Callum Booth

Ah, Amsterdam. Our love affair with this city never ends, from its innovative food scene to its most well-known attractions. Perhaps most famous for its art galleries and museums, from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam stands proudly as one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe, but, of course, it’s got a poppin’ nightlife scene too.  In fact, the capital’s ‘fun’ side has historically lent itself to swathes of tourist stag dos, desperate to try out Amsterdam’s notorious coffee shops and canal cruises – something its government is trying to crack down on. But as it stands, there’s no escaping its reputation as a Seriously Fun Place To Be. Whatever you’re in Amsterdam for, there are some things you simply have to do. With the help of our experts and contributors on the ground in ‘Dam, we’ve rounded up 24 of the most essential things to tick off. Happy travels! RECOMMENDED:🥨 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🕺 The best clubs in Amsterdam⛵ The best day trips from Amsterdam 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam📍 An Amsterdam weekend itinerary This guide is by Amsterdam-based writers Derek Robertson and Callum Booth. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Unlike some cities, visitors to Amsterdam often find themselves wanting to go again and again and again. This city is known for its innovative food scene and great attractions, but the thing that will forever linger in your mind? Amsterdam’s bars. The nightlife scene here is second to none, and there’s a bar for (literally) every mood.  So whether you’re looking to sip cocktails with a view or boogie on down ‘till the early hours, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in this party capital. Think rooftop bars, glitzy wine bars, trendy craft breweries and everything in between. Just try not to miss your flight home the next day. Here are the best bars in Amsterdam right now.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam This guide was recently updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Though Amsterdam is trying to move away from being a tourist party destination, it’s still known for being very, very fun. From hen dos and party boats to the red light district and those infamous coffee shops, Amsterdam is a seriously good time, and one you’ve likely had on your bucket list for a while.  So if you’re ready for a night out that never has to end, you’ve come to the right place. Dam has a diverse nightlife scene to suit all tastes, from DJ sets at 24-hour thumping clubs to live music at a trendy 1940s bunker. Like Berlin? You’ll find the influence of its gritty nightlife scene right here. Budapest? Find ruin bar equivalents a-plenty. Read on for the best clubs in Amsterdam right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam This guide was recently updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Amsterdam is well-loved for its great food, scenic cycles and poppin’ nightlife, but often, its USP is its uber-cool, uber-chill and completely unique coffeeshops. And for those who aren’t yet familiar, we’re not talking about trendy croissants and latté art in the shape of little seahorses. Sure, they’ve got coffee in Amsterdam. But when we talk about coffeeshops, we mean licenced cannabis cafés, where you can choose from extensive marijuana menus. And they’re more than that, too – these joints are social hubs, creative spaces, and they often have great food menus for your munchies too. One thing to note, though, is that a few of Amsterdam's coffeeshops are really famous, and it's to their own detriment... These spots are now inescapable tourist traps, and we wouldn't recommend them (you won't find Smokey and Bulldog the First on here, for example). But if you want to visit a proper good one? Read on, friends. These are the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam☕ The best cafés in Amsterdam This guide was recently updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Amsterdam is a city of dualities. Postcard-perfect canals coexist with renovated industrial parks; innovative international cuisine is served alongside local classics like stamppot; and centuries-old buildings contain smoke-filled marijuana stores. It’s also one of Europe’s most popular cities for a weekend break – which is no surprise, given the staggering amount of restaurants, bars and things to do here. And while the Dutch capital is known to many visitors as either ‘the Venice of the North’ or ‘the City of Sin,’ the reality is altogether different. Take a step away from the traditional tourist beat and you’ll discover a place that exudes both a stylish modernity and a sense of cosiness the locals call gezellig. So how about a weekend itinerary that captures all the best sides of the city? From cultural institutions and cool boutiques to big nights out and canalside brunch, Amsterdam local Callum Booth tells us how to spend the perfect two (or three) days in ‘Dam. RECOMMENDED: 🍽 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam🖼 The best galleries and museums in Amsterdam🍃 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam🍸 The best bars in Amsterdam Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.