Amsterdam doesn’t just host a scene; it nurtures a culture. The city is defined by a nuanced sonic landscape, one that runs much deeper than the tourist routes, favoring the intimate clubs, the hidden speakeasies, and the spaces where the world’s most credible DJs can play all night. It’s a city that rewards those who dig a little deeper, moving effortlessly between classic house, rare disco, and sophisticated soul.
This All Day, All Night edition is curated by local legends Dam Swindle (formerly Detroit Swindle). The duo of Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets have been defining the widescreen sound of house music since 2011, joining the dots between the past and present from their Amsterdam base. Known for their high-impact grooves, they’ve established their own label, Heist Recordings, as a breeding ground for global talent.
As the city prepares to host Amsterdam Dance Event, there’s no better time to get an insider’s view. Dam Swindle peels back the layers to reveal their go-to spots for clubbing, cuisine, coffee, and vinyl hunting—the kind of places that prove Amsterdam is a capital of culture, all day, all night.
Radio Radio
Located in the very cool Westerpark, this club (with newly opened Hi-fi bar SevenEleven on the top floor) is one of the underground gems of the city. We’re part of their group of residents, along with a nice bunch of other locals. House music is the main thing here, and you can hear all corners of that electronic universe from talent and legends alike. It’s a place DJs love to do all-nighters, the dancefloor is nicely intimate and the energy in the room is always on point. As far as small clubs go, this one is one of the best in town.
📍 Pazzanistraat 3
Cafe Wu
Chinese food culture has always been big in Amsterdam, with ‘de wallen’ as the anchor for Asian culture. Café Wu is a recently opened spot just outside of that area that combines Chinese food with a touch of French flair. A Chinese bistro if you will. Don’t be afraid to go for the 5-course menu and enjoy the music while you’re there; the audio bar is just as on point as the food. Great food, great atmosphere.
📍 Dapperstraat 1
Bram’s Fruit
If local brands are your thing, then definitely check out Bram’s Fruit. Their boutique has lovely selection of shirts, vests, jackets, all loosely inspired by the noble art of fruit picking. Not a big collection, but rather some great quality items to add some vibe to your wardrobe. They have several style drops throughout the year and their staff is always there to give you some nice fashion advice.
📍 Staalstraat 20
Rum Baba
People that know us will know we’re hardcore coffee lovers. So this list of hometown tips can’t go without at least one good coffee spot. There are loads of great places in town, but Rum Baba is definitely one of the nicest. This local spot close to our studio in Volkshotel serves excellent coffees and bakery items. They also opened a spot at Elandsgracht, so if that’s your area, you’re all set for a good drink!
📍 Pretoriusstraat 15 / Elandsgracht 134
Paindemie / Moyo
If you want to up the weirdness and go for a bite that tickles your senses a bit more than your average restaurant, this is a good combo to visit. Paindemie is focused on toasties & burgers, but this is not your average burger. Exclusive meat, crazy combo’s and high fun factor are the game here. Moyo is their new concept: an Omakase style restaurant hidden in their speakeasy bar.
📍 Kinkerstraat 122
Villa
Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh, or Moco; There’s plenty of great museums with an amazing collection on the Museumplein. But if you’re into modern art and have seen the big names or if you’re open for something a bit more left of centre, you should visit Villa. It’s the newly opened modern art museum located in the old architect’s villa of the Westerpark. The curation is exciting and there’s another plus: it’s a spot you’ll spend 45 minutes enjoying the art, and then you can move on feeling totally enlightened instead of overwhelmed.
📍 Haarlemmerweg 4
Zipper Vintage Clothing
With a location in the famous 9 straatjes and another one on the Haarlemmerstraat, Zipper is a true Amsterdam icon since 1979. The shop has a great collection of vintage clothes that has been selected by owner Danny during his (and his parents’) years and years of sourcing trips abroad. Vintage Levi’s? jackets? Sunglasses? Jewellery? You name it, they have it. And for a great price.
📍 Huidenstraat 7 / Haarlemmerstraat 8
Rush Hour
Rush Hour is the place to be in Amsterdam. A great collection of new and preloved records in all kinds of genres. Brasilian gems, jazz, experimental electronic music, techno, house classics, you name it. It’s a well curated collection and perfect way to spend an hour or so to clear out your wallet and give your record collection a boost. There’s often sets by locals and international DJ’s, especially during ADE where legends like Louie Vega stop by each year for a special vinyl only set.
📍 Spuistraat 110
Sango
If you’re on your way to catch a train, hanging around the canals or need a break from shopping at Rush Hour, you’ll do well to stop by Sango for a coffee. With their own roastery in the basement, this is a perfect spot for your caffeine boost of choice.
📍 Stromarkt 15
Murmur
A hi-fi listening bar in the north of Amsterdam that has plenty of events such as album listening parties. With a seasonal menu and plenty of drink options, this is a lovely location for a night out.
📍 Aambeeldstraat 60
Café Gitane
If you’re staying in the west of town, there’s Café Gitane. The menu is focused on seasonal food with a mediterranean touch and the interior is very calm and welcoming. There’s a nice vegetarian selection as well and prices aren’t crazy, which seems to be something that becoming more and more rare these days.
📍 Jan Pieter Heijestraat 146
And that’s a wrap on Amsterdam’s hidden gems!
That’s Amsterdam: a city whose cultural depth is matched only by its effortless style. From the intimate grooves of Radio Radio to the vinyl sanctuary of Rush Hour during ADE, the city rewards those willing to dig past the surface. Follow Dam Swindle’s lead and discover the spots that keep this vibrant scene grounded.
