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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.

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

Places not to be missed

Cafe or Bar  Restaurant
Join De Hapjeshoek for a good meal in the city center
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  Exhibition
Bewonder klassieke voertuigen tijdens de Historische Rondrit Oldtimers op 13 september op Willemsoord.
Sun 13 Sep '26
Event  Music
Celebrate 45 years of singing joy during the spring concert of the La Mer Mixed Choir on March 12th at Den Helder.
Thu 12 Mar '26
Event  Music
Test your knowledge of the French chanson during the Soirée Musicale on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Triade Den Helder.
Fri 6 Mar '26
Event  Music
Experience Dayna Kurtz live at Den Helder during an intense afternoon full of jazz, blues and folk.
Sat 28 Feb '26
Event  Music
Experience the Dutch Swing College Band live during a swinging jazz evening at Den Helder.
Sun 22 Mar '26
Event
Experience a fun and active week especially for seniors during Silver Week at De Draaikolk.
Mon 20 Jul '26
- Fri 24 Jul '26
Event  Market
Shop for your Christmas gifts and enjoy music and a wintery atmosphere in the Helderse City Center.

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