Must see entertainment in Amsterdam

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    Top Choice
    Concertgebouw

    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…

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    Top Choice
    Pathé Tuschinskitheater

    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…

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    Theater Amsterdam

    Surrounded by the construction of docklands-turned-neighbourhood Houthavens, this gleaming theatre has a glass facade providing views over the IJ River…

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    Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

    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…

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    Muziektheater

    The Muziektheater is home to the Netherlands Opera and the National Ballet, with some spectacular performances. Big-name performers and international…

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    Bitterzoet

    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 …

  • OT301

    Street art–slathered ex-squat OT301, in the former Netherlands Film Academy, hosts an eclectic roster of bands, DJs and theatre performances.

  • OCCII

    Once a squat, OCCII maintains its alternative credentials, and this is a spot to get into the local scene and see underground Amsterdam bands.

  • Rialto Cinema

    Opened in 1920, this art deco cinema near Sarphatipark shows eclectic art-house fare from around the world (foreign films have Dutch subtitles). Tickets…

  • Filmhallen

    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…

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    Koninklijk Theater Carré

    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…

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    Tolhuistuin

    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…

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    Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

    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…

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    Boom Chicago

    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…

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    Kriterion

    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…

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    Tobacco Theater

    A 1900-built tobacco auction house now contains this architecturally designed theatre, which stages dinner-and-cabaret shows in English, Dutch and German,…

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    Bourbon Street Jazz & Blues Club

    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…

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    Paradiso

    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…

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    Frascati

    This experimental theatre is a draw for young Dutch directors, choreographers and producers. Expect multicultural dance and music performances, as well as…

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    Melkweg

    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…