If you are interested in visiting the Amsterdam city for a nightlife trip you must ask yourself when are the bars open. Bars are one of the best parts of Amsterdam – there are thousands of them, with different kinds of drinks, music, and even moods. Welcome to this article that will unravel the opening hours of bars in Amsterdam to ensure that understands what to do and when to do it to make most of their time there.
General Opening Hours
The basic opening times for the majority of Amsterdams bars are quite different depending on the day of the week. Here is a breakdown of the usual opening and closing times:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday)
Most bars close around 01:00 AM.
Some bars may stay open until 02:00 AM.
Bars with a late-night license can stay open until 03:00 AM or 04:00 AM.
Weekends (Friday to Sunday)
Many bars close around 03:00 AM.
Popular nightlife areas may have bars open until 04:00 AM or 05:00 AM.
Other places with special permits can remain open even to those hours of the night.
Nonetheless, it is useful to say that these are just average numbers, and there can be some deviations between different bars in terms of their prices. Besides, the opening hours might be changed temporarily because of events, holidays, or some other reasons of local legislation. It is probably always a good idea to call the particular bar you intend to visit to know their current operating times.
Exceptional Days and Events
Amsterdam has all year round event calendar and public holidays which may enable or cause the closing of bars. Occasionally such as festive occasions like King’s Day or New Year’s Eve, these bars have to open and close at very late into the night.
Also, some outlets may operate at different times within the day depending on the kind of clientele it will be attracting during the day. For instance, there are “student night” where some bars open very late in order to suit the students.
Bar types and closings policies
As with any city, Amsterdam has a variety of types of bars, which haven’t only different atmospheres but also different closings. Understanding the different types of bars will give you a better idea of their opening hours:
Traditional Dutch Brown Cafés
Home atmosphere, informal setting and Dutch beverages make the brown cafés traditional restaurants that are located in the Netherlands. Such bars usually open from around 7 in the morning to around 12 am. It is very appropriate to grab a drink in one before going out for an eve action or any other night activities.
Music Bars and Clubs
Amsterdam has lively music scene and a number of bars and clubs exist in this city with primary consideration given to the live music or DJ. These are generally not like the regular café counterparts – these are generally able to stay open longer, particularly on the weekend. Most of the music bars and clubs have been known to close in the wee hours of the morning.
Breweries and Craft Beer Bars
Amsterdam has also been able benefit from a new craze that has been moving across the globe of craft beers breweries and bars. These outlets are often open far longer than cafés and restaurants and you can find here a plethora of local beers to enjoy late into the night.
Useful Information Pertaining to Nightlife in Amsterdam
Now that you are familiar with the general opening hours of bars in Amsterdam, here are some tips to enhance your nightlife experience:
Plan ahead: Before going out investigate the bars you are planning to visit and look at what time they are normally closed.
Be mindful of local regulations: Just a note that smoking is generally prohibited in most of the enclosed places in Amsterdam, including bars.
Explore popular nightlife areas: Some parts such as Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein have quite the famous bar life. Spotting these areas will provide numerous opportunities for a great night on the town.
Consider visiting during weekdays: Weekdays are not so busy as the weekends and so getting a place to take a bar in is not very difficult getting filled up.
Respect the local culture: Get used to the word ‘gezellig’ – which has no direct translation to English but essentially means togetherness, cosiness and conviviality. It is hospitable environment and you get an opportunity to meet new friends along the way.
BARS & CLUBS The nightlife in Amsterdam is rich and colourful and meets everybody’s expectations. There are stalls for lovers, those who want to make an evening in a hurry, and even for those who are waiting for a taste of craft beer. Knowing that most bars in Amsterdam are opened in the evening and having familiarized with the most popular types of bars, you will be able to have a great time in this great city.
