Uitgaan Amsterdam Centrum

3 March 2022

Nightlife in the center of Amsterdam: practical guide

City centre Amsterdam offers more options for a night out than most cities. But more options also mean more choices, greater distance between venues, and a greater chance that you will spend half your evening walking. This guide helps you plan a night that works, from the first drink to the last.

The nightlife districts of Amsterdam city centre

Leidseplein

Rembrandtplein

The other large square to start from. Here you will find various nightlife venues, more volume, and a lively atmosphere after midnight. However, also take into account longer queues, higher entrance fees, and fewer options for a full meal.

The Jordaan and the canal belt

This area is a bit quieter and is known for its traditional pubs, wine bars, and small cocktail bars. Good for a relaxed evening, but less suitable for late at night because most establishments here close earlier.

What to do on a night out

A performance or concert

Paradiso programs international acts and club nights; check paradiso.nl for details. DeLaMar stages Dutch musicals and cabaret shows year-round, while the Melkweg focuses on more alternative acts. Buy tickets early, as Paradiso is almost always sold out.

Food: sooner than you think

A common mistake is thinking about food too late. If you have a performance at 8:30 PM, dinner must be finished by 7:30 PM. Reserve a table for 7:00 PM so you have an hour and a half before walking to the venue. After a performance, the choice is often limited, as most restaurants close their kitchens at 10:00 PM. However, Steak Club Leidse serves until closing time.

Cocktails and the late hours

The Velvet Vixen at Steak Club Leidse is the most intimate cocktail option on Leidseplein. There is no entrance fee and no queue. On Fridays and Saturdays from 22:00 to midnight, all cocktails are €10. After midnight, we continue until 03:00 in our bar.

How to structure the evening

18:45 — Arrival at Leidseplein, first drink
19:00–20:30 — Dinner (advance reservations required on Friday and Saturday)
20:30–20:45 — Walk to Paradiso, DeLaMar, Pathe or Melkweg
8:45–11:00 PM — Show, concert or movie
11:00 PM and later — Cocktails or late dinner

Transport to Leidseplein

Trams 1, 2, 5, 7, and 19 stop at or near Leidseplein. From Central Station, it takes 15 minutes by tram 2 or 5. By car: parking garage P1 is located directly on the square.

Nightclub that stays open really late

Steak Club Leidse on Leidseplein is open until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays — full bar, full kitchen, no entrance fee. Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 11H, one minute from the square.