Whats Amsterdam Like On New Years EvE?

It's been quite a while now since I spent a New Years Eve on the streets of Amsterdam, but to be honest it doesn't change that much. In that respect it's like most other major cities, busy streets, packed bars & clubs (many ticket only) and a buzzing atmosphere. At the turn of midnight then the squares like Leidseplein are full of people celebrating and it really can get quite boisterous. Fireworks are pretty common as well with residents setting fireworks off from the smaller streets so take care for this. The sky will be full of fireworks (and later a lot of smoke!). Dam Square usually has a display on.

Well I would personally get a hotel room if I were you because unless you plan on sleeping on a park bench (not advisable at the best of times but way too cold at this time of year!) then you are going to have to sleep sometime or another. Plus it's good to store your stuff there as well. You do not want to be carrying around bags and valuables in such a busy environment without being on a perpetual watch for pickpocketers who love this time of year!. However you have left it pretty late to find a hotel it has to be said and what is available is not going to be cheap now.

Regarding the shops, well New Years eve is on a Thursday this year so the shops will be open till at least 5pm (some later and some may close a little earlier) but they will close after this and will not be open in the evening apart from a few supermarkets (but even then it will probably just be a case of the the Albert Heijn "to go" branch)

On New Years day Amsterdam is pretty quiet with respect to shops. Most shops will remain closed. The few that will open in the centre (and it's really not many) usually open later in the day from lunchtime on. It's a pretty sleepy start after the festivities and people recovering and spending time with families. However bars & restaurants etc in the centre will be open.

It's no surprise that there are endless organized parties and themed events in Amsterdam's bars and clubs on New Year's Eve. Tickets range from € 10 to more than € 1,000 and sell out quickly, so buy in advance!

Be sure to check out What to Expect on New Year's Eve in Amsterdam to learn more about how we put on a city-wide year-end party.

2008/2009 New Year's Eve Parties in Amsterdam

Popular Leidseplein comedy club Boom Chicago gives guests a chance to laugh in the face of an ailing economy and glam it up like high-rollers at "The Game." Expect DJs, a Champagne lounge and "Millionaire's Bingo." General tickets (€ 37 pre-sale, € 42 at the door) include free Champagne at midnight; or pay € 120 for all that plus a pre-party comedy show, three-course dinner and unlimited beer and wine during both.

Out in the Eastern Harbor, you'll want to wear your best parachute pants or sport "The Rachel" do for the "We All Love '80s and '90s" party at Panama. General tickets are € 37.50 pre-sale, € 45 at the door, or € 75 if you want a three-course meal beforehand.

Get "Fierce, Flawless & Fabulous" at trendy Supperclub on the last night of the year (they suggest glitter and glamour, along with dozens of other dress-code categories). With your € 120 ticket you'll get a glass of Champagne, a surprise goody bag, a selection of finger foods and entertainment that's sure to live up to Supperclub's anything-goes reputation.

At just € 40, the "Border Community Night" (named for a prominent electronic music label) at the Melkweg offers a good value for money -- if you like electronica, which will pound in both main halls. The theater will pump disco while the cinema screens animated films.

This is merely a taste of the several dozen parties out there. For a more, check out this list of New Year's Eve parties in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Weekly also features its recommended selection of celebrations.

In Amsterdam is a broad spectrum of attractions for recreational and social sightseeing. They vary from intriguing previous structures, like the Oude Kerk, to oddities such as the Hash