live music bars

Amsterdam is full of live music venues, from small and cosy locations where entry is free to huge open-air venues boasting some of the best live music performances in the world. Check out a variety of ways to experience live music in Amsterdam below! 

Bourbon Street

This old school live music venue is located in Leidseplein – one of Amsterdam’s bar and pub districts. In this intimate yet lively venue you can expect truly brilliant acts every day of the week, attracting both locals and tourists and young and old. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who appreciates blues, jazz and rock’n’roll. It’s usually €5 on the door with limited seating available. Open weekdays till 4am and weekends till 5am.

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Piano Bar Maxim

This hugely popular piano bar is a long-standing nightspot delivering live piano-playing & singing along with champagne & cocktails. I’d advise to phone ahead and try to reserve a booth. Drinks are expensive but the acts are quality and the atmosphere is great.

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The Waterhole

This centrally located funky tavern features live rock bands and billiards. Expect an old-school feel, with a varying line-up of all popular music genres. Get cheap drinks at happy hour, running up until 9pm.

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Melkweg

The Melkweg is a large and popular music venue in Amsterdam, located near the prime nightlife square of Leidseplein. Check out their programme of live music, club nights, photography, cinema and festivals.

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Bimhuis

One of the best jazz clubs in the Netherlands, Bimhuis is a place for pioneering musicians of all generations and for curious listeners. Running since 1974, you can expect a variety of top quality jazz performances every weekend.

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Paradiso

This huge venue in Central Amsterdam boasts concerts and club nights 7 days per week, featuring a variety of styles including Pop, Rock, Hiphop, R&B, Alternative, Electronic, Soul. For upcoming concerts at Paradiso check their websites.

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Jazz Cafe Alto

This small jazz cafe located in Leidseplein remains the only walk-in bar to offer live jazz every night of the week in Amsterdam. Be sure to get there early, and you might have a chance to score a table close to the stage.

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Sofar Sounds Amsterdam

If you haven’t heard already, Sofar Sounds is a music company offering intimate gigs in cities all over the world. In Amsterdam Sofar Sounds organises gigs at secret locations revealed every month, and it’s usually BYOB. Check their website for more details.

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