Shelter Amsterdam
The basement of beats
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.
Find your way with 166 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam
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
De neef van Fred
Water terrace perfection
They created a terrace that makes you feel like you are basically in the water, with a little bar next to it. Boats float by and get a quick drink to go...
by
Isidore
van Westing
Bar Oldenhof
Old-fashioned cocktail bar
Bar Oldenhof is an old-fashioned, hidden, intimate, high-end cocktail bar located right in the trendy Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Bar Parry
Tapas and wine
Bar Parry is a charming walk-in wine bar in Amsterdam’s Jordaan with a huge wine selection, small bites, and cozy vibes — perfect for spontaneous visits.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Noorderlicht Café
Artistic escape in Noord
Noorderlicht Café is a cozy, artistic greenhouse spot in Amsterdam Noord offering tasty seasonal dishes, events, and a countryside vibe near the city.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Westergas - Gashouder
Techno temple Amsterdam
"Westergas - Gashouder" has always been one of my favorite techno temples in Amsterdam. The building is circular, huge, with really amazing acoustics!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Café de Klos
Ribs... amazing ribs!
"Café de Klos" in Amsterdam makes amazing spareribs. In 10 years they have only changed the kitchen. Expect to queue up and to joke around with the staff!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Conservatorium Hotel
Amazing beautiful different
"Conservatorium Hotel" is the best hotel in Amsterdam. I've been here for drinks, dinner & to buy cigars. I love how it combines the modern with the old...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Westerpark
My beautiful backyard
"Westerpark" is fairly quiet for Amsterdam standards. I am here almost every day of the week, and I feel like I've explored all it has to offer...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Antiekbeurs 700
A visit to the past
"Antiekbeurs 700" in Amsterdam is a vintage/antique shop I found by complete coincidence. There's so much stuff you can discover here, like marbles!
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Rembrandt Park
Peace and quiet
"Rembrandt Park" in Amsterdam is big. Really big. And it isn't busy like other parks. It's just quiet, relaxing nature. No cafés or restaurants...
by
Oscar
Grobbenhaar
Heading to Amsterdam?
166 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 166 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:
