Exploring Amsterdam Nightlife: A Journey Into “The Dark Side”

Last Updated: June 17, 2026 This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated to reflect current recommendations and travel conditions.

Amsterdam is well known and for good reason – its history; its great museums, its extensive canals and of course, its “Red Light District” and “Coffee Shops”. In my previous visits, I’ve walked past a few “Red Lights” (waved at some girls and said “hello” much to the amusement of a Dutch friend) and walked into coffee shops looking for an actual cup of coffee.

What to Expect in Amsterdam’s Red Light District After Midnight

I’m at a dinner/dance at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. It’s a good time but the event and music is starting to wind down. A local friend says “it’s time to explore the dark side of Amsterdam”. “What? The dark side”? What can that mean in Amsterdam? Trouble can’t be hard to find past midnight (as in any large city) but with “red lights” and “coffee shops” already in the open, what is “the dark side”? Where is “the dark side”? The Amsterdam Red Light District at night? I’m curious and naturally tag along with a small curious group. We wind our way deep into the “Red Light” district looking for a “special Bar”, walking past legal “coffee shops” and hidden alleys. We go down a dark alley (that you wouldn’t go down in a group of less than 12) and end up at “the Bar”. It’s jam packed at 1:30 a.m. and we can’t get in. It’s protected like Fort Knox and has many CCTV cameras. No worries. There are others.

Inside Amsterdam’s Late-Night After-Hours Bars

A Wild Night at Bar San Francisco

We make our way back down the street to a small bar called “San Francisco”. It’s just opening, and it’s only open from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Our group of 12 enters and it’s like a private lounge- a dirty, beer soaked and odd private lounge. We’re told that it is owned by “the mob”. The doorman “Mike” is the toughest guy I have ever seen. Not terribly tall but broad like the Hulk. My friend quietly says “he looks like a cross between a baboon and a pit bull”. He looks everybody up and down and then declares whether or not you can enter the bar. Most are not allowed entrance. “Mike” starts talking and softens up after a cigarette. He’s wearing body armour and hates his job. We are allowed entrance. San Francisco” defies description – it’s a Euro weird, Wild West Saloon just waiting for trouble.

A scantily clad woman in a window in Amsterdam

Tips for Staying Safe in Amsterdam After Hours

Stick to groups, bigger the better. 2 people minimum.
Respect the rules regarding no photography in the windows. (My picture was covert, hands down. If caught, they take your device and smash it).
And watch out for pickpockets.

Conclusion

It’s the turning point. Another drink (I don’t need one) or is it time to head back? My local friend is ready to leave so it’s time to leave. I have absolutely no idea where I am or what time it is. But it’s time to return from the dark side.

Author Bio

Mark Crone is the traveller and storyteller behind Mark’s Travel Journal, where he shares practical tips, destination guides, and real experiences from his adventures around the world. Based in Canada, he aims to help others travel smarter and discover meaningful moments on the road. Explore more of Mark’s work: