Bourbon Street Amsterdam
Leidsekruisstraat 6-8, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1017
One of the city’s most storied live music venues, Bourbon Street Amsterdam has hosted local and international musicians for more than three decades. Founded as a blues and jazz bar—but now expanded to encompass genres ranging from rock and soul to reggae, folk, and funk—this landmark is a must-visit for music lovers in the Dutch capital. Some popular concerts or special gigs need to be booked in advance, but visitors can often stroll right in.
The basics
Conveniently located within central Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring Area, Bourbon Street Amsterdam is perfectly situated for anyone after a one-of-a-kind night out. Offering live performances every day of the week, beginning in the evening and going late into the night, the venue always has something exciting on stage.
While some popular artists’ concerts or special gigs may need to be booked in advance, visitors can, for the most part, stroll right in. There is a small nightly cover fee, and the bar serves a range of local beers and cocktails to help keep the atmosphere lively. Its location makes it easy to visit as part of an independent night out in the Dutch capital.
Things to know before you go
Keep an eye on the calendar: international legends like Sting, B.B. King, Joss Stone, and more have all performed live.
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is open to visitors aged 18 or over.
Visit on Mondays for a fun, varied experience, when there are jam sessions open to any musicians wishing to take part.
How to get there
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is located at Leidsekruisstraat 6-8, 1017 RH Amsterdam, in the central Canal Ring Area. It is less than 10 minutes on foot from Vijzelgracht station, served by metro line 52 (north–south Line). A number of trams and buses also stop nearby.
When to get there
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is open daily. Its doors open in the evening, and it typically closes in the early hours of the morning. It generally hosts one main act or performance every night, but it’s worth checking the calendar before your visit to see what’s scheduled.
Live music venues in central Amsterdam
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is located in the center of the city—and conveniently for visiting music lovers, is close to several other of the Dutch capital’s best-loved music venues. Other nearby venues include the Waterhole, an old-school tavern hosting daily live music; Melkweg, a large cultural space hosted in a former dairy; and Paradiso, a former church that hosts live music and club nights.
Ways to explore
Offering live performances every night of the week, Bourbon Street Amsterdam is known as a venue that always has something exciting on stage. Conveniently located within Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring Area, this venue draws music fans from the evening through early morning. Expect to pay a small cover fee, plus the cost of any drinks.
While the location of Bourbon Street Amsterdam makes it easy to visit as part of an independent night out in the Dutch capital, some people combine a visit to this landmark with other Amsterdam offerings like food tours, walking tours, and evening canal cruises.
Accessibility
The live music venue is partially accessible to wheelchairs, but not all areas are fully accessible.
Age limits
Visitors must be aged 21 or over.
What to pack
Identification, credit card, small bags only
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, clothes for an evening out
Not allowed
Weapons, drugs
Amenities
Bar, dance floor, restrooms
Address
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is located at Leidsekruisstraat 6-8 in the central Canal Ring area. Most visitors arrive on foot, by bike, or by public transportation.
Driving
It is possible to drive to Bourbon Street Amsterdam, though public transportation is recommended. Parking options are limited; try ParkBee Parking de Hoofdstad at Prinsengracht 540.
Public transportation
This live music venue is well-served by public transportation. Take tram 2, 12, or 17 to Prinsengracht or tram 1, 7, or 19 to Leidseplein. The Rijksmuseum stop is also within a five-minute walk.
Best times to visit
Bourbon Street Amsterdam is open daily with live music seven nights per week. Generally, doors open at 10 pm and the venue closes at 4am or later. Some visitors prefer the energy of the earlier hours, while others may be drawn to late-night hours.
Best days to visit
Visit on Mondays for a fun, varied experience, with jam sessions open to any musicians wishing to take part.
Best months to visit
Amsterdam is a popular destination for music fans throughout the year. Shoulder season (April–May and September–October) is a great time to visit to skip the summer crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather.
Special events
Keep an eye on the online calendar for special events like live performances from international stars. Sting, B.B. King, and Joss Stone have all performed here.
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