Top Rated Nightlife in Amsterdam

In de Wildeman may just be the best beer bar in Amsterdam. It is housed in an old distillery from 1690 just off the Nieuwezijds Kolk. The clientele consists of beer lovers who come from all over the world. Roughly 18 draught beers are available at any given time, along with around 150 bottled beers. Of course, the beers are changed regularly to avoid boredom and there are special themed weeks in which certain beers are celebrated, so there's always something new to sample.

Near Amsterdam's second most important amusement area, the Leidseplein, lies this small jazz pub with a short bar and just a few tables and chairs. Dimly lit, the cafe has a rustic charm to it with its soft candles and lanterns. Alto has been entertaining jazz lovers for more than 50 years and you will find the plastered photo walls of jazz greats quite alluring. The wooden floors adds to the mystique of the place while the nightly live performances gives it an ethereal aura to it. Go there if you are a jazz enthusiast, you might just love the place.

One of the oldest Irish pubs in Amsterdam, Mulligans is always alive with cheer and fun. On the menu are Irish staples like Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, as well as a large selection of regional whiskies. Live performances, mostly Celtic based, provide the background music of the night. Occasionally they host open mic sessions that are open to amateur musicians. Their staff is friendly and the atmosphere mirrors that of a lively pub in Ireland. You know you are in for a good time when you are at Mulligans.

Launched in 1990, Bourbon Street is arguably one of the best live music venues in Amsterdam. This place is a great choice if you're looking to experience a vibe akin to music clubs in the 1920s. Its retro ambiance is a great backdrop for blues, jazz, reggae and alternative rock. Their stage has been graced by the likes of BB King, Bruce Springsteen, and Joss Stone.

Brouwerij is not really your ordinary pub and brewery. Only house-brewed beers are tapped here or sold in bottles. The furniture consists of bare wooden seats and tables next to a simple bar in this former municipal bathhouse. On the large terrace you will find people scattered out, sitting on the ground as well as the tables and chairs. Tours are available as well.

This late night refuge is named after the old iron ship that was originally moored on Amsterdam's qua. The ship may be long gone, but the bar remains and Cafe Pollux is the kind of place that welcomes everyone through its doors. The music is old school, with a jukebox blasting out classic rock. Wax statues of the couple that run the place make for some interesting decor. Whether you're there just for drinks, to attend one of the bar's theme nights or to watch a football match, Cafe Pollux is happy to have you.