Live Like A Local: A music lover’s guide to Amsterdam

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity for sunny city breaks. And where better to spend a long weekend than Amsterdam? Steeped in history, the Dutch capital’s maze of canals and eclectic buildings plays host to cultural hotspots, world-class dining and, of course, Soho House Amsterdam.

The city isn’t just for the culture fiends; it’s also famed for its vibrant nightlife and music scene. And who better to give us the lowdown on the hottest spots in town than Amsterdam-based dancer, interdisciplinary maker and DJ Nedda Sou? Constantly on the hunt for the mythical no-phones dance floor, Sou is currently in the process of piecing together a live show that combines DJing, scenography, dance and more – while also balancing regular DJ gigs all over the Netherlands. 

Here, she shares her favourite places in Amsterdam, from live music venues to recovery brunch spots.

For dinner…

‘It all depends on my appetite and what I’m in the mood for. Jerk Bay for Jamaican food, Bangkok for Thai, Maz Mez for Lebanese, BACK for fresh and healthy salads, Full Moon Garden for Cantonese, and last but most definitely not least, Du Maroc for Moroccan.’ 

For live music…

‘Paradiso. Expect an eclectic offering of live music in an iconic setting.’

For vinyl shopping…

‘Rush Hour Records, Waxwell Records and Redlight Records.’

For dancing the night away…

‘Radio Radio, Doka, Paradiso and dance sessions at Foundation.nl.’

For the hottest DJs...

‘Luckily for us, the hottest DJs don’t all play in one specific spot (could you imagine what that queue would look like?). I like to follow my favourite ones to different venues around  the city – I often discover new ones along the way. I’ve had the honour of dancing to some amazing DJs at venues like Doka, Radio Radio, Schietclub, Noorderlicht Cafe, Lofi, and Lovelee.’

For festival fun…

‘I’m most definitely looking forward to Festifest, Down The Rabbit Hole, Lente Kabinet, and anything that Heat Amsterdam is organising.’ 

For a late-night tipple…

‘For my favourite virgin cocktails, I go to Door 74. Spots are limited and it feels like a little getaway from the busy Amsterdam city streets.’

For brunch the morning after…

‘Flo’s Appetizing, Soup En Zo, and my kitchen.’

Book a bedroom at Soho House Amsterdam here.