Amsterdam's music scene runs from the Concertgebouw, one of the world's great concert halls, to the arena stages of Zuidoost and the small late-night bars around Leidseplein where a band plays most nights. This section lists music venues and concert halls across the city and Amstelveen, including classical halls, jazz stages, pop venues and the poppodium, the Dutch word for a live music club.
Not sure where to start? Our guide to Amsterdam's music venues sorts them by what you want to hear. For a play or comedy night, see the city's theatres, and for talks and mixed programmes, its cultural centres.
How to choose a music venue in Amsterdam
Start with the size of the night you want. The biggest touring names play the two arena-sized halls in Zuidoost, next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Pop and rock acts on their way up play Paradiso and Melkweg near Leidseplein. Classical music centres on the Concertgebouw at Museumplein, while contemporary music and jazz share one building on the IJ, the Muziekgebouw and the Bimhuis.
For an unplanned night, the small music bars around Leidseplein have live bands most evenings and rarely need a ticket. Always check the venue's own agenda, linked from each listing, for times and prices.
Questions people ask
What is the best concert hall in Amsterdam?
The Concertgebouw at Museumplein is the city's great classical hall, home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and famous for its acoustics. It is rated 4.8 from more than 10,000 Google reviews.
Where can I hear live jazz in Amsterdam?
The Bimhuis on the Piet Heinkade is the leading jazz stage in the Netherlands. For a smaller, nightly option, Jazz Café Alto near Leidseplein has live jazz every night, and ZOJazz Stage brings jazz to Zuidoost.
Where do the biggest concerts in Amsterdam take place?
Ziggo Dome and AFAS Live, both in Zuidoost next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA, host the largest indoor concerts in the city.
Is there live music in Amsterdam every night?
Yes. The music bars around Leidseplein, such as The Waterhole, Bourbon Street and Maloe Melo, have live bands on most nights of the week.
What is a poppodium?
A poppodium is the Dutch name for a live music venue for pop, rock and related music. Paradiso, Melkweg and P60 in Amstelveen are examples.