Bitterzoet

Medieval Centre & Red Light District


Always full, always changing, this venue with a capacity of just 350 people is one of the friendliest places in town, with a diverse crowd. Music (sometimes live, sometimes courtesy of a DJ) can be funk, roots, drum 'n' bass, Latin, Afro-beat, old-school jazz or hip-hop groove.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Ronde Lutherse Kerk

0.05 MILES

Built between 1668 and 1671, this domed church has the curious distinction of being the only round Protestant church in the country. Falling attendance…

2. Narrow House

0.06 MILES

It's often said that this house – which at 1.1m appears to be no wider than its door – has the narrowest facade in the city. But don't be deceived: the…

3. Poezenboot

0.07 MILES

Cat-lovers may want to check out this quirky boat on the Singel. It was founded in 1966 by a local woman who became legendary for looking after several…

4. Multatuli Museum

0.14 MILES

Better known by the pen name Multatuli (Latin for 'I have suffered greatly'), writer Eduard Douwes Dekker is most recognised for Max Havelaar (1860), his…

5. Sexmuseum Amsterdam

0.15 MILES

The Sexmuseum is good for a giggle. You’ll find replicas of pornographic Pompeian plates, erotic 14th-century Viennese bronzes, some of the world’s…

6. Beurs van Berlage

0.16 MILES

Master architect and ardent socialist HP Berlage (1856–1934) built Amsterdam's financial exchange in 1903. He filled the temple of capitalism with…

7. Damrak

0.17 MILES

The Damrak is the original mouth of the Amstel river – rak being a reach (straight stretch of water). The river flowed from a lock in the Dam into the IJ…

8. West-Indisch Huis

0.21 MILES

Built in 1617 as a meat market and militia barracks, this historical building was rented by the Dutch West India Company (Geoctroyeerde West-Indische…