Part 14 (1/2)
Peter Doeswijk Vijzelgracht 11 (Grachtengordel south) 020/420 3133, Vijzelgracht 11 (Grachtengordel south) 020/420 3133, Idiosyncratic, brightly coloured, street-art style miscellany, from phones and toilet seats to painted wooden ca.n.a.l houses in wobbly mirror shapes much, much better than the usual tourist stuff. Opening times vary ring ahead to check.
Droog Design Staalstraat 7 (Old Centre) 020/523 5050, Staalstraat 7 (Old Centre) 020/523 5050, Founded in 1993, Droog Design has made a serious contribution to the international reinvention of design. Some of their products, such as their milk bottle chandelier, have ended up in museum collections; this is their gallery and shop. TuesSat noon6pm.
Fair Trade Shop Heiligeweg 45 (Old Centre) 020/625 2245, Heiligeweg 45 (Old Centre) 020/625 2245, Fair trade goods of all kinds food, household items, books and cards. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun noon5pm.
[image]Frozen Fountain Prinsengracht 629 (Grachtengordel south) 020/622 9375, Prinsengracht 629 (Grachtengordel south) 020/622 9375, Contemporary furniture and interior design with the emphasis on all things Dutch. At Leidsegracht. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5pm.
Gamekeeper Hartenstraat 14 (Grachtengordel west) 020/638 1579, Hartenstraat 14 (Grachtengordel west) 020/638 1579, The place to go if you're into games. All kinds of ”fantasy” games, mainly for adults, from Games Workshop to role-play games, collectible cards, backgammon, magic accessories, etc. Mon noon6pm, TuesFri 10.30am6.30pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun 11am6pm.
Gerda's Runstraat 16 (Grachtengordel west) 020/624 2912, Runstraat 16 (Grachtengordel west) 020/624 2912, . Amsterdam is full of flower shops, but this one is the most imaginative and sensual. Bouquets to melt the hardest of hearts. MonFri 9am6pm, Sat 9am5pm.
P.G.C. Hajenius Rokin 92 (Old Centre) 020/623 7494. Long-established tobacconist selling its own and other brands of cigars, tobacco, smoking accessories, and every make of cigarette you can think of. There's also a room at the back where you can sit and smoke and have a coffee as you view the amazing range of cigars, pipes and smoking accessories, and even leaf through a magazine or book from its library. Mon noon6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm, Sun noon5pm. Rokin 92 (Old Centre) 020/623 7494. Long-established tobacconist selling its own and other brands of cigars, tobacco, smoking accessories, and every make of cigarette you can think of. There's also a room at the back where you can sit and smoke and have a coffee as you view the amazing range of cigars, pipes and smoking accessories, and even leaf through a magazine or book from its library. Mon noon6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm, Sun noon5pm.
The Head Shop Kloveniersburgwal 39 (Old Centre) 020/624 9061. Every dope-smoking accessory you could possibly need, along with a.s.sorted marijuana memorabilia. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am7pm, Sun noon7pm. Kloveniersburgwal 39 (Old Centre) 020/624 9061. Every dope-smoking accessory you could possibly need, along with a.s.sorted marijuana memorabilia. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am7pm, Sun noon7pm.
Hera Candles Overtoom 402 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/616 2886. A wonderful little all-wood shop selling nothing but handmade candles of all shapes, sizes and scents. Wed 26pm, Thurs & Fri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm. Overtoom 402 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/616 2886. A wonderful little all-wood shop selling nothing but handmade candles of all shapes, sizes and scents. Wed 26pm, Thurs & Fri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm.
Himalaya Warmoesstraat 56 (Old Centre) 020/626 0899. Something of an oasis of calm in the Red Light District, this cosy shop has a wide selection of books and magazines from around the world, with New Age music, tarot cards and bric-a-brac, as well as readings, a changing photo/art exhibition, and a cafe with a terrace and ca.n.a.l view out back. Mon noon6.30pm, TuesSat 10.30am6.30pm (Sat from 10am), Sun 11.30am5.30pm. Warmoesstraat 56 (Old Centre) 020/626 0899. Something of an oasis of calm in the Red Light District, this cosy shop has a wide selection of books and magazines from around the world, with New Age music, tarot cards and bric-a-brac, as well as readings, a changing photo/art exhibition, and a cafe with a terrace and ca.n.a.l view out back. Mon noon6.30pm, TuesSat 10.30am6.30pm (Sat from 10am), Sun 11.30am5.30pm.
[image]Jacob Hooij Kloveniersburgwal 1012 (Old Centre) 020/624 3041. Homeopathic chemist with any amount of herbs and natural cosmetics, as well as a huge stock of Kloveniersburgwal 1012 (Old Centre) 020/624 3041. Homeopathic chemist with any amount of herbs and natural cosmetics, as well as a huge stock of drop drop (Dutch liquorice). In business at this address since 1778 and the shop and its stock seem as if they are the same now as then. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5pm. (Dutch liquorice). In business at this address since 1778 and the shop and its stock seem as if they are the same now as then. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5pm.
Joe's Vliegerwinkel Nieuwe Hoogstraat 19 (Old Centre) 020/625 0139. Kites, frisbees, boomerangs, diabolos, yo-yos, juggling b.a.l.l.s and clubs. TuesFri noon6pm, Sat noon5pm. Nieuwe Hoogstraat 19 (Old Centre) 020/625 0139. Kites, frisbees, boomerangs, diabolos, yo-yos, juggling b.a.l.l.s and clubs. TuesFri noon6pm, Sat noon5pm.
Kitsch Kitchen Rozengracht 8 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/622 8261, Rozengracht 8 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/622 8261, Crammed full of chunky furniture, bowls and kitsch home stuff, plus bags, ap.r.o.ns, umbrellas and diaries, all in bright primary colours. MonSat 10am6pm, Sun noon5pm.
't Klompenhuisje Nieuwe Hoogstraat 9a (Old Centre) 020/622 8100. Amsterdam's best and brightest array of clogs and kids' shoes. MonSat 10am6pm. Nieuwe Hoogstraat 9a (Old Centre) 020/622 8100. Amsterdam's best and brightest array of clogs and kids' shoes. MonSat 10am6pm.
Kramer and Pontifex Reestraat 20 (Grachtengordel west) 020/626 5274. On one side of the shop, Mr Kramer repairs old broken dolls and teddies; on the other, Pontifex sells all kinds of candles, oils and incense. MonSat 10am6pm. Reestraat 20 (Grachtengordel west) 020/626 5274. On one side of the shop, Mr Kramer repairs old broken dolls and teddies; on the other, Pontifex sells all kinds of candles, oils and incense. MonSat 10am6pm.
Kruiderij De Munt Vijzelstraat 1 (Grachtengordel south) 020/624 4533. A very wide range of herbal remedies, essential oils, teas and dietary supplements. MonSat 10am6.30pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon6pm. Vijzelstraat 1 (Grachtengordel south) 020/624 4533. A very wide range of herbal remedies, essential oils, teas and dietary supplements. MonSat 10am6.30pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon6pm.
[image]Posthumus Sint Luciensteeg 23 (Old Centre) 020/625 5812. Upmarket stationery, cards and, best of all, hundreds of rubber stamps. Mon noon5pm, TuesFri 9am5pm, Sat 11am4pm. Sint Luciensteeg 23 (Old Centre) 020/625 5812. Upmarket stationery, cards and, best of all, hundreds of rubber stamps. Mon noon5pm, TuesFri 9am5pm, Sat 11am4pm.
De Roos PC Hooftstraat 183 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/689 0436, PC Hooftstraat 183 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/689 0436, New Age bookshop with a wide selection of esoteric books, crystals and remedies. Part of a larger centre with a cafe (see ”De Roos”) and lots of training/learning courses. MonFri 10am8pm, Sat & Sun 11am5.30pm.
Santa Jet Prinsenstraat 7 (Grachtengordel west) 020/427 2070. Handmade Latin American items, from collectables to humorous knick-knacks to religious icons and a selection of hand-painted skulls. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 10am5pm, Sun noon5pm. Prinsenstraat 7 (Grachtengordel west) 020/427 2070. Handmade Latin American items, from collectables to humorous knick-knacks to religious icons and a selection of hand-painted skulls. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 10am5pm, Sun noon5pm.
Saskya & Co Stromarkt 5 020/420 0840. A better cla.s.s of Dutch souvenir, with ceramics, textiles and other bits and pieces that are a cut above the stuff you find elsewhere around the centre. Not exactly cheap though. Daily 11am8pm, except Thurs until 7pm. Stromarkt 5 020/420 0840. A better cla.s.s of Dutch souvenir, with ceramics, textiles and other bits and pieces that are a cut above the stuff you find elsewhere around the centre. Not exactly cheap though. Daily 11am8pm, except Thurs until 7pm.
Tibet Winkel Spuistraat 185a (Old Centre) 020/420 4538, Spuistraat 185a (Old Centre) 020/420 4538, Books, music, jewellery and more, all made by Tibetan refugees in Nepal and India. The Tibet Support Group (020/623 7699) can give travel advice and information on Tibetan restaurants in Holland and anything else concerned with Tibet. Mon 16pm, TuesSat 10am6pm, Sun 15pm.
Tikal Hartenstraat 2a (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 2147. Colourful textiles and jewellery from Mexico and Guatemala. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5.30pm. Hartenstraat 2a (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 2147. Colourful textiles and jewellery from Mexico and Guatemala. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5.30pm.
Witte Tandenwinkel Runstraat 5 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 3443. The ”White Teeth Shop” sells wacky toothbrushes and just about every dental hygiene accoutrement you could ever need and then some. Mon 15.30pm, TuesFri 10am5.30pm, Sat 10am5pm. Runstraat 5 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 3443. The ”White Teeth Shop” sells wacky toothbrushes and just about every dental hygiene accoutrement you could ever need and then some. Mon 15.30pm, TuesFri 10am5.30pm, Sat 10am5pm.
Wonderwood Rusland 3 (Old Centre) 020/625 3738, Rusland 3 (Old Centre) 020/625 3738, Claims to be a cross between a shop and a gallery, and it certainly is a good place to browse, packed as it is with vintage furniture designs in wood from the 1940s to the 1960s as well as its own creations based on the cla.s.sics. WedSat noon6pm.
Shopping
Shops Shops
Markets Albert Cuypmarkt Albert Cuypstraat (De Pijp, Outer districts). The city's princ.i.p.al general goods and food market, with some great bargains to be had including fas.h.i.+onwear and shoes. MonSat 9am5pm. Albert Cuypstraat (De Pijp, Outer districts). The city's princ.i.p.al general goods and food market, with some great bargains to be had including fas.h.i.+onwear and shoes. MonSat 9am5pm.
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Albert Cuypmarkt Amstelveld Prinsengracht, near Utrechtsestraat (Grachtengordel south). This market sells flowers and plants, but with much less of a scrum than the Bloemenmarkt. Mon 10am3pm. Prinsengracht, near Utrechtsestraat (Grachtengordel south). This market sells flowers and plants, but with much less of a scrum than the Bloemenmarkt. Mon 10am3pm.
Artplein Spui (Old Centre). Low-key but high-quality art market, with much lower prices than you'll find in the galleries; prints and occasional books as well. MarchDec Sun 10am6pm. Spui (Old Centre). Low-key but high-quality art market, with much lower prices than you'll find in the galleries; prints and occasional books as well. MarchDec Sun 10am6pm.
Bloemenmarkt Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein (Grachtengordel south). Flowers and plants, ostensibly for tourists, but regularly frequented by locals. Bulbs for export (with health certificate). Some stalls open on Sunday as well. MonSat 9am5.30pm. Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein (Grachtengordel south). Flowers and plants, ostensibly for tourists, but regularly frequented by locals. Bulbs for export (with health certificate). Some stalls open on Sunday as well. MonSat 9am5.30pm.
Boerenmarkt Noordermarkt, next to the Noorderkerk (Jordaan and Western docklands). Organic farmers' market selling all kinds of produce, including amazing fresh breads, exotic fungi, fresh herbs and home-made mustards. Sat 9am4pm. Noordermarkt, next to the Noorderkerk (Jordaan and Western docklands). Organic farmers' market selling all kinds of produce, including amazing fresh breads, exotic fungi, fresh herbs and home-made mustards. Sat 9am4pm.
Kunstmarkt Thorbeckeplein, south of Rembrandtplein (Grachtengordel south). Quality art market with more reasonable prices than you'll find in the galleries; vintage books too. MarchOct Sun 9am5pm. Thorbeckeplein, south of Rembrandtplein (Grachtengordel south). Quality art market with more reasonable prices than you'll find in the galleries; vintage books too. MarchOct Sun 9am5pm.
Lindengracht Lindengracht, south of Brouwersgracht (Jordaan and Western docklands). Rowdy and raucous general household supplies market, a complete switch from the gentility of the neighbouring Lindengracht, south of Brouwersgracht (Jordaan and Western docklands). Rowdy and raucous general household supplies market, a complete switch from the gentility of the neighbouring Boerenmarkt Boerenmarkt. Sat 9am5pm.
Noordermarkt Noordermarkt, next to the Noorderkerk (Jordaan and Western docklands). Junk-lover's gold mine, full of all kinds of bargains tucked away beneath piles of useless rubbish. Get there early. Mon 9am2pm. Noordermarkt, next to the Noorderkerk (Jordaan and Western docklands). Junk-lover's gold mine, full of all kinds of bargains tucked away beneath piles of useless rubbish. Get there early. Mon 9am2pm.
Waterlooplein Waterlooplein, behind the Stadhuis (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands). A real Amsterdam inst.i.tution, and the city's best flea market by far. Sprawling and chaotic, it's the final resting place for many a pair of yellow corduroy flares; but there are more wearable clothes to be found too, and some wonderful antique/junk stalls to root through. Some secondhand vinyl available. MonSat 9am5pm. Waterlooplein, behind the Stadhuis (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands). A real Amsterdam inst.i.tution, and the city's best flea market by far. Sprawling and chaotic, it's the final resting place for many a pair of yellow corduroy flares; but there are more wearable clothes to be found too, and some wonderful antique/junk stalls to root through. Some secondhand vinyl available. MonSat 9am5pm.
Westermarkt Westerstraat, from the Noorderkerk onwards (Jordaan and Western docklands). Another general goods market, though the emphasis here is on fabrics and textiles, roll after roll of the stuff. Very popular with the Jordaan locals. Mon 8am1pm. Westerstraat, from the Noorderkerk onwards (Jordaan and Western docklands). Another general goods market, though the emphasis here is on fabrics and textiles, roll after roll of the stuff. Very popular with the Jordaan locals. Mon 8am1pm.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam In keeping with the Dutch reputation for tolerance, no other city in Europe accepts gay people gay people quite as readily as Amsterdam, a liberalism that is displayed publicly at all gay events and festivals organized throughout the year: Amsterdam Pride is a huge occasion on the gay calendar, as is Queen's Day and the many memorial events that take place around the quite as readily as Amsterdam, a liberalism that is displayed publicly at all gay events and festivals organized throughout the year: Amsterdam Pride is a huge occasion on the gay calendar, as is Queen's Day and the many memorial events that take place around the h.o.m.omonument h.o.m.omonument(see ”Westermarkt”). Furthermore, with the Dutch willingness to speak English, French and just about any other language, and with a good network of advice centres, bars, clubs and cinemas, Amsterdam has become a magnet for the international gay scene international gay scene. That said, a worrying recent development is an increase in the number of reports of h.o.m.ophobic activity. One specific example was at a 2008 Queen's Day fas.h.i.+on show to promote gay tolerance, during which a gay model was dragged off the catwalk by a group of young protesters. Local politicians have taken the incident very seriously and gay tolerance has become a key issue on the political agenda.
h.o.m.os.e.xuality was decriminalized in the Netherlands way back in 1811; a century later still sixty years ahead of the UK the gay age of consent age of consent was reduced to 21, and in 1971 it was brought into line with that of heteros.e.xuals, at 16. In 2001 the Netherlands was again at the vanguard of gay and lesbian rights, when the country legalized was reduced to 21, and in 1971 it was brought into line with that of heteros.e.xuals, at 16. In 2001 the Netherlands was again at the vanguard of gay and lesbian rights, when the country legalized same same-s.e.x marriages and introduced non-discriminatory adoption rights, with gay couples enjoying equal legal rights with heteros.e.xuals. Same-s.e.x couples holding hands and kissing in the streets are no more worthy of comment than straight couples; however, it's fair to say that gay men in Amsterdam are much better catered for than and introduced non-discriminatory adoption rights, with gay couples enjoying equal legal rights with heteros.e.xuals. Same-s.e.x couples holding hands and kissing in the streets are no more worthy of comment than straight couples; however, it's fair to say that gay men in Amsterdam are much better catered for than lesbians lesbians. Although there is a sizeable lesbian community, the city lacks strictly women-only establishments, and the lesbian scene is largely limited to a few nights held in men-only or mixed clubs.
The city has four recognized gay areas: Reguliersdwarsstraat Reguliersdwarsstraat, with its trendy bars and clubs, is the best known, attracting a young, lively and international crowd, while quieter Kerkstraat Kerkstraat is populated as much by locals as visitors, and includes a smattering of straight venues. The streets just north of is populated as much by locals as visitors, and includes a smattering of straight venues. The streets just north of Rembrandtplein Rembrandtplein and along the Amstel are a camp focus, as well as being home to a number of traditional Dutch pubs and rent-boy bars, while and along the Amstel are a camp focus, as well as being home to a number of traditional Dutch pubs and rent-boy bars, while Warmoesstraat Warmoesstraat, in the heart of the Red Light District, is cruisey and mainly leather-oriented. Cruising Cruising is generally tolerated in places where it's not likely to cause offence, such as in known gay areas, and most bars and clubs have is generally tolerated in places where it's not likely to cause offence, such as in known gay areas, and most bars and clubs have darkrooms darkrooms, which are legally obliged to provide safe s.e.x information and condoms.
If you want more information, get a copy of the free Amsterdam Gay Map Amsterdam Gay Map for visitors, published by the producers of the monthly magazine for visitors, published by the producers of the monthly magazine Gay News Gay News (3.75), both of which can be picked up from the COC (see ” (3.75), both of which can be picked up from the COC (see ”Gay and lesbian Amsterdam”) or from most of the bars and shops listed in this section. The Gay Amsterdam website, , is also a good resource for bar and club listings, and another free map, Friends Gaymap Amsterdam Friends Gaymap Amsterdam, is available online at You could also purchase a copy of The Bent Guide To Gay & Lesbian Amsterdam The Bent Guide To Gay & Lesbian Amsterdam (9.95), a practical and witty (9.95), a practical and witty guidebook guidebook written in English by the volunteers at Pink Point (see ” written in English by the volunteers at Pink Point (see ”Resources and contacts”) and available from the booth at Westermarkt or from bookshops listed in ”Bookshops”. Among the many local gay newspapers and magazines newspapers and magazines, Gay & Night Gay & Night ( (), which is published monthly and costs 3.60 in newsagents (or free in a number of bars and shops), features interviews, news and film reviews. The fortnightly Gay Krant Gay Krant (2.95; (2.95; ) has all the details you could conceivably need, including up-to-the-minute listings, though it is available in Dutch only. Flyers and brochures for parties and gay-oriented shops can be found in most gay bars and businesses.
Gay-friendly hotels and bars are reviewed in this section and marked on the colour maps at the back of the guide. and bars are reviewed in this section and marked on the colour maps at the back of the guide.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Resources and contacts In addition to the organizations and centres listed in this section, there are two important sources of information on the gay and lesbian scene: the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (020/623 6565, (020/623 6565, anization, offering advice and contacts. MonFri 10am4pm.
Gala 020/412 4463, 020/412 4463, . This free advice and information point run by a team of knowledgeable volunteers offers practical information about where to go and what to do in the city, and is stocked with flyers and brochures, as well as a range of souvenirs and T-s.h.i.+rts. Also publishes the excellent Bent Guide Bent Guide. Daily 11am6pm.
Sch.o.r.er Sarphatistraat 35 (Grachtengordel south) 020/573 9444, Sarphatistraat 35 (Grachtengordel south) 020/573 9444, Gay and lesbian counselling centre offering professional and politically conscious advice on ident.i.ty, s.e.xuality and lifestyle (MonFri 9am5pm; July & Aug noon4pm). Its clinic, held at the Munic.i.p.al Health Department, provides STD examinations and treatment.
Stichting Tijgertje Website providing information on gay and lesbian sports clubs throughout Amsterdam.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Accommodation The city's gay-friendly hotels gay-friendly hotels are reviewed here, and prices are for the cheapest double in high season (see ” are reviewed here, and prices are for the cheapest double in high season (see ”Accommodation prices”). There are no women-only hotels as such, but all the places listed below are lesbian-friendly. Note that it's illegal for any hotel to refuse entry to anyone on the grounds of s.e.xual orientation.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Accommodation Accommodation
Old Centre Anco Oudezijds Voorburgwal 55 020/624 1126, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 55 020/624 1126, te (135). Booking advised. Doubles with shared facilities 90.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Accommodation Accommodation
Grachtengordel south Amistad Kerkstraat 42 020/624 8074, Kerkstraat 42 020/624 8074, e without shower; deluxe room (150) has a bathtub and stereo. Breakfast is served in a convivial communal room 9am1pm, which later becomes a public internet lounge. From 94.
Golden Bear Kerkstraat 37 020/624 4785, Kerkstraat 37 020/624 4785, fortable rooms some en suite all come with sinks, fridges and DVD players. Booking essential. From 118.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Accommodation Accommodation
The Museum Quarter and the Vondelpark Sander Jacob Obrechtstraat 69 020/662 7574, Jacob Obrechtstraat 69 020/662 7574, ing to gay men and women, and everyone else too. Triples and quads also available. Small bar open to guests only. From 100.
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Nightlife and entertainment The main nightlife areas in the Old Centre and the Grachtengordel are dotted with gay bars and clubs gay bars and clubs. Some venues have both gay-only and mixed gay/straight nights, as indicated. Pink Point Pink Point, near the h.o.m.omonument, has flyers and can provide good, reliable advice on where to go in the city, as can Nighttours, e women are indicated below. Further information for women on where to go in Amsterdam can be obtained from the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (see ” (in English), which features a guide to events, clubs and bars, as well as more general information on Amsterdam's gay scene. Although there are currently no clubs exclusively for lesbians, lesbian-only nights are on the increase, and the gay bars and clubs which welcome women are indicated below. Further information for women on where to go in Amsterdam can be obtained from the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (see ”Resources and contacts”) or from the Nighttours website (see ”Nightlife and entertainment”).
The only cinema cinema showing showing gay films gay films on a regularly is the Filmhuis on a regularly is the Filmhuis Cavia Cavia which, in conjunction with which, in conjunction with De Balie De Balie, hosts an annual event in December called De Roze Filmdagen De Roze Filmdagen (”Pink Film Days”; (”Pink Film Days”; ), a mini-season of gay and lesbian movies. Call the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (see ”Resources and contacts”) for details of gay film showings around town, or take a look at the AUB's Uitlijst Uitlijst(see ”Information”).
Gay and lesbian Amsterdam
Nightlife and entertainment Nightlife and entertainment