Guest post written by Ask That Dutch Guy.

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam at night. At any hour of the day, Amsterdam is captivating. However, there is something special about it when explored at night—with the lights illuminating the canals, the cobbled streets, and the iconic gingerbread houses, you feel like you’re in a whole different world when you see the city at night. 

When darkness falls upon the city, it’s time to put your shoes on and head outside because there are a lot of things that are best done at night in the city. 

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1. Go on a canal cruise at night

Your trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without cruising the canals… at night! The canal ring, which was built in the 17th century, is made up of waterways surrounding the Old Town. You can explore it in various ways at night—for one, there is a canal cruise that comes with a four-course dinner and drinks.

2. Experience a night train ride

Hop on the Dinner Train, a sightseeing tour that includes a four-course dinner. Each course is prepared according to the city you are passing by. Aside from that, you will also get to know more about each city on the ride.

3. Explore the Red Light District

The popular tourist spot, the Red Light District is obviously best explored at night. At night, bask in the glow of neon lights with a carnival-like atmosphere and enjoy walking through the streets.

It’s one of the places in the city where you won’t feel alone at all. Every night, the area is filled with tourists, lovers, and groups of friends. While you’re here, go have some drinks or eat at some of the restaurants and bars along the street.

4. Check out the Red Light Secrets Museum

Take your exploration of the Red Light District to another level by checking out the Red Light Secrets museum, which is the only museum of prostitution in the world. You can find it in a canal house in the center of the Red Light District where you can know more about the world’s oldest profession.

You also get the chance to visit a room where a sex worker works. And if that’s not interesting enough, you will also get the chance to listen to visitors’ confessions of their experiences. After this, we’re pretty sure you will gain a different perspective on what the district truly represents. It’s an eye-opening experience you can do at night in the city.

5. Walk the streets of the Jordaan District

The Jordaan District is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. Here, you can witness a slower-paced Dutch life, and by that, this means you will have a quieter time here compared to other parts of the city. 

The neighborhood is filled with restaurants, art galleries, and bars. You can spend the whole night here and you won’t run out of things to do. You can even visit the Westerkirk church where the remains of Rembrandt are buried. There’s also a Flower Canal here where you can enjoy beautiful views of floral arrangements. Oh, and this is where the ever-popular Anne Frank’s house is! But we all know you need to book your tickets online. So, before you head down there, make sure you have your tickets already with you. It will save you from the hassle of waiting in line.

6. Get in the vibe of Coffee Shop culture

Coffee shops in Amsterdam are different, and almost everyone in the world knows that. The coffee shops here may serve coffee, but that’s not all there is to it, because here you can legally buy and smoke weed. Some coffee shops even offer specialty products that are infused with weed, like cakes or cookies.

And even if you’re not a fan of weed and you don’t have any plans of smoking one, experiencing the coffee shop culture in the city is certainly something you shouldn’t miss. Also, it’s fun to do it at night.

7. Go down into a dungeon

Go on an interactive adventure and visit the infamous Amsterdam Dungeon. You can enjoy seven interactive shows here, which will take you through 500 years of the city’s dark history. This is a great place to go to if you are looking for a fun and unique activity to add to your list of things to do in Amsterdam at night. 

8. See the beauty of the whole city from the top

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night is to get to the top of the A’DAM Lookout. It’s a 22-storey high observation deck that will provide you with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Amsterdam. Indeed, it’s a sight to behold and it’s truly fantastic at night. 

You can even go over the edge by riding the highest swing in Europe. The swing will swing you 100 meters over the edge of the tower with the entire city spread under you. You can also dine and drink here at the Panorama Restaurant & Rooftop Bar.

9. Experience Heineken

Your trip to the city won’t be complete without visiting the old Heineken brewery. Here you will learn more about the family that brought the famous beer to the world. The Heineken Experience is something that you shouldn’t miss and it’s one of the many unique experiences you can do at night here.

10. Participate in Pub Crawls

Indulge in a pub crawl at night in the city. By doing so, you will be able to experience the vibrant nightlife scene as you go through some of the most popular bars and clubs in Amsterdam. Perhaps the best place to do this is in Leidseplein, which is the center of the city’s nightlife scene. 

Whether you’re staying in Amsterdam for one, two, or three days, don’t miss the chance on seeing the city at night. As much as you want to rest when nighttime falls, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the capital of Holland at night. It’s an experience that you will never forget—because, at night, Amsterdam is entirely a different city that you should experience fully.

About the Author

Ask The Dutch Guy your go-to guide when it comes to The Netherlands. The goal of Ask The Dutch Guy is to showcase the beauty of The Netherlands and to inspire others to explore the country. Visit Ask The Dutch Guy for more tips on travel in The Netherlands. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

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