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Bars in Amsterdam

Delving into the nightlife of Amsterdam is an experience to behold. From the seedy to the sublime, Amsterdam has it all. Apart from the red-light district where window-shopping takes on a whole new meaning and the coffee shops, Amsterdam is also home to hundreds of great bars and drinking clubs. Modern bars, themed bars, cocktail bars, hip and trendy bars where you can stay out all night until the small hours and still go on somewere else. Many of the great bars are in the Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein area.

Bars in Amsterdam

Absinthe Bar: [Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, 171, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-320-6780] If Van Gogh was still alive he'd be drinkin at the Absinthe Bar for obvious reasons. With an arabic decor and cool clientele you'll too busy people watching to worry about the powers of the Absint. If you don't like the green stuff then the bar also offers other alcoholic drinks.

Tempo Doeloe: [Utrechtsestraat 75, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-625-6718] One of the best Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam. Small and intimate, the vibrant dishes offer a foray into the flavours and aromas of the South Pacific. There's an a la carte and normal menu and both are equally as lip smacking.

De Still: [Spuistraat 326, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 427 6809] Definitely the bar of the moment, De Still offers over 150 different whiskeys. If you're planning on staying a while in Amsterdam, you might try your luck at getting through the lot but even if you don't, you'll have a good time trying.

Kamer 401: [Marnixstraat 401, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 620 0614] Kamer 401 is located near the Leidseplein and is a hip spot that serves food, wine and great cocktails. DJs provide the funky tunes. More of a pre club bar and it gets very crowded later on. Hours: Wed & Thurs 6pm-1am, Fri & Sat 6pm-3am

NL: [Nieuwezijdse Voorburgwal Centre] Cool progressive house, accommpanying free flowing cocktails make NL one of the hotest spots in Amsterdam. The bouncers can be a bit surley but once you get through the door make sure you stay all evening. The bar seems to go on for ever as does the seating area, which is great for just sitting back with a long cocktail or several.

Café De Jaren: [Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 625 5771] Café De Jaren is next door to the Hotel de l’Europe and on the banks of the Amstel. This is a great place for the summer with a large terrace overlooking the canal. This is a vast, multiple-roomed space, with café and reading room on the ground floor and a restaurant with a great salad bar one floor above.

NOA: [Leidsegracht 84, Amsterdam, Tel: 02 0626 0802] A very cool bar/restaurants in Leidsegracht. This is New York meets Asia. A young and trendy crowd come for the noodles and tasty cocktails. The bar tenders mix a mean mojito and the cosy fireplace at the back is ideal to relax and take it all in.