Entertainment
Amsterdam is home to many orchestras, theatre and dance troupes, comedians and experimental performance groups. It is an inspiring city and a breeding ground for budding talent and creative innovation. Find your inspiration in any one of the theatres, arthouse cinemas or open-air stages; try your luck at the blackjack table or attend one of the 50 cultural festivals which take place each year.
Cinemas
Amsterdam has dozens of cinemas. So whatever your taste in films, you’re bound to find something that appeals to you. For Hollywood blockbusters, head for the cinemas of the Pathé chain. Near Munt square you’ll find two such cinemas with several halls: Pathé De Munt and Pathé Tuschinski. The Tuschinski cinema is worth visiting for its beautiful art-deco interior alone. There’s another mega-cinema complex near the Arena stadium: Pathé Arena. All cinemas and most cafés show a playlist of current movies. For reservations in advance go to www.belbios.nl (Dutch).
Arthouse film theatres
Lovers of arthouse films will find plenty to their liking, too. Many film theatres present both commercial and arthouse films. A good example is The Movies, housed in a former brothel, as you can still see. It has a very alluring ambiance. So alluring, in fact, that many visitors remain glued to the bar after watching a film. Cinecenter also offers a double feature programme. This cinema specialises in Mediterranean films. For golden oldies you should go to the Eye Film Instituut Nederland and enjoy this stunning venue in Amsterdam's Vondelpark - the museum’s patio was once voted the most beautiful in the world.
Open-air stages
Vondelpark also boasts an open-air theatre with almost daily performances from June-August. The line up varies from theatre and stand-comedy to modern dance and pop concerts. If there's nothing on at Vondelpark and weather permits, try the open-air stage at Amsterdamse Bos (‘Amsterdam Forest’) theatre. Performances here typically include modern adaptations of classic works by Shakespeare, Chekhov and Brecht. Performances make for a magical atmosphere in this wooded park, with many visitors picnicking beforehand. Confirm performances by checking listings or calling on the day.
Casinos
In the Netherlands, gambling is largely state-controlled. Certain games of chance such as Black Jack, Poker and Roulette may only be played in government-controlled casinos. There are two in Amsterdam: Holland Casino at Max Euweplein (near Leidseplein) and Holland Casino Schiphol airport.
EYE Film Institute Netherlands
As national cinematographic centre, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands aims to promote a lively film culture in the Netherlands. It does so by collecting and restoring ‘treasures.. Read more... »
Filmhuis Cinecenter
Cinecenter is as cinema close to Leidseplein across the Melkweg venue. Read more... »
Holland Casino Amsterdam
Holland Casino offers a wide range of gambling machines and table games including American Roulette, Black Jack, Punto Banco, Poker and more than 550 Slotmachines. Holland.. Read more... »Holland Casino Schiphol Airport
Holland Casino offers American Roulette, Black Jack and a wide range of gambling machines. Its situated at the Holland Boulevard, between gate E and F. The Holland Casino is open.. Read more... »
Pathé Arena
Pathé Arena is a large cinema with 14 movie rooms close to the Amsterdam ArenA. Read more... »
Pathé Tuschinski
Pathé Tuschinski Arthouse, one of the world's most beautiful cinemas, has been restored in its original state, and is decorated entirely in Art Deco style. Read more... »
Pathé de Munt
Pathé de Munt is a large cinema with 13 movie rooms close to Muntplein in Amsterdam. Read more... »
The Movies
The Movies is Amsterdam’s oldest cinema in use. The movie theatre on Haarlemmerdijk has its origins in the Hollandia cinema established in 1912. The interior of the four rooms.. Read more... »
Vondelpark Openair Theater
Each summer, the Vondelpark's open-air theatre hosts top concerts and performances from the world of comedy, dance, music and kid's theatre. Located in the heart of the park, the.. Read more... »
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