Amsterdam’s club scene is considered one of the best in Europe, partly thanks to the decision in 2012 to appoint a nachtburgemeester – a night mayor. In order to protect and grow the night-time economy, the emphasis fell on quality, not quantity. Along with the introduction of several long-overdue policy changes, such as the introduction of 24-hour licences, the city’s clubbers have never had it so good. Because of our hotel’s prime location, there are a few noteworthy clubs in the area that you would definitely want to visit.
Escape
Rembrandtplein 11, 1017 CT Amsterdam
Club Escape is one of the most popular clubs in the Netherlands. It has been around since 1986 and is located across Rembrandt Square, facing the hotel. With Amsterdam’s constantly evolving club scene, they still managed to be on pace with the newest technologies in sound, lighting and visual effects. For the past decades, Escape has been a well-known and highly respected club in the Amsterdam nightlife scene, hosting world-famous DJs including Tiësto, David Guetta, Paul van Dyk, Kevin Saunderson and Todd Terry.
How to get there
Radion
Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam
Amsterdam is considered to be one of the world’s best destinations for techno clubbing. Radion is an industrial heaven for ravers in the city’s Nieuw-West district. The banging sound system literally bangs the roof off the underground smoking room. Radion has 24-hour license which means that partying really can be non-stop. If you are ready to party all night long, this place must be on your list for the big night out.
How to get there
Claire
Rembrandtplein 17, 1017 CT Amsterdam
The club Claire is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife district. Here you’ll find one of the best Disco and House vibes in the city. The owners really care about their visitors and created a multi aerial dance hall. This location is divided into two different rooms filled with vibrant patterns. This vibrant space includes a separate smoking room and eating area up to 600 people capacity. Claire is also open on Thursdays until early morning.
How to get there
Shelter
Overhoeksplein 3, 1031 KS Amsterdam
Head to Shelter for an intense, unforgettable night out. A 24-hour licence, all-black design and a bassy sound system at high levels make this club one of the best in Amsterdam for a crazy night out. You will find Shelter next to two of the city’s most recognizable buildings, The Eye and the A’DAM tower. They are also open on Thursdays.
How to get there
Club NYX
Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam
NYX is an open minded gay club where everybody is welcome, whether you are gay, straight, male, female or somewhere in between. In general, the crowd is young and trendy. The club is spread over three floors and hosts performances and club nights catering to a range of musical tastes. Besides the dancing area, there are two floors each with their own bar. On the top floor, there’s a large smoking lounge and a very colorful bathroom area. In each of these spaces DJs spin different music styles. The club is also open on Thursdays.
How to get there
De School
Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat 1, 1056 AB Amsterdam
De School is a nightclub, restaurant and cultural complex in a former school building in Amsterdam West. With a 24 hour licence and 500 people capacity, the club forms part of a wider cultural centre in former school buildings. Some of these also houses young creative businesses, artist studios as well as a concert venue, restaurant, cafe, exhibition space and a gym.
How to get there
Noorderschip
NDSM-Pier 1, 1033 RG Amsterdam
Yes, Noorderschip is a nightclub on water. And yes, it is also a ship. It opened in spring 2018, so it is still relatively new. The ship has 3 floors, with the dancefloor at sea level and has a maximum capacity of 300 people. During the day the ship is used for (art) exhibitions and workshops. Noorderschip offers a pleasurable, unique experience in clubbing.
How to get there
Jimmy Woo
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18, 1017 RC Amsterdam
The club has two floors with a brilliant decor and an excellent club programme. Upstairs you will find a lounge with an Asian style bar and VIP lounge. Downstairs is another bar and a dance floor where the ceiling is covered with 11,700 light bulbs that blink to all kinds of patterns with the music. Jimmy Woo is one of the few Amsterdam clubs with international style and allure. Local and international celebrities can often be seen here. The club is also open on Thursdays and Sundays.
How to get there
De Marktkantine
Jan van Galenstraat 6, 1051 KM Amsterdam
Housing a theatre, a restaurant, a club and creative workspaces all under one roof, there’s always something going on at De Marktkantine. Built in 1936 as a canteen for Dutch market traders, De Marktkantine has a dynamic history in music, theatre and food within Amsterdam. It was restructured in 1950 as a theatre and functioned as a club in the 90’s when the dance scene began to evolve in the Netherlands. After a period of vacancy it was reopened in 2014. The big theatre room can fit up to 1200 people and the smaller room offers 300 visitors a more intimate setting.
How to get there
Chin Chin Club
Rozengracht 133, 1016 LV Amsterdam
At the Chin Chin Club, you can find any entertainment at your request. Dancing, karaoke and arcade games – all under one roof. Interesting designs will create the perfect atmosphere for your night out. Three separate bars within the space shake up signature cocktails infused with flavours from all over the world. It is the perfect place to try cocktails with crazy names and magnificent flavors.
How to get there
Panama club
Oostelijke Handelskade 4, 1019 BM Amsterdam
Panama club is one of the top Techno clubs in the Netherlands. This century-old warehouse is located alongside the Ij river in a unique location aiming for an amazing experience. Panama has friendly and helpful staff and security – always willing to answer your questions or to serve you a nice drink. This club stays true to its music, so make sure you check which genre and DJs will be playing each night. Although it is primarily a Techno club, Panama has had big-name artists like Alicia Keys and FatBoySlim, amongst many others. Positive vibes and music lovers can be found here, as well as beautiful decor, lighting and state of the art sound systems. Panama has 2 separate rooms as well as a great smoking area. This venue takes their music seriously and hosts different themed/genre parties throughout the week.
How to get there
Paradiso
IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam
Known as one of the oldest nightclubs in Amsterdam, Paradiso gathers its popularity because of its location, distinctive architecture and fantastic music acts (inside an old church building). With several different floors and balconies for dancing, an open floor and epic DJ setups, this club brings something new to the table. This amazing location has even attracted music legends like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Nirvana and many more. The acoustics are absolutely amazing and highly praised by the regular club-goers, including returning tourists.
How to get there
Melkweg
Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam
Melkweg Amsterdam is a popular live music venue. It is also a well-known, huge cultural center in Amsterdam. They are known for their extensive and diverse pop culture. Each year, hundreds of concerts, club nights, (music) films, theatre shows, expositions and multidisciplinary events are being hosted at the Melkweg. Together, all those events attract more than 470,000 visitors. The venue is in the last remaining factory building in the Amsterdam canal ring. The building used to be a milk factory, which is how the club got its name (Melkweg means ‘Milky Way’ in Dutch). The exceptional location and unique setting are combined to make a visit to Melkweg an amazing and unforgettable experience.
How to get there
AIR Amsterdam
Amstelstraat 24, 1017 DA Amsterdam
Located only 2 minutes’ walk from the City Hotel Rembrandt Square, on Amstelstraat, you’ll find the nightclub AIR Amsterdam. Formerly, it was called IT and played a big role in shaping the nightlife of Rembrandt Square in the early 90’ and 00’s. There are 5 different bars in 3 rooms, each with their own unique design. The diverse, international programme attracts many locals as well as returning tourists.
How to get there
De Trut
Bilderdijkstraat 165-E, 1053 KP Amsterdam
Trut (Vereniging De Trut) is a non-commercial gay, lesbian and transgender club, founded in the early 80’s. It is situated on the border of the city centre, in the beautiful Oud-West area. They are known for affordable drinks, specific rules (no phones or cameras allowed) and are operated by around 20 volunteers, who will ensure you have a magical evening.
How to get there