The Waterhole is a fun little club a friend and I walked into while we were in Amsterdam…read more They had live music that was entertaining, good food (we weren't too hungry, but got some Biterballen as a late night snack), and a super fun vibe overall. If you're looking for some live music in Amsterdam, any night of the week, definitely check out The Waterhole!

Love this bar! The live music was amazing, drink menu is good, there's pool tables and that vibrant…read morevibe was the best thing about this bar!

Paradiso had a very cool atmosphere as it was built inside the church. Get tickets before for a…read morelower fee. We paid €20 on a Friday night and it wasn't crazy fun of a crowd. It was latin night where the salsa was fun but there weren't that many people.

This place is right along the river behind the Hard Rock Cafe. It's hard to miss this enormous…read morechurch looking building. My one gripe, which I expected because I've been to Amsterdam before, is the 4 euro membership charge for concerts. I'm sure it's well known among locals but beware that your ticket price will not be the only charge. The inside of this venue is beautiful. We were there to see Kevin Devine. He was playing in the smaller room upstairs. They had a full bar and a very intimate feel. Sound and lighting was great. Always an awesome time when I get to see KD.

We had a great time at Bitterzoet during our stay in Amsterdam. We asked a local friend for some…read moresuggestions and he recommended Bitterzoet for hip hop. I believe there is always a cover, but if you buy online it's a bit cheaper. There are two dance floors and one lower level with lockers/bathrooms. Lockers were a super convenient option for all of our coats/jackets. We started out on the first floor, but once it got crowded, we moved up to the second floor which was smaller, but less people. You can still see the DJ and first floor because it's kind of like a balcony set up. There's also a bar up here and a smoking room. I'd recommend coming here for a night out! but the crowd was a little younger.

I saw Wheezer here, which was great because hearing Americans sing American in Amsterdam in actual…read moreAmsterdam is hilarious. I enjoyed the venue as a whole, not too large not too small. There is an upstairs balcony area which is nice. Would definitely see other bands here, reminded me of places I used to go in Arizona when I was young.

Much to my enjoyment, there was yet another event happening right outside my door. Well, a hundred…read moremeters or so down to the south of me right on the Prinsengracht canal. Much of the year the canal near the Pulitzer Hotel is a serene strip of water with picturesque boats slowly gliding by. During the latter part of August is the Grachtenfestival. The area in front of the Pulitzer Hotel is closed off and a very large pontoon barge is assembled to hold a massive stage that various musical performances will be held on. The barge reaches all the way to either side of the canal and is probably about 30 meters or more deep. Suffice it to say large enough to hold an entire orchestra. The infrastructure is massive inclusive of all the necessary stage lights, spot lights, sound devices necessary to put on a major concert. The area in front of the stage where the canal is still visible is filled with boats full of festival goers who will enjoy the performances from their boats. These people will spend at least one night on the canal holding their spot up until the concerts are over. Prior to the concerts, a veritable party happens on the canal among all the boats moored there. The shore is also filled with festival goers and a festive atmosphere dominates with all the support people buzzing around directing traffic and people. The music starts later in the day so prior to that people mill about jockeying for better spaces from which to watch the show. The musical performances delight and enthrall the mass of people and command their attention with solid musical performances. If you've ever spent any time in Amsterdam you know how frequently it rains. Yes, it rained. People were prepared with umbrellas. Still, it rained. Regardless, the show went on. What a concert! It was magical with the lighting, the music and the weather all in sync unfolding a truly memorable show. In addition to this performance on the Prinsengracht canal there were other performances of varying sizes in other locations. One of which was a duet, a cellist and violinist, performing atop a houseboat located in a smaller canal a short distance to the south. It was a great weekend full of music and performances to remember.

F A B Amsterdam at its best (same as Pride and Koningsdag)…read moreDifficult to get close and impossible to get near on a boat unless you go in the morning But don't let that put you off - the concert is A-MAY-ZING!!

Pretty decent food. Takes a really long time to cook it so if you come hungry you will be starving…read morebefore you get your food. But at least you will know it's fresh to order. Small inside. Mainly a bar. They do offer a small couch and table t play board games on. Me and my group tried the burger, the BLT and the "toastie" which is grilled cheese and. on the side ordered the red pepper soup. The soup was unusual. It was spicy yet it had mint in it. Did not care for the mint aspect. But the rest of the food was good.

Little-ass spot between the central train station and the red light district…read more There's like 5 bar seats, jazz music and a cozy couch area to get your eat/drink/romance on. It's such a different vibe than the other bars/restos on this street. Get the meat and cheese plate and a couple of Maes beers. Its a hip spot sans annoying hipsters. True.

From june until september there are free shows (music, cinema, theatre, dance) on friday, saturday…read moreand sunday. I have been visiting concert and realy enjoy the vibe. The audience is mixed and the performances are in general good. Sometimes wheather can be challenge, but performers can be creative by inviting the audience on stage. Tip. Picknick baskets are perfectly fine, so do consider to take along drinks amd snacks.

The Vondelpark open air theatre is really great. It is a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon…read morelistening to live music out in sunshine. On Saturday evenings there is often (dutch) comedy. I went there yesterday to see a friends band play and it was very nice. You can get your drinks and food at the bar 'Vondeling' which is located in front of the theatre.

There are concert halls, and then there is the Concertgebouw. If you have the chance to see a…read moreperformance here, take it--it's an bucket-list experience for a reason. Majestic, historic, and surprisingly inclusive. While the building looks incredibly formal, the atmosphere inside is welcoming. I've seen everything from full suits to smart-casual attire, so don't feel intimidated. I've uploaded some photos of the Grote Zaal (Main Hall), but pictures can't capture the acoustics. The sound is so crisp and 'near' that you feel every note. It's easily one of the best-sounding rooms in the world. It's right on Museumplein. Trams 2, 5, and 12 drop you almost at the door. I used the Q-Park Museumplein right across the street. It's very convenient, though I'd recommend pre-booking a spot on show nights. The Cloakroom is free and very efficient--use it so you don't have to juggle your coat in the steep seating rows! They often offer a complimentary drink during the interval (check your ticket!), which is a classy touch.

Great seats and acoustics and beautiful sauce with names of famous musicians inside. Free drinks…read moreincluded before and during intermission / I tried red wine, white wine, OJ and service was friendly. Also plenty of small restrooms scattered throughout, lots of lounges, also areas to put your clothes free by the stairs. I left during one intermission to catch an early flight and doors are locked, except for one set that is way down the hall and to the left. Tram right in front of that concert house. I would recommend first row balcony for best views and feet discs or the stadium seating behind the orchestra. Highly recommended!

Visited here with a party of six. Enjoyed the selection of spirits including that they had Non…read morealcohol options. We started with the oysters which were fresh and tasty. I enjoyed every part of my three course meal from the beef carpaccio, ravioli to lamb. I was especially impressed with the chef's awareness of night shade allergies and thoughtfulness about what he could add to my plate that wouldn't be harmful. In fact, when he learned that I had shared that I had allergies to tomatoes and potatoes he sent our server back to confirm that I had a night shade allergy and that he shouldn't put eggplant on my plate. The inside of the restaurant is also picturesque so even though it was pouring raining outside it was pleasant inside.

Our Hampton Inn recommended this place. We got there and were very unsure as we looked at the menu…read moreand thought about leaving. We ended up staying and each ordered the 3-course meal. Everything both of us had was fantastic. Probably the best meal we had in Amsterdam, Bruges, or Paris so far.

cash only grungy style music venue…read more i miss these kinds of places where the music is honest, you can chat with the band after the show and the no frills means the beers are cheap. Love and will be back (with more cash)