Paradiso – Weteringschans, Amsterdam

Paradiso is one of Amsterdam’s best-known concert venues, housed in a former church on Weteringschans, just a few minutes’ walk from Leidseplein. From the street the red-brick building is unmistakable: tall arched windows, a gabled front and a corner entrance that fills with queues of music fans most evenings.

The building was completed in 1880 as a place of worship and meeting hall for the Free Congregation (De Vrije Gemeente). After the congregation left, it was squatted in 1967 and reopened on 30 March 1968 as a youth and music centre. Since then it has earned the nickname “pop temple” and become a fixture of the city’s nightlife. You can read more about its history on Wikipedia.

Inside, the main hall holds about 1,500 people under the old church ceiling, with balconies wrapping around the stage. A smaller upstairs hall seats around 250, and shows also take place in the basement café. Pink Floyd, David Bowie, U2, Nirvana, Prince and Lady Gaga have all played here, and The Rolling Stones recorded part of their album Stripped on this stage in 1995.

Today Paradiso hosts concerts, club nights, talks and festivals almost every day of the week, from new local bands to international headliners. It is a must for music lovers visiting Amsterdam, and the atmosphere in the main hall is unlike any modern arena.

Good to Know

• Address: Weteringschans 6–8, 1017 SG Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Tickets: most shows sell out, so book in advance on the official site; programme and door times change nightly (check before visiting)
• Venues: main hall (about 1,500), small upstairs hall (about 250) and the basement café
• Getting there: a short walk from the Leidseplein tram stop and the Rijksmuseum area
• Website: paradiso.nl

Planning a night out
Browse more Events venues on P6D, or see another legendary stage at Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.

Location