open air tables and sofas that overlook the adjacent canal. Appeals to those with the capacity to pose or wish to impress. Food is authentic Dutch cuisine and well prepared. Bar opens at 4pm daily except Sunday. Closes at 1am Monday – Thursday & 3am Friday and Saturday. Editorial Comment Impressive but take your credit card with you.
Late Pubs & Bars In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is awash with pubs and bars and some seem to be open day and night One that has been there for years and always lively is Bar Bolero Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 39 1017NG Amsterdam Tel: 0206 271780. It offers a broad range of music – R & B Latin and music back to the eighties. It is popular with the locals and has a good relaxed ambience.Open from 22.00 – 05.00am Thursday – Sunday.
More famous and expensive but worth the investment is Bourbon Street Blues Club at Bourbon Street Leidsekruisstraat 6-8 / 1017rh Amsterdam. Tel: (+31) (0)20-6233440 famous for its live music, spotting new talent. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights there are usually jamming session with numerous artists playing as many instruments. Occasionally better known artists such as Sting The Rolling Stones and Herman Brood. Unique sometiomes spectacular!.
Irish Pubs In Amsterdam
Amsterdam has more than its fair share of Irish Pubs, but the Mulligans Irish Music Bar near the river Amstel. seems to attract weirdos from all over the world especially writers and philosphers.website It also appeals to late risers as it does not open to 16.00 weekdays and closes at 1am weekdays. It opens a little earlier at weekends and closes around 3am. So civil! Oh and for info on the music see the website http://www.mulligans.nl/
