Royal Concertgebouw

The Basics

Due to its prime position in front of the Rijksmuseum, the hall slots easily into most Amsterdam sightseeing schedules. Admire the building’s facade from afar during a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or opt for a more intimate glimpse into the venue on a behind-the-scenes tour. Package deals allow you to combine your visit with other must-do experiences, such as a canal cruise. To fully appreciate the acoustics and interior of the Royal Concertgebouw, attend one of more than 400 annual performances—though be sure to book concert tickets in advance to secure your seats in the popular venue.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Concertgebouw is a must-see for music and architecture lovers.

• The hall is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Unclaimed tickets for sold out shows are sometimes released for purchase on the day; visit the box office 1.5 hours ahead of the start time to check.

How to Get There

The Museumplein tram and bus stop is located directly outside the concert hall, and is served by trams number 12, 5, and 3. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop nearby. As with all capital cities, parking can be expensive, though Royal Concertgebouw visitors do receive a small discount in the Museumplein parking lot. You can collect your discount card from the box office or cloakroom.

When to Get There

During July and August, the SummerConcerts series offers something for all ages, with a range of classical, jazz, pop, and movie-score shows to choose from. Throughout the rest of the year, free lunchtime concerts take place weekly but you must arrive early to guarantee your spot.

Famous Performers

Over the years, the Royal Concertgebouw has drawn a vast range of famous acts to its stage, including Richard Strauss, Ella Fitzgerald, the Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, and Santana. Today, the venue continues to offer a program of popular acts from across genres, while also serving as a platform for Holland’s up-and-coming talent.

Ways to explore

Due to its prime position opposite the Rijksmuseum, the hall slots easily into most Amsterdam sightseeing schedules. Admire the building’s facade from afar during a hop-on hop-off bus tour, experience it like a local on a bike tour, or combine your visit with other must-do experiences, such as a canal cruise. To fully appreciate the acoustics and interior of the Royal Concertgebouw, attend one of its hundreds of annual performances—though be sure to book tickets in advance to secure your seats.

Accessibility

The Concertgebouw offers accessible parking, wheelchairs for loan, and wheelchair-friendly spaces in the main hall and recital hall. Contact the venue with your wheelchair dimensions before booking, as space sizes vary. There are also two different hearing assistance systems. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

For classical concerts, children should be at least 6 years old. The Concertgebouw hosts performances specifically for younger children.

What to pack

Bring a small bag, as all large bags and coats must be stored in the cloakroom. Download or screengrab your e-tickets to your phone in advance, in case of any signal issues.

What to wear

In laid-back Amsterdam, anything goes—unless a concert has a specific dress code.

Not allowed

Keep your phone on silent or risk the wrath of hundreds of Dutch music lovers.

Amenities

Cloakrooms, restrooms, café, restaurant

Address

The Royal Concertgebouw is beside Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Van Gogh Museum. It’s about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southwest of Amsterdam Central Station.

Driving

Parking at the Royal Concertgebouw generally costs around €7 (US$8) per hour, but cars are a spectacularly inconvenient way to get around central Amsterdam. Make like a local and walk, cycle, use public transportation, or take a taxi or rideshare.

Public transportation

Catch tram 2 to the Museumplein stop, or trams 3, 5, or 12 to the Concertgebouw stop. The nearest metro station is De Pijp, around a 25-minute walk away, which is served by line 52; if you’d rather not walk, transfer to trams 3 or 12 at the station.

Best times to visit

On a budget? Between September and June, Wednesday lunchtimes bring free concerts—all you pay is the online reservation fee. If attending a show, doors open 40 minutes before the performance.

Best days to visit

Free concerts take place during Wednesday lunchtimes from September to June, and discounted concerts on Sunday mornings. But choose your day based on what’s on.

Best months to visit

The July to August summer series has something for all tastes and ages, from toddler concerts to classical, jazz, and pop.

Special events

The Christmas Matinees on December 25 are a treasured tradition that features elite performers.