Parallel

About Parallel

Trance and techno set the tempo here, with tech house and Afrohouse filling the gaps, and the volume stays high enough that conversation happens outside the room rather than in it. The floor is the point — Friday and Saturday are when it fills, and the crowd skews young, mostly 18 to 25, a mix of Dutch dance-music regulars, Western European visitors and backpackers who have crossed the IJ to Buiksloterweg. VIP booths, bottle service and table service are available if you want a base for the night, though the $$ band means most people are simply on their feet. Smart casual covers the door, so leave the obvious sportswear at home. It runs year-round, and the Noord location — a short ferry hop from Centraal — means arriving and leaving both involve a little planning, particularly at closing. Bring cash for the bar.