Must-see entertainment in The Netherlands

  • Doornroosje

    Nijmegen

    In eye-catching digs by the train and bus station, this long-running concert venue stages an eclectic program, from electronica and house to indie rock…

  • Podium Asteriks

    Leeuwarden

    The stage in the city to catch upcoming Frisian and Dutch bands, with concerts kicking off most Fridays at 8pm. Find it in Leeuwarden's former prison.

  • Openluchttheater

    Amsterdam

    The Vondelpark's marvellous open-air theatre hosts free concerts in summer, with a laid-back, festival feel. The program includes world music, dance,…

  • Dizzy

    Rotterdam

    Live acts perform most nights at this decades-old jazz cafe, and can include anything from cool jazz to blues-tinged sets, funk and Latin. The whisky…

  • De Oosterpoort

    Groningen

    De Oosterpoort is the place to catch big-name musical acts passing through town. Jazz and classical concerts are the mainstay of its monthly program.

  • Patronaat

    Haarlem

    Haarlem's top music and dance club attracts bands with banging tunes, from country to punk. Events in this cavernous venue usually start around 10pm.

  • Grand Theatre

    Groningen

    Restored to its original grandeur, this circa 1929 art deco–style venue stages a varied program of classical music, dance and children's theatre.

  • De Twee Spieghels

    Leiden

    Live jazz takes to the stage at this intimate wine bar at least four nights a week; check the agenda to see what's coming up. Concerts are free.

  • Café Stiels

    Haarlem

    Bands play jazz and rhythm and blues on Café Stiels' back stage almost every night of the week from 10pm.

  • Springhaver Theater

    Utrecht

    This art-deco complex houses intimate cinemas that screen art-house and independent films.

  • LantarenVenster

    Rotterdam

    Great art-house cinema with a convivial bar and cafe.

  • The Arena Stadium, a massive, high-tech complex which seats 52,000 people, on Arena Boulevard.

    Johan Cruijff ArenA

    Amsterdam

    This high-tech complex (formerly Amsterdam ArenA) with a retractable roof is the home of four-time European champions Ajax, the Netherlands' most famous…

  • Casa Rosso

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    It might be stretching it to describe a live sex show as 'classy', but this theatre is clean and comfortable and always packed with couples and hen…

  • De Machinist

    Rotterdam

    In a handsome building where stoking and other ship-related trades were once taught, this hybrid restaurant, bar and club hosts regular live comedy gigs…

  • Orgelpark

    Amsterdam

    A unique performance space for organ music, with four big organs in a lovely restored church on the edge of the Vondelpark. Around 80 events take place…

  • Amsterdamse Bos Theatre

    Amsterdam

    This large, open-air amphitheatre stages plays from Shakespeare to The Gruffalo in Dutch, as well as regular gigs. It's close to Schipol airport, and so…

  • Theater De Bordenhal

    Maastricht

    An 1880 former ceramics factory has been converted into a 150-seat theatre that's home to the experimental Toneelgroep troop and also hosts occasional…

  • Zuiderstrandtheater

    Den Haag

    This performing arts theatre on Scheveningen beach hosts jazz, classical and pop concerts, as well as dance performances. Check the program on the website…

  • De Doelen

    Rotterdam

    Home venue of the renowned Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, this sumptuous 1950s concert hall seating 2200 is also renowned for its jazz and world-music…

  • Ziggo Dome

    Amsterdam

    The 17,000-seat, indoor Ziggo Dome hosts big-name concerts: Metallica, Katy Perry, Nick Cave and Elton John have tramped these boards.

  • De Harmonie

    Leeuwarden

    The local home to theatre performances, both mainstream and fringe. Last-minute tickets are half price.

  • Schouwburg

    Rotterdam

    Rotterdam's main cultural centre, the Schouwburg, has a changing calendar of dance, theatre and drama.

  • Conservatorium van Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Catch a classical recital by students at the Netherlands' largest conservatory of music. There are regular festivals in this snazzy contemporary building…

  • AFAS Live

    Amsterdam

    This mid-sized venue has excellent acoustics and lighting, plus an on-site restaurant. Expect rock and pop acts from medium to big names.

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