Things to do in Amsterdam at Night

It’s a city built on water, so it stands to reason that the best way to see Amsterdam is on a gentle cruise along some of its 100 kilometers of picturesque canals. Naturally, the canals are at their most magical by night, when the city lights reflect on the water and major landmarks, including Anne Frank's House, the Rijksmuseum, the Skinny Bridge and the Westerkerk are beautifully illuminated. Cameras at the ready for Insta-perfect canalside houses from the Dutch Golden Age, and the hundreds of colorful houseboats that bob on the water.

Evening (and daytime!) canal cruises (plus dozens more activities, tours and attractions) are included with a Go Amsterdam pass. Find out more and get yours now!

Amsterdam’s sex industry is well regulated and sex work has been legal here since 2000. Even with that caveat, we’re aware the red light district won’t be for everyone! But, if you do want to see the city’s oldest profession in action, it is safe to do so, and may well be the quintessential Amsterdam experience. Stroll the medieval canalside streets, where neon lights glare, ladies ply their trade in the windows, and adults-only shops dot the lanes. Those with more than a passing interest can discover more in the fascinating Erotic Museum and Red Light Secrets Museum, while former sex workers also run brothel tours in the area. When the hustle, bustle and lurid sights get too much, simply duck down a side street and seek refuge in a Dutch café or Asian restaurant.

Culture vultures (and vampires) rejoice! Many of Amsterdam’s best museums stay open late on the weekend. The Van Gogh Museum, for example, is open until 9PM on Fridays, and just happens to contain the largest collection of the maestro’s work on the entire planet. We’re talking sunflowers, starry nights, wheat fields, self portraits and more. There’s art of a more contemporary stripe at the bleeding-edge Moco Museum, open 9PM Friday–Sunday and available on the Go Amsterdam pass. Visiting in November? Your luck’s in, for this is when more than 50 of the city’s leading museums and galleries open late (very late), with the added attraction of live music and DJs, special events and other surprises.

Riding the cobbled canalside streets on two wheels is practically a rite of passage for visitors to Amsterdam, and the cycling infrastructure here is second-to-none. Over 500 kilometers of dedicated lanes criss-cross the city, allowing hopeless romantics to pedal their way from medieval lane to swoonsome sunset bridge, night market to cute candlelit side-street bar. Don’t know where to begin? Fear not: there are dozens of guided cycling tours available, taking in illuminated monuments, off-the-beaten-track Amsterdam attractions, and hip bars and eateries.

Way up top of the waterfront A’DAM Tower is a 360-degree sky deck: an epic lookout point with easily the best aerial views of the port and canals in town. Thrill-seekers can have hairs raised on the swing deck which – true to its name – launches willing punters out high above the cityscape on a giant swing. Or, if you prefer to steady your nerves, the popular 22nd-floor MA’DAM sky bar is a safe bet for craft cocktails and sweeping starlit views across the twinkling city. Access to the A’DAM Lookout is included with the Go Amsterdam pass. The swing (and cocktails) cost extra.

Rock? Classical? EDM? Amsterdam’s got you covered. The grand 19th-century confection that is the legendary Concertgebouw is, thanks to its pin-drop acoustics, one of the finest (and most popular) venues on the planet in which to experience live classical concerts. For that reason, be sure to book your seat well in advance. You might even have a religious experience at the Paradiso, a converted church compete with balconies and stained-glass windows which has hosted names including Nirvana, Bowie, James Brown and Lady Gaga, to name just a few. Or mosey over to the Melkweg, a former dairy with a similarly impressive pedigree: Prince and U2 have both graced the stage here down the years. 

Visit Amsterdam in deepest, darkest winter and not only will you be wowed by the city’s spectacular Christmas lights and festive markets: there’s also the Amsterdam Light Festival to enjoy. This eye-popping visual feast hits town in December and sticks around through January, bringing illuminated artworks and installations to major plazas, parks, gardens and canalside streets. Expect highly Instagrammable exhibits by contemporary designers, artists and architects from the Netherlands and beyond. You can join a walking tour or grab a map of the exhibits and plot your own meander through this magical winter wonderland.

Dedicated clubbers will find much to enjoy in Amsterdam’s many mega-venues, where you’ll find the world’s top DJs banging out the tunes until the sun comes up. Club nights at the aforementioned Paradiso and Melkweg are local faves, while Club Prime, set in the heart of the old town, draws an international crowd to its cavernous halls. Then there’s Cafe Amsterdamned, the industrial chic of Gashouder and LGBTQ+ stalwarts like FunHouse and Taboo. Dive in and dance yourself dizzy ‘til dawn!