A night out in: Oost

Culture

World-class curation at Framer Framed

Curators and artists collide at this long-standing project space and arts foundation in the cultural epicentre of Amsterdam Oost. Every year, the venue collaborates with emerging and established international talents to organise exhibitions and an extensive public programme of lectures, debates, screenings and performances. You'll be confronted with work at the cutting edge of contemporary art, visual culture and politics from a diverse range of voices and perspectives in society.

Pre-drinks

Beers and sunshine at De Groene Olifant / Brouwerij ‘t IJ

On the corner of Plantagebuurt and Oost, you’ll find De Groene Olifant, a cosy local pub nestled between the zoo and leafy Plantage streets. With its living-room style décor, board games and laid-back crowd, it’s a favourite neighbourhood hangout where you can stop for a coffee, craft beer, or a homemade snack. On sunny evenings, the terrace is a gem – perfect for watching the world go by before you begin your night. Plus, it’s not far from Brouwerij ‘t IJ, if you want more beers (and snacks) before a proper meal. 

Food

Communal eats at Dapper Café / Eatmosfera

Your next stop is food and you have tons of options, though there are a few notable crowd-pleasers for a group. First up is Dapper Café, located just around the corner from De Groene Olifant and Brouwerij ‘t IJ. The newest venture on the Dappermarkt, this is a queer-run venue with a vegetarian-focused menu, home to the city’s crispiest potatoes. Perhaps the biggest pull, however, is its location, with a terrace that catches the sun almost all day long, making it an ideal spot to transition from dinner into cocktails. Alternatively, head to arguably the city’s best pizzeria at Eatmosfera, where you’ll be wined and dined with oaky Tuscan whites and an excellent Stracciatella pizza. 

Cocktails

Views and global flavours at Canvas / Catua Bar

Head to the roof of the Volkshotel for some of the city’s most sumptuous views and cocktails at Canvas. The enclosed rooftop terrace is on the seventh floor and has a fantastic all-around view of the Amstel and the city centre. Hungry folks should head there during the weekdays for lunch, dinner, and bites. For something more lowkey, Catua Bar is just around the corner; a place for cocktails from Brazil to South Africa, though classics like the house-batch Negroni never go amiss. 

Music

Balkan sounds at Kalemegdan

Most people look for rock and jazz when it comes to live music, but Kalemegdan provides something different. A Balkan music bar, you’ll be blessed with the many genres of this southeastern European area and beyond, from Yugoslavian rock and pop to Argentinian jazz. Dig into ćevapčići (grilled sausages considered to be Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national dish) while the sounds of the Balkans swell around you – there’s no place quite like it. 

Clubbing

Bunker atmosphere at Levenslang / Doka

If you’ve ever wondered what partying in a prison is like, head to Levenslang and you’ll find out. Housed in the boiler room of former Bijlmerbajes prison at the southernmost edge of Oost,  this concrete corner is a fully fledged techno paradise, with all-nighters hosting some of the biggest local and international DJs around. Otherwise, for a convenient option after cocktails at Canvas, Doka is a subterranean listening bar in the basement of Volkshotel with an exceptional audio setup and such good sound insulation you’d never know it was there. 

Late-night food

Herby kebabs at Tarbush

There aren’t a ton of late-night eats this side of town, but Tarbush is a trusted stop for those looking for a midnight kebab. You’ll find it on one of Ooost’s major arteries – the Javastraat – where lemon and herby chicken and kebab meats are stuffed into foot-long dürüms, a perfect antidote for a long and hopefully successful night out in Oost.