Best clubs in Amsterdam

Shelter

Shelter is the name of the subterranean nightclub and exhibition space located in the basement of the landmark A'DAM Tower on Amsterdam's northern waterfront. Shelter’s programming is set on curating sounds from all types of electronic music, showcasing artists from the defining outreaches of the industry. Underground clubbing at its finest.

Music: techno.

Shelter | Overhoeksplein 1, Noord

BRET

Dousing this slightly grey corner of Sloterdijk with a much-needed splash of colour and fun, BRET is a beer bar, restaurant and urban vineyard that regularly transforms its indoor and outdoor spaces for magical club nights. The venue has a thoughtful approach to sustainability and innovation and their diverse music programming will frequently showcase up-and-coming local DJs. The bright red structure created from shipping containers, tree trunks and reclaimed materials boasts a sprawling terrace and various cosy nooks to chill out in.

Music: house, techno, disco.

BRET | Orlyplein 76, Sloterdijk

Lofi

Lofi was founded as a multidisciplinary venue in a former warehouse space with the aim of letting Amsterdammers enjoy culture, music, food and art all in one spot. The programme changes weekly with events ranging from weekend-long parties hosted by some of the biggest events programmers in the city, more intimate club nights from up-and-coming DJs and chill Sunday sessions which spill over into the courtyard.

Music: house, techno, disco, hip-hop.

Lofi | Basisweg 63, West

Doka

This subterranean listening bar in the basement of Volkshotel has an exceptional audio set-up and such good sound insulation you’d never know it was there. At Doka, DJs, artists, live bands and other creatives provide the early evening soundtrack as cocktails are slurped. Later on, the space transforms into an intimate, sweaty club - Doka Studio - that stays open until the sun comes up. Check the programme for visionary local talent and international guests spinning vinyl.

Music: house, disco, techno and more experimental stuff.

Doka | Wibautstraat 150, Oost

Thuishaven

In the summer, Thuishaven comes to life with various open-air stages, and dance floors set up within the constantly evolving and surprising industrial surroundings. When the weather drops, you’ll find a range of heated tents and cosy indoor spaces to get your groove on.

Music: house, disco, techno and much more.

Thuishaven | Contactweg 68, West

Parallel

This forward-thinking club is a the latest addition to Amsterdam’s nightlife scene. The music programming behing Parallel, located in the Tolhuistuin building, is put together courtesy of the team behind Paradiso - Amsterdam's iconic concert hall venue. Check the agenda for multifaceted club nights, concerts, exhibitions, art installations and spoken word events.

Music: all genres related to electronic music and hip-hop.

Parallel | Buiksloterweg 5C, Noord

Warehouse Elementenstraat

From hosting the first illegal gabber raves in Amsterdam to becoming a highly regarded spot for cutting edge electronic music in the Netherlands, Elementenstraat is living proof of the power and resilience of club culture. With its modular, multi-roomed interior Warehouse Elementenstraat captures the intimacy of a nightclub, combined with an indoor festival feeling. Expect parties like Hyte, Welcome to the Future, Luciano & Friends and Reaktor.

Music: techno.

Warehouse Elementenstraat | Elementenstraat 25, West

Club NYX

NYX is a gay club that’s open to all sexual persuasions – encouraging LGBTQ+ clubbers to take their straight friends with them. The club is spread over three floors and hosts performances and club nights catering to a range of musical tastes, from the (in)famous drag shows to grinding your way through the 90s and 00s. All your favourite guilty pleasures are played.

Read this guide to LGBTQI+ clubbing and nightlife in Amsterdam for more.

Music: all round.

Club NYX | Reguliersdwarsstraat, Centrum

RADION

From yoga classes to booming techno nights: this former office block is now a multidisciplinary creative haven. RADION hosts exhibitions, cinema nights, workshops, club nights and many other events. In May 2015 RADION was granted a 24-hours permit, so stay hydrated.

Music: techno.

RADION | Louwesweg, Nieuw-West

Westweelde

Club WestWeelde (formerly Westerunie) is a vibrant industrial nightclub at Westergas in Amsterdam's Westerpark. Since 2007, it has hosted eclectic parties every weekend across three areas. On special occasions like ADE and NYE, it expands into Amsterdam’s largest club within the A10 ring.

Music: Hip-hop, Latin, disco, techno.

Westweelde | Klönneplein 4, Westerpark

AIR Amsterdam

Rising from the ashes of the legendary club iT in Amsterdam's city centre, AIR is a house and dance club with an interior designed by Marcel Wanders and featuring impressive VOID systems, state-of-the-art lighting and a mind-boggling LED wall. The night club has been featured mulitple times in DJ MAG's prestigious top 100 clubs in the world.

Music: all round.

AIR Amsterdam | Amstelstraat 24

Het Sieraad

Het Sieraad in West is an enchanting location with a rich history, dating back to 1904 when this former jewellery school was still full of students. Nowadays, there is little studying done and a lot of dancing. Their By Night agenda features top DJ talent from the international electronic music scene on Friday and Saturday nights.

Music: techno, house, tech-house. 

Het Sieraad | Postjesweg 1

Escape

Rembrandtplein is one of Amsterdam’s most popular areas for going out, and Escape is its centre with revellers flocking to the club for dancing through the night. Amsterdam's finest hit the decks at the club alongside world-famous DJs including Tiësto, David Guetta, Paul van Dyk and Todd Terry. For more intimate events check out the Escape Lounge, equipped with an LED-lit ceiling and a view of the Rembrandtplein.

Music: dance, pop.

Escape | Rembrandtplein 11

Paradiso & Melkweg

Two of Amsterdam's most iconic venues, Paradiso and De Melkweg are best known for their gigs and concerts. But when the live acts finish, you'll find some fantastic later evening programming with clubnights and parties catering to every music genre under the sun. After catching your favourite band, these venues provide a fantastic introduction to Amsterdam's nightlife scene. Have a read of our round-up of major music venues for more information.

Music: everything, pop/rock

Paradiso | Weteringschans 6-8

Phono Lake

Hang around at Boothuis along the Sloterplas 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 to boutique techno and summer beats – this spot’s a fever dream.

Music: techno, house

Phono Lake | Christoffel Plantijngracht 4

San Francisco

Every night, different artists take to the decks at Zeedijk's premier bar and dancefloor San Francisco. With DJs from all over the world brought in, from Nagano in Japan to Berlin, there's a global feel curated here. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, expect an intimate feel and sound, plus some excellent drinks.

Music: all-round

San Francisco | Zeedijk 40

Levenslang

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.

Music: dark techno

Levenslang | H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 48,

Jimmy Woo

This luxurious night club at Amsterdam's Leidseplein "Entertainment Area" gained worldwide fame because of its many celebrated guests and strict door policy - though we're still not totally clear what the criteria is. Jimmy Woo is also famous for its interior and sound system, winning the ‘Dutch Design’ price and honoured for ‘best club sound in the Netherlands’.

Music: all round.

Jimmy Woo | Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18

Garage Noord

This gritty dance floor is situated in a former car repair shop on the fringes of Amsterdam Noord. It's one of the city’s most alternative spaces, with all music genres catered to. The party clientele is as diverse as the programming, and there is a strong emphasis on the venue as a safe space. There’s also an on-site Surinamese roti restaurant that’s open until 23:00 where you can fuel up before a night of dancing.

Music: techno, breakbeat, electro, house, disco, punk, reggae, and everything else in between.

Garage Noord | Gedempt Hamerkanaal 40