And all that jazz…
The Dutch have a passion for jazz, as evidenced by world-class events like the annual North Sea Jazz Festival. So it's no surprise that Amsterdam offers a variety of legendary venues for live music. Get ready to jive along to some great music during your visit, and check out just a few great venues to get your jazz on.
Legendary jazz venue
Jazz is so popular in Amsterdam that the city has its very own jazz concert hall – the Bimhuis, considered to be one of the world's best jazz venues. The Bimhuis first opened in 1974 near the Waterlooplein, but this popular Amsterdam institution moved to its new home at the Muziekgebouw on the IJ river in 2005. With 225 seats and standing room for 150, Bimhuis has an intimate atmosphere. The focus is on new developments by both Dutch and international artists, but the Bimhuis also offers a respectable selection of more mainstream music.
Jazz joints in Amsterdam
Café Alto is a quintessential jazz joint. This small brown café just off the Leidseplein has attracted jazz enthusiasts from all over the world to Amsterdam. The well-known Dutch saxophonist Hans Dulfer performs here regularly, sometimes accompanied by his equally talented daughter, Candy Dulfer – who has played with big-name stars like Prince. Best of all, there is no cover charge to visit Café Alto! Another Amsterdam jazz joint, the Cotton Club just might make you think you’re at the world famous Harlem nightclub. Although Amsterdam's version is nearly as legendary, having opened in the 1930s.
Got a thing for the blues?
t Maloe-Melo features live blues most nights, but also regularly lists jazz and jam sessions on its bill. Hundreds of great artists have played here, including Patti Smith, Doug Sahm, T99, the Seatsniffers, Louisiana Red, T-Model Ford and more. Paradiso is another world-famous music venue in an old church that has hosted thousands of concerts by the world's best bands since the 60s. It also regularly plays host to big-name blues artists.
In a jam
You can’t really miss Amsterdam’s Bourbon Street. Located just off Leidseplein, it has an enormous blue guitar on top of the building. Sting, Jeff Healey, Bobby Kimball (Toto), the Rolling Stones and the late Dutch rock 'n roll hero Herman Brood have also found their way to this cheery beer hall. Sunday and Tuesday nights are traditionally blues jam session nights. The Melkweg is also a haven for jam-junkies, holding a three-day Jam in the Dam festival.
Free jazz Sundays
Whether you're a true jazz fan, or just looking for a bit of live music then Amsterdam is the place to be for a lazy, music-filled Sunday afternoon. Many bars and music venues offer free live jazz concerts on Sundays. For example, drop by de Badcuyp in the Pijp for a free afternoon of jazz and jam sessions in a former bathhouse. Or visit Café de Engelbewaarder (Kloveniersburgwal 59) to enjoy free jazz in a cosy neighbourhood café that serves a variety of cold brews. Brix (Wolvenstraat 16) also has live jazz every Sunday. So grab a seat and a drink and spend your Sunday indoors soaking up the best of Amsterdam's jazz scene.
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