Alcohol-free in Amsterdam: sober nights out with plenty of buzz

Summer sets at No-Yusu

Across the IJ at No-Yusu in Noord – the newest edition to beloved coffee haunt Yusu in Oost – you’ll find plenty of alcohol-free enjoyment on its sun-drenched terrace. All summer long, No-Yusu’s daytime event Summer Sundays takes over the space with vinyl sets in the open air, making it the perfect way to wind down the weekend, hangover not included.

Daytime dancing at BounceSpace

For those looking to start their weekend right, head to BounceSpace for its bi-monthly Coffee & Vinyls event. Curated by Overtone, this trendy co-working space in Amsterdam’s Oud-West serves excellent coffee and quality tunes from its wood-panneled acoustic nook.

Cheers with a virgin cocktail

Fancy a drink with friends? Amsterdam has plenty of bars and alcohol-free liquor stores that prove that socialising needn’t be synonymous with alcohol consumption. From perfectly concocted brews at the ritzy Puliter’s Bar to a laidback 0.0 Aperol Spritz at Bar Bukowski, the options are virtually endless. Looking for more? Dive into this low and no guide to the city’s bars that boast plenty of non-alcoholic options.

Cultural takeover at Van Gogh

Amsterdam’s cultural scene proves that nightlife doesn’t need alcohol to shine. With the world’s highest concentration of museums per square metre, the city invites you to dive into an abundance of art, history and science after dark. The Van Gogh Museum’s recurring Vincent op Vrijdag (Vincent on Fridays) keeps the iconic museum’s doors open late, where you can take in timeless masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers alongside DJ sets, classical piano concerts and immersive art installations.

After hours at the Rijksmuseum

For those under 40, the Rijksmuseum’s NEXT membership unlocks after-hours access for an annual fee, including curated events, private tours and exclusive talks held in its grand neo-gothic galleries. From deep dives into classical art to conversations on the contemporary and the cutting-edge, NEXT turns museum-going into a social experience.

Down time at ARTIS-Groote

For a more contemplative night out, the capital’s historic natural history museum ARTIS-Groote opens until 22:00 on Thursdays. It offers a serene space to take in its exhibitions about humanity’s place in nature. With soft lighting and thoughtful soundscapes, it’s an ideal alcohol-free prelude to the evening.

Ecstatic dance: clubbing without the headache

It’s no secret that Amsterdam’s clubbing scene is shifting away from alcohol, towards a more organic experience that embraces movement at its core. At The Other Side, located in Amsterdam’s Houthavens, sober clubbing is embraced with its ecstatic dance events. No booze or stimulants to be found here, just pure high-energy dancing. For similar events, there’s plenty to discover at Ecstatic Dance Noord and Odessa Amsterdam, both offering barefoot alcohol-free dance sessions that emphasise community and movement as a form of release.

Creativity triumphs at De Nieuwe Anita

The cultural calendar at De Nieuwe Anita is packed with gems, from film screenings and comedy nights to life drawing sessions. On any given night, the venue might host a dance party or a spoken word and poetry night, playing out inside its cosy and welcoming space. With an eclectic and joyful program, drinking simply doesn’t dominate.

A dose of dry humour at Boom Chicago

Craving a natural dopamine hit? Head to Boom Chicago, home to some of the sharpest English-language comedy in the city. With heavy-hitters like Jordan Peele and Seth Meyers having graced its stage, Boom Chicago continues to spotlight top-tier improv and stand-up.

Soup and storytelling at Mezrab

For something more intimate, make your way east to Mezrab, Amsterdam’s beloved storytelling hub. Known for its generous helpings of homemade soup and mint tea, Mezrab hosts weekly story nights and cultural events that warm both the heart and the belly.