Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

Amsterdam has a huge variety of attractions that come alive at night. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening stroll, a wild night out, or a spot of culture, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in this vibrant Dutch city. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

1. Take a Cruise on the Canals

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s iconic canals is to take a night cruise. You’ll be able to take in the city’s beautiful architecture and waterfront views in a unique and romantic setting. Most cruises depart from the central station and will take you on a guided tour of the city’s canals, giving you the chance to soak in the sights and sounds of Amsterdam at night.

Cruises usually last around an hour and can be booked in advance. You’ll be served drinks and snacks on board, and some cruises even offer live music and entertainment. It’s a great way to relax and take in the sights of Amsterdam after dark.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, there are also party cruises available. These cruises offer an exciting night out, with drinks, dancing, and live music.

2. Visit the Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s most famous attractions and is definitely worth a visit. The area is filled with sex shops, strip clubs, and brothels, and has an air of seediness that adds to its charm. The district is home to a diverse range of people, so it’s best to go with an open mind and respect for the area’s inhabitants.

If you’re feeling brave, you can take a guided tour of the area. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the district. You’ll be able to explore the narrow streets and learn about the lives of the people who work there. It’s an eye-opening experience, and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam at night.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the streets and soak in the atmosphere. With its colourful neon lights and lively bars, the district is a fascinating place to explore.

3. Visit a Jazz Club

Amsterdam is home to some of the best jazz clubs in Europe. The city is renowned for its vibrant music scene and there are plenty of great venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening of jazz or a more lively night out, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

The Bimhuis is one of Amsterdam’s most famous jazz clubs. It’s been running for over 40 years and has hosted some of the world’s biggest names in jazz. The club offers a range of musical styles, from classic jazz to more experimental sounds. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and there’s always a great selection of drinks and snacks available.

The North Sea Jazz Club is another popular venue. The club offers nightly live shows from some of the city’s best jazz musicians. The venue has an intimate atmosphere and is the perfect place to spend an evening listening to some great music.

4. Take a Night Bus Tour

If you want to see as much of Amsterdam as possible in a short space of time, a night bus tour is a great option. You’ll be able to take in the city’s sights and attractions from the comfort of your seat, and get a feel for the city from a unique perspective. Most tours last around two hours and will take you to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights, such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

You’ll also get to explore some of Amsterdam’s lesser-known gems, such as the street art in the Jordaan district and the Vondelpark. The tour is a great way to get your bearings and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

5. Visit a Beer Cafe

Amsterdam is home to some of the best beer cafes in Europe, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s incredible beer culture than by visiting one of these fascinating venues. From traditional Dutch cafes to more modern bars, there’s something for everyone. Most of the cafes serve a range of local craft beers, as well as international favourites.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also visit one of Amsterdam’s many beer gardens. These outdoor venues are a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll be able to sample some of the city’s best beers while enjoying the cool evening air.

There are also a number of brewery tours available. These tours will take you behind the scenes of some of Amsterdam’s most famous breweries, giving you the chance to learn about the brewing process and sample some of the city’s finest beers.

6. Visit a Street Food Market

Amsterdam is home to some of the best street food markets in Europe. These vibrant outdoor markets are a great way to experience the city’s incredible food culture. From Dutch delicacies to international favourites, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds.

The Albert Cuyp Markt is one of Amsterdam’s most famous markets. Here you’ll find a huge variety of stalls selling everything from Dutch cheese to traditional Indonesian food. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and it’s a great place to sample some of the city’s best street food.

The Noordermarkt is another popular market. This market is held every Saturday morning and is a great place to sample some of Amsterdam’s freshest produce. The market also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, so it’s worth checking out.

7. Take a Night Walk

Amsterdam is a great city to explore on foot, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere than by taking a night walk. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll along the canals or a more energetic exploration of the city’s streets, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

The Jordaan district is a great place to start. This colourful neighbourhood is filled with narrow streets, lined with art galleries, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.

The Museum District is another great place to explore. This area is home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The streets here are a great place to wander, and you’ll be able to take in the city’s unique architecture and culture.

8. Visit a Concert Hall

Amsterdam is home to some of the best concert halls in Europe. Whether you’re looking for a classical performance or an intimate gig, you’ll be able to find something to suit your tastes. The city is renowned for its vibrant music scene, and there’s always something going on.

The Concertgebouw is one of Amsterdam’s most famous venues. This grand hall is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and hosts a range of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year. It’s a great place to experience some of Europe’s finest music.

The Melkweg is another popular venue. This venue offers a range of performances, from small gigs to large-scale concerts. You’ll be able to catch some of the world’s best musicians in this vibrant venue.

9. Visit an Outdoor Cinema

If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, you can visit one of Amsterdam’s many outdoor cinemas. These venues offer a great way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere while catching a movie. Most of the cinemas offer a range of classic and contemporary films, so you’ll be able to find something to suit your tastes.

The Vondelpark Open Air Cinema is one of Amsterdam’s most famous venues. This outdoor cinema is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of classic and contemporary films. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

The Open Air Film Festival is another popular event. This annual festival takes place in August and offers a range of classic and contemporary films from around the world. It’s a great way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere while catching a movie.

10. Visit a Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for a more luxurious evening out, you can visit one of Amsterdam’s many rooftop bars. These venues offer stunning views of the city and a great selection of drinks and snacks. From sophisticated cocktail bars to lively outdoor venues, there’s something for everyone.

The SkyLounge is one of Amsterdam’s most popular rooftop bars. Located on the top floor of the DoubleTree Hotel, this venue offers stunning views of the city and a great selection of drinks and snacks. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the views.

The A’Dam Tower is another great venue. This bar is located on the top floor of the A’Dam Tower and offers 360-degree views of the city. There’s also a great selection of drinks and snacks available, as well as live music and entertainment.

11. Take a Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, you can take a ghost tour of Amsterdam. These tours will take you on a guided tour of the city’s haunted sites, giving you the chance to explore some of Amsterdam’s most mysterious locations. You’ll get to hear some of the city’s spookiest stories and learn about its dark history.

The tours are usually led by experienced guides and last around two hours. They’re a great way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere and get a feel for its history and culture.

12. Explore a flea market

Amsterdam is home to some of Europe’s best flea markets. These markets offer a great way to experience the city’s unique atmosphere and explore its vibrant culture. From vintage clothes and antiques to art and furniture, there’s something for everyone.

The Waterlooplein flea market is one of Amsterdam’s most famous venues. This bustling market is held every day and offers a great selection of vintage clothes, antiques, and collectibles. It’s a great place to explore and soak in the atmosphere.

The Lindengracht Markt is another popular market. This market is held every Saturday and is a great place to explore Amsterdam’s lively street culture. You’ll be able to find a range of unique items and interesting trinkets, as well as some great food and drink.

Summary

Amsterdam is a city that comes alive at night. From romantic canal cruises to lively jazz clubs, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. You can explore the city’s vibrant culture and soak in its unique atmosphere with a night walk, or take a guided tour of the Red Light District. You can also explore some of Amsterdam’s best beer cafes and rooftop bars, or take in a movie at an outdoor cinema. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in this vibrant Dutch city.