20 Things In Amsterdam At Night

Amsterdam is the beautiful capital of the Netherlands, famous for its canals, history and other cultural aspects. You will find many incredible things to do in Amsterdam throughout the day, but the city comes alive, and it’s much more beautiful in Amsterdam at night.

So make sure to go outside when the stars come out and enjoy Amsterdam’s captivating nightlife. The variety of nighttime activities will keep you busy, whether you like nightlife, beautiful scenery, history, art or culture. Here is a list of 20 nightlife attractions and things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Amsterdam At Night

20 Things To Do In Amsterdam At Night

1- Go On An Evening Canal Cruise

A boat tour in the evening is one of the best ways to appreciate the unique beauty of Amsterdam’s Canal District.

These canals, which date back to the 17th century, are breathtaking when viewed from the water.

Visitors can cruise the canals at night for about an hour, passing by historic merchant homes and picturesque bridges while admiring the breathtaking vistas of this historic area of the city.

Learn about the city’s fascinating history and dynamic character, or relax and take in the sights as dusk falls over Amsterdam.

An evening canal cruise introduces you to Amsterdam’s distinct atmosphere and is something to try when visiting the city. Here are some options:

• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise (1.5 hours) – an extremely popular cruise with an optional snack box.
• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise (1 Hour) – for when you are short on time.
• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise (1.5 hours) – a relaxing cruise with wine and Dutch cheeses perfect for an evening with friends or a romantic evening.

3- Enjoy The Heineken Experience

Drinking beer while on the Heineken Experience is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night because you can sip Heineken in the place where it was first brewed.

The brewery was established in the heart of Amsterdam in 1867 and remained in operation until 1988.

It was reopened as a museum a few years later 2001, attracting beer lovers from the city and worldwide.

Take a guided tour of the historic brewery to learn more about the history of the well-known brand, the art of beer making, Heineken’s innovations, and the proper way to serve a world-famous drink.

For those over 18, there are also historic Heineken ads, tasting opportunities, and the opportunity to learn about the four natural ingredients used to make this beer. 

4- Admire The Architecture of Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum, which first opened its doors in 1895, is the most important Dutch museum displaying contemporary art and design.

Although the museum is not usually open at night, take a walk to see the contrast between the historic wing that dates back to 1895 and the contemporary bathtub-like architecture of the new wing.

During the day, you can walk through the Stedelijk Museum’s gallery, which features furniture, ceramics, posters, jewellery and other items that depict the evolution of design from the turn of the 20th century to the present.

This museum houses over 90,000 artifacts and works by world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Kandinsky, Malevich and Matisse.

The works of well-known Dutch artists such as Mondrian, Gerrit Rietveld, and De Kooning are also included.

You can book tickets in advance to skip the line and gain access to permanent and temporary exhibits and learn about famous artists. 

5- Visit Nxt Digital Art Museum

The Nxt Digital Art Museum in Amsterdam allows you to interact with and immerse yourself in audiovisual artworks.

This is the country’s first museum dedicated to new media art.

The museum features 10 separate immersive art installations that allow you to interact physically, mentally and emotionally with the art on display.

The exhibitions at Nxt Museum include large-scale art installations and ambitious commissions by renowned and emerging designers, artists, technologists and scientists.

In addition to the exhibition space, the museum offers a residency program and encourages collaboration and sharing knowledge and skills.

There is also a restaurant and bar with a large terrace.

Explore this museum on your next trip to Amsterdam to stimulate your senses and glimpse into the future with artworks that expand technical possibilities.

Nxt Digital Art Museum is open until 8.30 pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 10.30 pm from Thursday to Saturday at Asterweg 22, 1031 HP Amsterdam.

6- Discover Secrets At The Red Light Secrets Museum

The Red Light Secrets Museum focuses on the lives of sex workers in the Netherlands and it’s the only museum in the world completely focused on prostitution.

It’s housed in a former brothel in Amsterdam’s renowned Red Light District.

Learn about the history of the world’s oldest profession, prostitution, tour the rooms where they work, sit behind the famous windows and listen to stories from the sex workers themselves.

A visit to this unusual museum allows you to learn about their point of view, which they explore in a fun and open way to eliminate the taboos surrounding sex work.

Read the Confession Wall, a collection of written confessions left by museum visitors.

Some of the confessions are humorous, some are enlightening, but all are revealing; you can experience all of these with an entry ticket to the museum. 

The Red Light Secrets Museum is open until 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11 pm from Friday to Saturday at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP Amsterdam.

7- AMAZE Immersive Audiovisual Experience

During the AMAZE experience, you can escape reality and explore interactive areas that elicit a range of emotions, from relaxing to intense.

The facility is divided into seven rooms, each containing various interactive exhibits with fantastic light, laser, sound and other effects that evoke a wide range of emotions.

Immerse yourself in a captivating world of images, sounds and technology.

The abundance of sensors and cameras allows for easy interaction with the environment, making the experience even more immersive.

Following the experience, guests can relax in the AMAZE lounge and enjoy the unique setting, friendly service, and vibrant ambience.

You can reserve a spot here to explore the fascinating world of AMAZE during your next visit to Amsterdam. 

AMAZE is at Elementenstraat 25, 1014 AR, Amsterdam, and is open until 10 pm (Wednesday and Thursday), 11 pm (Friday) and midnight on Saturday.

8- Stroll Through The Red Light District

The Red Light District (De Wallen, as it is known locally), is Amsterdam’s most well-known tourist destination.

You can explore the famous area’s winding alleyways and red-lit windows at night while learning about its long history.

This area is home to a few notable museums, including the Red Light Secrets Museum and the Erotic Museum, in addition to street-side brothels.

The Amsterdam Red Light District also has brightly lit canals, bustling restaurants, and several bars and Dutch coffee shops where visitors can unwind.

Only adults are allowed on the several tours of the district, which share the history of Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhood and the ladies who work behind the famous red-lit windows.

A walk through this neighbourhood gives you a peek behind the curtains into Amsterdam’s rich history and relaxed atmosphere.

9- Go To Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and is a must-visit museum during the day with over 200 paintings, letters and drawings.

If you’re looking for a museum activity in Amsterdam at night, Vincent on Friday is an evening programme where you can listen to local musicians performing live and attend workshops and talks by local artists.

The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works and has an impressive collection of Van Gogh-inspired paintings, French prints, Japanese prints and other items.

Visitors to the museum can go on a guided tour to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh’s life, see his artistic and personal growth from his early works to his final ones, and learn how his legacy has influenced subsequent generations of artists all over the world.

Van Gogh Museum is at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam.

10- Enjoy Amsterdam Light Festival

This popular light festival is a yearly event put on by the city of Amsterdam from early December to late January.

This popular wintertime festival features stunning light sculptures, projections and art installations that transform the canal ring of Amsterdam.

It is one of the top light art festivals in the world.

The festival’s theme changes each year, and the theme for its eleventh edition in 2022 is Imagine Beyond.

20 carefully chosen works by national and international artists transport visitors into the imaginative world, providing locals and visitors with a one-of-a-kind visual experience.

The best ways to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival is on a canal cruise, a guided walking tour, or a bike tour, all of which provide excellent opportunities to take stunning photographs.

11- Attend A Concert At Concertgebouw

If you’re looking for an exciting nighttime activity in Amsterdam, a concert at the Concertgebouw should be at the top of your list.

Concertgebouw is one of Amsterdam’s premier concert venues due to its renowned acoustics.

This 19th-century neoclassical concert hall has three performance areas and an annual calendar of musical performances and cultural activities.

In addition to orchestral and operatic performances, jazz and world music concerts are held here.

Over the years, international musical greats like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, Louis Armstrong, Cecilia Bartoli, and many others have performed here.

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, is also based here.

12- Have Fun At Club Prime

Club Prime in the heart of Amsterdam is one of the city’s most exciting and unique nightclubs.

Locals, international students and visitors flock to Rembrandtplein nightclub to have a good time.

Club Prime may not be one of the largest clubs in Amsterdam, but it certainly has a lot to offer.

It features a modern design, beautiful LED-covered tables and ceilings, and the always adorable costumed dancers.

One of Club Prime’s most well-known events is the NEON Party, which involves painting partygoers with glow-in-the-dark paint to create an overall spectacular effect.

This vibrant venue offers hours of incredible music and positive energy.

Hip hop classics and favourite electronic tracks are played here, and many local and international DJs have performed at this favourite little spot over the years.

One of the coolest spots to dance the night away in Amsterdam, Club Prime is a top spot to hang out any night of the week. Save money and skip the line with this nightlife pass that gets you into 20-plus clubs.

13- Party At Club Air Amsterdam

Club Air Amsterdam is a great place to go at night in Amsterdam if you enjoy next-level clubbing.

AIR Amsterdam in Rembrandt Square has become a popular venue for partygoers and is perfect for enjoying Reggae, Hip-hop, Techno, and House music.

At club AIR, there is a mind-blowing LED wall, cutting-edge lighting, and outstanding VOID technologies.

These elements combine to create a sizzling party atmosphere that makes you want to dance.

This hot nightclub has five bars and three restrooms, each with a unique concept, giving you various experiences to choose from. This pass offers free entry to over 20 Amsterdam clubs.

14- Visit The Eye Film Museum

The Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam is a film-only museum and archive that houses a massive collection of 37,000 film titles, 60,000 posters, 700,000 photos and 20,000 books.

Spend time exploring the various exhibits containing artifacts from the Dutch film industry dating back to 1895.

Several popular modern and vintage films from Dutch and international cinema are also available for viewing.

The Eye Film Museum has beautiful architecture and four comfortable theatres where visitors can see the best-restored classics and the most recent art house movies.

This theatre and film museum is a must-see for movie buffs, and a visit here may rank among your most treasured Amsterdam experiences.

The Eye Film Museum is open until 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 11pm (Friday and Saturday) at IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam.

15- Spend Fun Time At Melkweg

Melkweg is the name of one of Amsterdam’s premier cultural centres and music venues.

The venue is housed in the last remaining factory structure on the canal ring of Amsterdam.

It is named after the milk factory that operated in the building until 1969, when it was reopened as a performance venue.

Due to the diversity of its programs, its many spaces and unique location, Melkweg has long been recognised as a special venue.

This venue offers two music halls, a theatre, a movie theatre and an exhibition space for hire.

Melkweg is a symbol of pop culture in the broadest sense.

The venue has hosted legendary musicians such as Prince, Arctic Monkeys, and Nirvana, among many others.

Apart from live music, the venue hosts theatrical plays, movies, exhibitions and other events. Save money club-hopping with this nightlife scene ticket that will get you into several hotspots.

16- Enjoy Live Music At Paradiso

Formerly a church, Paradiso has been a concert hall and cultural centre since 1968.

What started as a group of creatives has evolved into one of Amsterdam’s most well-known and busiest live music venues, hosting everyone from renowned international bands to local artists and indie talent.

The concert hall seats 1,500 people.

Its grandeur is enhanced by large stained-glass windows behind the stage and two tiers of balconies with excellent views down onto the stage.

The upper-floor stage, which seats 250 people, offers a more intimate setting.

This venue frequently hosts independent bands and emerging artists.

If you enjoy live music and are looking for nightlife in Amsterdam, Paradiso should be at the top of your list. Skip the line at 13 nightclubs and enjoy a free bottle of champagne and a canal cruise.

17- Go To The Top of the A’DAM Tower

The A’DAM Tower is a 22-story building across the IJ river from Amsterdam’s shoreline.

This skyscraper overlooks the Amsterdam city centre and offers breathtaking views of the city’s famous canals, cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and distinctive polder landscapes.

A’DAM Lookout, a 100-meter-high observation deck at the top of the tower, provides an unparalleled panoramic view of Amsterdam and the surrounding area.

From here, daredevils and adrenaline junkies can ride “Over The Edge,” Europe’s highest swing, and swing back and forth above the city.

As an alternative, you can ride the Amsterdam VR ride, a virtual reality rollercoaster that races through the city past all of the city’s highlights.

18- Board A Dinner Train

Taking a dinner train from Amsterdam Central Station is a memorable and exquisite experience that allows you to sample high-quality cuisine while travelling through the Dutch countryside.

This three-hour culinary journey offers dining at its best, starting from Amsterdam to Hague before beginning the return journey.

When passengers board the train, they are greeted with a sparkling beverage and coffee or tea to pair with dessert.

There are several menu options for the four-course dinner experience, including vegetarian, fish, and meat menus.

A delicious meal on a moving train is the true definition of a getaway.

Reserve a seat on a Dinner Train if you want to experience this kind of unique dining or another option is to try a three-course dinner in the dark experience.

19- Party At Shelter Amsterdam

Shelter Amsterdam is, without a doubt, one of the best nightclubs in Amsterdam.

This club, located in the basement of the iconic A’DAM Tower, combines stunning design with exciting nightlife activities and provides one of the best clubbing experiences.

Known for its distinct Techno and House music, Shelter nightclub welcomes visitors with a genuinely pleasant atmosphere.

It’s where you will hear the latest dance music, providing excellent musical experiences to partygoers and clubbers while encouraging a diverse clubbing environment with creative sounds.

20- Bike Through Amsterdam At Night

Because Amsterdam is known for its cycling culture, one of the coolest things to do in the evening is to hit the road.

Amsterdam has up to 400 km (248 miles) of cycling paths that allow you to cycle your way through the city.

You can bike like a local along the extensive network of canals and alleyways that dominate the city’s landscape while taking in breathtaking sunsets.

A fun way to discover the city’s secrets is to rent a bike or go on a guided bike tour.

Several tours will take you to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Magere Burg (or Skinny Bridge), and the Jordaan district, as well as less popular places like restaurants, bars, and cafes.