Amsterdam: Where entertainment comes to life!

A city buzzing with entertainment, Amsterdam offers a range of cultural experiences. From the classical splendour of the Concertgebouw to the theatrical splendour of the Stadsschouwburg to the latest blockbusters at Pathé, the city welcomes visitors with a plethora of artistic and entertaining opportunities.

Discover Amsterdam’s rich cultural diversity and be enchanted by the magic of these iconic venues.

Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw (Concert Building) is one of the finest concert halls in the world. It’s a lovely building with great acoustics. The Concertgebouw Orchestra is one of the world’s finest orchestras. Tip: Free lunchtime concerts are held from September till May every Wednesday at 12.30. Address: Concertgebouwplein 2-6 (Google Maps), www.concertgebouw.nl. For events and prices check the site of the Concert Building.

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ

The Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ is the Netherlands’ most important stage for contemporary music, as well as for classical music with a modern twist. It’s a truly stunning venue, with a great bar on site and the audience experience is amazing. Address: Piet Heinkade 1 (Google Maps), www.muziekgebouw.nl, 5 min. on foot from the Amsterdam Central Station or take tram: 26 exit Muziekgebouw/ Bimhuis, for events and prices check the site of the muziekgebouw.

You can also contact the box office of the Muziekgebouw from Mon – Sat 12.00 – 18.00 hrs. on telephone number +31 (0)20 788 20 00.

Nationale Opera & Ballet (Waterlooplein)

Nationale Opera & Ballet is home to the Dutch Opera and the Dutch National Ballet. The Nationale Opera & Ballet is housed in the same building as Amsterdam’s city hall. Tip: Free lunchtime concerts are held from September to June every Tuesday at 12.30 – 13.00 in the Boekmanzaal. Address: Amstel 3 (Google Maps), www.operaballet.nl, for events and prices, check the site of Nationale Opera & Ballet.

Holland Casino (Leidseplein)

If you’re looking for a calm night out, the Holland Casino Amsterdam is the place to go. There are a lot of games you can play if you are over 18 and properly dressed. During the gambling you can enjoy a drink at one of the bars and relax while listening to the DJ. Address: Max Eeuwenplein 62 (Google Maps), www.hc.nl

Carré Theatre 

Royal Theater Carré is a Neo-Renaissance theater on the Amstel River. The theater was founded in 1887. In 2004 the theater was completely renovated, but the historic façade and interior design have been retained. It is mainly used for musicals, cabaret performances and pop concerts. Address: Amstel 115/125 (Google Maps), www.carre.nl

Bimhuis

The Bimhuis provides a perspective on Dutch and international music with over 300 concerts annually, in which a variety of jazz and improvised music can be enjoyed. The focus is on new developments, but the Bimhuis also offers a significant selection of more mainstream music. Every Tuesday sessions are from 22.00 hrs. Closed July and Aug. Address: Piet Heinkade 3 (Google Maps), www.bimhuis.com, 5 min. on foot from the Amsterdam Central Station or take tram: 26 exit Muziekgebouw/ Bimhuis. For events and prices check the site of the Bimhuis.

Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago is an American comedy troupe that’s renowned for English-language comedy, theatrical shows, improvisation and stand-up. Over the years, Boom Chicago has addressed issues like the role of Europe, privacy, and the role of technology.

The comedy troupe can be found at the Rozentheater, a former cinema and variety club on Rozengracht. Address: Rozengracht 117 (Google Maps), www.boomchicago.nl. For events and prices check the site of Boom Chicago.

Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

The International Theatre Amsterdam is the leader when it comes to Dutch theatre culture. The building is a lovely example of the neo- Renaissance style, dating back to 1894. The program of events encompasses all sorts of theatrical forms, mostly by Dutch writers. For events and prices check the site of the Stadsschouwburg. Address: Leidseplein 26 (Google Maps), www.ita.nl. For events and prices, check the site of the Stadsschouwburg.

Cinemas

All films are shown in the original language with Dutch subtitles. Many movie theatres are located around Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein. Admission prices are around € 12, depending on the show time. Like any other city, Amsterdam has a lot of fun cinemas and arthouses.

Pathé Tuschinski (Rembrandtplein)

Amsterdam’s most famous cinema is worth visiting itself for its sumptuous art/deco Amsterdam School interior. Tuschinski has recently been modernized, but the character of its old part has been preserved. Address: Regulierdwarsstraat 26-34 (Google Maps), www.pathe.nl

Cinecenter (Leidseplein)

This theatre offers art-house programming just off Leidseplein. The entrance is a bit small but inside is very cozy and the bar is very nice. Cinecenter is well known among cinema lovers. Address: Lijnbaansgracht 236 (Google Maps), www.cinecenter.nl