Fun and entertainment Amsterdam

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For some years now, Amsterdam has had its own Soho house, an exclusive private club, a creative community that moves and comes alive in a superb historic setting, a former university. The space includes a bar, restaurant, cinema and superb panoramic rooftop terrace (with pool!). The idea is to make it your home away from home. Yes, you have to be a member or be invited by a member. Otherwise, you can always rent a room (there are around 60) or dine at the excellent Cecconi's to discover the Soho house spirit.

Located in the city's historic district, between the Nieuwmarkt and the Amstel, Engelbewaarder is a classic brown café with a lively atmosphere. Attracting a fauna of intellectuals and students, it deserves its title of literary café. There's plenty to drink and talk about, sometimes even politics... A great place to appreciate what Dutch democracy is like on a daily basis. The international cuisine is nothing special; you come for a drink from a wide selection of presses, and for jam sessions on Sundays between 4.30 and 7pm.

This friendly bar livens up the center of Amsterdam, a stone's throw from Leidseplein and its theaters and concert halls. The good-natured atmosphere attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists young and old. A concise food menu is offered (currently pizza and antipasti), while the drinks menu features local beers (notably from the oedipus brewery) that should be accompanied by a juniper, a combination that gives the bar its name (kopstoot). It's best to start with a small glass of jenever, bottoms up. Proost!

A few steps from the red light district, opposite the emblematic Nieuwmarkt square, this is a place to discover! Elegant cocktail-bar, speakeasy, cabinet of curiosities, one would not know how to describe it. Located in a 17th century house, elegantly furnished and full of all kinds of decorative objects, the atmosphere is intimate and warm. The team, led by Rachel and Pepijn, is passionate and will be happy to advise you on the choice of (excellent) cocktails.

It's all in the name: this (unofficial) Scandinavian embassy is located at the foot of Sarphatipark, a stone's throw from the Albert Cuyp market. Here, you'll find the area's culinary classics in a zen-like setting that's a delight to eat and drink in. Fans of cinnamon will be delighted, as will fans of salmon toast. It's a pleasant address with a fine reputation in the neighborhood and beyond. The coffee is excellent and will refresh you during your breaks between visits. Takeaway available.

An excellent exotic address in the heart of Nieuwmarkt, the capital's historic square. As its name suggests, this is the place to celebrate Cuba and its various delights. It's been about ten years since this address took up residence here, and its success is constant. You can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, then move on to cocktails, comfortably seated in the pretty armchairs. Don't forget to try the cocktail of the month, at a special price. Oh yes, there are over 20 rums on the menu, which is no mean feat. A small menu of dishes is also available.

Fonteijn has a reputation for being warm and welcoming, and the reputation is accurate. Located on the historic and photogenic Nieuwmarkt square, it welcomes a mix of locals and tourists. The terrace is very pleasant in fine weather, and the interior is sure to seduce you too. People come here to eat and drink. The menu offers the usual sandwiches, but also flammekueches, fried snacks (mmm! some would say) and bitterballen! A fine, unpretentious address.

They call this place the temple of blues... It's Amsterdam's oldest blues and rock café. The best local bands regularly play here. Admission is free and drinks are not expensive. The concert hall is just behind the bar, unpretentious but pleasant. This venue is currently under threat from new sound insulation standards... So support this monument to cool nightlife in the heart of the Jordaan, not far from other concert venues closer to Leidseplein.

Café Langereis is a café located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It offers a warm atmosphere with old-style tables and armchairs. Customers can enjoy Belgian beer and fast-food dishes. Prices are affordable and service is fast. Customers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the games available.