An essential city guide to Amsterdam
The best nightclubs, art exhibits and record shops in Amsterdam
In Association with BUDX
Mixmag and Budweiser have partnered to bring the world BUDX, a global program that will unite and spotlight outstanding creative minds in music and culture in some of the leading cities around the world.
While it may not be one of the biggest capital cities in Europe, what Amsterdam lacks in size, it makes up for in style and substance. The Dutch hotspot has always been a destination for the best in arts, culture and music and even a short break there will reveal a wealth of things to do.
With its progressive 24-hour partying laws that allow ravers to dance as long as their feet will carry them, coupled with some of the best clubs on the planet, it's no wonder that Amsterdam is one of the world's premier partying spots.
Aside from the clubs, the rich history of the city is displayed in some globally heralded museums and galleries, all of which only add to the city's allure.
So what if you've only got three or four days in Amsterdam? What's on the intinerary you ask? Look no further as we present to you the most essential stops on your Dutch adventure in the captial.
It goes without saying that Trouw was not only one of the best clubs in Amsterdam, it was one of the best in the world. Following its closure in 2014, Amsterdam and indeed the rest of Europe's clubbing community held its breath to see what the team behind the institution would do next. Enter, De School.
Located in an old design-tech school, the venue is now regarded as one of the best spots in the city. Famed for its incredible line-ups, no-photo policy and also the fact you're literally clubbing in a school, a night out in the venue feels more like an experience than a party and that alone is worth shouting about.
The newest club on this list comes in just as hot as the other two. Located underground and accessed via a hatch in the floor below the Adam Tower, Shelter is a sanctuary for the best underground music in the city. With a focus on less names on the bill in favour for a selctt few playing extended sets, the club regularly welcomes the biggest and best names in dance music such as Robert Hood, Zip, Peggy Gou and Mall Grab. There's one room of music so no maze-like complex to navigate, just a big, dark space with an even bigger Funktion One soundsystem.
Studio 80 was one of the most-loved and famed clubs in Amsterdam for a very long time. Naturally when news broke that it was closing, people were upset but out of the ashes rose Claire, the revamped incarnation of the Rembrandt Square hotspot. With its clubbing ethos very much the same as before ie. Putting the customer first, the venue still brings names like Denis Sulta, Cinthie, Daniel Bell and Samuel Deep through to the space. It's a leafy paradise that encourages attendees to explore and take in the surroundings. A haven for the house heads.
Red Light Radio/Red Light Records
London has Rinse FM, New York has The Lot Radio and Amsterdam? Of course it's Red Light Radio, one of the world's best and most eclectic radio stations siutated in the middle of the city's Red Light District. While dance music is heavily represented with acts like DJ Bone, Orpheu The Wizard and San Proper regularly hitting the airwaves, there are a huge variety of sounds and genres on offer, from funk to soul, experimental to ambient, RLR has it covered.
Red Light's stage at Dekmantel is evolving into one of the best spots to hit at the festival and its programming is as diverse is it is exceptional. Their record shop, Red Light Records is located behind the radio station and stocks everything from jazz, funk, soul, disco, wave, house and experimental electronic music. Much like their radio station, pretty damn broad then.
The Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam's modern and contemporary art and design museum and before you've even entered, you're immediately struck by the architectural majesty of the building. Originally opened in 1985, the museum is globally renowned for its collection of art from the likes of Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. With an amazing rotation of exhibitions, the Stedelijk is the perfect place to take in some of the world's best art when you're tired from all the raving you've been doing.
There's a wealth of fashion on show in Amsterdam and the city's stores, especially when it comes to streetwear, are filled with the freshest looks around. Patta is perhaps the most well-known and internationally-revered streetwear brand hailing from the city. The sneaker and streetwear leaders have collaborated with the likes of Nike, Reebok, Asics, Vans and most recently Air Jordan.
Notably, they also release a clothing line in partnership with Dekmantel every year, in which the long-sleeve and football shirts sell-out instantly. The Patta shop is located right in the heart of Amsterdam city centre and is an essential stop on your tour if you want to be dressed head-to-toe in hype. As their motto states "Out of love and necessity, rather than profit and novelty." you know it's the real deal.