Travel / Netherlands / Amsterdam / Red Light District – 17.03.2024

St. Patrick’s Day in Amsterdam’s Red Light District

St. Patrick’s Day in Amsterdam was never going to be quiet. What started as a few pints by the canals quickly turned into a full-blown night of sailor pubs, questionable decisions, new friendships, and the unmistakable glow of red lights reflecting off wet cobblestones.

Starting the night at Café Old Sailor

Drinks outside Cafe Old Sailor in Amsterdam

We kicked things off at Café Old Sailor, a pub so steeped in nautical charm it felt like stepping onto a ship frozen in time. Drinks in hand, we claimed the outside benches, perfectly positioned opposite the infamous red-lit windows. What followed turned into an unplanned spectator sport, as passers-by stopped, laughed, and joined in with the chaos unfolding around us.

Shots, pubs, and escalating energy

Cheers with friends on St Patrick’s Day

With spirits high, we bounced between pubs, chasing the buzz with Jägerbombs and Disaronno shots. Each stop added fuel to the night, and before long the laughter was louder, the streets were busier, and everything felt like it was building toward something completely unpredictable.

The moment things got unforgettable

Inside a strip club in Amsterdam at night

Somewhere between curiosity and bad influence, we found ourselves pulled toward live shows and late-night venues that probably shouldn’t be over-explained. What matters is that the night peaked in pure Amsterdam fashion: chaotic, hilarious, and completely unforgettable.

Top spots from the night

Ryan's Favourites

Café Old Sailor

Best for: starting the night

A gritty, character-filled pub right in the thick of it. Perfect for people-watching and soaking up Amsterdam’s nightlife atmosphere.

Café Corso

Best for: shots and momentum

Loud, lively, and ideal for pushing the night into overdrive with quick drinks and fast decisions.

Map & getting around

Everything here sits within walking distance. Expect crowds, wet streets, and a constant buzz from sunset until sunrise.