EDM lovers won’t be disappointed in the Amsterdam nightclub scene.

Amsterdam is an international rave hotspot, with clubs, bars, and even casino nightlife experiences. Whether you’re looking to drink, dance, or a combination of the two, these 12 Amsterdam nightclubs have something for everyone. You can even purchase an Amsterdam nightlife ticket that allows entry into over 20 popular clubs throughout the city if you plan on doing a lot of partying during your trip.

 

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Air Amsterdam opened in 2010, taking the space over from iT, a popular gay club in the 90s and early 2000s. The club has maintained a consistent spot in DJ MAGS top 100 clubs in the world due to its centralized location, multiple world class bars, and continuous lineup of internationally renowned artists. Check your belongings into a locker for safekeeping before taking advantage of the trendy LED wall for an Insta-worthy photo op. Check out who’s performing and purchase tickets on the Air Amsterdam website, but note that you must be 21 or over on Sundays to enter and 18 on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure to bring a valid ID.

Housed in a former peanut factory, Warehouse Elementenstraat is a pillar of Amsterdam’s club scene. The first illegal rave in the city was hosted in this building, when it was still called Multigroove, but the club was forced to close in 1993 after a police raid that ended in multiple arrests. Today, the club hosts a combination of up and coming and well-known artists, mostly featuring techno music throughout its 4 rooms. If you’re searching for a real authentic rave experience in Amsterdam, look no further than Warehouse Elementenstraat.

Located in the basement of the A’DAM tower is Shelter, an electronic music club that opened in 2016. The club is one big party room, complete with concrete walls and a purposeful lack of decor to eliminate any distraction from the music. Safety is of utmost importance here, with first aid booths and several designated chill zones available for when you need a moment to rest. While there is not a strict dress code, those wearing suits or football shirts in particular are not permitted entry. Note that the club is only open on the weekends, and it doesn’t take cash, so make sure to bring a card for any purchases you might make.

Named after the Greek goddess of the night, Club NYX is an 18 and over gay dance club founded on open mindedness and inclusivity. There are 3 levels, each one showcasing a different music genre, with a bar on every floor and a lounge area at the top. The club is open Thursdays through Saturdays, with the first Saturdays of every month being dedicated queer nights. You won’t find any of the pretentious exclusivity many bars are known for here; at Club NYX, anyone and everyone is welcome.

One of the largest and most popular nightclubs in Amsterdam, Escape attracts its fair share of internationally acclaimed DJs from David Guetta to Paul van Dyk. The club is meant to be an escape from the stresses of life, hence its name, and there are multiple smaller lounge rooms featuring different music from the main dance floor. Escape is known for its strict dress code and long lines out the door, so get there early and dress to impress.

RADION is a haven of creativity located in the former Academic Centre of Dentistry, celebrating various artistic mediums and hosting many cultural events. A movie theatre and bar are also on the premises, the latter which serves over 30 kinds of beer. RADION attracts the artsy crowd of Amsterdam with exhibitions, workshops, live music performances, and food markets. Club nights occur in the great hall of the institution, complete with neon lights and music that will keep you dancing all night long.

Lofi is an old bus garage turned nightclub, made to create a new current in the nature of free-spirited nightlife. From warehouse raves to intimate parties in the courtyard, all night owls love this hotspot. Lofi takes pride in enforcing an accepting and unbiased atmosphere to make guests as comfortable as possible. Here, visitors can look out for concerts, events, film screenings, and much more.

Founded in 1999, OT301 is a non-profit organization located within the former campus of the Netherlands Film Academy. The foundation’s goal is to create a space for all kinds of artistic performances and educational workshops. The cultural center is also a place to appreciate talented new artists within the techno music world. Look for street art and check out the highly esteemed vegan dive bar De Peper housed in the same building to fuel for the long night ahead at RADION.

Inspired by the jazz clubs of New Orleans, Bourbon Street has been an integral part of Amsterdam’s club scene since 1990. There’s live music every night, from open jam sessions with local bands, to the occasional guest appearance from more well-known musicians. Bourbon Street boasts a casual atmosphere, affordable drinks, and just about every genre from soul to salsa. Don’t skip out on this hidden gem of a club during your next night in Amsterdam.

On the top floor of the trendy Volkshotel is Canvas, a hipster hotspot with a relaxed vibe and an extensive drink menu. Canvas turns into a club on the weekends, complete with a resident DJ known for house and techno tunes. Sit out on the roof terrace for unmatched views of the Amstel River before joining the party on the dance floor.

Jimmy Woo opened in 2003 as a chic celebrity-loved nightclub featuring numerous live music genres from hip hop to disco. The club was voted as having one of the best nightclub sound systems in the Netherlands, along with ceiling lights that pulse to the beat of the music. End your day in style across 2 floors of Eastern Asian influenced décor, fully stocked bars, and a never-ending lineup of big-name DJs. It’s important to note, however, that Jimmy Woo is notoriously difficult to get into, so you’ll definitely want to queue up early and dress your best.

Opened in 2001, Panama* sits within an old Port Authority building along the waterside area known as the “Manhattan of Amsterdam.” The club doubles as a concert venue where international artists from Alicia Keys to FatBoySlim have performed throughout the years. Check out Panama* to enjoy house and techno tunes playing from a world class sound system in an exceedingly popular club.

Translating to “bittersweet,” Bitterzoet spans 2 floors and features a bar, stage, dance floor, and theatre podium. All types of music are played here, spotlighting a different DJ or band every night. The club is on the smaller side, only holding about 350 people, lending itself to an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Bitterzoet welcomes lesser-known musicians, as the club was built on the appreciation and promotion of all genres.