The 8 Best Things to do in Amsterdam at Night

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam with our top picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam at night. From the best pub crawl to a romantic cruise.

When the evening falls in Amsterdam, and the beautiful lights go on, you will see the city come alive in its full glory. The eye-catching architecture of both the old and the new buildings in the city create a magical, surreal experience.

Amsterdam is famous for its world-class nightlife. With its countless bars, clubs, and restaurants, there is always something to do. Whether you are looking for a place to have a few drinks with friends or dance the night away, Amsterdam has it all! With this in mind, you would want to know what the top things to do in Amsterdam during the evening are.

We have hand-picked some of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night. Check out our list below. Happy reading!

1. Pub Crawl Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Pub Crawl is one of the best ways to get introduced to the famous Amsterdam nightlife! While you meet fellow travellers from all around the world, the experienced and charismatic guides will take you along some of the best bars Amsterdam has to offer. Whether you are with your loved one, or with a group of friends, the Pub Crawl will be a good way to get to know the city’s awesome nightlife!

If you are new to town, the Amsterdam Pub Crawl is definitely recommended as one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. The entrance fees for the bars you visit are included in the ticket price, along with free drinks, countless Vodka shots and the best drinks deals. 

2. Whiskey Tasting

This is the moment for whiskey connoisseurs to shine! And for amateurs to learn. One of the top things to do in Amsterdam at night is a whiskey tasting. 

Enjoy a night where you can comfortably sample the best whiskey Amsterdam has to offer. With an expert instructor, the tasting experience will make you a master of whisky. You will learn how to taste and nose whiskeys, enjoy samples, and have fun discussions about your favourite blends with your friends. You may have a chance to sample some of the finest single malts if you are lucky and feel your senses come alive! 

After your whiskey tasting, you can go home armed with the knowledge of how and where to buy and enjoy the finest whisky. 

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough.” Mark Twain said, and after your tasting experience, you will find his words quite true. 

3. Early Amsterdam by Night with the Heineken Experience

And then there is the #1 beer. It’s iconic, famous, and well-loved. We are talking about Heineken and its story began in Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience offers a tour of the old brewery that teaches you all you ever wanted to know about making this iconic brand.

You will journey through the exciting world of Dutch brewing, from its beginning to the making of a global brand.

Oh, and you get a bunch of free beers to taste.

It is near the city’s centre, so you do not have to travel far for this. Just make sure you start your night with this activity. The Heineken Experience closes at 7:30PM. 

4. Club Entrance Amsterdam

Get your dancing shoes out and explore the Amsterdam club scene. Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the EDM hotspots in the world. You will love the clubs open from sundown to sunrise if you enjoy dance music.

Some of the world’s top DJs are regulars in Amsterdam, and they will bust out tunes that will keep your heart racing for the entire night. And there are so many club options to explore, from underground clubs to the most exclusive venues.

Want to feel like a high-roller or a rock star? Why not book a VIP Club entrance! Or maybe you want to experience the newest venue in Amsterdam’s clubbing scene?

The Jungle Club is the latest addition to the Amsterdam Nightlife and a definite recommendation!

Pub Crawl

5. Live Music Amsterdam

Not a fan of electronic music? No worries! There are more than enough things to do in Amsterdam at night, so you will not feel left out! Check out Paradiso and Melkweg for some of the coolest concerts in a truly unique setting. Buy your ticket beforehand so you will not be disappointed!

If you want live music but don’t want to go to a concert, you can ask for your favourite tunes to be played at the Maxim Piano Bar, or enjoy live Blues to be played at Bourbon Street. Perhaps you’re more into jazz? Café Alto is your place to go to! 

5. Romantic Private Cruise Amsterdam

Nothing tops a private cruise for a romantic gesture! While the regular Amsterdam canal cruises on the flat-top boats run all-day, the best time to go on a canal cruise is during the evening. A private cruise at sunset is a fantastic chance for a couple to have a quiet, intimate moment to enjoy the city. Amsterdam by night is just something different.

You can book a private cruise including drinks for just the two of you. A dinner cruise is usually booked on a larger boat with a few more passengers. This still is a very nice and intimate way to spend time with your loved ones on the famous Amsterdam canals, while enjoying a tasteful dinner for two! 

6. See Amsterdam by Night with a Walk on the Canal Belt

A great alternative to the private cruise is a stroll along the canal belt. The canal belt area was built in the 17th century to counter an increasing population and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is undoubtedly the crowning jewel of the many wonders in Amsterdam, and an experience you won’t soon forget. While you can visit the canal belt during the day, to see Amsterdam by night is a whole different world. And we promise you, it’s one of the top things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Most of the canal bridges are illuminated, and their light ripples and twinkles in the water below. With the 17th-century houses, cozy cafes, and bridges on each side of the canal, you could spend the entire night walking and admiring the city. And if you tire, you can sit and cuddle up on one of the canal benches and watch the picturesque canals. 

Don’t forget your photo camera!

7. The Amsterdam Party Boat

The Amsterdam Party Boat is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam at night with a group of friends! Sail across the famous canals with your favourite tunes on, while you will never feel thirsty with the unlimited open Dutch Bar! 

Let the experienced skippers keep your glasses full and entertain you while they show you some of the city’s hot spots to see in the evening. Since the boats can be covered, even if the weather is not the greatest, you will not be hiding under an umbrella or dancing in your ponchos when it rains. Partying on board of a floating open bar with an ever-changing view is the preferred way to enjoy a day out in Amsterdam, even by the locals!  

Enjoy the city’s best boat party and drink with a better view than any bar in the capital – a moving backdrop of Amsterdam’s canal belt! 

8. Museum 

Wait, museums? In the evening? Yes! When you’ve done the drinks, the parties, and the cruise; now it’s time to experience the cultural part of town. Visiting a Museum is something you could definitely do the day after your night out in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to book a ticket in advance for the Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum. 

The majority of the museums in Amsterdam are open till either 5pm or 6pm daily, but the Modern Contemporary Museum (MOCO Amsterdam) is opened till 7 pm on Monday till Thursday, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday they’re opened till 9pm! 

Although Amsterdam is an amalgamation of fresh delights for tourists, it is also a fantastic place for students, families, and locals to have fun. This amazing city’s locals can discover new places they didn’t know about and rediscover old, beloved spots. 

Rounding up the best things to do in Amsterdam at night

In conclusion, Amsterdam is a city that truly comes alive at night. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning canal views, there is no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam after the sun goes down.

Whether you want to party at a club, enjoy a romantic dinner by the water, or explore the city’s rich history and culture, Amsterdam has something for everyone. The 8 best things to do in Amsterdam at night include visiting the Red Light District through a pub crawl, romantically touring the canals by boat, checking out the city’s music scene, enjoying a party on the canals, experiencing the city’s rich history in beer, visiting the Van Gogh Museum, sipping on some fine whisky, and visiting the beautiful city centre by foot.

No matter what you choose to do, you are sure to have an unforgettable time in this beautiful city.