Amsterdam has a stage for almost every taste: opera and ballet on the Amstel, musicals and big productions around Leidseplein, English-language comedy, open-air summer theatre in the parks and a remarkable number of theatres for children. This section lists theatres and podia across the city, including the small kleinkunst stages where Dutch cabaret and song are performed up close.
Our guide to Amsterdam's theatres sorts them by what you want to see. For concerts, see the city's music venues and concert halls, and for debates and talks, its cultural centres.
How to choose a theatre in Amsterdam
Much of Amsterdam's theatre is performed in Dutch, so the first thing to check on any show is the language. The biggest stages, Carré, the Nationale Opera & Ballet and the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, programme opera, ballet, musicals and international work where language matters less. For comedy in English, look at Boom Chicago and Comedy Café Amsterdam.
Families have more choice than in most cities, with dedicated children's theatres across town. In summer, the open-air theatres in the Vondelpark and the Amsterdamse Bos add a season of their own. Each listing links to the venue's own agenda for dates and tickets.
Questions people ask
Are there theatre shows in English in Amsterdam?
Yes. Boom Chicago on the Rozengracht and Comedy Café Amsterdam at the IJdok have comedy in English, and Mike's Badhuistheater in Oost is an English-language theatre. Some productions at the larger theatres are also performed in English or with surtitles.
Where can I see opera and ballet in Amsterdam?
The Nationale Opera & Ballet on the Amstel at Waterlooplein is home to Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet.
What is kleinkunst?
Kleinkunst, literally small art, is the Dutch tradition of cabaret, song and storytelling on intimate stages. De Kleine Komedie on the Amstel is its best-known home.
Which theatres in Amsterdam are good for children?
Theater De Krakeling at Westergas is the city's youth theatre. Black Cat Theatre makes shows for ages 1 to 6, and the Amsterdams Marionetten Theater, Kindertheater De Toverknol and Koos Kneus Poppentheater all play for young audiences.
Is there open-air theatre in Amsterdam?
Yes. The Vondelpark Openluchttheater runs a summer programme in the Vondelpark, and the Amsterdamse Bostheater in the Amsterdamse Bos plays from May to September.