Amsterdam Hotspots - the guide to Amsterdam city

alto cafe
maloe melo

bourbon street
mulligans

de buurvrouw

Alto Cafe
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115 (626 32 49).

This famous intimate 'brown' bar just off Leidseplein features live (modern) jazz every night. Alto attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, and is easily recognized by the large saxophone on the facade. One of the better jazz spots.
Open 9pm-3am (4am weekends),
admission free.

[17 reviews, avg 9/10]

Bourbon Street
Leidsekruisstraat 6-8 (623 34 40).

Blues and jazz club with live music by local talent every night, attracting a mixed crowd of musicians and other nightowls. True to its name, the interior sports lots of references to the roaring twenties.
Open 10pm-4am (5am weekends).

[14 reviews, avg 9/10]

De Buurvrouw
St Pieterpoortsteeg 29 (625 96 54).
Lively music bar in a little dark alley that attracts a young alternative crowd. Regular performances by local bands, a deejay on Saturday night and loud alternative rock all other nights. Can get very crowded. The motto on the wall says it all: 'Aut Bibat Aut Abeat'; Drink or Leave!
Open 9pm-3am (4am weekends), admission free.

[5 reviews, avg 7/10]

Maloe Melo
Lijnbaansgracht 163 (420 45 92).

This traditional 'brown' blues bar proudly proclaims itself Amsterdam's 'Home of the Blues', and rightly so. Maloe Melo caters to a crowd of enthusiastic thirty-somethings, with live music all days of the week in the back room. The performers are a mix of renowned players and local talent, with the occasional jam session thrown in.
Open daily 9pm-3am (4am weekends).

[3 reviews, avg 9/10]

Mulligans
Amstel 100 (622 13 30).
A real Irish pub, easily the best of the lot, with folk singers and storytellers most nights. Guinness on tap, friendly atmosphere and Irish soccer on a big screen.
Open daily 4pm-1am (3am weekends),
admission free.

[7 reviews, avg 9/10]