As one of the most densely populated cities in Europe, Amsterdam certainly isn’t short of venues for eating, drinking and enjoying the bustling atmosphere of this incredibly vibrant and unique place.

However, a problem that visitors to our fair city often encounter is the terrible conundrum of being slightly overwhelmed by choice – poor things!

So our mates at Flipit.com have put together this great bar guide to Amsterdam for you.

“As knowledgeable and painfully trendy Amsterdam locals (if we may say so ourselves), we thought we’d share a few of the Dutch capital’s hidden gems with you, to help you enjoy the city we know and love – whilst conveniently avoiding any disappointing tourist traps in the process.” says Katie Paterson from flipit.com.

“We’ve selected favourites from every area of the city, so wherever you might find yourself during your stay, you’ll never be far away from somewhere truly unique and unforgettable. Enjoy!”

 Incredible nightlife awaits you in Amsterdam

Westerpark

Pacific Parc
Dinner and a dance at this former coal processing plant turned Rock ‘n’ Roll bistro. Enjoy your meal by the huge central feature wood-burning stove (we’re guessing the coal ran out) before the tables are cleared to make room for the busy dancefloor.

Oud West (Old West)

Edel
Fresh seasonal cooking and relaxed cafe vibes in a converted vocational school for jewelers. Waterfront views are accommodated by all-weather outdoor seating – an essential for the Dutch changeable climate!

Jordaan

Cafe de Tuin
Sink a biertje and soak in the atmosphere like a true local at Amsterdam’s favourite brown cafe in the heart of the Jordaan. Jazz on Sunday afternoons!

De Pijp

Cafe Brecht
Tea and board games, or sample Brecht’s extensive German beer menu at this quirky vintage cafe bar. A taste of East Berlin in the Centre of Amsterdam.

Noord (North)

Pllek
Take a short (free!) ferry across the water for dinner and drinks in a cool post-industrial location. Views of Amsterdam at sunset are unmissable, and a good opportunity to check out how the city makes use of its abundance of old shipping containers!

Centrum (Centre)

Paradiso
Dance the night away to world class artists both big and small in Amsterdam’s finest music venue, hosted in an old church in the centre of the city.

Paradiso, Amsterdam’s finest music venue

Oost (East)

Brouwerij’t Ij
Sample the very best of Amsterdam’s local beers at the city’s last standing windmill-turned-brewery. This is still a fully functioning brewery, so get your drinks in early before closing time (8pm).

Canvas op de 7e

Get the full package with dinner, cocktails and rare panoramic views of the city from the penthouse of an old converted newspaper factory.

Oosterdok (Eastern Docklands)

Roest
Amsterdam’s best kept secret is located in an old industrial estate turned trendy artist village in the Eastern Docklands. Hosted in an old steel works factory, you can enjoy dinner, dancing, market stalls, art installations, or hang out with local yuppie families on Roest’s man-made sandy beach.

Roest is one of Amsterdam’s best kept secrets

Thanks to Katie Paterson from flipit.com and Jan Willem van Tilburg for this article.