If you like a bar with live music in Amsterdam, I can't imagine a better spot. It's right in…read moreLeidseplein steps from a tram stop, and walking distance from our hotel, so it was perfect. They have a large menu of beers, liquors, and cocktails, all very cheap, and they did not charge cover when we visited on a Thursday around 9:00 pm. The band was spectacular. They played a list of crowd pleasing covers and even took requests. Very fun place. We passed by late on a Saturday, and there was a huge line to get in, so we recommend coming during the early show on a weeknight - early for them is around 8-10 pm. Their website is great and lists the bands playing. I believe they have at least one if not two live acts every night of the week.

What a find. Honestly I would never have stepped into this bar if it weren't for my friend A., who…read moresaid that this is the place he goes to where he doesn't have to perform or pretend. Smack in the middle of busy Leidseplein, you'd think this would be a total tourist trap nightmare. But it's genuine, down-to-earth, and a good salt-of-the-earth live music bar. With murals of great rock legends on the wall and your proper hole-in-the-wall decor, billiards tables, TVs with sports playing, and live music almost every night, there's bound to be something to entertain you while you wait for a show to come on at Melkweg or on the odd night that you're not out at some DJ event. People sing along. People dance. People rock out. There is a cover charge when it gets later into the night, so arrive early if you want to avoid it!

Went on a Thursday night had an amazing time. 6 beers were 16euros so pretty reasonable for a club…read more The space is huge and the layout is so dope. Most likely because it was an old church converted to a hall, but that definitely adds to it. The DJ played a lot of American music all types though, mostly top 40 and would put them to dance beats. I liked the DJ a lot. Be careful though, people from there have this thing where they just throw things. So every second there's probably a cup being thrown near you, don't be alarmed but It was a little weird though lol.

Paradiso had a very cool atmosphere as it was built inside the church. Get tickets before for a…read morelower fee. We paid €20 on a Friday night and it wasn't crazy fun of a crowd. It was latin night where the salsa was fun but there weren't that many people.

We had a great time at Bitterzoet during our stay in Amsterdam. We asked a local friend for some…read moresuggestions and he recommended Bitterzoet for hip hop. I believe there is always a cover, but if you buy online it's a bit cheaper. There are two dance floors and one lower level with lockers/bathrooms. Lockers were a super convenient option for all of our coats/jackets. We started out on the first floor, but once it got crowded, we moved up to the second floor which was smaller, but less people. You can still see the DJ and first floor because it's kind of like a balcony set up. There's also a bar up here and a smoking room. I'd recommend coming here for a night out! but the crowd was a little younger.

HUGE fan of Bitterzoet…read more For such a small venue (read: great view of the stage from the whole venue) the sound is AMAZING. They've put some time and money into their sound system and they have killer guys on the audio decks. NICE work! The place feels like a tiny church inside, complete with stained glass windows (albeit with pictures of naked women and men). Bartenders are fast. The place is small so get there early to ensure you're right in the front. Great spot for a concert. Hook it up!

Outstanding intimate live music venue with great acoustics and amazing seats…read more Website is tricky to navigate from USA- it would switch to Dutch and was confusing. Seats reasonable cost. Best seats are front row center which have most leg room, or the last ones with the cushy benches towards the back, or the tables on high. Seats are all stadium so views are all generally good. Don't get the front row on the sides as the viewing is limited / stick with the central area for best views. You can bring the food and drinks inside the seating area. Free coatcheck you just hang up your own stuff. Also bathrooms there. Elevator is the small one on the left that takes you to the top if you don't want the stairs. Get there early or don't be surprised that someone will be in your seat. Concerts start exactly on time. People are already seated before concert starts. It's very tight spaces so hard to get to your seat if everyone else already seated. If you are late, they will let you in, but be prepared to be in the standing area. 10 minute walk to Central Train Station or you can take a bus. Cab ride from central area is @ 30-35 euros each way. Highly recommended! We saw two concerts and loved both.

We visited their Tuesday night open-mic twice, and it was wonderful---great views, friendly staff,…read moreand affordable drinks. A highlight of our trip.

Much to my enjoyment, there was yet another event happening right outside my door. Well, a hundred…read moremeters or so down to the south of me right on the Prinsengracht canal. Much of the year the canal near the Pulitzer Hotel is a serene strip of water with picturesque boats slowly gliding by. During the latter part of August is the Grachtenfestival. The area in front of the Pulitzer Hotel is closed off and a very large pontoon barge is assembled to hold a massive stage that various musical performances will be held on. The barge reaches all the way to either side of the canal and is probably about 30 meters or more deep. Suffice it to say large enough to hold an entire orchestra. The infrastructure is massive inclusive of all the necessary stage lights, spot lights, sound devices necessary to put on a major concert. The area in front of the stage where the canal is still visible is filled with boats full of festival goers who will enjoy the performances from their boats. These people will spend at least one night on the canal holding their spot up until the concerts are over. Prior to the concerts, a veritable party happens on the canal among all the boats moored there. The shore is also filled with festival goers and a festive atmosphere dominates with all the support people buzzing around directing traffic and people. The music starts later in the day so prior to that people mill about jockeying for better spaces from which to watch the show. The musical performances delight and enthrall the mass of people and command their attention with solid musical performances. If you've ever spent any time in Amsterdam you know how frequently it rains. Yes, it rained. People were prepared with umbrellas. Still, it rained. Regardless, the show went on. What a concert! It was magical with the lighting, the music and the weather all in sync unfolding a truly memorable show. In addition to this performance on the Prinsengracht canal there were other performances of varying sizes in other locations. One of which was a duet, a cellist and violinist, performing atop a houseboat located in a smaller canal a short distance to the south. It was a great weekend full of music and performances to remember.

F A B Amsterdam at its best (same as Pride and Koningsdag)…read moreDifficult to get close and impossible to get near on a boat unless you go in the morning But don't let that put you off - the concert is A-MAY-ZING!!

Pretty decent food. Takes a really long time to cook it so if you come hungry you will be starving…read morebefore you get your food. But at least you will know it's fresh to order. Small inside. Mainly a bar. They do offer a small couch and table t play board games on. Me and my group tried the burger, the BLT and the "toastie" which is grilled cheese and. on the side ordered the red pepper soup. The soup was unusual. It was spicy yet it had mint in it. Did not care for the mint aspect. But the rest of the food was good.

Little-ass spot between the central train station and the red light district…read more There's like 5 bar seats, jazz music and a cozy couch area to get your eat/drink/romance on. It's such a different vibe than the other bars/restos on this street. Get the meat and cheese plate and a couple of Maes beers. Its a hip spot sans annoying hipsters. True.

The Vondelpark open air theatre is really great. It is a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon…read morelistening to live music out in sunshine. On Saturday evenings there is often (dutch) comedy. I went there yesterday to see a friends band play and it was very nice. You can get your drinks and food at the bar 'Vondeling' which is located in front of the theatre.

From june until september there are free shows (music, cinema, theatre, dance) on friday, saturday…read moreand sunday. I have been visiting concert and realy enjoy the vibe. The audience is mixed and the performances are in general good. Sometimes wheather can be challenge, but performers can be creative by inviting the audience on stage. Tip. Picknick baskets are perfectly fine, so do consider to take along drinks amd snacks.

There are concert halls, and then there is the Concertgebouw. If you have the chance to see a…read moreperformance here, take it--it's an bucket-list experience for a reason. Majestic, historic, and surprisingly inclusive. While the building looks incredibly formal, the atmosphere inside is welcoming. I've seen everything from full suits to smart-casual attire, so don't feel intimidated. I've uploaded some photos of the Grote Zaal (Main Hall), but pictures can't capture the acoustics. The sound is so crisp and 'near' that you feel every note. It's easily one of the best-sounding rooms in the world. It's right on Museumplein. Trams 2, 5, and 12 drop you almost at the door. I used the Q-Park Museumplein right across the street. It's very convenient, though I'd recommend pre-booking a spot on show nights. The Cloakroom is free and very efficient--use it so you don't have to juggle your coat in the steep seating rows! They often offer a complimentary drink during the interval (check your ticket!), which is a classy touch.

Great seats and acoustics and beautiful sauce with names of famous musicians inside. Free drinks…read moreincluded before and during intermission / I tried red wine, white wine, OJ and service was friendly. Also plenty of small restrooms scattered throughout, lots of lounges, also areas to put your clothes free by the stairs. I left during one intermission to catch an early flight and doors are locked, except for one set that is way down the hall and to the left. Tram right in front of that concert house. I would recommend first row balcony for best views and feet discs or the stadium seating behind the orchestra. Highly recommended!

Visited here with a party of six. Enjoyed the selection of spirits including that they had Non…read morealcohol options. We started with the oysters which were fresh and tasty. I enjoyed every part of my three course meal from the beef carpaccio, ravioli to lamb. I was especially impressed with the chef's awareness of night shade allergies and thoughtfulness about what he could add to my plate that wouldn't be harmful. In fact, when he learned that I had shared that I had allergies to tomatoes and potatoes he sent our server back to confirm that I had a night shade allergy and that he shouldn't put eggplant on my plate. The inside of the restaurant is also picturesque so even though it was pouring raining outside it was pleasant inside.

Love their Coté de Beouf! Bearnaise sauce needs some work -…read moretoo thick, consistency of a mayo. I wish they would add chimichurri sauce to their menu. Very good oysters And live jazz!

cash only grungy style music venue…read more i miss these kinds of places where the music is honest, you can chat with the band after the show and the no frills means the beers are cheap. Love and will be back (with more cash)