Amsterdam’s nightlife is as varied as the city’s residents themselves. The city offers everything from night theatre, art parties and live music from well-known and up-and-coming international bands, to packed clubs with the best DJs spinning everything from R&B and house to hard rock and hip-hop. You’ll have plenty of time to take it all in, as most nightclubs stay open until 04:00, with some extended to 05:00 or 06:00 on weekends.

"The nightlife in Amsterdam is versatile, cosmopolitan and never sleeps. Enjoy an intimate dinner or dance to top DJs until 5:00am. From night theatre to lounge bars to clubs; cosy pubs to grand cafes, Amsterdam offers something for every taste."

Brown Cafes If you’re curious what that favourite Dutch word ‘gezelligheid’ (cosy) really means, a visit to an authentic Dutch pub known as the ‘brown café’ is a must. The reason these charming café-style pubs are brown is pretty simple: nicotine. Some of the nicest brown cafés can be found around the Zeedijk close to Central Station, in the Jordaan district and the along the Utrechtsestraat. The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein areas are also popular, especially among tourists.

Proeflokalen (tasting houses) Taverns known as ‘proeflokalen’ (tasting houses) were very popular during the 17th century. Customers could sample alcoholic beverages before purchasing one or more bottles. The tasting houses typically specialise in old Dutch liquors such as ‘jenever’. There are still 'proeflokalen' in Amsterdam, though nowadays these samples are seldom free of charge.

Lounge and DJ bars Over the last ten years, an emergence of design cafés and lounge bars has made their mark on Amsterdam’s nightlife.

Smaller versions of nightclubs in a way; with the latest DJs, trendy crowds and the best cocktails. Most lounge bars stay open until 01:00; some until 04:00.