This guide highlights some of the most popular clubs in Amsterdam that are worth travelling for, especially if you are visiting from the UK and want to do more than follow the stag party crowds on Leidseplein. You will find a mix of house, techno, pop, hip hop and everything in between, plus practical tips on tickets, dress codes, prices and how to get home at the end of the night.
1. Shelter: serious sound under the river
Shelter is one of the favourite clubs in Amsterdam for lovers of house and techno. It sits under the A’DAM Tower in
Amsterdam Noord, just across the water from Centraal Station. You take the free ferry to the other side, walk a few
minutes and then head down into a concrete basement that is built purely for dancing.
The room is dark, the sound system hits hard and the lighting is minimal. The focus is on the music and the crowd.
Shelter often invites respected international DJs and strong local residents, so it is a good choice if you like long
sets and a steady build up rather than quick radio style mixing.
From a UK visitor point of view, Shelter feels more like a Berlin style club than a commercial venue. Do not expect
bottle service or a lot of VIP behaviour. If you like to lose track of time on a good system with a crowd that is
there for the music, this is a very safe bet.
2. Lofi: industrial playground in Sloterdijk
Lofi is located in an old bus depot in the Sloterdijk area, west of the city centre. It has quickly become one of the
most talked about venues in Amsterdam for electronic music events and day parties. The industrial setting, outdoor
areas and different rooms make it feel more like a mini festival site than a classic club.
The programme often includes house, techno and more experimental electronic genres, but there are also label nights,
live shows and creative one off events. In summer you can dance outside during the afternoon and early evening, then
move indoors when it gets dark.
Lofi suits people who like a slightly rough around the edges atmosphere and who are happy to take a short train ride
or taxi from the centre. It is a great option if you have been to the usual central areas before and want something
that feels more local and less polished.
3. Paradiso: clubbing in a former church
Paradiso is one of the most iconic music venues in Amsterdam. The building is a former church near Leidseplein and has
been used for concerts and club nights for decades. Many people visit for live gigs, but later in the evening the
space transforms into a multi room club.
The main hall has a high ceiling, balconies and stained glass windows, which gives it a special atmosphere that you do
not often find in clubs. Music styles vary, from indie and rock based nights to electronic, disco and themed events,
depending on the programme.
Paradiso works very well if you want a night out that combines live music and clubbing. It is also ideal for mixed
groups, since not everyone has to be a pure techno fan to enjoy it. If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time
and want one venue that feels historic, central and easy to reach, Paradiso deserves a place on your shortlist.
4. Melkweg: from concerts to club nights beside the canal
Melkweg sits just around the corner from Paradiso, near Leidseplein, and is another well known cultural venue that
also runs regular club nights. The building used to be a milk factory and now hosts concerts, film screenings, art
and club events spread across a few different rooms.
The club nights cover a lot of ground. You can find drum and bass, hip hop, pop, dancehall, house and techno, often
on separate floors on the same evening. For UK visitors this can be very practical. If your group has different tastes,
you can still stay together in one building and move around.
Melkweg is easy to combine with bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets. You can eat nearby, have a few drinks
on Leidseplein or along the canal, then walk to the venue without needing a taxi. Check the calendar in advance, as
the style of the night can change a lot from one weekend to the next.
5. Club NYX: playful nights in the centre
Club NYX is located on Reguliersdwarsstraat, one of the main nightlife streets in the city centre. The club is spread
over several floors, with different rooms and musical styles. The vibe is queer friendly, colourful and relaxed, with
a mix of locals, internationals and visitors.
Musically you can expect a blend of pop, house, dance and classic party tracks depending on the night. It is not the
place you go for the deepest underground techno, but it is perfect if you want an upbeat, inclusive atmosphere where
people are there to have fun and not take themselves too seriously.
For many UK travellers Club NYX is a nice step up from the more tourist heavy bars that you may find on the main
squares, while still being central and easy to reach on foot or by bike. It works well as a late stop after a bar
crawl or as the only destination for the night.
Other clubs to keep on your radar
The club scene in Amsterdam evolves all the time, and many venues focus on temporary concepts, one off events and
collaborations. A few other names that often appear in conversations about popular clubs are Radion in Nieuw West,
Escape on Rembrandtplein and various temporary spaces used for festival afterparties.
Radion is well regarded for longer nights and a mix of experimental and dance floor friendly electronic music. Escape
is one of the bigger commercial clubs in the centre and leans towards accessible dance, EDM and themed nights. If you
are planning a trip around a specific festival, it is worth checking official afterparty programmes, since those can
take place in a variety of venues across the city.
When to go out in Amsterdam
Club nights in Amsterdam usually start later and finish later than in many UK cities. People often arrive after
midnight, especially for electronic music events. Peak time is often from around 1.30 to 4.00, and some venues stay
open until early morning.
Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest nights, although some clubs and bars also run strong programmes on Thursdays and
Sundays, particularly in summer or during festival weekends. If you want to avoid large groups of tourists, Thursday
can be a very good option, as you still get good line ups without the full weekend rush.
Practical tips for clubbing in Amsterdam
Tickets and entry
For the more popular clubs it is smart to buy tickets in advance. Many venues work with online ticketing platforms,
and some nights sell out before the doors open. Door sales are sometimes possible, but you may pay more or face long
queues, especially at peak times.
Always bring a valid ID. Even if you feel you are clearly older than 18, door staff may still ask. Some clubs
also have specific rules about bags, so consider using lockers inside if you have a coat or backpack.
Dress codes and door policies
Dress codes in Amsterdam are usually relaxed compared with many UK cities. Trainers are widely accepted and you do
not need a shirt and smart shoes to enter most places. The bigger factor is often your general attitude and whether
you fit the mood of the night.
At more music focused clubs the door policy can be selective. Large groups that look very drunk or that clearly do
not match the style of the event may be refused. Arriving in smaller groups, staying respectful in the queue and
checking the type of night in advance all help.
Prices and payments
Drink prices in Amsterdam clubs are similar to other major European cities. Beer and wine are usually cheaper than
mixed drinks. You can expect to pay with card at almost every bar, as contactless payment is common. Some venues do
not accept cash at all.
Entry prices vary. Smaller local nights can be relatively cheap, while bigger international line ups, New Year events
and festival afterparties can be more expensive. Checking the event page before you go prevents surprises at the door.
Getting around and getting home
One of the advantages of clubbing in Amsterdam is that distances are short. Many venues are within cycling distance of
the city centre. If you are not confident on a bike after a few drinks, trams, night buses and taxis are available.
The ferry to Amsterdam Noord, which you need for Shelter and some other spots, runs through the night and is free.
From major squares such as Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein you can usually find taxis easily at closing time, although
it can be busy after very popular events.
Staying safe
As in any big city, basic common sense goes a long way. Keep an eye on your drink, use the cloakroom or lockers for
valuables and stick with your group when moving between venues late at night. If you feel unwell in a club, talk to
staff or security. Most venues take safety seriously and would rather help early than deal with a problem later.
Choosing the right club for your trip
The best club in Amsterdam for you depends on what you enjoy at home. If you like heavy techno and long sets, Shelter
or Radion are likely to suit you. If you prefer a mix of live music and dancing, Paradiso or Melkweg are strong
options. For an inclusive central party night with friends, Club NYX or AIR can be ideal.
Whatever you choose, spending at least one proper night out away from the most touristy pub crawls will show you a
different side of the city. With a bit of planning you can line up a club that fits your taste, organise tickets in
advance and enjoy Amsterdam in the way that locals do.