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Casablanca
This jazz cafe has an illustrious history. Even if its glory days are over, they still book big bands four nights a week and other kinds of jazz the rest of the time. Wednesday to Saturday sees singing and dancing, including karaoke. It's sometimes referred to as Casablanca Muziek, to differentiate it from Casablanca Variété.
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Casablanca Variété
Two doors down from Casablanca, Casablanca Variété contains the Netherlands' only theatre devoted to the art of circus performance - sleight of hand, magic, variety shows and singers. Even if its glory days are over, this venerable jazz café hosts big bands four nights a week and other jazz the rest of the time.
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Chocolate
Chocolate is a standout lounge bar. It's nestled among a clutch of other bars on a great little pedestrian street, all of which attract a lively local crowd, especially on summer evenings. And while Chocolate's terrace is the most popular, we really love the vibe inside.
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Cinecenter
Euro and American art-house are the standard fare. The last Monday of the month is for queer films, except in summer. Don't miss the hip bar with white padded walls.
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Cockring
This popular club has a disco downstairs playing techno and trance, while upstairs is a hot cruising area; leather boys are particularly welcome. Look for live strip shows and 'shoes only' parties.
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Comedy Café Amsterdam
If Boom Chicago is the home of improv comedy, then Comedy Café is the place to see established and big-name Dutch and international stand-up comedians. Sundays are regularly reserved for English-speaking acts, but you might be able to catch English speakers other nights as well, if you keep an eye on the upcoming attractions.
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Conservatorium Van Amsterdam
Students at the Netherlands' largest conservatory of music offer regular classical recitals. Note that the venue will move to the Oosterdokseiland (near Centraal Station) by late 2008.
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Cosmic Theatre
This theatre originated in Curaçao and has made it all the way to the big city, staging plays representing a variety of cultures. Emphasis is on Surinamese, African, Turkish and Moroccan. There's also a competition for young writers.
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Cotton Club
Squish yourself into this dark, bustling brown cafe every Saturday ( to ) for live performances by home-grown and out-of town artist playing soulful, rhythmic, moving, vibrant jazz. If jazz isn't quite your main squeeze, then you can always head along to the regular salsa nights every Tuesday.
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Cuckoo's Nest
A small, busy bar said to have the largest 'playroom' in Europe. You could spend a whole night exploring the labyrinth of cubicles and glory holes.
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Dampkring
You saw it in Ocean's Twelve , now see it up close. Consistently a winner of the Cannabis Cup, Dampkring is dark-ish, young-ish and decorated rather hobbit-ish. Its sinister-sounding name is a reference to the ring of the Earth's atmosphere - the part where smaller items combust.
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Dansen Bij Jansen
For over a generation, this rambling space has been Amsterdam's most famous student nightclub, and it still thumps nightly on two sweaty floors. The secret? Cheap drinks, a fun selection of classic disco and house, and a relaxed dress code. Valid student cards are required.
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Dantzig
Located on the edge of the Stopera, Dantzig is inundated with thespians and theatregoers looking for a quiet bite (stick to the snacks). Relaxing on the expansive riverside terrace, soaking up the beautiful views over the Amstel, is a must. Get a glass of wine and make sure you're overheard deconstructing Sam Mendes' latest directorial efforts.
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De Admiraal
The grandest and largest of Amsterdam's tasting houses, De Admiraal is also a restaurant and party venue. Although some grumble that they pour only their own house brands (16 jenevers and 60 liqueurs made by Van Wees, an Amsterdam distiller), it's hard to quibble over the lovely setting and pleasant staff.
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De Badcuyp
A low-down and very cool venue off the Albert Cuypmarkt, De Badcuyp has regular World Jam and Open Kuip (open mic) nights, African dance cafés and musical offerings including South Indian, jazz and Latin.
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De Balie
The focus here is multicultural and political, in big international productions. De Balie also holds short-film festivals and debates, has new-media facilities and a stylish bar.
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De Blauwe Parade
The building, now the Hotel Die Poort van Cleve, was the site of the original Heineken brewery, so it seems an appropriate place for tastings (of jenevers though, not beers). While there, feast your eyes on the Delft-blue tile mural (1870s), a parade of children bearing gifts to an emperor.
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De Brakke Grond
Part of the Flemish Cultural Centre, this café overlooking a quiet square does an honest trade in Flemish beer (try a magnum bottle from a Belgian abbey) and homestyle food (think steak au poivre or salmon with Ardennes ham).
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De Buurvrouw
This grungy late-night bar is where you inevitably end up when there's nowhere else to go. Take it easy because someone's watching: above the entrance is a bust of de Buurvrouw (the woman next door). And yes, everyone is probably as drunk as you. Febo anyone?
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De Doffer
Writers, students and artists congregate at this popular café (with adjoining bar) for affordable food and good conversation. The dining room, with its old Heineken posters, large wooden tables and, occasionally, fresh flowers, is particularly ambient at night.
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De Drie Fleschjes
Behind the Nieuwe Kerk, the distiller Bootz's tasting room dates from 1650. It is dominated by 52 vats that are rented out to businesses who entertain clients here. It specialises in liqueurs (although you can also get genevers). Also, take a peek at the collection of kalkoentjes , small bottles with hand-painted portraits of former mayors.
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De Engel Van Amsterdam
The new 'Angel' draws a cruisey terrace crowd who toast the evening's promise with a flute of blended juice or champagne. DJ Mayday spins her favourites on Wednesday, and the TGIF drink night is starting to gel.
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De Heeren Van Aemstel
Office workers and students cram into this grand café-style club to enjoy the roster of live big bands and pop and rock cover bands most nights.
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De Huyschkaemer Designer Bar
A one-time restaurant, De Huyschkaemer has made the transition to a full-time designer bar, with a mixed crowd - gay and straight, expat and local, old and young. The setting is minimalist, with spare walls and booths.
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De Ii Prinsen
With its large windows, chandelier, mosaic floor and big terrace, this café looks suitably restrained. You may be surprised then by the pumping disco music inside; all those students munching on tasty sandwiches don't seem to mind.
