Nightclubs, dance clubs, cafes and taverns offer plenty of after-dark options. In summer, the sidewalk bars are crowded until late, and street performers entertain in the public squares.
Jazz is popular on the live-music scene, and the city offers abundant opportunities to enjoy it. Try Jazz Cafe Alto or the Bimhuis for live acts. Nightclubs and late-night dance clubs are clustered around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Paradiso and De Melkweg are perennial favorites, but check out Panama, More and the Nachttheater Sugar Factory. DJ bars line the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Amsterdam has a reputation for its thriving gay scene, and there are many bars and nightclubs catering to gay people in the Red-Light District and along Amstel, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Warmoesstraat and Kerkstraat. Club ARC is a good place to start.
Most nightclubs are open until 4 or 5 am. Bars tend to close a few hours earlier.
