Many internationally-acclaimed artists have performed at Paradiso, formerly a church. It features a spacious dance floor and a balcony offering excellent views of the surrounding balustrade. Every week, this venue hosts different bands in action, from regional musicians to world-famous artists like the Rolling Stones. Occasionally, the stage on the first floor is reserved for smaller indie bands that draw an eclectic crowd of locals and tourists.
This cultural phenomenon located within a short distance of the Leidseplein occupies a former dairy. That explains its name, which translates to "Milky Way." Melkweg is renowned for both its size and eclectic performers. In addition to a dance floor and 2000-person capacity, you'll find a gallery, cinema, theater, and concert stage. Bands are often followed by DJs who play tunes ranging from house to drum and bass. Its diverse audience is a mix of locals and tourists. The atmosphere is relaxed with plenty of space to dance or mingle.
Amsterdam was host to the 1928 Olympics. Although that was quite a while back, some interesting monuments still remain from that period. The most important relic remains the Olympic Stadium itself. Architect Jan Wils designed it especially for the occasion. It was the place where AFC Ajax played the home matches for the European Cup because entertaining a large audience was possible here. Many historic soccer matches have been played here. The stadium is now in its original condition and is used both as a business center and National Athletic Stadium.
Leidse Schouwburg remains one of the most prominent cultural venues in Leiden. Its long-standing history dates back to the 18th Century. In the year 1705, the then noted theater actor Jacob van Rijndorp proposed the construction of a new drama hall on Oude Vest. Considered to be one of the oldest theaters of Netherlands, it underwent a major overhaul in the year 1865. The architect commissioned for the redesign was Jan Willem Schaap, who created a spectacular facade and a horse-shoe plan inspired by several Italian theaters. Post its renovation in the year 1997, it was ornately furnished with red velvet seats, gold ornaments and imposing chandeliers. It plays host to a number of theater groups from Leiden and other cities. Apart from theatrical plays, it also stages cabaret, dance and musical galas.
Het Concertgebouw was first conceived in the minds of the Dutch in 1881, when Amsterdam felt the need for a hall to hold performances. Today, various international performances are held by popular artists who are well-known throughout the world. A number of orchestras and recitals take the stage as well. The concert hall has incredible acoustics which have helped it become one of the top concert halls in the world.
Constructed in 1887 as the Circus Carré, Koninklijk Theater Carré, as of today, serves as a wonderful performance venue. Situated close to the Amstel, this Neo-Renaissance building plays host to musicals, concerts, stand-up comedy and many more events throughout the year. The theater also includes an in-house restaurant, Oscar's, which offers three-course menus as well as excellent views of the surrounding area.
De Industrieele Groote Club or IGC as it is popularly called, is a platform for like-minded people to come together for various social and cultural causes. Its members are mostly from mercantile background for whom the club organizes various cultural programs like jazz evenings, excursions and such. Apart from this, social and political topics discussions are facilitated regularly. The club also features a restaurant, a bar, a reading room and an event room.
Vlaams Cultuurhuis De Brakke Grond is an important part of the Flemish Cultural Information Center, Exposition Hall and Theater that has clear Flemish characteristics. You can have a bite of hot snacks served in the pub downstairs. There is also a restaurant on the first floor and the clientele is mainly Dutch. The well-furnished and pleasant interiors along with the great performances presented here, all make the place a top destination. The large terrace on De Nes is screened from noisy traffic.
Akhnaton can be found in the center of Amsterdam and is a multi-purpose club and building. Lots of music nights are held here, including music from many countries around the world. There are Latin, Salsa, and African nights, hip-hop parties and sometimes jazz and funk jam sessions.The atmosphere is very relaxed, though some people are definitely here to get noticed. Akhnaton makes for a great night out: it has something for everybody and is not expensive either.
This former stock exchange is the harbinger of modern Dutch architecture and was built between 1898 to 1903 on reclaimed land by the Amstel River. This magnificent building is now a prestigious site for concerts, exhibitions, meetings, parties and major events. Featuring over 25 rooms, the largest being the Grote Zaal which can seat up to 1,100 guests, each room is unique and has a character of its own. With state-of-the-art technology, an expert staff and the venue itself, Beurs van Berlage is worth visiting for its grandeur. Opt for a guided tour that takes place every Saturday to learn more about this beautiful piece of history.
This former hidden church is now the home of the Amsterdamse Studentenecclesia. The famous Dutch writer/poet, Huub Oosterhuis, started a political, cultural and religious center in this building during the late-1980s and named it 'De Rode Hoed' (the Red Hat). Come along for the Sunday services, hosted by the ecclesia. During the week, the center is used for conferences, exhibitions and debates. Halls are also for rent and can be used for all kinds of events.
Tobacco Theater takes its name from the former tobacco auction house it occupies, and presents an eclectic program of dinner theater. The theater has made innovative use of the historic features of the old building, and given it an industrial makeover. The result is a striking blend of period features and contemporary accents. The theater sees a large international audience primarily due to its focus on English-language shows. While the dinner theater remains its primary activity, the theater also hosts workshops for cooking and cocktail mixing to wine tasting. The multitude of elegant spaces within the theater offer excellent opportunities for hosting private functions.