Shelter Amsterdam
The basement of beats
Kristel from Amsterdam
The largest Dutch export product? No, it’s not cheese or tulips. It’s dance music. While they mostly show you the super-sized stadiums on TV, the capital also has a very lively underground scene. And with it comes an array of nightclubs. Though Amsterdam’s nightlife is praised around the world, the truth is that many clubs are struggling. The underground clubs serving the niche of house- and techno connoisseurs are slowly dying while making room for the more commercial crowd-pleasers and festivals. But not all have died. A solid source of endless quality beats can be found in Shelter Amsterdam.
After sundown, an enormous lid rises from the ground right behind the A’DAM Tower to reveal a mysterious set of stairs. Descend and you’ll find Shelter, the basement of beats, as I like to call it. There’s a no-photo policy, so you’ll have to take my word for it, but this place has a magically raw and industrial setting. The thick concrete walls, amazing light plan, and Function-One speakers make this a top-notch club that hosted some of the best DJs in the world. On Fridays, a house-orientated lineup eases you into the weekend with melodic beats, while Saturdays raise the BPM for techno-lovers.
This club focuses on quality and demands the same of its crowd, so make sure you know the line-up to avoid disappointment at the door. But once you’re in, prepare to not come out of the basement any time soon.
Amsterdam Spotter Kristel
Our Amsterdam City Guide
Find your way with 173 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam
Restaurant NOMADS
Travel through food
"Restaurant NOMADS" in Amsterdam Oost allows you to travel around the world through food with its country-themed menu that changes twice per year!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Café 't Smalle
Charming canal view
If you, like me, are always looking for places with relaxing views, you will love "Cafe 't Smalle" on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
the Otherist
A handmade paradise!
"the Otherist" in Amsterdam is a shop that aims to offer 'the wow, the unconventional, the other' with beautiful handmade items you can't find elsewhere!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Vrij Paleis
Underground exhibitions
"Vrij Paleis" is an art center in Amsterdam driven by a local community of artists. What I love about it is its underground, rough-around-the-edges feel...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Restaurant Moeders
A Dutch cuisine heaven
If you have been wondering where to try traditional Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam, "Restaurant Moeders" is the answer! You should try their stamppot...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Café Winkel 43
My routine coffee
Going to "Café Winkel 43" in Amsterdam after some grocery shopping for a homemade appeltaart w/ a friend is one of my favorite Saturday activities!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Slagerij Vet
The most famous sandwich of the city
"Slagerij Vet" is a family-owned butcher that's been a household name for years, but what they're really famous for is the best sandwich in Amsterdam...
by
Kristel
van der Burgh
Robin Food, vegan
Let’s combat food waste
Dedicated and positive volunteers run Robin Food and offer a three-course menu at a fixed and affordable price every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Heading to Amsterdam?
173 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Amsterdam?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 173 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Amsterdam
Our team loves Amsterdam
Get to know our other Spotters from Amsterdam
As featured on:
