14 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

So, looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam at night? I’m guessing you’ve experienced all the daytime entertainment of the canals, the shopping, the cycling, eating and drinking, but nighttime in Amsterdam is when it really comes alive…

If you find yourself in the enchanting city of Amsterdam and wonder what to do when the sun goes down, fear not! Nighttime in this bustling metropolis is an absolute blast, the night activities Amsterdam has to offer are neverending – although, I’ve stopped at lucky 13.

From lively canal cruises and thriving nightlife scenes to quirky evening events and cultural experiences, night time in Amsterdam has got you covered. There’s no better way to experience this beautiful city, than by wandering around the historic center of an evening, exploring the great things Amsterdam has to offer.

Enjoy the art galleries, the evening cruises, Amsterdam’s nightlife and the picturesque canals with all the top tips below.

So, grab a stroopwafel, put on your dancing shoes, and join me on one of these after-dark adventures through the charming streets of Amsterdam.

Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

All the best ideas for things to do in Amsterdam in the evening!

1. Go clubbing in Amsterdam

Obviously. The standard evening activity in any European city right?

Amsterdam has some pretty cool clubs to check out – try The Sugar Factory, Club Up or Studio 80. Or if you prefer live music then I can personally vouch for Melkweg and the Paradiso, or Concertgebouw if you like your music a little higher above the brow.

Expect to party all night, as is the European way.

• READ MORE: The Best souvenirs from Amsterdam.

2. Eat Dutch cheese in Amsterdam

Looking for something a little more unusual to do in Amsterdam in the evening? How about indulging in the cheese shops?

You can either find a cheese shop that’s still open (try the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store tasting room), eat some out in a restaurant (maybe a fondue at Het Karbeel) or go on one of the cheesey canal cruises in the city. Any of the above would do me.

Passing an evening in Amsterdam eating cheese, and maybe drinking it’s natural partner, wine, sounds just about perfect at this stage in life.

READ MORE: Top Spots in the Netherlands to Visit

3. Walk around, from museum to museum

Just go for a walk around the city – see what you see and act on impulse. If your mind and /or body want you to go in somewhere / do something, go for it. I mean, if you happen to pass Amsterdam Museum of Sex (open till 11:30pm) then so be it. Same goes for the Erotic Museum (open till 1/2am).

Amsterdam by night is a time to open your mind. Go on, let it fly.

READ MORE: What to Do in Haarlem, Near Amsterdam

4. Visit the Van Gogh Museum at night

Such a good idea for things to do in Amsterdam at night, it deserves its own point. On Friday nights you can visit the Van Gogh Museum for ‘Vincent on Friday’.

“Start your weekend in style with Vincent on Friday, the event where you can experience the museum in a new way. Expect an evening full of live music, performances, DJs and more, inspired by themes from the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.”

– VAN GOGH MUSEUM

This is an amazing way to see the museum from a unique perspective. Check out the listings to find when the next event is.

5. Drive around Amsterdam

By day the roads in Amsterdam are choc a block with cyclists. Honestly, I’m a cyclist and I’ve never seen anything like it.

Night time is a great opportunity to actually grab an Uber and explore the intricate streets without nearly getting bowled over. If you’re on the main routes then the trams are fun too, although they finish at around 12:30am.

If you’re wondering what to do in Amsterdam at night

6. Watch a film at a beautiful cinema

The art deco-style Pathé Tuschinski Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. If you’re a fan of the flicks, or just need a break from all the fun and goodies Amsterdam has to offer then I’d definitely recommend checking it out. They play all the latest Hollywood greats.

Last showing is around 10pm – perfect if you’re looking for something to do in Amsterdam in the evening!

7. Those Amsterdam coffee shops

You can’t really visit Amsterdam without at least poking your head round one of the coffee shops, just to see what they’re all about, can you?

This is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam in the evening, and the reason many tourists flock to the city in the first place.

And if you want to check out the menu, some of them are open 24/7.

9. Sleep

Check out some of these coolest hotels in Amsterdam for inspiration to where to stay while you’re there. Sleep: definitely one of the best things to do at night in Amsterdam!

10. An Amsterdam pub crawl

Wondering what to do in Amsterdam at night solo? How about joining an organised pub crawl? This way you can meet people in a relaxed way, and don’t have to spend your evening perusing the pubs and bars alone.

There are a few pub crawls to join on GetYourGuide – click to take a look. You could even do one around the famous Red Light District, if that’s what you want.

11. The Anne Frank House

A strange recommendation for things to do in Amsterdam in the evening you might think, but, it’s open till 10pm so the evening could be the perfect time to get in!

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam stands as a poignant and powerful testament to one of history’s most enduring and tragic stories. This museum allows visitors to step into the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II.

As you walk through the rooms filled with personal artefacts, photographs, and Anne’s own diary, it’s a sobering and humbling experience. The Anne Frank House serves as a living memory, urging us to never forget and to strive for a more compassionate world.

I mean, it’d be more profound than an Amsterdam pub crawl, surely?

12. Evening Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

Last time I was in Amsterdam for 24 hours I did a pizza and beer canal cruise in the evening. It was really fun, and a great way to see the city with a nice sit down after a day of hardcore sightseeing. Also, we got dinner so what’s not to love!?

You can book the pizza and beer canal cruise with GetYourGuide here.

13. Drink at the Madam Sky Bar

Getting high is always a good idea in Amsterdam – not thaaaat kinda high, naughty. I mean, going up the 20th floor of the Madam Sky Bar and enjoying a drink on the terrace and observation deck.

There’s also a revolving restaurant up there too, if you fancy.

“She is the Skybar in the A’DAM Tower. Madam Skybar perched atop the A’DAM Tower on the 20th floor. During the day, this swanky setting is part of the LOOKOUT experience – but, as soon as the sun goes down, the music goes up and Madam transforms into Amsterdam’s highest skybar. At Madam, guests are able to savour stellar cocktails, fine brews – and, of course, a stunning view of Amsterdam. Madam is the only bar in town where it’s OK to stare out the window.”

– MADAM SKYBAR

• Sun – Thu 21:00 – 22:00
• Fri – Sat 21:00 – 01:00
• Entry is free.

If you’re visiting the A’DAM Tower for the Sky Bar, you could drop by a little earlier (by 10pm) and check out Europe’s highest swing. Book a spot on ‘Over The Edge’ and you can dangle your feet 100 metres above the ground. ‘Enjoy’ swinging back and forth over the edge of the tower with Amsterdam below. Fun?

14. Check out the Dutch National Opera

If you want to experience some high class Dutch culture while you’re in the Netherlands capital city, see what’s on at the Dutch National Opera House. It’s a great place to see some of the top dancing and singing talent in the country. It’s also a lovely thing to do in the evening in Amsterdam, and makes for a wonderful unique experience in among the usual traveller tales of carnage in Amsterdam! 

If you visit, take a walk along the iconic canals on the way, and enjoy the city lights of the Dutch capital city centre. 

What not to do in Amsterdam at night

Unfortunately the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam closes at 7:30pm, so that’s out.

The Stedelijk Museum used to run night time Amsterdam special events, but no more.

Night activities Amsterdam

I hope this blog post about Amsterdam has opened your eyes to what to do in Amsterdam at night? If you have a few nights in Amsterdam, I’d definitely recommend you take at least one to just wander around the city centre and beautiful canals, and explore rather than planning anything.

Amsterdam by night is a truly magical experience, you just need to make it your own!

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