Mata Hari
Situated on one of the red light district's (relatively) quiet stretches of canal, this drinking den is a homely hideout with a splash of dangerous glamour, being named after the Dutch courtesan suspected of betraying her country during World War I. There's an intriguing cocktail list spiked with Dutch gin, and beers come courtesy of awesome Amsterdam brewery Brouwerij 't IJ.

Address: 22 Oudezijds Achterburgwal | Telephone: 020 205 0919 |

Geisha
Barely noticeable from the waterside road leading from Central Station, this huge Japanese-themed bar and lounge has a fabulous speakeasy vibe. Try the flowery Blushing Geisha cocktail, served with wasabi peas.

Address: 106 Prins Hendrikkade | Telephone: 020 626 2410 |

Bitterzoet
Bar, club and theatre all rolled into one, Bitterzoet has something different on offer all the time. Whatever is happening, expect crossover acts aplenty, with an inspiring focus on emerging talent. See bitterzoet.nl for listings.

Address: 2 Spuistraat | Telephone: 020 421 2318 |

Paradiso
Nowadays, this former church is packed every night of the week, playing host to music legends in its main hall and to up-and-coming artists in the upstairs lounge. Drinks and ticket prices are reasonable compared to equivalent venues elsewhere, and there's always the chance you'll run into your idol in the downstairs bar.

Address: 6-8 Weteringschans | Telephone: 020 626 4521 |

Trouw Amsterdam
The fun comes three-for-one at this electro club-restaurant-performance space located in the former home of an Amsterdam newspaper. The crowd is hip, certainly, but the atmosphere is warm, and as such a night here serves as a great introduction to Amsterdam's up-and-coming Oost district.

Address: 127 Wibautstraat | Telephone: 020 463 7788 |

Dvars
Ace cocktail bartender Andrew Nicholls (formerly of the Jordaan district's Vesper) now has his own place, in the shape of this sophisticated hangout on what used to be the epicentre of Amsterdam's gay district. Nowadays, it's a mixed affair, which is appropriate as the drinks mixed here are second to none.

Address: 44 Reguliersdwarsstraat |