Must-see entertainment in Amsterdam

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…

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…

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

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…

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

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 …

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

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

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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

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…