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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
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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
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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
Experience an evening full of live music with artists from Den Helder and Winnubst.
Sat 18 Apr '26

 

Event
Taste wine, meet others, and experience an atmospheric Sunday afternoon during Festa di Vino at Fort Westoever.
Sun 23 Aug '26

 

Event
Celebrate Pentecost in Huisduinen with music, a fair and village fun
Next date:
Fri 22 May '26
Fri 22 May 2026
15:00
-7:00 PM

 

Music  Guided tour
Experience a winter Sunday at De Nollen with a tour of the art landscape and live music by Crossfire.
Sun 29 Mar '26

 

Event  Music
Experience a festival day full of metal during Delly Death Fest in Quelderduyn.
Sat 22 Aug '26

 

Event  Music
Celebrate Whit Monday together with music, Indonesian food and meeting people.
Mon 25 May '26

 

Workshop
Discover what AI can do for you during this practical evening for 45+.
Next date:
Tue 24 Mar '26
Tue 24 Mar 2026
19:00
-9:00 PM

 

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