Amsterdam Hotspots - the guide to Amsterdam city

aknathon
de melkweg
vondelpark theater

bimhuis
occii
winston international

heineken music hall
paradiso

OCCII

Amstelveenseweg 134 (671 77 78).
A large former squat - now legalized - with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and regular live alternative music, cabarets and other performances. Located at the far end of the Vondelpark.
Open 9.30pm-2am (3am weekends),
admission free-€5.

[4 reviews, avg 9/10]

Paradiso
Weteringschans 6-8, near Leidseplein (626 45 21).

In the sixties Paradiso was the hub of all things flower power; nowadays it's the number one venue for big acts. The former neo-gothic church has an impressive interior, with a towering ceiling and a high balcony overlooking the stage and dancefloor. There's also a upstairs bar with a smaller stage that is sometimes used for performances after the main event. The Paradiso public has in the past enjoyed some really big names, kicking off their European tour or just enjoying the intimacy of the venue. Over the past decade or so the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, the Artist Formerly Known As Prince and Lenny Kravitz all played Paradiso, which at its best houses all of 1200. Though Paradiso is home to all kinds of musical styles, municipal funding has been cut back, so there's a tendency towards programming crowd pullers. To see local bands in action, or to listen to something less mainstream, try the Melkweg or the Arena. Paradiso hosts dance events during the weekends.
Times & admission vary, see agenda, compulsory membership €2 per month.

[9 reviews, avg 10/10]

Vondelpark (523 77 90).
During the summer season (Jun-Aug) the Vondelpark Openlucht Theater is the venue for open air performances in the city's largest and most famous park. The theater stages a wide variety of music: pop, rock, world music, Latin and classical music. A very nice way to spend a sunny summer afternoon, as you can tell by the crowds.
Open various days, admission free.

[5 reviews, avg 9/10]

Winston International
Warmoesstraat 123-129 (623 13 80).
This bar of the recently renovated Winston Hotel attracts a mixed crowd of travelers and locals, and has live music and other performances during weekends featuring local talent.
Open daily 9pm-3am (4am weekends); admission free-€5.

[2 reviews, avg 9/10]

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