Entertainment in Amsterdam: Something for Everyone!
Amsterdam, the city where boredom is simply not an option! Whether you’re a music lover, enjoy theatre or prefer to dance the night away, the city is always buzzing with entertainment.
Music: The Heart of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its vibrant music scene, covering all genres. Whether you love pop, classical, rock, dance, jazz, or hip-hop, there’s always a concert or event that suits your taste. The city attracts world-class artists and offers countless venues to enjoy live music.
Dance and Clubs
The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s biggest DJs, including Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, Afrojack, and Hardwell. Fans of electronic music can enjoy themselves in one of the many clubs and discotheques the city has to offer. The most popular venues are:
Melkweg – An iconic venue for concerts and club nights. Here, dance, rock, and pop come together in a unique setting.
Jimmy Woo – This exclusive club is known for its chic interior and fantastic sound system. Dance among the stars of Amsterdam to a mix of hip-hop, house, and r&b.
AIR Amsterdam – A modern club with a sleek design, famous for its electronic music nights and amazing light shows. AIR is a hotspot for the best house and techno DJs.
Concert Venues
In addition to the dance clubs, Amsterdam also boasts great venues for live music in other genres. The biggest venues for pop, rock, and world music are:
Paradiso – Located in an old church and famous for its intimate atmosphere, Paradiso is a must-visit for any music lover. You can catch both big names and up-and-coming bands here.
AFAS Live – This venue is known for its perfect acoustics and is a favorite for both artists and fans. International pop and rock stars perform here.
Ziggo Dome – The place for large-scale dance events and concerts. From Armin van Buuren to David Guetta, you’ll see the biggest names here.
Amsterdam Arena – Besides football matches, the Arena also hosts large concerts, including shows by world-famous artists like Beyoncé and The Rolling Stones.
Are you a fan of classical music? Then Amsterdam is the right place for you. The city is home to some of the world’s best orchestras, such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra.
Royal Concertgebouw – This historic building is renowned for its fantastic acoustics and is considered one of the best concert halls in the world. You can regularly enjoy world-class classical concerts here.
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ – For modern and experimental classical music, this is the place to be. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and offers a diverse program of symphonic music, opera, and chamber music.
Prinsengracht Concert – A unique experience where both the orchestra and the audience are on the water. This event takes place annually on the Prinsengracht and is free to attend.
Theatre and Performances: From Grand Shows to Intimate Productions
Amsterdam is a paradise for theatre lovers. With a wide variety of performances, from musicals and cabaret to plays and modern dance, there’s always something going on. The city has the largest theatre offering in the Netherlands, with both large productions and small-scale performances.
Major Theatres
For big productions, musicals, and classical performances, you can visit the following theatres:
DeLaMar Theatre – This modern theatre offers a varied program with musicals, cabaret, and plays. It is one of the main stages for large Dutch productions.
Royal Theatre Carré – One of the oldest theatres in the Netherlands, located on the Amstel. Here you can enjoy circus, musicals, opera, and cabaret in a royal setting.
Stadsschouwburg – An iconic theatre on the Leidseplein, where you can enjoy plays and dance performances by national and international companies.
Small-Scale Theatre
In addition to the large theatres, Amsterdam also offers more intimate stages for alternative and experimental productions:
Frascati – The place for avant-garde theatre. Here you’ll find young theatre makers and innovative performances you won’t see anywhere else.
Theatre Bellevue – Located at the Leidseplein, this theatre offers both plays and cabaret shows. A great place for a night out in a cozy atmosphere.
De Brakke Grond – A cultural centre where Flemish theatre makers and artists present their work. An exciting venue for innovative theatre and art.
De Kleine Komedie – This is the oldest theatre in Amsterdam, with a rich history of cabaret and kleinkunst. Many famous Dutch comedians started here, and it is the place for cabaret shows and small-scale theatre productions.
Cinemas: The Best Film Experiences in Amsterdam
Whether you love blockbusters, arthouse films, or cult classics, Amsterdam has a wide range of cinemas to choose from. Many are located in the city centre, so you can always catch a movie after a day of sightseeing.
Major Cinemas
For the latest Hollywood films and big premieres, visit these cinemas:
Tuschinski – For the ultimate cinema experience, Tuschinski is a ‘must’. In 2021, it was named the most beautiful cinema in the world by the renowned British magazine Time Out. Built in 1921 in art deco style, enjoy a film night in style here.
Rialto – A cinema specialized in independent films and world cinema. Perfect for arthouse film lovers.
Arthouse and Cult Films
Amsterdam also has a rich culture of film houses and arthouse cinemas, where you can enjoy less commercial films:
Het Ketelhuis – Located in the Westergasfabriek, this film house offers a wide range of independent films and documentaries. The industrial atmosphere makes it a unique cinema experience.
