Fun and entertainment Holland

Located on the first floor of the American Hotel, now the Clayton Hotel, just behind Leidseplein, this illustrious establishment opened in 1902 and has recently been refurbished. It's a thing of beauty. With its stained glass windows diffusing golden light, kitschy frescoes and Tiffany chandeliers, it offers a very authentic Art Deco setting, all in a contemporary design with vintage notes. The menu features brasserie-style dishes, from bavette to croque-monsieur. We recommend the de luxe champagne high tea.

Two minutes from Leidseplein, De Balie is located in the complex of the same name, which includes an excellent arthouse cinema and a conference room. This handsome, high-tech café, with a large bay window overlooking the square, is a favorite meeting place for young cosmopolitan hipsters and artists, after a canvas in the neighborhood. Above all, De Balie is the place to be for cutting-edge debates and discussions featuring world-renowned intellectuals (often in English). Check out the program!

This long café-bar is not far from Leidseplein and is very popular with students, but not only them! It includes a bar serving good fast food and hosting live bands at weekends, as well as a restaurant serving hot dishes at reduced prices. A pleasant, welcoming place that we warmly recommend. While many of the neighborhood's shops are closing, to be replaced by trendy addresses that all end up looking the same, de Koe (Dutch for cow) is holding out!

A unique, colorful address long appreciated by locals and tourists alike. This coffee shop is one of the city's best addresses. The place has a certain style and the music is good. It seems to be customary to write your name and the date of your visit on the walls or on a table before leaving. The setting is cosy, with soft club armchairs just waiting for you. Savor a cup of tea, gaze at the canals through the long bay windows. Hill Street Blues is a rare gem to discover.

It may seem strange to go to an Irish bar in the Netherlands and yet it would be a shame to miss it. O'Casey's has a warm atmosphere, good beers and a beautiful setting. Concerts are regularly organised as well as evenings with sports coverage for football and oval football fans. This pub was voted the best Irish pub in the country a few years ago and rightly so. A beautiful address that will guarantee you a beautiful evening in the heart of the political capital...

This place is both a good quality eetcafé where the ministers meet for a good salad and soup and also a rather brown coffee where the atmosphere is warm. On weekends, the place turns into a disco bar! In summer, the terrace, very lively, is ideal for sunbathing and cooling off while admiring the statue of William the Silent. It is a classic and pleasant address that we like to discover and rediscover on a beautiful summer day in the middle of discovering the city before continuing towards the beach perhaps.

Did you know that the red light district also includes authentic, historic cafés where locals also go? Such is the case with this one, which is a proeflokaal, a tasting place, historically for genever, but which also offers a fine beer list. The draught beer is the Brand, much better than the Heineken, as well as numerous genevers. The interior is so pleasing to the eye that you'd think you were in a museum, and this is an address you'd love to discover and immortalize after a stroll through the neighborhood.

This is not a theater, but a venue for musical and dance performances. Check out the programs, because there's always the possibility of a pleasant surprise. This is where the Christmas circus performs. Superbly renovated a few years ago, it's a place with an old-fashioned atmosphere, at the foot of the Amstel, with a view of the Maigre Bridge. Don't hesitate to dress up when you go out there, as Amstellodammers sometimes do the same. Keep a close eye on the program during your stay, as you may come across some famous artists (and why not from France!).

Here's a nice address that hosts cabaret and comedy programs, sometimes also music and dance. The location, on a pretty canal just behind the Leidseplein, is very convenient and accessible. Of note: Smoeshaan's on-site café-restaurant is also worth a visit, and it's a pleasure to meet the artists over a beer after the show. A city classic, though better known to locals and Batavians than to visiting tourists, don't hesitate to check out the program.

On the central square, an old cinema transformed into a trendy bar. Pleasant lights, wood and brass in a modern decor, so many elements that make it a nice place to have a drink before going to dinner. Quite quiet during the day, the Studio becomes, at nightfall, frenetically trendy. More than 50 different kinds of beers are available! An excellent, creative and inspiring address that you should visit without delay during a stay in Haarlem. The decor is very nice! Studio regularly hosts concerts.

Founded in 1985, this volunteer-run discotheque stands out from all the other places in town and enjoys a huge and well-deserved popularity. First of all, it's located just outside the city center in a former squat and always charges low prices. The atmosphere is remarkable, but to enjoy it, you have to get there early. Open Sunday evenings only. A place for sexual and gender minorities, but accessible to all. Please note: telephones are not allowed here, so IRL(in real life) contact is preferred.

De Blauwe Druif prides itself on being the oldest establishment in town, and it's probably true. It's a beautiful brown café that invites you to drink a beer, a jenever or some good wine in a warm atmosphere. It's also the place to eat a few simple dishes and, above all, snacks. Blauwe Druif isn't just a café, it's a tasting place where you can take the time to savor the different alcohols on offer, especially beer and jenever.

This bistro, one of the most original in the city, is housed in an old fishmonger's shop which has kept all its original features (earthenware, maritime scenes, rough wooden floor...). The atmosphere is always lively and friendly in the evening. A very recommended address. It distinguishes itself by a sacred card of beers in pressure with a wall filled with beer pumps. This is what makes the reputation of the place with more than 40 drafts! The food menu features cheese fondue. Not the most dietetic address but surely very pleasant.

The Friedhats roaster opened his café (Fuku) in Amsterdam's West End. The café quickly established itself as a benchmark, offering a wide range of flavors and varieties, both espresso and filter. You can also enjoy excellent pastries and viennoiseries, but the star of the show is the petit noir in all its forms. As soon as the weather's fine, a small tree-lined courtyard awaits you. A popular, authentic address that's a must-see if you're in the neighborhood.

Just a stone's throw from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this café is the ideal place to relax before diving into the city's museums. Uncommon welcomes you in a sober and warm atmosphere. The café offers delicious breakfasts with homemade granola, acai bowls or savory toasts with toppings to personalize. Each of these options is available in a vegan version. While the quality is undeniable, the bill can be a little steep. Reservations are not possible, and sometimes you'll have to wait a while.

Joost, a well-known and common first name here, is THE typical neighborhood bar. In the east of Amsterdam, close to the Indian quarter, it's 99% populated by locals, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Amsterdam nights. Here, only local beers are served, and people come to socialize, play darts or board games. The atmosphere is very friendly, and you can be sure of making new acquaintances in the vicinity of the zinc. Although local beers take pride of place, a fine selection of gins and cocktails completes the offer.

Close to Anne Frank's house, this bar is surely one of the city's finest brown cafés. Renovated a few years ago, it offers a selection of natural, white, red or sparkling wines to accompany succulent sandwiches or well-executed brasserie dishes. In the evenings, you'll enjoy a good beer at the bar. A warm welcome. For a break between two visits, a drink with friends or a meal on the go, you've come to the right place. In summer, the place boasts a pleasant canal-side terrace.

Just a few strides from Leidseplein, behind a storefront framed by brightly colored neon lights that pierce the night, lies a little jewel of Amsterdam's nightlife - and the competition is stiff. Inside, under the low, panelled ceiling, you'll find the cream of the crop of jazzmen from the city and beyond, seated on bar stools in a cosy ambience. An address we warmly recommend, and not to be missed on your visit!

Between Westerpark and the banks of the River Ij, on the Houthavens industrial estate, lies Yellow House. This hybrid space, housed in a bright, modern building with large bay windows, is a popular coworking space, a healthy canteen and a lively café that transforms into a music venue in the evening. It's a place where you can easily spend the day in an ever-changing atmosphere. Slightly off-center, you'll have to pedal a little to get there, but you'll be rewarded for your efforts with one of their succulent pastries.

This is one of Delft's most French-style places. This historic French-style tearoom offers a friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy a cup of tea and one of the home-made pastries. The owner has had a real love affair with our country for some years now, and you can feel it in the atmosphere. What's more, this address is also a very interesting women's ready-to-wear store. A unique and creative address where it's worth dropping in for at least one sweet treat. Uit de Kunst is sure to make you feel at home.

Probably THE building not to be missed on the Damrak, this is the former Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Its architecture is characterized by pure lines and simple materials (brick, steel and glass). Its creator was none other than H.P. Berlage, the father of the "Amsterdam School", an architectural movement that marked a radical break with the historicizing style of the ^19th century, symbolized by the buildings of the Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. Today, the former stock exchange is open to the public for exhibitions, conferences and concerts.

An excellent wine bar located on a lively street in the West End, where a lively market is held. Located on a corner of this street, Centraal has built up a loyal following of diners who come for the inspired, well-presented dishes, but also and above all for the overall very successful atmosphere. The rather basic decor doesn't suggest such a good table, and the bar is no exception. A special place is given to natural wines. Take advantage of this address when you visit the De Hallen cultural center or the Ten Katemarkt market.

One of the busiest bars on the beautiful Place du Plein. Very popular, the modern and stylish Barlow attracts a young and elegant clientele who like to chat or flirt on the terrace over a cocktail with background music. We love to watch the large crowd, which starts at lunchtime and really takes over the bar in the evening. The music goes up, the jackets come off and the atmosphere is warm. The setting is cosy during the day, and we love it for many different reasons. A surprising classic.

Dating back to the ^17th century, the Boterwaag housed two houses: the public weight and the butter house. The butter was first weighed, then processed and packaged for sale. Today, the Grand Café De Boterwaag is a classic. In summer, its huge terrace buzzes with life, and it's the ideal place to listen to concerts on the Grote Markt. Admire the arched ceilings, all in red brick. A fine address offering Dutch-style cuisine, with sandwiches and crêpes at lunchtime and bistro dishes in the evening, as well as pizzas.

Visiting an Irish pub in the Netherlands? Why not! This one's superb and renowned for its warm ambience and for the amount of booze that flows every night. The venue occasionally plays host to some of the finest Celtic folk bands to be found in the best Irish countryside, around which an electric, heavily imbibed crowd gathers. Mulligan's claims, and probably rightly so, to be different from other Irish bars in the capital. Just a stone's throw from Rembrandtplein, Mulligan's enjoys a dream location and a typical view.

A classic in its field and a true benchmark, Gollem is an established name when it comes to enjoying good beers in pleasant surroundings. Although not as historic as some of its competitors, Gollem offers an incredible range of bottled beers, as well as a wide selection of draught beers! The best thing to do is get advice from specialists who can guide you through this beer-lover's paradise. As the place is popular, it's the ideal place to start an evening. A good, noisy atmosphere, especially after a few drinks!

Bourbon Street is, as the name suggests, a music club. Located just a few meters from the Leidseplein, it's a good option for listening to good quality jazz or blues in the heart of the capital. While the decor offers no particular charm, the stage itself is large enough to accommodate big bands, and the New York-style bar is long and well-stocked enough for plenty of thirsty shoppers. It's a tried-and-tested venue, so don't hesitate if you like smaller venues with a warm ambience.

This concert hall is a vibrant reminder of the days of the provos, who demanded that the municipality provide venues for young people. Since the 1970s, this milky way (Melkweg) has never ceased to shine. The Melkweg boasts an incredible multi-disciplinary program: jazz, dance, rock, theater, photography, this venue also doubles as a nightclub... A modern Amsterdam classic. The café, which overlooks Marnixstraat, is quite popular despite its zen-like decor. A bit of a shame, but the program includes some great exhibitions.

Afas Live is an entertainment venue located in the southern suburbs of the capital, right next to the Ajax stadium. It's all modern and very well designed, but purists and nostalgics will inevitably say that it can't compete with the downtown Paradiso and Melkweg for atmosphere, and they'd be right. We particularly like the size of this venue, neither too big nor too small, and the quality of the infrastructure. All the big names come or have come here. So it's important to keep an eye on the programming to ensure a great evening.

An excellent, original brewery, it brews with a love of beer, but also of people. A brand-new arrival on the capital's scene 20 years ago, the brewery is committed to social inclusion, serving as a place of reintegration for slightly disabled people, who are usually at a disadvantage in the job market. You can enjoy your beer all the more when you know you're helping to make the world a better place by drinking it! The atmosphere is cosy, in the heart of the red light district. An address to discover without fail.

If you head further west, away from the (overly) touristy Jordaan district, you'll find some authentic nuggets within easy reach. Such is the case with Café Cook, an excellent address which, according to many connoisseurs, boasts the best terrace in the capital. It's truly a special, unpretentious place, but one that will undoubtedly seduce and entice you with its excellent menu of both vegetarian and meat dishes. As you can see, there's only one thing to do: "Go west" and discover Café Cook.

The first thing you come for is the enchanting view from the banks of the Veemkade overlooking the city's eastern islands. The café itself is housed in aesthetically pleasing historic warehouses. Weather permitting, you first sip a drink on the terrace, then enter a large space where everything is set to celebrate music and stories in a relaxed atmosphere. The evening events are Storytelling ;concerts and comedy evenings are also regularly organized. A warm and welcoming address.

Excellent design café located in the northern part of Jordaan, attracting a large audience of locals and tourists. The setting is sleek and industrial, with huge windows. Toki offers a wide choice of pastries, cakes and viennoiseries, as well as coffees with abundant foam, all homemade. The welcome is warm and inviting, and you'll feel right at home if you need to recharge your batteries between visits. The place is (unexpectedly) very popular and you'll have to be patient at times, but your expectations will be more than satisfied!

Amsterdam seems to have a knack for offbeat venues. This discotheque is housed in the former premises of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, just a 15-minute bike ride from the center. Radion celebrates both culture and clubbing, and includes a friendly restaurant, various exhibitions and a renowned discotheque. This unique venue is a must-see! The program is innovative and edgy, ideal for being surprised. The restaurant menu is varied. A place not to be missed.

An excellent little gallery in the Jordaan, not far from the Anne Frank House, in a very pleasant part of the district, where you can come for a good-quality, tightly-packed cup of coffee and visit an exhibition at the same time. The place is bright and modern, the decor minimalist. You can enjoy delicious, ultra-healthy powerbowls while sipping a homemade smoothie. A great idea for a champion's breakfast before hitting the canals! It's a prime address for inspiring telecommuting, right across the Prinsengracht.

Jon, Sander and Thijs realize their "boyhood dream" by opening this attractive brewery in the heart of Delft. This medieval cellar dating back to 1300 was bought by the brewers. The shards of a medieval beer mug are unearthed, by chance or fate? Residents, students, tourists, beer lovers - everyone is welcome! The menu features burgers and platters. The brewery is located on the Holy Spirit cemetery, now proudly known as Brouwplein (Brewers' Square). A place full of life and history, not to be missed.

Superb nightclub located in the basement of 't Goude Hooft. It's said to be the city's oldest inn, and its handsome facade seems to bear this out. Visitors come here for themed evenings in a recently refurbished setting that mixes historical details with more modern decor. The name 1660 comes from the year of construction of the current building, a protected monument in the city. A quality address you'll love to go to after a meal in the ground-floor restaurant. The setting is very pleasant.

An excellent little outdoor bar on Museum Square. Excellent coffees, waffles and muffins. Tourists and locals alike have a good time here as soon as the sun comes out. In sunny weather, it's a great place to enjoy breakfast in the open air before embarking on cultural visits or shopping in the city's southern district. At first glance, this address may seem too touristy, but it's actually of consistent quality. A good idea on the way out of the Rijksmuseum and before going to the Van Gogh Museum!

In the heart of the city's eastern district, which is currently undergoing lightning-fast renewal, and a stone's throw from the lively Dappermarkt, we find this pretty traditional café on the corner of the Javastraat. It's the headquarters of the area's mixed public. An ideal place to watch a soccer match or shoot pool. Some say it's one of the few authentic places left in the capital since gentrification went too far. The café offers authentic dishes to be enjoyed with a good beer.

Stiels is a very pleasant café-cum-concert hall. Its historic reputation has been excellent since it opened over 10 years ago. This is the place to come for a superb, rhythmic evening. The program is detailed on the website. Monday is traditionally jazz night. Every evening there's something to experience at Stiels, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Spend at least part of the evening there before continuing your journey. You can have a drink while you're there, and admission is free.

This building, which brings together several concert halls dedicated to music in all its forms, opened its doors almost twenty years ago in an imposing and magnificent complex near Centraal Station. The building, a concrete cube floating on three sides on the IJ, is surrounded by glass and was designed by Danish architects 3X Nielsen. The new municipal library buildings, brilliantly designed by Jo Coenen, are located in this renewed district. The library's programming focuses mainly on classical music, but not exclusively.

Welcome to one of Amsterdam's smallest bars! In just a few years, Vesper has become a firm fixture on Amsterdam's nightlife scene, just a stone's throw from the Haarlemmerdijk. Here, you can enjoy excellent cocktails, skilfully prepared. Go for the Fin Fizz, made with gin, pine liqueur, cucumber and rosemary... Alternatively, the Smoke... stoned is prepared with mezcal and juniper. The classy, sexy setting is reminiscent of James Bond, and it's no coincidence that the place is named after the only woman 007 ever really loved.

Escobar is a very pleasant bar-restaurant in the heart of the Pijp district. People come here all day long to eat, have lunch or dinner, but above all to enjoy a drink in a place that, thanks to its proportions, stands out from the other addresses in the area. Inspiration comes, as the name suggests, from South America. The cocktail menu is comprehensive and impressive. We like the unique atmosphere, in former public baths. The tacos are famous, as is the sangria. Escobar has it all, so don't wait any longer.

Het Patronaat is THE concert hall in town, with a very good pop-rock program. The venue has been in existence since 1984, but was refurbished not so long ago. It's one of the city's must-see medium-sized venues, and a great place to spend an evening. The bands on the bill are always of excellent quality. It's a favorite address not only for the locals, but also for Amsterdamers, who sometimes go here to avoid the crowds at Paradiso. The acoustics are top-notch!

Studio K revitalizes the city's eastern district with its cinema/restaurant/theater/concert hall. The program is cutting-edge. And don't forget: the local youth hostel is just a stone's throw away. A quality address housed in a beautiful brick building that once housed a school. Studio K also organizes concert and comedy evenings for a varied cultural evening in a quality venue that's sure to please. See website for detailed program. Exhibitions are also held in the restaurant.

It's a real favorite, but the competition on the Place Spui is fierce. De Zwart is a small, young shop, only built in 1921, and is the corner store on this pretty literary square. Its clientele, made up of intellectuals, writers and apprentice-writers, is loyal. It's a quiet, music-free place, with a lovely terrace for watching cyclists and pedestrians. The service is efficient and humorous. A quality address where you can drop in for a coffee after buying the press or a book in French from the bookshop next door.

Pilsvogel is one of the city's hotel monuments, a classic in a way, even if it's not a brown café. The decor is inspired by Gaudi, and the toilets are well known for this. Pilsvogel is not far from the Heineken brewery and the Albert Cuyp market, and attracts a mixed crowd. It's famous for its tapas and chicken with satay sauce, which won't break the bank. Pilsvogel is a great reference address in the neighborhood, where you can come with friends until the end of the night!

Don't worry, Gollem is just a beer bar and won't do you any harm. In fact, it's one of the best places to go out in the capital. Close to the Leidseplein, it's located on a less touristy but just as lively thoroughfare. The space is quite impressive. The menu is very extensive, and you'll need to listen to the staff's ever-wise advice, a comprehensive menu that will appeal to novices and enthusiasts alike. Jazz concerts are held every Saturday. An address to discover and rediscover.