10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Amsterdam
Where to Go in Amsterdam at Night?
Amsterdam is a Dutch city well-known for its vibrant nightlife, offering unique experiences to travelers every night of the week. At night, strolling through Amsterdam is particularly enjoyable, with the city lights reflected in canal waters below and locals socializing late into the evening.
You’ll find a wide variety of things to do after dinner in Amsterdam, from a relaxing evening under the stars to an orchestra performance in a historic hall and raucous parties where you can dance the night away. Learn about some of the best spots to visit in Amsterdam at night for a memorable evening.
1. Royal Concertgebouw
A famed concert hall
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The Royal Concertgebouw is considered one of the finest historic concert halls in the world due to its superb acoustics and beautiful, ornate decor. The famous theatre is located in central Amsterdam and is a prized example of Neoclassical architecture.
Performances at the Concertgebouw range from all styles of classical music with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to world music, jazz, and touring pop stars, as well as mutliple family-friendly shows and performances. Everyone is sure to find a show to enjoy. The Concertgebouw also hosts special events after some concerts and houses a cafe and restaurant. Read more
Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +31 (0)20 671 8345
Royal Concertgebouw
2. Paradiso
Lively nightlife in a historic church
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Unusual
Paradiso is a unique concert venue inside a historic church in the heart of Amsterdam, with original features like ornate stained glass windows creating a special atmosphere for partying. It is located near the Leidseplein in de Weteringschans, a central hub for lively nightlife within the city.
Paradiso has hosted concerts for many well-known musicians and bands, including Beastie Boys, The Killers, Madonna, Nirvana, and U2. Evening events at Paradiso range from high-energy raves to classical music ensembles, orchestral concert performances, theatrical plays, and lectures. Read more
Location: Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +31 (0)20 626 4521
Paradiso
3. Melkweg
Dance the night away in a former dairy
Good for: Nightlife
Melkweg, which translates to Milky Way, is a music venue and performance hall focusing on Dutch music. The venue is housed in a former dairy and is located near Leidseplein on Lijnbaansgracht, a district known for its colorful nightlife.
Notable performances at Melkweg have included The Arctic Monkeys, Prince, Nirvana, U2, and even an unscheduled performance by Grateful Dead. This large venue’s 6 halls host various events ranging from live music concerts and theater plays to movie theater screenings and art exhibitions. Read more
Location: Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Friday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 am, Wednesday–Thursday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +31 (0)20 531 8181
Melkweg
4. Door 74
Cocktails in a speakeasy-style saloon
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Door 74 is a speakeasy-style bar hidden away in the center of Amsterdam, known for its vintage charm and relaxed atmosphere. This hidden gem is just that, disguised behind an unmarked all-black door on a busy urban street, so first-time visitors may have to hunt to find the bar’s entrance.
Inside Door 74 is a classy Art Deco venue featuring dark woods and rich hues, serving a mix of classic beverages and mixed modern cocktails. The bar also offers a range of signature handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages that look and feel just as fancy.
Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 6 pm to 3 am, Friday–Saturday from 6 pm to 4 am
Phone: +31 (0)68 204 2977
Door 74
5. Madam Amsterdam
City views for an exhilarating night out
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Madam Amsterdam is perched at the top of A’DAM Tower, an evening hotspot with fantastic night views over a starlit Amsterdam. You’ll find this unique venue on the 20th floor of the building, which can be easily reached via public transportation and the free F3 ferry.
Madam’s evening atmosphere is sultry and sophisticated, with low lighting, energetic music, and well-dressed patrons dancing and socializing. Locals advise that you come dressed to impress, and the venue does not accept cash, only card payments.
Location: Overhoeksplein 3, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 3 am
Phone: +31 (0)20 213 4915
Madam Amsterdam
6. Club NYX
An inclusive party atmosphere
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Club NYX is a high energy gay club that’s open to partygoers of any sexuality and gender, with an unpretentious atmosphere that’s all about having a good time and enjoying life. The club is on the Reguliersdwarsstraat in Amsterdam, known for its friendly staff, quirky decor, and wild parties.
Club NYX is composed of 3-floors offering unique musical experiences and vibes across each one. The club offers themed nights and regular events, with music ranging from pop and dance to hip hop and 90’s party anthems.
Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Wednesday from 9pm to 4 am, Thursday 11 pm to 4 am, Friday–Saturday 11 pm to 5 am (closed Sunday–Tuesday)
Phone: +31 (0)68 236 3649
Club NYX
7. Escape
Diverse nightlife experiences in one venue
Good for: Luxury, Nightlife
Escape is a nightclub complex housing a variety of different nightlife experiences in one vast venue. The club is located in Rembrandt Square in central Amsterdam, in an area popular for local nightlife.
Escape plays popular music ranging from techno and pop to house, R&B, and electric across multiple dance floors. The space includes a lounge, café, and restaurant, as well as numerous smaller club spaces that often host VIP or special events. VIP Table Service is available, and the club maintains a strict dress code, so make sure you’re looking fabulous.
Location: Rembrandtplein 11, 1017 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 pm to 4 am, Friday–Saturday from 11 pm to 5 am
Phone: +31 (0)63 922 8876
Escape
8. Nighttime Canal Cruise
A romantic twilight journey down the canals
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
An extended network of canals crisscrosses the city of Amsterdam, and taking a romantic nighttime canal cruise is one of the great ways you can enjoy the city. You can take in this historic city illuminated at dusk, with the lights reflected in the water below you as you float under the starry sky.
Local companies offer a range of different evening canal cruises, from sightseeing tours to romantic candlelit dinners under the stars. It’s recommended to book canal cruises in advance to ensure you get the experience you’re seeking.
9. The Bulldog The First
A prime coffeeshop for Amsterdam’s cannabis culture
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
The Bulldog is a well-known cannabis coffee shop chain that originated in Amsterdam in the 1970s. The company offers multiple Amsterdam locations, including The Bulldog The First location on Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
At The Bulldog The First you’ll find a variety of cannabis products, as well as hot and cold beverages and plenty of delicious snacks to sample. The original location also offers a multistorey shop and lounge, along with a canal-side patio where you can sit by the water and relax.
Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 8 am to 1 am
Phone: +31 (0)20 625 9864
The Bulldog The First
10. Waterkant
Canal views from a charming terrace
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Waterkant is a modern restaurant and bar that embraces its canal-side location through a lively tropical decor and a menu inspired by Suriname. Located on Marnixstraat, this popular spot offers beautiful terrace views overlooking the Singelgracht canal.
Waterkant’s drink menu includes flavorful mixed beverages, a range of beers on draft and in bottles, wine, and non-alcoholic options. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff is always willing to offer suggestions. Locals recommend this bar as a lesser-known gem which is especially ideal for sitting out on the terrace on warm evenings.
Location: Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 1 am, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 3 am
Phone: +31 (0)20 737 1126
Waterkant
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