Arcade and game halls in Amsterdam

Oche

Darts is traditionally associated with warm pints and pork scratchings in a dingy British pub. Oche changes all this, elevating the classic game into a more stylish experience complete with digital screens, signature cocktails and delicious bites. Get a group together and head down to their location on Utrechtsestraat to rediscover this fun bar sport. The kitchen concept is inspired by street food from all over the world, with colourful dishes that are perfect for sharing. 

Blast Galaxy

This retro arcade hall at Sloterdijk is packed with gaming classics like Donkey Kong, Mario and Pacman. A trip to Blast Galaxy promises a novelty experience for Millennials and Gen-Zers and a nostalgia whirlwind tour for grown-ups starting each conversation with 'back in my day...' Conveniently, you don't need coins to play. You simply pay a fixed entrance fee of €15. Then you're set to enjoy as many games as you want or until your wrists get tired!

Mooie Boules

Amsterdam welcomes a first in the field of French competitive entertainment: Jeu-de-boules (pétanque) paradise Mooie Boules. Not only does Mooie Boules hold 500 square metres of sandy grounds for the sport, but there’s also a food court with six different food concepts by renowned chefs. And when you’ve had enough of throwing those balls around, how about throwing down some moves on the dancefloor with live music and DJs every Friday and Saturday?

Final Touch

This pool and snooker bar on the Prinsengracht has drawn players in for 25 years. If you're not good at pool, try your hand at shuffleboard, darts or settle in for a board game at one of the cosy tables. We recommend reserving a spot via phone if you're interested in particular time, but walk-ins are perfectly welcome, and several tables are kept available at all times. With snacks and drinks close at hand, Final Touch is perfect for groups small and large.

Plan B

What happens when your initial plan for the evening falls apart? Well, there is always Plan B! Whether you’re an old hand who has mastered all the tricks or holding a cue for the first time, this pool café on the Overtoom is the place to be. Participate in the beginner's tournament on Mondays, then move on to the competition on Thursdays. The bar also has three darts lanes and table tennis upstairs. 

TonTon Club

Living up to its motto as the ultimate gaming paradise for adults, TonTon Club is the place to feed your arcade nostalgia. Try your hand at Dance Dance Revolution, Mega Tetris, Button Bash, and Pacman - just a handful of games on the line-up here. Check the menu for milkshakes, burgers and bites. There are two locations, one in Westerpark and one in De Baarsjes called PUCK, which is all about air hockey. 

Pong | House of Ping

What game is more fun, exciting and nostalgic than a bit of table tennis? Paddle your way to victory at Pong | House of Ping, located at the end of Jan van Galenstraat in Bos en Lommer. Besides ping pong, you can also play darts and board games whilst the kitchen serves an extensive food menu, including delectable vegan kebabs. Check the agenda for competition nights, tournaments, live music parties and bottomless brunches. 

Culture Games Amsterdam

On a scale from snacking on Gouda to slurping down raw herring, how Dutch are you really? Culture Games Amsterdam is a group experience where the goal is to become as Dutch as possible and, if you're already Dutch, to become even more Dutch. Steeped lovingly in Dutch culture, the challenges are both collaborative and competitive. First, you'll be given a new Dutch identity and costume, and then you'll compete in a series of games that teach you about Dutch culture (and yourself). There's a scoreboard to track points, and the winners receive golden prizes (okay, cheese). And really, who cares about the points? When you are enjoying Dutch music, snacks and beers with friends, there are no losers. 

Aloha

Ah yes, the end-point of many an alcohol-fueled office party. Tropical-themed games paradise, Aloha, is the one-stop shop for a competitive night out with friends or colleagues. Inside, you’ll find several ten-pin bowling lanes, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, karaoke booths and a colourful cocktail bar. The Hawaiian-inspired restaurant has a menu loaded with bites and burgers, and the various drinks packages include snacks. 

The Poolbar

As the name suggests, you can, of course, play pool at The Poolbar, but there is also a wide selection of board games to fill up an evening out in the city centre. You also have the option to play an old-fashioned game of shuffleboard. The staff are warm and welcoming, the vibes are cosy and international, the drinks are well-priced, and the beer can be ordered in pitchers. 

Friends & Foes

If board games are your cup of tea, then Friends & Foes is just the shop for you. It’s all about the games here, from spending an afternoon browsing board games to add to your collection to a comfortable yet exciting evening out playing with your allies (and battling your enemies!). There are no pretences here: just good old-fashioned fun. For a €2 entry fee, you’ll gain access to one of the generously sized playing tables, and why not add a nice cuppa? Tuesday and Thursday evenings are given over to game communities descending from all over town to play games such as Dice Masters and the Game of Thrones card game. The owners are a lovely couple who might impart some of their knowledge so you can get yourself ahead of the game. Check the website for events, opening times and available games.

Check out this round-up of the best boardgame cafes in Amsterdam for more.

Poollokaal De Gracht

Poellokaal De Gracht, housed in an old printing house on a canal in De Planatage, boasts over 14 tables and has been in operation for over 40 years. Head down for the tournaments organised every Wednesday and Sunday. You can also swing by for a game of billiards, darts, chess and cards - or simply enjoy a few drinks and observe from the sidelines.