Amsterdam’s club scene ranges from “underground” to mainstream-commercial.

Most clubs are open every night from around 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. On busy nights long lines to enter mean waiting times of half an hour or more, so it is better either to go early or after 2 a.m. Tip bar staff, if served well, and the doorman on the way out (it is the custom in Holland).  Here are a few of the clubs around town:

Melkweg
(The Milky Way)
Opened in 1970 it is housed in a former dairy house
and is Amsterdams funkiest multifunctional entertainment venue. One of
Amsterdams mega venues for clubbing with a swanky dance floor, theatre
and art gallery, all under one roof!

Paradiso
Amsterdam’s premier live-music venue, this club was once a prison church.  After the last performance, this venue turns into a nightclub with top DJs spinning on the decks.

Elf
(Eleven)
Located in the old post office building near central station, high on the 11th floor, it is one of Amsterdam’s newest and coolest clubs.  With its great views over the city, it is also a restaurant and a favorite of local residents.

Escape
Since 1987, this has been one of Amsterdam largest, most lavish commercial club venues.  Located on the Rembrandtplein, the club rocks every day with DJs from around the world.

Mazzo
A small, funky nightclub devoted to Deep House, Techno, Trance, D&B and electro-beats.

More
A small club with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff.  It is located on the Rozengracht, opposite of Mazzo.

Sugar Factory 
Formerly the Amuse Theater, the new night theater opened in May 2005, opposite the Melkweg.  Theatrical presentations and dance accompany the standard DJ club fare.

Korsakoff
This is the place for Rock, Industrial and Gothic.

The Powerzone
Another of Amsterdam’s Mega Venues, with a VIP lounge and a real party crowd.  Taxi anyone?

Ministry
This club centers on Hip-Hop and R&B.

Bourbon Street
Some of the world’s great Blues and Rock musicians have played this venue.  Located near the Leidseplein, this is the place for live blues.

Panama
Located a bit out of the center along the IJ river, every party night at Panama is an event, often with dance or theater in town.