Amsterdam
The Concert Hall was built in 1888 by AL van Gendt, who managed to engineer its near-perfect acoustics. Bernard Haitink, former conductor of the Royal…
Amsterdam
The Concert Hall was built in 1888 by AL van Gendt, who managed to engineer its near-perfect acoustics. Bernard Haitink, former conductor of the Royal…
Southern Canal Ring
This fantastical cinema, with a facade that's a prime example of the Amsterdam School of architecture, is worth visiting for its sumptuous art deco…
Jordaan & the West
Surrounded by the construction of docklands-turned-neighbourhood Houthavens, this gleaming theatre has a glass facade providing views over the IJ River…
Amsterdam
A dramatic glass-and-steel box on the IJ waterfront, this multidisciplinary performing-arts venue has a state-of-the-art main hall with flexible stage…
Amsterdam
The Muziektheater is home to the Netherlands Opera and the National Ballet, with some spectacular performances. Big-name performers and international…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Always full, always changing, this venue with a capacity of just 350 people is one of the friendliest places in town, with a diverse crowd. Music …
Amsterdam
Street art–slathered ex-squat OT301, in the former Netherlands Film Academy, hosts an eclectic roster of bands, DJs and theatre performances.
Amsterdam
Once a squat, OCCII maintains its alternative credentials, and this is a spot to get into the local scene and see underground Amsterdam bands.
De Pijp
Opened in 1920, this art deco cinema near Sarphatipark shows eclectic art-house fare from around the world (foreign films have Dutch subtitles). Tickets…
Amsterdam
Art-house films and new mainstream releases run in both Dutch and English at this cinema inside De Hallen; look for the vintage filmmaking equipment out…
Southern Canal Ring
The Carré family started their career with a horse act at the annual fair, progressing to this circus theatre in 1887. The classical facade is richly…
Amsterdam Noord
In what was the Shell workers' canteen for 70 years from 1941, the nifty Tolhuistuin arts centre hosts African dance troupes, spoken word, visual art and…
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
Southern Canal Ring
When this theatre with the grand balcony arcade was completed in 1894, public criticism of the design was so fierce that the exterior decorations were…
Jordaan & the West
Boom Chicago stages seriously funny improv-style comedy shows in English that make fun of Dutch culture, American culture and everything that gets in the…
Amsterdam
Kriterion was originally a student organisation involved in hiding and protecting Jews from the Nazis during WWII. In 1945 the group opened this cinema to…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
A 1900-built tobacco auction house now contains this architecturally designed theatre, which stages dinner-and-cabaret shows in English, Dutch and German,…
Bourbon Street Jazz & Blues Club
Southern Canal Ring
This intimate venue has a full and eclectic weekly music programme. Take part in open jam sessions on Mondays, or come by on Tuesdays for soul and reggae…
Southern Canal Ring
In 1968 a beautiful old church turned into the 'Cosmic Relaxation Center Paradiso'. Today, the vibe is less hippy than funked-up odyssey, with big all…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
This experimental theatre is a draw for young Dutch directors, choreographers and producers. Expect multicultural dance and music performances, as well as…
Southern Canal Ring
In a former dairy, the nonprofit 'Milky Way' offers a dazzling galaxy of diverse gigs, featuring both DJs and live bands. One night it's electronica, the…
Amsterdam
Not sure how to spend the evening? The Last Minute Ticket Shop sells same-day, half-price tickets for performances, including comedy, dance, concerts and…
Amsterdam Noord
Join Amsterdam's hip crowd sipping natural wine on the waterfront terrace and dining on sophisticated snacks cooked in the wood-fired oven, before…
Amsterdam
This hip Oost arts centre always has something going on, with a cinema, a nightclub, a stage for bands and a theatre. There's also an eclectic restaurant,…
Amsterdam
An alternative surprise lying beneath the 1e Constantjin Huygensstraat bridge: the Vondelbunker. This hidden-away space is a fallout shelter dating from…
Amsterdams Marionetten Theater
Amsterdam
An enchanting enterprise that seems to exist in another era, this marionette theatre presents fairy tales and Mozart operas, such as The Magic Flute, in a…
Amsterdam Noord
This arts centre and cafe hosts a changing roster of events from jazz and poetry to experimental electronica. Friday nights usually offer live music you…
Jordaan & the West
Amsterdam's oldest cinema, dating from 1912, is a gezellig (cosy) gem screening indie films alongside mainstream flicks. Tickets are €1 cheaper online…
Jordaan & the West
This living-room venue expanded for noise rockers has a great café (pub). In the back, behind the bookcase-concealed door, the main room has a stage and…
Jordaan & the West
Comedy acts perform every night of the week at this dockside venue. Open mic nights in English take place on Wednesday; shows in Dutch typically take…
Amsterdam
On the IJ riverbank, Bimhuis is the Netherlands' most important jazz venue. Its stylish digs are at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ and it draws international…
Southern Canal Ring
This is an intimate, atmospheric bruin café–style venue for serious jazz and (occasionally) blues. There are live gigs nightly. Doors open at 9pm, but…
Amsterdam
This wonderfully eclectic harbourside cultural centre hosts storytelling sessions in English and Dutch, Iranian rock bands, hip-swinging Latin American…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
De Brakke Grond sponsors a fantastic array of music, experimental video, modern dance and exciting young theatre at its nifty performance hall in the…
Jordaan & the West
Classical concerts, especially Bach, take place in the Noorderkerk most Saturday afternoons; check the agenda and book online. Most performances last…
Amsterdam
The Vondelpark's marvellous open-air theatre hosts free concerts in summer, with a laid-back, festival feel. The program includes world music, dance,…
Jordaan & the West
This is the freewheeling, fun-loving altar of Amsterdam's tiny blues scene. Music ranges from funk and soul to Texas blues and rockabilly. The cover…
Jordaan & the West
Pacific is home to live music, DJ sets and plenty of rock-and-roll spirit to go along with the potent drinks and hearty food. The sprawling terrace is…
Amsterdam
This high-tech complex (formerly Amsterdam ArenA) with a retractable roof is the home of four-time European champions Ajax, the Netherlands' most famous…
Western Canal Ring
Amsterdam's centre for arts, culture and science is renowned for staging innovative modern theatre, music and dance, as well as talks on politics,…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
It might be stretching it to describe a live sex show as 'classy', but this theatre is clean and comfortable and always packed with couples and hen…