Fun and entertainment Netherlands

Timetable

Nightlife is especially lively from Thursday to Saturday evenings. Thursday night is probably the busiest, with students adding to the excitement. Clubs usually open around midnight and close around 6am. Some have a 24-hour license and close, so to speak, as soon as the last visitors leave.

Budget & Tips

Prices are often around 15 euros, but we recommend booking online for certain evenings. If you already have a ticket, you'll be hard-pressed to be denied entry, but more importantly, you'll generally pay a few euros less than at the box office.

To be booked

All special evenings and electro music festivals should be booked well in advance, such as Amsterdam's ADE and Rotterdam's Now&Wow.

For big-name concerts at Ziggodome or Ahoy, keep an eye on the touring diaries.

Night transport

In most cities, the best way to get around is by bike. If not, night buses are also available.

Age restrictions

18 is the legal age for ordering and consuming alcohol. Some special evenings are reserved for minors.

What's very local

Dresscode is very cool, even for nightclubs. The nightlife scene is generally more mixed than in many other countries. You'll still have to make an effort at the big nights at the Concertgebouw or the latest trendy club.

Don't be surprised to see the audience chatting away during concerts: here, music is also a reason to get together and chat.

Smokers

The anti-smoking law is similar to that in France: no smoking in public places and no smoking rooms, even officially in nightclubs. At the end of the night, however, some still let off steam.

Tourist traps

Beware of counterfeit bills at major events. When searching online, avoid all resale sites, some of which imitate official sites. Buy tickets at source.