Three Unique Spots in Amsterdam

»Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin,« said the author John Green. There is no problem with a little bit of sinning and if that involves a night or two of clubbing, here are three spots with rich cultural background that won’t disappoint.

Urska Jaksa

Oct 14, 2019

Melkweg is stationed in a former sugar and milk factory. It explores all aspects of the popular culture. Besides hosting club nights, it’s also a cultural centre with live music, photography, cinema and festivals. It has two concert halls, the Max and the OZ, which host established names and also give a chance to new talent and emerging styles to reach a broader audience. Morcheeba, En Vogue, Tom Walker, Alma, Rita Ora, Charlie Puth, UB40, Zara Larsson, CNCO, Godsmack, and Goo Goo Dolls are some of its recent acts. This also speaks volumes about the wide variety of genres represented.

As part of the club nights they have several regular events. Techno Tuesday has free admission, Cheeky Massive plays Drum & Bass on Saturdays, and Wicked Jazz Sounds on Sundays is where Jazz meets dance. MADE is an occasional event on Thursdays that plays Hip Hop bangers. You can also hear Rock and Metal, Reggae and Ska, Grime, Dancehall, Latin music, and Caribbean beats so it’s perfect for genre hoppers. Club nights usually end between 4–5am. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office.

Melkweg, which is Dutch for "Milky Way", is a music venue and cultural center exploring all aspects of the popular culture.
Source: Facebook

»Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin.«

De School is more than a nightclub. This former technical school is a 24-hours licensed initiative in Amsterdam West, open seven days a week. It also has a restaurant, café, a gym, and an exhibition place. The club is in the school's former bicycle storage area. Its program includes local DJs, who are given the opportunity to play extended sets, and international guests. It mainly plays Electronic music. Some of the acts were Bonobo, Peggy Gou, Dixon, Midland, and Oscar Mulero.

It holds a special status in Amsterdam's nightlife. There is a unique rule one must follow: It's forbidden to take photos in the club to protect the privacy of visitors. If you want to get in, make sure you know the lineup and really want to enjoy the music. If the bouncer’s opinion is that you're not aware of the club’s musical identity, you may be denied entry. And for the dress code: suits, uniforms or dress shirts can be a basis of refusal at the door. Otherwise, visitors are encouraged to wear whatever they want, so you can go wild. There are concerts and club nights on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets for club nights cost 16€ in presale (10€ at the door before midnight and 16€ later).

De School is a former technical school that holds a special status in Amsterdam's nightlife.
Source: Facebook

Suits, uniforms or dress shirts can be a basis of refusal at the door. Otherwise, visitors of De School are encouraged to wear whatever they want, so you can go wild.

Another go-to spot is Paradiso. It's a former church in the heart of Amsterdam. In the sixties, it was squatted by hippies. Its story began in 1968 and it has since become a Pop venue, a club, and a cultural centre in one. Its cultural vibe remains strong. Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Nirvana, Prince, Queens of the Stone Age, and The White Stripes are a few of musical powerhouses who played there. Beside concerts, it also hosts DJ gigs and electronic festivals.

It has a main hall with a capacity of 1,500 people, surrounded by church balconies and a small hall that fits 250 people. To visit an event, you need to have a valid ticket and pay a small membership fee. You can buy most tickets directly through their website or at the venue at the night of the event if they aren't sold out. The club is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays while concerts can also be held on other days.