Alternative concert venues in Amsterdam

Tolhuistuin

The largest venue on this list, Tolhuistuin, is sister to the larger Paradiso, one of the city’s major music venues. Its box-shaped main auditorium fits 550, including on its cosy balcony, and has played host to mid-size acts from Khruangbin to Loyle Carner – as well as early shows by cult stars like Lizzo, Anderson .Paak and FKA Twigs. By night, it transforms into Parallel, one of Amsterdam’s best nightclubs, and it also includes several smaller spaces, an idyllic garden and a cafe-restaurant with a bustling terrace.

Tolhuistuin | IJpromenade 2, Noord

Bitterzoet

Another Paradiso sister venue, the even smaller Bitterzoet, is a characterful, intimate space. That relationship is playfully symbolised by its signature decorations, which reimagine Paradiso’s stained glass windows sacrilegiously – with naked angels and a DJing devil. Though acts here range from indie to punk, Bitterzoet is well known as a hub for hip hop – particularly at its club nights, which draw young, diverse fans of rap, dancehall and afrobeats.

Bitterzoet | Spuistraat 2, Centrum

OT301

This hidden, multi-purpose venue on the Overtoom is one of the best known of several Amsterdam cultural centres that were once squatted. A holdout from Amsterdam’s once-iconic counterculture, OT301 still holds to its roots, as a collectively owned nonprofit and community hub for radical culture, inclusive programming and political activism. Today, its programming increasingly focuses on alternative club nights rather than live music. Still, you can also check out exhibitions at its art space 4bid or movies at the upstairs Ventilator Cinema.

OT301 | Overtoom 301, Oud-West

See also:

• De Nieuwe Anita: a squat-turned-cocktail bar with a unique, multi-level concert space in the back, which hosts small bands and eccentric club nights.
• Plantage Dok: this formerly squatted church still plays an important cultural role and hosts regular, quirky music events in its large hall, the Dokzaal.

OCCII

Another legendary former squat – and just down the road from OT301 – OCCII still hosts a steady stream of anarchic, vibrant live music. It is best known for punk and metal concerts. It also regularly platforms other music, assigned tongue-in-cheek genre descriptions like ‘post-apocalyptic shamanism’, ‘weird electronics’ or ‘100% chaos non-musica’. Besides its grungy image and bargain ticket prices, OCCII has incredible sound, the friendliest (volunteer) bar staff, and a stunningly restored facade.

OCCII | Amstelveenseweg 134, Oud-Zuid

See also:

• Vrankrijk: one of the most politically active former squats, with regular queer and punk events.
• Molli Chaoot: ‘squat cafe’ hosting a vegan community kitchen, regular fundraisers and accessible music events since 1979.

‘t Zonnehuis

Tucked away on Zonneplein, in residential Amsterdam Noord, this historic theatre hosts a variety of music and other cultural activities. Besides small local events and a monthly talent show, ‘t Zonnehuis regularly attracts international artists booked by Paradiso—from Father John Misty to Julia Holter. Regardless of the act, concerts here are always atmospheric, thanks to the century-old building’s art deco interior and stunning Amsterdamse School architecture.

't Zonnehuis |  Zonneplein 30, Noord

See also: 

• Splendor: a former bathhouse co-owned by 54 musicians, who each experiment there and play annual concerts in a vibrant programme.

Cinetol

This ‘cultural breeding ground’ on the edge of De Pijp includes many spaces rented by artists and creatives, as well as the popular cafe Tolbar. However, it also hosts almost daily concerts in its intimate, 150-person main room. Come here for local talent and up-and-coming independent artists of all genres – particularly rock, indie and singer-songwriters.

Cinetol | Tolstraat 182, De Pijp

See also:

• Tempel: this former theosophical temple is right next door to and often collaborates on events with Cinetol, alongside other musical and cultural events.
• murmur: this listening bar in Noord increasingly invites musicians for intimate concerts, taking advantage of its tailor-made sound system.

Orgelpark

Next to Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s best hidden musical gems. This former church was converted into a specialised venue for organ music, featuring several unique replicas and state-of-the-art tech. Its ‘hyperorgan’ allows multiple instruments to be played simultaneously, by humans or ‘robots’ – like a vast, wall-shaking synthesiser. From Bach recitals to cutting-edge experimentation, Orgelpark has something for everyone.

Orgelpark | Gerard Brandtstraat 28, Oud-West

See also:

• Oude Kerk: Amsterdam’s oldest building hosts monthly morning ‘Silence’ concerts and other experimental performances, sometimes featuring its pipe organs.

De Thomas

Despite its unassuming exterior, De Thomas boasts one of the most architecturally stunning concert halls in the city. The brutalist church conceals a striking interior, all sharply angular concrete, elegant woodwork and precisely fractured light. Its bi-monthly Tuesday lunchtime concerts are free, but it also often attracts experimental and ambient performances that perfectly complement its minimal decor.

De Thomas | Prinses Irenestraat 36, Zuid

See also:

• De Duif / Amstelkerk: these adjacent churches on the Reguliersgracht host classical and world music in historic surroundings.

Teatro Munganga

This charming little theatre is just around the corner from OCCII and was originally part of the same horse tram depot. Today, it hosts an originally Brazilian theatre group of the same name and a wide range of cultural activities, including unusual concerts by artists from Latin America and beyond.

Teatro Munganga | Schinkelhavenstraat 27-HS, Oud-Zuid

See also:

• Mezrab: besides its famous storytelling and comedy nights, this space also often hosts musicians, especially from the Balkans and the Middle East.

Salon de Ijzerstaven

The smallest and most unassuming venue on this list, Salon de Ijzerstaven, hosts some of the most unique musical performances in the city. Around 20 concerts per year take place here in the studio of visual artist Egon Schrama. Only 50 people can cram around this tiny stage, cleared from the rest of the warehouse’s clutter – mostly half-finished artworks and metalworking machinery. Whether ambient, electronic or modern classical, every performance is guaranteed to be meditative and experimental.

Salon de Ijzerstaven | Bickersgracht 10, Centrum

See also:

• De Tanker in Noord: this former petrol station in Noorderpark puts on a variety of cultural events, parties and concerts.
• ISO: the art studios in this industrial warehouse near Sloterdijk often host parties and experimental music concerts.