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Club NYX Nightclub: Amsterdam’s Unfiltered Party Playground
20 May 2025 0 Comments Miles Brantley

If you’ve wandered through the buzzing side streets off Amsterdam’s Rembrandtplein, you’ve probably noticed a line of people who look like they’re ready for anything—that’s usually the NYX crowd. Club NYX isn’t your standard Amsterdam nightclub. This place made its name by mixing up the city’s legendary party spirit with a dose of pure creativity and inclusivity. Think wall-to-wall energy, drag queens working the bathroom DJ booth, and a playlist you want to Shazam every time you hear a new track.

Set over three floors, NYX adapts to your mood. Want to dance until sunrise? The main floor’s got you covered with everything from house to hip hop. Need a breather or just in the mood for campy pop? Check out the smaller rooms upstairs. If you're hoping for a no-judgment, anything-goes vibe, NYX is where Amsterdam really delivers. Everyone—from born-and-bred Amsterdammers to wide-eyed newbies with a freshly scanned OV-chipkaart—feels like part of the family here.

Getting into the club is refreshingly straightforward for most, but a tip for the seasoned Amsterdammer: tickets move fast for their iconic themed nights or RuPaul viewing parties. When in doubt, check their socials for the latest events and don’t expect to just walk in when Amsterdam Dance Event is in town.

The NYX Experience: Three Floors, Endless Vibes

Club NYX is basically a choose-your-own-adventure at any hour. The building sits on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam’s most colorful street for nightlife, and packs in three different dance floors—and honestly, each one feels like a different party. You don’t need a map, but here’s a quick breakdown so you’re not aimlessly wandering around (or worse, missing that hidden toilet DJ set).

Club NYX kicks off on the ground floor. This is usually the main draw and where you’ll find big crowds. The sound system gets cranked up, so prepare for everything from classic pop bangers to up-and-coming Dutch DJs spinning new mixes. The ground floor bar’s quick—expect Dutch beers, gin & tonics, or an espresso martini if it’s been one of those weeks.

  • Second Floor: This is where things get wilder. Drag shows, surprise lip sync battles, and funky R&B or indie sets are the norm. The second floor also tends to get more experimental musically—think dancehall, Afrobeats, and throwback hits from the 90s or 00s depending on the night. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll catch people singing along like they’re all auditioning for Idols Nederland.
  • Third Floor: Everyone talks about the legendary bathroom DJ booth—yes, it’s real. People end up here when they want to escape the crowd or just laugh at how Amsterdam clubs have zero chill with their setups. Sometimes, this floor gets taken over for private parties. Other nights, it’s an anything-goes dance zone with wild themed nights. The disco lights and cheeky artwork make it one of the more Instagrammed spots in the club.

If you want the numbers, here’s a quick look at what each floor typically handles on a busy Friday or Saturday night:

Floor Vibe Main Music Styles Estimated Capacity
Ground Main party, packed crowd Pop, House, Dutch DJs 300
Second Experimental, drag shows R&B, Dancehall, Throwbacks 120
Third Quirky, bathroom DJ, private vibes Mixed genres, surprises 80

You don’t need to commit to one vibe all night. Most NYX regulars bounce between floors, catch a drag show, hit the bathroom set for a laugh, then ride the energy wave back down to the main stage. And if you need a breather, head outside (but don’t forget your stamp—Amsterdam door staff are serious about re-entry!).

How to Get In and What to Expect

Getting into Club NYX isn’t rocket science, but there are definitely a few things to keep in mind if you want a smooth entry. First off, check the age limit—it’s usually 18+, and the door staff will almost certainly ask for your ID. If you’re used to walking into bars on Leidseplein with a shrug, get ready for a slightly more organized door policy at NYX.

Buying tickets online is the safest bet, especially for Fridays, Saturdays, and special events like ADE or PRIK’s infamous LGBTQ+ parties. Door sales sometimes happen, but you risk the dreaded “vol” sign (Dutch for ‘full’). Admission prices start around €10 but can shoot up depending on the night. NYX uses platforms like Eventbrite or TicketSwap for their tickets—easy to grab with a few taps on your phone.

  • Dress code: There isn’t a strict one, but the crowd is stylish. Anything eye-catching or creative goes over well, especially on theme nights. Clean trainers are usually fine, but don’t show up looking like you just biked in from a mud fight.
  • Cloakroom: Mandatory and costs about €2 per item. Just pay and stash your coat—Amsterdam clubs aren’t big on free coat racks.
  • Entry times: The club opens around 11 PM and the peak comes between midnight and 2 AM. Arrive by midnight if you hate waiting in line.
  • Accessibility: There are stairs between all floors—if you have mobility needs, call ahead before showing up.

Inside, each floor has its own vibe. Downstairs usually packs EDM and pop, while upstairs you’ll hit a wild mix—sometimes alternative R&B, sometimes old-school hits, depending on the night. You can spot themed rooms like the “Toiletten” with surprise performances right inside the bathroom. Toilet attendants are friendly and expect the usual €0.50 tip—have coins ready.

Bartenders are quick, and payment is card-only (no cash). Drinks start at about €4 for a beer or soft drink and go up from there. For a quick look at what else to expect, check the table below with some practical details:

DetailInfo
Minimum Age18
Ticket Price€10 – €25
Opening HoursThurs 23:00–04:00, Fri–Sat 23:00–07:00
PaymentCard only (no cash)
Cloakroom Fee€2 per item

Remember, if a major Amsterdam event is on (like King’s Day or Pride), things get wilder and lines get longer—plan ahead and grab early tickets. And if you’re still not sure about details, NYX’s Instagram is updated almost daily with door info, DJ lineups, and party themes. Just don’t show up early; pre-party somewhere in De Pijp or grab a late-night bite around Rembrandtplein, then hit NYX when things are heating up.

NYX’s Role in Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ Scene

NYX’s Role in Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ Scene

When it comes to the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene in Amsterdam, Club NYX isn’t just another stop on the map—it’s one of the main hubs. Since it opened in 2011, NYX made it clear that everyone, no matter their identity, should feel safe and at home. That’s not just a nice slogan either. They back it up with actual action and community involvement.

The club is famous for being open-minded and unapologetically bold. It’s one of the official venues during Pride Amsterdam, and it goes all out: think drag shows, voguing nights, bitchy bingo, and even karaoke where nobody cares if you can actually sing. A lot of nights are explicitly focused on queer and trans folks, and the crowd is a wild mix of locals, expats, and plenty of straight allies who actually get the vibe: respect, freedom, and fun first. The staff are trained to spot and handle any kind of bad behaviour, and incidents get shut down fast.

NYX also supports queer artists and creators. You’ll regularly see lineups filled with Amsterdam-based LGBTQ+ DJs, performers, and collectives. For many up-and-coming drag queens and performers, NYX is their first real stage outside of the classic Reguliersdwarsstraat bars. If you want proof NYX shapes the scene, just check who performed there before making it big—names like Envy Peru and Skyla Versai, who are now major players at national and international drag events.

LGBTQ+ EventFrequencyHighlight
Voguing BallsMonthlyHosted or judged by local House of Vineyard
Drag KaraokeBi-WeeklyOpen to all levels
Pride WeekAnnuallyCollaborations with queer collectives + all-floors open parties
Bitchy BingoSeveral times per yearHosted by local drag talent

For new arrivals in Amsterdam, NYX is often an entry point to finding friends and connecting with the wider queer community. The club collaborates with TransAmsterdam and COC Nederland, pushing for bigger conversations about safety and visibility. If you’re looking for more than a dancefloor, but a real slice of LGBTQ+ Amsterdam, NYX is where things are happening, unapologetic and real.

Tips to Navigate Your Night Like a Local

If you want to do Club NYX the Amsterdam way, you’ve got to know a few tricks. Amsterdammers don’t just show up and hope for the best—they come prepared, and they know how to avoid rookie mistakes. Here’s how to make your night smooth and fun from start to finish.

  • Get Your Tickets in Advance: The Dutch love to plan, and so should you. Especially on weekends, and always for big events or themed nights. Check NYX's official website or Instagram for links—they update them fast.
  • Dress Your Way—Just Own It: In Amsterdam’s club scene, individual style matters more than strict dress codes. At NYX, you’ll see everything from vintage streetwear to drag costumes, so wear what makes you feel good, but skip the big backpacks. Security will ask you to check them anyway.
  • Arrive Around Midnight: Many locals won’t bother arriving before midnight. Peak NYX hours run from midnight until almost 5 a.m., which fits the late-night vibe of the Rembrandtplein area.
  • Go Cashless: Club NYX is card-only at the bar (like a ton of Amsterdam venues now). No euros needed—just tap your Dutch debit or credit card.
  • Respect the Neighbours: The club sits on Reguliersdwarsstraat, a lively but narrow street. Locals know to keep noise down outside, especially at closing.
  • Don’t Skip the Toilets: They’re an iconic part of the club. DJs sometimes do surprise sets right in the WC. You never know what you’ll walk in on—literally.
  • Transport Tips: Trams stop running before sunrise, but night busses leave from nearby Rembrandtplein. Preload your OV-chipkaart or grab an Uber/Bolt if you stay extra late.

Just so you’re not caught off guard, here’s a quick guide to help you hit the ground running:

AspectLocal Know-How
Entry Age18+ (Bring ID: passport, EU ID, or Dutch license accepted)
LockersAvailable, €2-4 (use card for payment)
Happy HourFridays/Saturdays, midnight–1am (draft beer & selected mixers)
SmokingNo indoor smoking (designated area outside), joints are a no-go
Dress CodeNo strict rules, but athletic gear or visible team merchandise might get you turned away

If you keep these pointers in mind at Club NYX, you won’t just blend in with the Amsterdam crowd—you’ll actually feel at home, even if you’re only here for a weekend.