Follow us on social:

Raw, maritime and full of character

Going out in Den Helder

Going out in Den Helder feels different. More authentic. You're having a beer in a café where fishermen and sailors used to enjoy their first drink after weeks at sea. You're stepping into an industrial building in Willemsoord, once a shipyard, now a vibrant cultural hub.

Here you'll find everything you need for a night out with substance: theater, film, live music, and nightlife. Everything within walking distance. Everything with a story.

Bar at the Zevenskoop cinema
Glasses and music now ring out at the old naval shipyard

Industrial heritage with a vibrant nightlife

Willemsoord, the former naval shipyard, is now the cultural heart of Den Helder. The warehouses and shipyards have been transformed into cafés, restaurants, a cinema, and a modern theater. But you can still feel the history. In the steel, the glass, the concrete.

’In the evenings, the shipyard comes alive. Dine with a view of the dock, attend a performance at Theater de Kampanje, or catch a late-night movie. Fancy a drink under the old cranes afterward? Absolutely.

going out cafe bonaire
Photo: Peter van Aalst
Cafes with history, stories and atmosphere

South Street and West Street

Walk into the city and you'll find Zuidstraat and Weststraat. Men arriving from the sea used to walk here, but now you can sit down in one of the cozy cafés with wooden counters, maritime details, and a friendly atmosphere. Order a locally brewed beer and strike up a conversation with a local who remembers the area.

Stage with band at Cafe Dupont
Village atmosphere with character

Going out in Julianadorp

Going out in Julianadorp is all about atmosphere. You'll find great restaurants in and around the charming Loopuytpark. The cafés have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere: think live music, pub quizzes, and conversations that spark at the bar.
Looking for more excitement? The Dorperkermis (Dorper Fair) in the summer is a village festival like no other, complete with performances, attractions, and a square packed with revelers. 
For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, there's one of the beach bars. Fancy a drink with your feet in the sand and the sun slowly setting? Julianadorp doesn't make things difficult. Just enjoy.

Fair in Julianadorp
From the industrial shipyard to historic forts

Locations not to be missed

Cinema
Celebrate your party in the coziest little café in Den Helder. Your own pub for a day.
Going out
Billiards, darts, live sports and DJs in this lively café on Willemsoord
Going out
The legendary pub in Den Helder
Going out
Party café with dart boards, terrace and smoking area on Breewaterplein
placeholder-bg
Going out
Brown café with billiards and a cozy atmosphere in Den Helder
Going out
Brown café with live music, sports and atmosphere on Zuidstraat
placeholder-bg
Small catering industry
Cozy village cafe with darts, drinks and local events in Julianadorp
Going out
Cozy bar with terrace, live music and long evenings on Breewaterplein
Places of interest
Historic shipyard complex full of museums, restaurants, culture and maritime heritage
Culture, music and creativity in every corner of the city

Events that complete your evening

Event  Music
The Hitbingo Band is an interactive live show full of music, playing along, and singing along. This unique concept is a cross between a pub quiz, a live band, and a comedy club. The five-piece semi-acoustic band races through seven decades of pop history, from Elvis to Dua Lipa, in short, energetic medleys. For every song, the bingo wheel determines a quiz question. Enter the answer on your phone, cross off a square, and whoever gets five in a row gets to take the stage for a festive finale full of improvisation, interaction, and applause.
Sat 31 Oct '26
Event
A huge success every time: the Pub Quiz! This year, too, you can compete for eternal glory with your team. The Pub Quiz is a challenging quiz full of general knowledge questions, music questions, and photo challenges. Register per team. Max. 3 people per team.
Sat 17 Oct '26
Event
Get acquainted with Freemasonry during a special information evening at the lodge building on the Molengracht.
Tue 25 Aug '26
Music
Discover Irish music and worldly sounds in Huisduinen. Three professional musicians join musical forces. They perform on Friday evening, September 4, 2026. The Huisduiner Kerkje provides the setting for this evening.
Fri 4 Sep '26
Event
Turn your visit to the Zandspektakel into a tasty beach stop at Bospaviljoen De Vallei.
Fri 1 May '26
- Mon 31 Aug '26
Event  Music
Dance and enjoy Gdisco HoeZoAnders at De Pimp.
Sun 4 Oct '26
Event
Taste wine, meet others, and experience an atmospheric Sunday afternoon during Festa di Vino at Fort Westoever.
Sun 23 Aug '26

Stay informed

Already 5,000 readers receive weekly updates.
Tips, events and new places.
Subscribe to our newsletter.