Visit Amsterdam Light Festival
One thing you should definitely do if you are in Amsterdam in December or January is visit the Amsterdam Light Festival. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place every year in the centre of Amsterdam. It consists of a route where with no less than 20 light artworks. This year, the 11th edition of the festival takes place with the theme 'Celebrate light'. From 3 December 2022 to 23 January 2023, you can enjoy magical atmospheres
You can visit the Amsterdam Light Festival by following a walking route. This walking route not only takes you to the Light Festival, but also to the most beautiful spots in Amsterdam.
But the best way to see the Light Festival is by water. With this 6.5km canal cruise, you will see all the light artworks from the best perspective, while you can relax. With a canal cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful light art in Amsterdam. You can buy a ticket for Amsterdam Light Festival directly from here!
Listen to Jazz at the Bimhuis
Jazz nights in Amsterdam? Absolutely! The Netherlands knows a lively jazz scene and some of the great names in the industry have lived in Amsterdam. Chet Baker was one of them and on the Prins Hendrikkade, you can find a bronze plaque memorial.
Not too far from the best jazz spot in town. The Bimhuis is located on the Ij lake, where it has been since 2005 when the original location closed due to exceeding the new sound standards in the city. The building is impossible to miss and a great example of modern Dutch architecture that has won several prizes. A fixed part of the weekly schedule is the Tuesday night, admission free, improvisation workshop that’s been on since 1975.
Urban jazz, rising stars, electronic, cutting edge and free jazz are just a small selection of their extensive range of performances. Order a refreshing drink, or a full meal, as you get lifted up by the smoothness of the music right next to the soothing currents of the lake.
Check in at the Melkweg
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Melkweg. What started out as a sugar factory, later a milk factory, was converted to a concert hall in 1973. The only reference to its former purpose can be found in the name, which translates as the ‘milky way’.
Located on the Lijnbaansgracht, it is among the most popular nightlife venues in Amsterdam and comprises of a restaurant, cinema, and two music halls. Pop culture is the central theme, which translates into regular club nights and concerts, but also movie nights theatre, exhibitions, and other events.
Clearly, a place that doesn’t like beaten paths and well-defined concepts, but nightlife lovers and party animals are always welcome. Hit the dance floor for the best in techno and electronic music from local and international DJs and skip the cash register with your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket.
Visit an Amsterdam Brewery
We all know what Amsterdam is famous for, but a good selection of pot is not the only light narcotic we have on display. Heineken probably sounds familiar, and perhaps you’ve seen it on the menu outside the Netherlands once or twice? The roots of this famous brand, however, can only be found in one spot, and that is Amsterdam.
Take a tour around the Heineken brewery and find out how it all started in 1893. A glass of beer, actually a few more than one, is part of the experience of course. And when their inevitable trick question ‘what is the color of Heineken beer?’ is asked at one point, don’t make the mistake of saying it is yellow. You should never drink anything yellow and luckily our beer is gold.
Do you prefer something local? Brouwerij ‘t Ij has been brewing specialty beer since 1985. Their beers are widely available throughout the city, but they have two locations of their own where you can try their unique brews. They make seasonals, one-off specials and have a fixed selection of classics. Try their ‘Ijwit’ beer, a fresh brew with the surprising ingredients lemon and coriander. It might sound a bit strange, but many call it their favorite.
TIP: Start your Night at
Holland Casino. We’ve got your back after sunset and have gone the extra mile to guide you through the highlights of Amsterdam’s bustling after hour’s landscape. Get your
Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket and enjoy the benefits, €10 for 2 days or €20 for a full week. What’s your plan for tonight?
Take a Cruise on the Canal
You can’t leave Amsterdam without having set foot on board. The city looks completely different from the water and during this relaxing experience, you will hear some fun facts about the city. It’s a perfect way to take it all in without having to worry about getting hit by a tram or bicycle.
A cruise after sunset is pure magic and Amsterdam will reveal many of its hidden beauties. The lanterns on the arches and nightlights cast their beautiful light onto the water creating a spectacular, unforgettable experience. And as the Dutch hardly ever close their curtains, feel free to take a peek into the charming houseboats to see what people are up to at night.
Several companies offer different canal tours. A very special one is the Supperclub cruise, which includes a 5-course meal, performances, and DJ”s. You’ll be back on shore at 1 am, a perfect time to continue the party at the Supperclub itself. Add your special events at this club when selecting your 1, 2 or 7 day Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket, without any extra costs, and get on board.
TIP: You can add your Amsterdam Canal Cruise to your 2/7 days Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket including a bottle of champagne for 40 euro. Click here for more info about this complete nightlife package.