At the beginning of the Spuistraat you find a small club called Bitterzoet (Bittersweet). Its interior is not very sophisticated, but the beats they play in it are.

The music they offer ranges from reggae to hip-hop to dub-step, and occasionally a little bit of pop or electro. I have spent many nights shaking my ass off on the crowded dance floor.

If you are into the styles they serve, go there for some serious partying. If you want to cool down from a long bouncing session, you can go upstairs to play pool or overlook the sweaty crowd.

On the club nights that are less mainstream, the club is filled with a selective crowd that comes to experience the music. There is always the chance that you won´t feel at home, but I always feel comfortable when I am surrounded by people that are thoroughly enjoying the DJ´s labor.

Go to the Bitterzoet in optimal physical shape, because you are going to work up some sweat.

Details about this spot
Bitterzoet | Music | Beer € 2.00
Spuistraat 2 | Old center (area map) | +31205213001
Sun - Thu 22:00, Fri- Sat 22:00, 04:00

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Club 8 is a great venue for a fully filled, entertaining night! With more than 24 pool tables there’s always space to start your game! Feeling hungry?
The restaurant menu offers burgers, soups, pasta and typically Dutch snacks like ‘bitterballen’ en ‘kaassouffle’. Check out the menu for drinks (JPEG, 162kb) or the menu for food (JPEG, 162kb)!

The restaurant area might not be a picture perfect place for going out for dinner, but for a quick bite it’s just fine.

At night, Club 8’s nightclub plays funky sounds: electro, pop, indie, house….name it, they have it! Check out the program on the website, just to be sure you like what’s on that particular night!

The audience is very diverse: students, tourists, expats, and locals…everybody likes Club 8!

Details about this spot
Club 8 | Bars, Music, Restaurants (international) | One hour pool € 9.50
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 56B | Oud-West (area map) | +31206851703
Mon - Thu 14:00 - 03:00, Fri 14:00 - 04:00, Sat 12:00 - 04:00, Sun 12:00 - 03:00

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The Tropenmuseum is a famous ethnographic museum. There is excellent information about and nice artifacts from almost every corner of the world. This is not the typical “pots and pans” museum.

The best exhibitions are about former Dutch colonies (mainly Indonesia and Suriname). The irony is that the beautiful building this museum is housed in was paid for by money earned by exploiting the colonies and its people.A temporarily exhibition is that of the “Bisjpalen”. These poles are made in New-Guinea for honoring their grandparents. There are at least 30 poles standing in the middle of the museum from 3 to 15 meters high.

If you get a chance, visit a concert in the Tropen-theater. It is housed in the Tropen-instituut building. If there is a concert, it is usually someone unknown from a very faraway place. Always surprising! If there is no concert, at least try to see the inside hall, usually only open during concerts. It’s almost 100% marble. Too much, definitely, but still nice!

Details about this spot
KIT | Art & culture, Music | Admission € 7.50
Linnaeusstraat 2 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31205688200
10:00 - 17:00 daily

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The old film academy halfway on the Overtoom is now one of the underground cultural hotspots of Amsterdam.

With hardly any investments made in the interior, graffiti art on the wall, and not too much lighting, the place gives an industrial feel. It has quite a lot of empty spaces that can be used for festivals, regular movie nights, live music or clubbing.

OT301 used to be run by squatters, but it turned at least somewhat professional a while ago. You can find information about irregular events, the Tuesday movie night: Cinema Derive, the Friday and Saturday club night and the Tuesday Ping Pong Bar.

The crowd on a club night is a mixture between the alternative and the hip, but they have a love for partying in common. People are easygoing, so there is a pleasant atmosphere. Check out the website to see if there is anything planned that tickles your fancy.

Details about this spot
OT301 | Art & culture, Music | Beer € 2.00
Overtoom 301 | Oud-West (area map)
Fri 22:00 - 04:00, Sar 23:00 - 05:00

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Paradiso in the seventies: think flowerpower!

Paradiso is set in an old church, with 3 dance spaces. The main room is huge and has a surrounding wooden balcony on the second floor to get a better view, which also gives you a majestic feeling.

In the basement you can go to chill and have some late night food (hamburgers, candy, chips etc.) The 3rd room on the second floor, also has a bar but is usually only opened when it gets really crowded or on special events.

Paradiso Amsterdam Tilly on the Wall concert 01 (by Michell Zappa)

Paradiso Amsterdam Tilly on the Wall concert (by Michell Zappa)

Before Paradiso opens its doors for regular clubnights, the pop temple is also known as concert hall. Famous artists from all over the world come here to perform their act. From Robbie Williams to The Roots and many more have entertained Paradiso’s visitors, leaving them happy and satisfied.

At night, Paradiso is one of the most popular places to go to. On Wednesdays and Thursdays you can go wild at ‘Noodlanding’ with music varying from pop/indie to hip hop/rock to electro/techno. These nights are most popular among students.

In weekends they usually have a mix of jazz/soul/funk/hip hop (Paradisoul on Friday), but the program changes very often. Be sure to check out the website.

Tip: Tickets can be bought at the door (make sure you bring your ID, they can be really strict on student nights!), but in case it’s sold out you can provide yourself with last minute tickets at the Ticketshop at the Leidseplein during the day.

Details about this spot
Paradiso | Music | Noodlanding € 7.00
Weteringschans 6-8 | Canals (area map) | +31206264521
(Usually) 20:00 - 04:00 daily

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One of the Albert Cuyps hidden gems: South Miami Plaza offers everything what you haven’t thought of yet. Do you think you’ve seen/heard it all…explore your world here!

Music styles varying from Dutch and World to Blues and Rock, a never ending offer.

Wherever you look, special offers are a daily matter. 5 Dvds for 10 euros is not uncommon. Ok, don’t expect to find the newest released films and cds here…but you may find your lost samples of famous oldies or for example the Beatles in concert.  To complete your collection they also sell posters and cards of pop, tv, and filmstars.

The place does look like an old dump store, full of cheap, dusty cds, dvds, vinyl, video’s etc. But that shouldn’t hold you back. Be patient and you’ll bump into one favorite after another, and all this for the lowest prices ever!

Details about this spot
South Miami Plaza | Music, Shopping | DVD € 5.00
Albert Cuypstraat 116 B/C | De Pijp (area map) | +31206622817
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 18:00

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