Amsterdam is one of the entertainment capitals of Europe. It offers nightlife a plenty, from bars with life music to stylish casino's, from trendy nightspots to dynamic disco's, from theatre productions to eye-opening entertainment in the red-light district. Most of the cafés, restaurants, nightclubs and discotheques are located around the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein areas, and are still lively around the early hours of the morning. Some theater shows are English-spoken, for instance Boom Chicago, but try out a Dutch concert also.

If you want to attend any of Amsterdam's theatrical or musical events (including rock concerts), make it your first task on arrival to get tickets. Amsterdam Uit Buro (AUB) Ticketshop, Leidseplein 26 can reserve tickets for almost every venue in town, for 2€ ($2.50) per ticket; it also handles reservations in advance from abroad. Using their service instead of chasing down tickets on your own can save you precious hours. The office is open Monday to Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday from noon to 6pm. You can purchase tickets with a credit card by phone daily from 9am to 9pm, and online at any time. AUB publishes the free monthly magazine Uitkrant (it's in Dutch, but it isn't difficult to understand the listings information). Holland Casino is one of the most modern casino's in the world. Be sure to look at the colorful glass cupola in the playing room, where you can play French and American Roulette, Black Jack, Carribean Stud Poker, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Poker en Punto Banco. Do not forget to pay a visit to the four international bars, to dine in the Vondel Restaurant or to enjoy a small meal in the stylish lunchroom.