Concerts in Amsterdam

Because of its liberal attitude towards, well, most things, Amsterdam attracts a wide range of artists and musicians coming to play in amazing concert halls, hole-in-the-wall music dives and everything in between…and maybe smoke a little weed on the side while they’re here.

Seeing concerts in Amsterdam is tantamount to most major cities as the venues range from big to small, smoky to sweaty, and more. A-list talent comes through the city every year, playing at the major venues like Paradiso and Melkweg in Leidseplein, or Amsterdam Arena and Heineken Music Hall just southeast of the city proper. Bimhuis, meanwhile, is the city’s biggest jazz hall and classical concert venue and boasts some of the most original architecture in the city as well.

On any given night, one can witness the biggest stars in rock, hip-hop, Top 40, reggae, or basically any other musical genre in the dozens of venues spread throughout town.

There’s also no shortage of Amsterdam concerts in more intimate settings. Smaller joints play host to countless jazz and blues shows, while folk singers and rock-star wannabes test out their talents at smaller spots all over town.