With only a couple of nights and a lot of choice we decided to go with the ones suggested by locals or those that had visited them. If you’re ever in Amsterdam then give these some consideration...
Studio 80- With an emphasis on electric music this club was full of young trendy people and what looked like aspiring musicians or DJs, a kind of creative nesting ground. The two rooms, one with a podium area and the other a stage, were both pretty packed out by 1:30 and it was hard to see past the masses especially under the dramatic strobe lighting. Opening from 11-3:30 it was an energy-consumer on our first night.
AIR- Apparently referred to as the wannabee Studio 80 this club was larger and certainly more modern. The music became more and more like a single techno beat as the night progressed and a strange automated card system was in place which was used to order drinks and use the cloakroom. A little bit more expensive but it did close later! At 5, we were proud to have made it.
Trouw- Outside of Rembrandtplein but nearer to the university this club, once more specialising in techno music, didn’t have the grandeur of AIR but rather an underground feel. Reminiscent of a club called Tresor in Berlin, the building was formerly a newspaper printing facility. Certainly full of Amsterdammers this club was probably my favourite, the local-presence also created a more laid back atmosphere.
