If you’ve never done it before, spend New Year’s Eve in a foreign city – you won’t regret it. Particularly in Amsterdam, the friendly Dutch capital makes it a fun, energetic place to party through to the early hours of the morning and celebrate this occasion in true style. Read on to check out our top picks of events to celebrate new year in Amsterdam this year (2023).

New Year’s Eve at ClinkNOORD

If you’re looking for a good time this New Year’s Eve, but don’t fancy leaving the comfort of ClinkNOORD (we don’t blame you, we love it there too) don’t panic, we know a thing or two about throwing a party! Get on your dancing shoes and your favourite party outfit, and pop down to the Galaxy Room for a good old-fashioned knees up. DJ White Spirit will be playing from 8pm to 2am. The event is free. Yes, free, you heard it right!

New Year’s Eve Parties in Amsterdam

With everything from black tie events to warehouse raves and street parties, revellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is renowned for its world-famous nightlife and party scene. From glitzy and exclusive bars to grungy raves, the city is overflowing with places to party! Be warned though, clubbing on NYE in Amsterdam can be an expensive affair. So with that in mind, we’ve shortlisted some nights that we think are worth every penny!

Oerknal

If you want all the ingredients for an unforgettable NYE party, Oerknal have it all! Good DJs, a winter barbecue, a great selection of beers, bubbly and fireworks to start 2024 in style, what more can you ask for? So if you’re looking to dance the night away with an international crowd, book this NYE event now!

Where: Science Park 306, 1098 XH

Price: €32.50

Club Hush

Club Hush is usually the best place in town for silent disco. But not on NYE! They’ve put together a NYE Festival party to remember, so be prepared for sick beats to share with your dance floor neighbours until well passed midnight! If you want to attend, book this NYE event now!

Where: Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 81, 1017 NH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: Amsterdam Nightlife Tickets are from €10 per day

Q-Factory

Q-Factory has pulled out all the stops to make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable. From incredible live music performances to top-notch DJs spinning the hottest tracks, the entertainment lineup is set to keep you dancing all night long. And that’s not all – they’ve got even more surprises in store to make this night one for the books. So, don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate the start of a new year with a bang. Secure your spot at Q-Factory’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza now, and get ready to dance, toast, and create unforgettable memories as you welcome 2024 in style!

Where: Atlantisplein 1, 1093 NE
Price: €37.50

NYE Street Parties and Firework Displays

If clubbing isn’t your thing or if you prefer a more spontaneous evening, why not head down to one of Amsterdam’s main squares (Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Leidseplein) and soak up the madness! You’ll find legions of celebratory Amsterdammers huddling together to bring in the New Year, along with beer tents, food stalls, live music and lots of fireworks.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds but are still keen to catch a glimpse of some fireworks, then grab a hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine and head to the banks of the river Amstel. From here you can see almost all the fireworks above the city. The beautiful Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is one of the best spots for a more relaxing view.

Daytime New Year Festivities

Sightseeing during the day

From weird and wonderful museums to incredible architecture, you’ll certainly find something to do before the evening activities begin. There’s also the winter festival with a multitude of light displays and ice rinks to cool down on before New Year’s Eve really heats up. Whilst you’re there, seek out the Dutch tradition Oliebollen and Champagne, there will be carts up and down the streets selling them and they are a must try in our eyes! 

To really learn the tales of the Dutch capital, we recommend that you attend a free (yes, FREE) walking tour before the clock strikes twelve. The tour will help you get your bearings in this often-confusing city, and allow you to make the most of your stay.

For more inspiration, check out our guide on things to do in Amsterdam in winter!

New Years Day: Feeling brave?

Why not start 2024 with a refreshing dip in the North Sea? Join thousands of revellers at Scheveningen – just half an hour west of Amsterdam and celebrate the new year with a quick splash in the water! Don’t worry if you don’t feel brave enough to get in – you can still enjoy the party atmosphere from dry land with your favourite hot beverage!

Things to remember…

Amsterdam public transportation stops at around 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and only limited bus services resume around midnight. Fortunately, the ferry from Amsterdam’s Centraal to ‘Veer Buiksloterweg’ runs every 7 minutes (15 minutes during the night) throughout NYE and only takes 3 minutes. From the boat, ClinkNOORD is only 400m away.

Ready to book your NYE visit to Amsterdam? Check out our ClinkNOORD youth hostel in Amsterdam for a friendly affordable place to stay. We also offer cheap group accommodation in Amsterdam if you’re planning a group gateway or a stag do.