In Amsterdam, the night doesn’t start when the sun goes down-it starts when the tram stops running and the canals reflect the neon glow of hidden doorways. This isn’t just a city that stays up late; it’s a city that built its identity around what happens after dark. From tucked-away brown cafes to rooftop lounges with views of the Jordaan rooftops, Amsterdam’s bar scene is layered, local, and deeply personal. If you’ve ever wondered where the real nightlife lives beyond the Red Light District bustle, this list is your guide to the bars that locals swear by-and why they won’t tell you about them until you’ve earned it.
De Pijp’s Secret Speakeasy: De Klos
| Feature | De Klos | Typical tourist bar |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Behind a nondescript door in De Pijp, no sign | On main streets like Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein |
| Drink focus | Small-batch gin, Dutch herbal liqueurs, house-aged vermouth | Well drinks, cheap cocktails, beer pitchers |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, jazz on vinyl, locals nodding at each other | Loud, crowded, music blaring from speakers |
| Price range | €12-€18 per cocktail | €6-€10 per beer, €15+ for cocktails |
De Klos isn’t on Google Maps. You find it by asking a bartender at nearby Café de Ceuvel for directions. Inside, the walls are lined with vintage Dutch liqueur bottles from the 1950s-think Heering, Jenever, and the rare Amstel Bitter. The bartender doesn’t ask what you want. He asks, "What’s your mood?" Then he makes you something with caraway, juniper, or smoked salt. No menus. No photos allowed. This is how Amsterdam’s best bars operate: trust, not tourism.
Canal-Side Magic: Café de Ceuvel
Most people think of the canals as daytime attractions-bike rides, boat tours, photo ops. But after 10 p.m., the water turns into a mirror for floating lights and the quiet hum of conversation. Café de Ceuvel, a sustainable bar built on recycled houseboats in the Buiksloterham area, is where Amsterdam’s eco-conscious creatives unwind. The tables are made from reclaimed wood, the lighting from solar-charged lanterns, and the cocktails from herbs grown on the decks. Try the Amsterdam Mule: local gin, ginger beer brewed in Utrecht, and a sprig of wild mint picked from the canal bank. It’s not flashy. But it’s real. And in a city that’s seen too many chain bars take over, that matters.
The Jazz Cellar: Bitterzoet
Down a narrow staircase beneath a 17th-century warehouse in the Nieuwmarkt district, Bitterzoet feels like stepping into a jazz record from 1962. The walls are lined with vinyl, the bar is made from old tram seats, and the air smells like bourbon and old paper. Live jazz plays every Thursday and Saturday, but it’s not a performance-it’s a conversation. Musicians swap sets with local poets, and the crowd listens. No phones out. No talking over the music. This is where expats who’ve lived here five years bring their new friends to show them what Amsterdam really sounds like. The cocktail list is short: just five drinks, all named after Dutch jazz legends. The Chick Corea-a mix of rye, black walnut bitters, and a hint of stroopwafel syrup-is worth the wait.
Surf and Sip: The Beach Bar at Zeeburgereiland
Amsterdam doesn’t have an ocean, but it does have a man-made beach bar that feels like one. Open only from May to September, The Beach Bar at Zeeburgereiland is where the city’s young professionals, artists, and families gather after sunset. Sand underfoot, string lights overhead, and the distant hum of the IJ river. The drinks are simple: local Heineken on tap, bitterballen with spicy mayo, and the Amsterdam Sunset-a gin-based drink with elderflower, grapefruit, and a splash of tonic made from Dutch botanicals. It’s not fancy. But it’s where you’ll see a Dutch grandmother sipping a cocktail next to a Berlin designer and a student from Jakarta. That’s Amsterdam: no borders, just shared space.
The Last Call: De Duivel
Most bars close at 2 a.m. in Amsterdam. But De Duivel, tucked into a former church basement near the Amstel River, stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends. This isn’t a club. It’s a sanctuary for night owls who’ve outgrown the party scene. The decor is monastic: stone arches, candlelight, and a single jukebox playing only Dutch folk songs from the 1970s. The bartender, a retired opera singer named Henk, pours you a glass of Jenever-Dutch gin-and asks, "Did you have a good day?" Then he tells you a story about the building’s past: how it once held secret meetings during the war, how it was almost turned into a coffee shop, how the locals fought to keep it as a bar. You don’t come here to drink. You come here to remember why you stayed.
Why These Bars Matter
Amsterdam’s nightlife isn’t about quantity. It’s about quality of connection. The city has over 1,200 licensed bars, but only about 40 of them feel like they were made for people, not profit. These five places-De Klos, Café de Ceuvel, Bitterzoet, The Beach Bar, and De Duivel-aren’t on Instagram ads. They don’t have influencers posing with cocktails. They exist because locals protect them. They survive because they offer something you can’t replicate: time, silence, and the quiet understanding that in Amsterdam, the night belongs to those who listen.
What to Avoid
Stay away from places with neon signs that say "Happy Hour" or "All You Can Drink". These are tourist traps built for quick cash, not lasting memories. Bars like The Flying Pig or the Red Light District’s cocktail lounges with dancers behind glass? They’re part of the city’s history, but they’re not part of its soul. If you’re looking for authenticity, skip the crowded plazas. Walk. Get lost. Ask a local for their favorite spot. Most will hesitate-then smile and say, "Come with me."
Pro Tips for Night Bar Hopping in Amsterdam
- Start early. Many of these bars fill up by 9 p.m. on weekends.
- Bring cash. Some places don’t take cards-especially the hidden ones.
- Don’t ask for "something sweet." Say what you like: "I like bitter, herbal, or smoky."
- Respect the silence. If the music is low and people are talking softly, don’t raise your voice.
- Take the night tram. Lines 22 and 25 run until 3 a.m. and connect most of these spots.
When to Go
Amsterdam’s bar scene shifts with the seasons. Spring and summer are for outdoor spots like The Beach Bar and terrace bars along the Amstel. Autumn brings cozy cellar bars like Bitterzoet and De Klos back into focus. Winter? That’s when De Duivel shines-when the cold outside makes the warmth inside feel like a secret worth keeping.
Are these bars expensive compared to other European cities?
Compared to London or Paris, Amsterdam’s best bars are reasonably priced. Cocktails here cost €12-€18, while in cities like Berlin or Lisbon, you’d pay €15-€25 for similar quality. The difference? In Amsterdam, you’re paying for craftsmanship, not branding. A cocktail at De Klos includes house-made syrups, locally foraged herbs, and a bartender who remembers your name.
Can I visit these bars as a tourist without knowing Dutch?
Absolutely. Nearly everyone working in these bars speaks fluent English. But learning one Dutch phrase-"Een fijne avond" (Have a nice evening)-goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort. Don’t expect them to switch to Dutch; just don’t assume they’ll speak louder because you’re foreign.
Are these places family-friendly or only for adults?
Most of these bars are 18+ after 8 p.m., but Café de Ceuvel and The Beach Bar welcome families until 9 p.m. on weekends. Some have high chairs and non-alcoholic options like elderflower lemonade or local apple juice. De Klos and De Duivel are strictly adult-only, with no exceptions.
Is it safe to walk between these bars at night?
Yes, Amsterdam is one of the safest European cities for nighttime walking. Stick to well-lit paths along the canals or use the night trams (22, 25, 26). Avoid the Red Light District after midnight if you’re alone-this isn’t about danger, but about avoiding crowds that can feel overwhelming. Most locals walk home alone after midnight without issue.
What’s the best time of year to experience this bar scene?
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is ideal for outdoor spots like The Beach Bar. But for the true Amsterdam night experience, visit in October or November. The air is crisp, the lights glow brighter, and the locals are more relaxed. It’s when the city feels most alive-not because it’s crowded, but because it’s quiet.
What’s Next?
If you’ve checked off these five, you’re ready for the next level: the secret supper clubs in the Jordaan, the underground poetry readings in the East, or the midnight boat tours with live cello music. Amsterdam’s night doesn’t end. It just changes shape. And if you’re lucky, someone will invite you along.
