A night out in: Nieuw-West

Culture

Indie flicks at Cinema de Vlugt

At Cinema De Vlugt, worlds come together. Located in Plein '40-'45 neighbourhood, you'll find an offering of the latest films, from blockbusters to quirky international cinema. It's housed in the Vlugt cultural house, but is a standout venue on its own; perfect as a meeting point whether you're watching a film or just here for a drink.

Pre-drinks

Lakeside beers at Buiten

A lakeside hideout in Nieuw-West, Buiten (which translates to "outdoors" from Dutch) has recently reopened and looks better than ever. Situated right on the Sloterplas (Lake), it's an all-day beach café and restaurant for brunch, lunch and dinner, plus everything in between. In the summer, enjoy its shaded garden punctuated with pink decor, while in the cooler seasons, retreat inside to a rustic-industrial space where beers are best sipped looking out onto the misty lake.

Food

Pizza on the water at Boothuis

Life is better down by the water. Boothuis knows this well, an all-day restaurant right on Sloterplas Lake. Complete with a spacious terrace and unobstructed water views, this is what summer afternoons were made for as you tuck into wood-fired pizzas. Hang around until late on Fridays and Saturdays, and the space transforms into Phono Lake, an alfresco dancefloor that focuses on community, curated by some of the best local DJs. Dance into the night, this spot’s a fever dream.

Cocktails

Rooftop drinks at BRET

Way out by Sloterdijk in West, craft beer bar and venue, BRET manages to be both spacious and cosy. Its distinctive red container structure is a welcome haven for the neighbourhood’s after-work drinkers, surrounded by gardens and especially snug in winter. Head up to the roof for views and classic mixed drinks and cocktails like Moscow Mules and Dark and Stormys. If you hang around late on weekends, this is as much a place to dance when DJs take over the entire complex. Despite the relatively small main dancefloor, up to 400 clubbers can spill over to explore the building’s many nooks and outdoor spaces, providing an exclusive festival feel all year round.

Entertainment

Retro gaming at PUCK!

When the weather dips, indoor activities are key. And that’s where places like Puck really shine (though they’re great all year round). A sprawling arcade teeming with everything from air hockey to basketball games and snowboarding simulations, this is a great spot for groups looking for retro fun. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a bar serving drinks and snacks too – a perfect stop-off before transitioning into the onsite karaoke or heading out afterwards.  

Clubbing

Unmatched sound systems at Lofi / RADION

Techno deities unite at two of Amsterdam’s finest institutions that make Nieuw-West the go-to neighbourhood for world-class clubs. If you’re in the northern quadrant of the neighbourhood, head to Lofi, a multidisciplinary venue in a former warehouse space that has become an electronic hideout. Home to a courtyard in the summer, you’ll find an extensive programme for the softer sounds and heavier ones too. For the purists, RADION in the southwest corner of Nieuw-West remains one of the city’s ultimate clubs. Inviting curators and parties from all over the world, including some of Berlin’s best, get swept away in the former amphitheatre turned beat bunker. 

Late-night food

All-night grill at Restaurant Merci

While technically on the border between Nieuw-West and West (Bos en Lommer area), Restaurant Merci is a great 24-hour spot that serves as a convenient stop-off if you’re returning from Lofi. You’ll find the usual suspects here: kebabs, pizza, wraps and the like, but the shawarma mixed grill is the go-to; smoky, charcoal-grilled and substantial enough to tide you over until you cycle home.