live music bars

Amsterdam is brimming with live music venues, ranging from intimate, cozy spots with free entry to massive open-air stages hosting world-class performances. Explore the my ways to experience live music in the city below!

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is one of my go-to spots for live music. 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 – I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who is into blues, jazz and rock’n’roll.

It’s usually €5 on the door with space mostly for standing. Open weekdays till 4am and weekends till 5am. Drinks are pretty basic and quite expensive so go for the music and don’t expect a fancy cocktail! 

💰 Price Range: €€

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.

💰 Price Range: €€€

The Waterhole

This centrally located funky tavern features brilliant live music performances every night. 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.

💰 Price Range: €€

Melkweg

One of Amsterdam’s most iconic music venues, Melkweg offers an eclectic mix of live performances, from indie bands and electronic DJs to hip-hop and rock legends. Located in a converted factory in the center of Amsterdam, this place is a must-visit for music lovers.

💰 Price Range: €€

Bimhuis

One of the best jazz clubs in the Netherlands, Bimhuis is a place for pioneering musicians of all generations. Running since 1974, you can expect a variety of top quality jazz performances every weekend. The building itself is really striking and has stunning views over the IJ River. 

💰 Price Range: €€

Paradiso

This huge venue in Central Amsterdam is housed in a converted 19th-century church. Paradiso boasts concerts and club nights 7 days per week, featuring a variety of styles including Pop, Rock, Hiphop, R&B, Alternative, Electronic, Soul. Search online for upcoming concerts at this legendary venue.

💰 Price Range: €€

Jazz Cafe Alto

This small and intimate jazz cafe located in the central area of Leidseplein remains the only walk-in bar to offer brilliant 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.

💰 Price Range: €€

Sofar Sounds Amsterdam

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.

💰 Price Range: €€

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