Things to do in Amsterdam
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Party and Nightlife in Amsterdam
The nightlife in Amsterdam is versatile, cosmopolitan and never sleeps. Enjoy an intimate dinner or dance to top DJs until 5:00. From night theatre to lounge bars; coffeeshops to clubs; cosy pubs to grand cafes, Amsterdam offers something for every taste. Amsterdam's nightlife is as diverse as the city's residents.
BROWN CAFE OR BAR
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. The interior is a bit faded, and the décor includes wooden tables with carpets (on them!), historic showpieces and a friendly barmaid who has been there since it opened. 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.
NIGHT CLUBS
A 2-floor night club and that's seen as leader in the Amsterdam night life scene. Depending on the evening, the music can be R&B, jazz, pulse, drum'n'bass, latin, but especially hip-hop. It also hosts alternative live bands, film screenings and poetry nights.
Largest Club Venue - capacity 5000 - in Amsterdam with the hottest national and international DJ's, VIP area with bottle service and outside terrace at the Amstel River.It is especially attractive on Saturday evenings. The music is techno and trance, often played by both Dutch and international DJs.
One of the most popular night clubs in the Netherlands. The freakiest people are said to be there on Sunday evening - since they don't have to go to work Monday morning.
This relatively new club in Amsterdam is part of the famous Westergasfabriek complex, a former gas factory that's now turned into a big cultural venue with theater and concert halls, clubs and terraces. The Flex Bar has both DJs and live bands.
One of the best-known venues in Amsterdam night life and popular with an alternative public. Paradiso hosts both club nights and a good choice of established and promising new live bands. The Main Hall has a capacity of 1500 and hosts world famous rick, folk, soul, country, reggae and blues heroes such as Al Green (2008), Jerry Lee Lewis (2004) and Smokey Robinson (2007) but also style icons like Grace Jones (2009).
Situated in a 17th century canal building, Odeon is both a nightclub, concert hall, restaurant and café. Club nights are held in the concert hall upstairs, while the restaurant is added after dinner hours. The choice of music is described as 'credible classics'.
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