This is what Amsterdammers think of Amsterdams nightlife

We investigated how residents experience and value the nightlife culture. Besides an online survey, the researchers organized focus groups and interviews and held conversations in all city districts. They also researched the nightlife behavior of youth under 21 years old. This is the first time the municipality has mapped this on such a scale.

Rising costs biggest problem

64.3 percent of participants in the study indicate that rising entrance fees, higher drink prices, and the costs of nighttime transport make going out less self-evident. Especially young people, students, and those with lower incomes experience this as a barrier. 39.7 percent express a need for more diverse and inclusive offerings. 38.8 percent indicate that better nighttime public transport is needed. Nuisance such as noise, street crowding, and litter around nightlife areas is also seen as a problem, especially in the city center.

Making going out more affordable

The researchers advise social discounts on tickets to keep going out affordable. They also propose using venues for multiple purposes to share costs, utilizing existing locations more efficiently, and making municipal real estate available for nightlife culture.

Safer and more inclusive

Furthermore, the researchers say it is important to ensure good door policies, teams in clubs that monitor safety and unwanted behavior, and better accessibility. This makes nightlife safer and more inclusive.

Addressing nuisance

There are various options to tackle nuisance. For example, subsidies for sound insulation and extra waste facilities. Closing times can also be staggered more. And better use of data to gain insight into noise, waste, and visitor flows.

Youth under 21

Youth under 21 experience age limits, high costs, and a lack of suitable and inclusive offerings as barriers. The researchers propose involving youth more actively in programming and lowering the minimum age where possible. They also suggest looking into discount systems for youth and increasing collaboration with schools, youth centers, and cultural institutions.

What next?

These studies provide us with many new insights into the forms of nightlife culture Amsterdammers prefer. We now have a better picture of the problems and opportunities. We will further explore this in the coming period.

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