Amsterdam is known as a place to party. Whether you like live concerts, hip dance clubs, or underground festivals, the Dutch capital offers something for every taste. But with countless trendy clubs, fantastic live music venues, and more than 300 festivals each year, it can be hard to know where to begin diving into the Amsterdam music scene.
“Amsterdam is an outstanding destination for clubbing and attending concerts and music festivals,” says Kristina Dolgova, Music Director at W Hotels Europe, Middle East and Africa, who is based in Amsterdam. Manuel Zeeman, W Amsterdam‘s Music Curator, agrees: “The city has an abundance of word-class events.”
Both music experts, who are DJs, as well, suggest some of their favorite places to enjoy music in the city. Read on to find the best Amsterdam concerts and live music venues.
As always, check for travel guidelines and restrictions before planning your trip.
Concert Venues to Remember
Paradiso
People have been enjoying live music at Paradiso — a pop venue, club, and cultural center in a former church in the city center — since 1968. “This welcoming place is by far my first choice for live music,” says Manuel Zeeman. “It was one of the first places in the country with experimental music performances and has been at the forefront since then. A real beacon of quality, while the location is brilliant, too.”
Melkweg
Another option for concerts is this nearby venue, says Kristina Dolgova. It is housed in a former milk factory — “Melkweg” is Dutch for Milky Way. The program is diverse, and besides concerts, there are club nights, movies, theater performances, and expositions.
“Just like in Paradiso, you not only see the international headliners perform here, but also many exciting up-and-coming musicians,” says Kristina.
Excellent Clubbing
Shelter
For the best electronic music experience, both house and techno, Manuel and Kristina encourage you take the (free) ferry to Amsterdam North. “Shelter is literally underground and has a terrific selection of DJs,” says Kristina about the nightclub in the basement of the A’DAM Tower.
“Expect the classic idea of a club,” adds Manuel. “A dark, intense experience.”
Noorderlicth and Garage Noord
Besides the crowd-favorite large venues, there is also a wide range of excellent small venues that host concerts, DJ shows, and festivals. Manuel recommends Noorderlicht and Garage Noord, both in the north part of the city.
Dutch Delights
Amsterdam Dance Event
October is a great time to check out the Amsterdam music scene, as the city hosts Amsterdam Dance Event. This five-day event takes over the city’s venues, spans day and nighttime, and features more than 2,500 artists.
“Nearly half a million visitors from all continents come to enjoy the finest the electronic genre has to offer,” says Manuel. “ADE is awesome because it’s not in one massive location, but spread across the whole city at 140 locations.”
Kristina is equally enthusiastic. “Every DJ in the world is here during those five days. I always look forward to it.” W Amsterdam is one of the festival’s official partners, and it hosts DJ sets, industry panels, and wellness sessions.
Pride Amsterdam
In the summer, don’t miss Pride Amsterdam, a festival that advocates for and celebrates LGBTQ+ pride, acceptance, equality and “the right to be who you are and to love who you want,” as Manuel shares.
At the core of the W Hotels’ brand values lie music, diversity, and inclusivity, and thus, LGBTQ+ rights, explains Manuel. “We also have our own boat during the canal Parade and an amazing after-party in the hotel.”
Hundreds of Festivals
Kristina recommends arriving a few days before Pride and also attending the Milkshake festival in the Westerpark. “It’s a rainbow-unicorn wonderland. Super fun.”
Both music experts also recommend checking out other, smaller festivals in the summer, like Dekmantel, held inAmsterdam Forest in the south of the city. “Expect an outstanding lineup and a hip crowd,” says Kristina.
She also recommends the DGTL Amsterdam festival, hosted in the spring at NDSM Docklands in the north.
In the Heart of the Action
Guests staying at W Amsterdam (located right in the center next to Dam Square and the Royal Palace) won’t miss anything happening in the city.
“The hotel is located at the heart of the city’s nightlife and joins in with the festivities,” emphasizes Kristina. The property’s sleek W Lounge hosts nightly resident DJs spinning everything from disco to house music, and offers a calendar of weekly events.
Plus, during many citywide celebrations, like King’s Day in April, there are DJ-spun parties. “And you can watch the street celebrations with a cocktail in your hand from the W Lounge on the rooftop.”
“Few places around the globe compare to Amsterdam,” concludes Manuel. “Its rich history of cultural, religious, and social diversity has paved the way for a modern, energetic capital of artistic freedom and exploration — with an inspiring music scene.”
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