Escape Nightclub

One of Amsterdam’s hottest spots – a multi-media experience on the Rembrandtplein. Lots of events held nightly.

To quote their website:

“Escape Venue has been a fact in the Dutch nightlife since 1987. Exclusive parties, music, light, decoration: all faces of a progressive club venue…For young adults who see themselves in a multi media environment, existing of modern dancemusic, hi-tech lighting, eye caressing visuals and internet.

The Waterhole

The Waterhole, a rebel themed hangout down in the Red Light District, is a good venue to hear music close up and personal and dance if the spirit moves you. We got to check this place out when Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead cover band played, and there was enough gray haired tie-dyed ol’ hippies there to start a retirement commune. The band gave me some serious but extremely enjoyable flashbacks to the 60s with tunes like Uncle John’s Band. Everyone seemed to dig both the band and the somewhat funky but smokey atmosphere of the place.

There was no admission that evening, so for the price of a few beers I got to relive some golden moments. And it was a special pleasure to be able to smoke da kine in this venue. The stage is downstairs from a youth hostel, so they try to keep the music hip and the vibes easy going. The sound in the relatively small venue was excellent.

THE WATERHOLE IS A LIVE MUSIC BAR IN THE CENTRE OF AMSTERDAM WITH A VARYING LINE-UP OF ALL POPULAR MUSIC GENRES
Oh, and you can also eat at tap&dine upstairs

Sugar Factory

Formerly the Amuse Theater, the Sugar Factory is located directly opposite the entrance to the Melkweg, at the Leidseplein in Amsterdam.

As with all Amsterdam venues, they claim to be all things for all people… featuring art exhibits, live musical performances, films, theater, and more.

Considering the location, right off the Leidseplein, this should become a popular venue for Amsterdammers and tourists alike. Especially if they offer quality entertainment.

Akhnaton

Perhaps Amsterdam’s oldest rave venue? The "Societas Studiosorum Catholicorum Amstelodamensis Akhnaton" was founded by Catholic Students in 1953!

Live music and DJ’s spinning Latin and African sounds keep the crowd dancing in this venue. This small place has several different floors and rooms from which you can enjoy the scene.

Super-chilled atmosphere is smoker-friendly and tolerant… just be nice to everyone else and you’ll have a great time with locals and tourists.

The scene starts at 11 PM and finishes when it’s time to go to work the next day. Akhnaton is conveniently located at Nieuwzijdes Kolk 25, halfway between the Dam Square and Central Station off the Nieuwzides Voorburgwal. There may be a small cover charge.

Mazzo

You start feeling welcome already at the door, no high cover to enter the club, beautiful ambiance, great sofa, very very very good sound system, and gorgeous bartenders 😉 The first time I was there was when Jeff Mills was playing which was absolutely fabulous. Just like all the others nights I visited Mazzo after that night. They have a good line-up, changing regularly, so you can enjoy different nights in different moods. Good doorpolicy, relaxed atmosphere, and absolutely rockin’! Not to be compared to the dark weird nightclub for men that the Mazzo used to be………… Finally beautiful people inside who know how to party! I have been living in Amsterdam for 5 years now, and Mazzo absolutely is the most trendy nightclub in Amsterdam!

Editor’s Note: The Mazzo is also known for fine Italian dining.