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What can you do during
an evening by the IJ?

Muziekgebouw presents more than 300 concerts each season. This means an evening by the IJ can sound very different every time: from an orchestra or string quartet to jazz, music from different parts of the world, live electronics, a film with live music or a performance in which music, theatre and visuals come together.

A practical evening plan consists of three separate choices. First choose the concert, then check the start time and expected end time, and reserve food or drinks separately. That way, a temporary arrangement or an unusual concert duration won’t determine your schedule.

Is Muziekgebouw suitable for a special date?

A concert is a kind of date where you do not have to sit opposite each other all evening. You experience something live together and afterwards you naturally have something to talk about. Its waterside location and the restaurant Dudok aan ’t IJ in the same building make it easy to combine the concert with a drink or meal.

There is no standard date package. So first choose a concert that suits your evening and check the times. Then look separately at Dudok’s opening hours and reservation options.

Current information about food and drinks →

How much does a cultural night out cost for young people and students?

Visitors aged 13 to 30 can buy an Early Bird ticket for €12.50 for almost all concerts. A limited number is available per concert. If you decide later, a Sprint Ticket for €12.50 may be available from ten hours before the start of a concert, provided it is not sold out. Sprint Tickets are available for young people aged 13 to 30 and for music students.

Always bring a valid ID with a youth-rate ticket. Music students should bring their student card. Check the concert listings to see whether the rate is available for the concert you choose.

Read the Sprint Ticket terms →

An evening tip for Amsterdam locals on the eastern side of the city centre

If you already know the familiar nightlife streets and museums, you can head towards the Eastern Docklands for a cultural evening. From the IJ side of Central Station, follow the water to Piet Heinkade. There you will find Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ and BIMHUIS next to each other, overlooking the IJ and with a tram stop right outside.

The programme is interesting if you want to look beyond the biggest names: new compositions, Dutch and international makers, premieres and combinations of styles form an important part of what is on offer. Dudok aan ’t IJ is also a place for concertgoers, local residents and musicians.

Can international visitors plan a cultural night out here?

Yes. Muziekgebouw publishes an English concert calendar and practical visitor information. Most music can be experienced without speaking Dutch, but the event page should always state the language when theatre, narration or spoken text is part of the programme.

The venue is about a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station or a 3-minute ride on tram 26. An I amsterdam City Card gives a 25% discount on almost all concerts. Availability and exceptions are shown during booking.

Visit the English Muziekgebouw guide →

What can you do in Amsterdam besides visiting museums?

A live concert is a cultural outing that does not return in exactly the same way the next day. At Muziekgebouw, for example, you can see a silent film with live music, hear electronic music performed by the makers themselves, or attend a performance in which music, dance, theatre and visual art come together.

If you are not sure which genre suits you, start with the kind of experience you want: do you want to watch as well as listen, lots of rhythm, a story, or rather a focused concert-hall experience? Use that preference to make a small current selection instead of judging the entire programme all at once.

What should you know before visiting Muziekgebouw?

Address and directions →     Food and drinks →     Prices and discounts → 

Choose the guide that fits your evening

Questions about an evening by the IJ