Best Nightlife Hotspots in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is filled with the most alternative nightlife hotspots. From the hipster district of De Pijp to the raunchy Red Light District, these are the must-visit areas to immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife.

Here’s your essential guide to the best nightlife hotspots in Amsterdam.

Rembrandtplein

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Originally a butter and dairy market, the lively Rembrandtplein is labeled as one of Amsterdam’s top nightlife hotspots. Chic and vibrant, the hub is living proof that one area can cover all forms of entertainment.

When the sun goes down, clubbing institutions such as Escape Amsterdam and AIR Amsterdam come to life, showcasing Rembrandtplein’s music-fueled personality. 

Rembrandtplein shows off its beauty during both day and night. Locals and tourists flock to the area during the day for its chill terraces, but if you want to go on a nightlife adventure, late evenings are the best.

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Home to a multicultural atmosphere and sought-after party destinations, Leidseplein takes the cake for nightlife culture. 

The busy square shelters dozens of clubs, alternative nightlife spots and sprawling bars. A pedestrian area, Leidseplein is one of the best Amsterdam nightlife hotspots if you want to let your inner adventurer wander from one club to another. 

With so much to do, you can check out the legendary Paradiso, a former church that is now a music venue, and the internationally famous Melkweg, where DJs spin the decks until early morning. 

There’s always something to do in Leidseplein, so it doesn’t matter if you visit it during the day or night.

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Ladies and gents, this Amsterdam nightlife hotspot might need no introduction, but there is more than what meets the eye in Red Light District. True to its name, the neon-lit area has a soft spot for liberal culture, unapologetic hedonism, and controversial nightlife. 

You might already be familiar with this hotspot and to be frank, everything you’ve heard is true. Beyond the weed shops, sex stores and scarcely dressed women, unique bars like The Old Sailor that give another definition to nightlife. 

The neighborhood isn’t as dangerous as it used to be when the night falls, so anyone can come here to get a sneak peek into all things provocative.

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With its Renaissance-meets-Gothic architecture, Amsterdam Central is a master at delivering world-class nightlife experiences that would appeal to anyone.

Home to an ambient and cozy atmosphere, the Amsterdam nightlife hotspot has a lot of character. Before the night-out mood settles in, you can head to a pre-drinking session at one of the many traditional bars, like Drink n Sink. For all things clubbing, head to the dynamic Club NL or Club Mystique for salsa and bachata sessions. 

Time is relative in this area, as Amsterdam Central is a must-visit hotspot during both daytime and nighttime. 

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For all things boho-chic, De Pijp is the Amsterdam hotspot that fulfills your hipster needs. Located in southern Amsterdam, the quirky neighborhood is a great alternative if you seek the arts-y vibe. 

De Pijp features narrow streets dotted with old-school pubs, coffee shops – where smoking joints is allowed – and craft beer bars. A hidden gem in Amsterdam’s clubbing scene, De Pijp is less touristy and a good starting point for whoever wishes to immerse in the city’s authentic nightlife. 

For beer lovers, the Heineken Experience is a must if you want to learn about beer making.