Casablanca: Karaoke in De Wallen, Amsterdam

How it works

You walk in, scan the QR code, search for a song on your own phone and add it to the queue, which only works inside the bar. A screen shows who is up and how many songs are ahead of you. The catalogue runs to tens of thousands of songs, Dutch and English, and the bar keeps its own top 20 of what is actually sung, updated each Sunday. Try not to queue too many songs in a row, so others get a turn.

It is quiet until about 22:00, when you will get to sing fast. After that it fills up, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so come early if you definitely want a turn.

History

Casablanca opened on the Zeedijk in 1946 as a jazz club, and was one of the few places in post-war Amsterdam where everybody danced together regardless of background. Musicians such as Kid Dynamite played here. Karaoke arrived in the 1990s and stayed.

House rules and private parties

The minimum age is 18 and staff can ask for ID. You cannot bring your own food or drink, and cameras need the organisers' permission. Coming alone is common, and groups of up to about 15 can just walk in.

From 25 people you can hire the whole bar, including on weekdays or during the day: Sunday to Wednesday until 03:00, and Thursday to Saturday until 22:00, when it reopens to regulars. Indicative prices start at €650 for unlimited Bud, house wine and soft drinks, at €26 per person, or €900 for an all-in package at €36 per person. You can also agree a minimum spend, from €550. Parties last at least two hours and need a 50 per cent deposit.