Paradiso

Paradiso is always a good visit. Whether it’s for a concert or a party, its always well organized and safe for everyone. I’m a big fan of concerts here especially for the seating areas on the first and second floor— they’re a good alternative if you don’t want to stand the whole concert. The bathrooms are mostly always clean and they have short queues. Whilst the bar area might not be the cheapest it is also not highly expensive in comparison to other venues. I would recommend going here for any event.

One of the best concert location you can find. Visually stunning and good sound quality. Average drinks price. To programme is quite diverse and it's easy to find something to attend

This place is an excellent venue for live music. They have an upstairs and downstairs venue. Both are great however the main room is definitly the better one. I can recommend this venue for any musical performance.

Good venue for live music. Small and packed. Saw Sam Barber live. There were slight technical issues at times such as the mic holder rotating or the guitar sound not coming. But the artists were smooth and kept going and the venue had a team fixing things immediately within seconds.

Perfect venue for live concerts in the heart of Amsterdam. Had one of the greatest concert-nights ever at a sold out concert with Franz Ferdinand. Wonderful location, great sound. The show was an absolut blast.

The best venue. Beautiful staging, easy to get to, didn’t have to queue more than a minute for the bar or the toilet. Amazing!

This is the best and most magical venue i’ve ever been! I saw djo and it was a blast. The staff was amazing and they were so kind.

I have never been in this venue before, and when I serach for it on Google maps from the outside looked like an abandoned place! Nothing more far from the truth! The inside was incredible and the acoustic was also very nice, two different balconies for seating viewers and a nice stage! I lived it! The show it felt like so intimate cos of the distance between the audience and the band! I would love to come back!!

Paradiso had a very cool atmosphere as it was built inside the church. Get tickets before for a lower fee. We paid €20 on a Friday night and it wasn't crazy fun of a crowd. It was latin night where the salsa was fun but there weren't that many people.

This place is right along the river behind the Hard Rock Cafe. It's hard to miss this enormous church looking building. My one gripe, which I expected because I've been to Amsterdam before, is the 4 euro membership charge for concerts. I'm sure it's well known among locals but beware that your ticket price will not be the only charge. The inside of this venue is beautiful. We were there to see Kevin Devine. He was playing in the smaller room upstairs. They had a full bar and a very intimate feel. Sound and lighting was great. Always an awesome time when I get to see KD.

Saw Third Eye Blind, pretty cool venue. Has a nice sitting area if your done rocking out, several bathrooms and plenty of lockers so you don't have to carry your coat in the winter.

Yea so they don't tell you this, but you MUST buy a membership before you go in, so make sure you have some euros on you before you get to your gig... sneaky! If you're standing in line wondering why it's taking so long to get in, this will be why. Otherwise, this is a great venue, heaps of space, and quite a pretty interior. The stained glass is stunning. Came here to see the John Butler Trio play and was not disappointed.

Visited this venue for a Beirut concert. It really is, as good as it get's. It is a really beautiful venue. We were right in front of the stage. There were no crash barriers, so that we were really close to the artists. You can find everything you need directly in the venue. A big bar, clean toilets, lockers for your personal stuff and a smoking area in the first floor. Paradiso has three floors, in the upper two there are seats. In our case we were free to take place wherever we wanted to. It was not divided in categories, like it is almost everywhere in Germany these days. The sound and was great. The PA and the lighting equipment in this venue is state of the art. To sum it up: I highly recommend a visit when a band you like, is playing. We were really early there (20 mins before doors), why we had no problems with long queues. You have to buy a "membership" (for one month) for 3,50€ before you get in. I hope I will soon have an opportunity to visit Amsterdam and the Paradiso again...

My Dutchman toke me to Paradiso to see Erykah Badu in concert. I believe you know the answer to that question. Yes, of course she rocked the house! I had such a great time. Erykah Badu is always full of life when she graced the stage. She never seams to surprise me when she electrifies the stage with her free spirited and consistently evolving character. This multi-talented and neo-soul woman can sing and dance her heart out. I was highly impressed with her performance in Amsterdam. Paradiso is a former Dutch historical church, which was converted into a concert hall. This music venue programs a wide variety of artists from Eryka Badu, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz to Willie Nelson. The best seat in the house to me is on the balcony, where you can look down on the artist and get an amazing view over the whole floor level. Paradiso is more then just a place to see live performance. It's used for so many different functions when it comes to entertainment.

W-o-W! Not only was the performance by Woodkid INCREDIBLE (seriously, go find him on Facebook and check out his music immediately!), but this venue is seriously FIERCE! There isn't a bad seat in the house and the sound is perfect! If you get a chance to see anything here...ANY band...even goat herding banjo music...DO IT. Nothing like watching live music in an old church. Dig!

Read all the other reviews if you master the Dutch language :) If not: Paradiso is the #1 pop temple in the Netherlands and as far as I'm concerned in the world. I myself come here since the early 70ies, so I know what I'm talking about don't I? The acoustic is not too bad, but don't go stand all up in the front, there the sound will wash over you. Personally I like standing at the sides or up on the balconies (there are 2! levels of balconies. Awesome view there! It's so small, Paradiso, that all concerts are intimate, you can all see and feel the performers. That makes it über cool to enjoy your favorite band. If you're from the original Woodstock era, like me, this is your ultimate hippie rock & roll temple. If you're a youngster you'll feel like an old hippie. Lovit the bovit!

I have now also discovered the cellar area. Great acoustics and for hosting blues, solos and intimate jazz.

A stunning, stunning venue! The Paradiso is a beautiful converted church with large ornate stained glass windows and two tiered levels of balconies. If you're not the type for dancing, or even standing at gigs, I'm sure you could get a seat upstairs if you arrived early. Seeing my favourite band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, here on the night of my 22nd birthday will be something I remember for a long time and the Paradiso made for a wonderful venue. The fluorescent lights on the stained glass windows were particularly entrancing, it really is an awe-inducing building! In terms of sound, there wasn't a hint of feedback (despite the 12 piece band!) and the sound filled the building excellently. When I saw the band were touring, I considered purchasing tickets for the gig in my hometown of Glasgow before discovering they played the Paradiso on the night of my birthday. (Score!) I'd definitely be inclined to hop on a flight to Amsterdam for gigs in future!

Los Angeles is a concert haven, with intimate clubs, beautiful outdoor spaces, large event halls, etc. I can easily go from a small event to a major stadium arena. Moving to Amsterdam, I didn't know what to expect. I've been to Heineken Music Hall and Ziggo Dome, so I was looking forward to a smaller venue. I had just the chance when Gary Clark Jr. performed last year. Paradiso did not disappoint. It's a converted church, with stained glass windows that amplify the lighting. The space can feel cozy at times, and definitely gets hot as more bodies press together. Sound is fantastic, which I know can be a hit or miss with smaller venues. Make sure to buy membership before you go in. It's a sneaky way to keep lines long and to crowd control. Otherwise, get ready for a beautiful interior, fantastic ambience, and some killer music.

As a total concert junkie, even before I moved to Amsterdam I scoped out the lineups and bought tickets for local concerts at Paradiso, a venue that hosts pretty big acts in an intimate setting for amazing prices (compared to shows we've seen in similar NYC venues). We've seen St. Vincent and My Morning Jacket here so far just to give you an idea of the types of big acts that play here. My husband and I are vertically challenged (read: short) and were not expecting to see much at a general admission show in the Land of Giants but were pleasantly surprised! I know a lot of people like to come super early and ease their way into the front of the stage, but we're perfectly fine viewing the action from above. Our trick? Go all the way to the top floor, grab a church pew (did I mention that Paradiso used to be an old church?) and drag it right in front of the banister - insta-seats! And you'll avoid people elbowing you all night trying to steal the spot you worked so hard for. Quick warning: a teeny cup of water here is more expensive than beer! Make sure you sneak your own bottle in as they don't seem to check bags. Overall a lovely venue with great sound and decent sight lines. Definitely sign up for their email newsletter to keep up with the latest! I also just purchased the Paradiso Indiestadpass for 2016 which boasts 52 indie concerts throughout the year for 25€ - sounds too good to be true, but I figured even if you saw two concerts or portions of concerts you'd get your money's worth!

Went on a Thursday night had an amazing time. 6 beers were 16euros so pretty reasonable for a club. The space is huge and the layout is so dope. Most likely because it was an old church converted to a hall, but that definitely adds to it. The DJ played a lot of American music all types though, mostly top 40 and would put them to dance beats. I liked the DJ a lot. Be careful though, people from there have this thing where they just throw things. So every second there's probably a cup being thrown near you, don't be alarmed but It was a little weird though lol.

I recently attended a concert at Paradiso and had a lovely time. A fantastic sounding room with a very cool vibe; the staff was really brilliant and the people who attend concerts here are so cool as well. I will definitely come back!

Fun fun fun! I came here with a friend who lives in the Hague. The vibe was fantastic! Snoop Dogg randomly showed up while we were there and the crowd just went crazy. When I was there the bar didn't have any Patron so we all ended up sippin on Jack and Cokes. It's a great locals spot and I can't wait to go back the next time I'm in Amsterdam. BTW, watch the coat check ladies, they tried to give me the wrong coat several times and if I had more to drink I might have just walked off with it because it was similar enough.

So apparently midnight is early in Amsterdam. This is the hour we rocked up at Paradiso, swiftly hit by that sinking feeling when you realise you're amongst the only people there. Gosh darn it, maybe this isn't the place to be after all. But pause, fast forward a couple of hours (when many places back home would be kicking out the stragglers) and the place is buzzing in full swing. If this place is good enough for the likes of Blondie, Queens of the Stone Age, Lady Gaga, Beirut and White Stripes then it's good enough for me. Unfortunately though, we didn't get to see any live music, although Cage the Elephant had performed earlier that night. No, instead we took ourselves down to Noodlanding club night (an eclectic mix of hip hop, rock, dance, and electro) for the sole purpose of shameless partying. There are several aspects of Noodlanding that made the €6 I paid worth it. First up: music. They say you can have a great night anywhere as long as the company is good, but if the company is good AND the music is good, then we're onto a winner for sure. Secondly, walking around this giant building of three of four floors, I felt as though I was having a bit of an adventure, albeit a drunken one, but an adventure nonetheless. The main music room is downstairs, but upstairs is a smoking room with background music, it's a bit brighter in here and seems like the perfect place to come for a mid-boogie chinwag, something I think a lot of clubs miss out on. The smoking room leads onto the balcony, overlooking the main hall. This is obviously used for seated audiences at concerts, thus I was surprised it would still be open on a club night, but it seemed to be a little more quiet and private should a discreet conversation be required, or even a secretly steamy snog with a potential suitor. Either way, this balcony definitely added some atmosphere to the night, and got a big thumbs up from me. Downstairs one will find the toilets, complete with one of those ladies who sell you squirts of perfume and mints and such things. But as far as toilets go, they really ain't bad. As far as I can remember they were spacious (essential for ladies loos when there are women milling around everywhere) and clean, which is a lot more than can be said for a lot of other places! Now...back to the main hall. More excitement is to be had here. There is a stage! And it is a big stage...and people can dance on it! This will seem like a trivial detail to many of you, but this really was the best stage I have ever danced on, and that is quite a claim. It is simply because there were so many different levels: there were three different levels of stage, and the top level had several podium-like boxes on it. All of which people can dance on. Simple things please simple minds, and this pleased me very much indeed. The drinks were on the pricey side, I think it was something like €6 for a gin 'n' tonic. But it's Amsterdam and that's to be expected, plus the barman was really cute so I'll let him off. All being well I'll be off to Holland again next year, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we come back to Paradiso for more fun-filled adventures!

You think you know how to party? Do you? You're wrong. I did, and then I came here. Whatever party is being held here will probably be advertised at starting at 11pm or so but don't even think of showing up until 2am. And if you show up then, be ready to go balls to the wall! I'm talking hardcore drinking and dancing until 5 or 6 am, just in time for the trains to start running again to take your drunk ass back to whatever hotel/hostel/relative's house you're staying at (oops, sorry tante and oma!) That said, If you do make it here and manage to party while most of the city sleeps, this place is HUGE. I really liked that there are a ton of different rooms that are themed musically so there's something for everyone....from more Arabic/Middle-Eastern to hip hop to techno. There are bars in each room so bring plenty of cash to get your drink on. Just watch out for all the stairs! This place is definitely not as dressy as the other clubs in Amsterdam though, more 'come as you are.' So don't feel like you have to get dolled up. This is a hot spot for tourists as it's located near Leidseplein (a major square in Amsterdam).

Went to this venue to see George Clinton and it was amazing! It had seats on the second and third floor with the main floor being standing room/dance floor. My wife and I sat in chairs and on the dance floor; each had its unique vibe and a great view of the stage. If you're in Amsterdam and a band that you like is playing, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket!

I spent a lot of time here in the 90s and early 2000s. As a converted church it's a beautiful venue for music with surprisingly good sound. I once got seriously ill for weeks after spending a full day sitting outside Paradiso waiting to get a front spot for a Robbie Williams concert. It was freezing cold, but I had the best time ever. Camera crew filmed me giving Robbie the finger, and that footage ended up getting shown on his next tour yay! During nights when nobody is performing Paradiso is a club instead. Fun times!

Paul Weller My friends and I were able to score tickets to see Paul Weller when we are in town on a girls weekend. Fantastic space, and great gig.

My first review of Paradiso was for when I saw live music there. Now, I'm updating that review with some details about going dancing here. The short of it is: Paradiso is a great place to go out... if you're at least a bit tipsy, that is. I don't know why, but I always have so much more fun here when I drunk a bit. I've talked to all my friends and they all say the same thing. If you go to Paradiso and want to have a good time, drinking is required. Too bad, because I enjoy dancing sober just as much when drunk and it's easier on the wallet ;) That said, I do like coming here and it's my go-to when I want to go out.

Wanted to experience the music scene in Amsterdam so my friend and I bought tickets to see Jack Garratt at the famous Paradiso. This venue has a lot of character being that it used to be once a church. I liked the vibe; it's intimate and had an upstairs for people to sit/watch from above. Mixed drinks cost around 7 euros. I can see this venue being really fun if a big DJ was in town. The feel is a bit old so don't be expecting something super modern.

As a concert venue, Paradiso is one of the best I've visited. It's ornately decorated inside with a vintage, old world European theme. The balcony surrounds the floor and would be a great place to see a show, although it was empty for the show I was at. The sound was outstanding: loud, clear, crisp, no droning. We watched the openers from the back of the venue and had no problems with sight lines. For the headliner, we moved up to the front before they went on and found a spot damn near on the stage. Even though we were directly in front of one of the guitar stacks, every instrument could My only problem with this place is that they reuse their plastic cups for beer. Nothing like a guy crawling through the crowd during the show collecting cups off the ground to be washed and reused. Gross. Just don't drink anything there and you'll be ok.

Best place to see a concert in Amsterdam. The vibe is so great, and the sound is wonderful. This is by far my go to place for music. The only complaint I have is that people constantly talk during the show if it's a slow and quite song. Really annoying to have someone's live art destroyed because people want to have a conversation during a concert. This has happened the last two times and has ruined that part of the show for those of us who are there to listen.

After living in Amsterdam for 2 years - I finally made it to Paradisio twice in a month! I don't know of any other venue where you can see both big and small names in what I expect in the music business is an 'intimate' setting. I mean, around a thousand people is intimate, right (don't tell your boyfriend/girlfriend you've been intimate with around a thousand people - THAT conversation is not going to go well no matter who you are!). I can't give it 5 stars because the organisation at the front to enter and exit the building is appalling. It's nothing that a few ropes couldn't fix but I suppose people are there for the music!

We saw the Decemberists here on February 23. It was a great show! You can see pretty well no matter where you are standing or sitting even if there are two to three people deep on the balcony. The sound is excellent. You could easily understand the words because there was very little reverb to distort them. The coat check is E1.50 per coat. I would recommend lining up very early (because everyone does) so you can get one of the coveted seats in the ring around the balcony. There are multiple rooms where opening acts play so if you want to see the opening acts, you'll have to sacrifice a good standing spot in the main room for the main act and come in after the opening act is over.

Smashing Pumpkins at Paradiso on my last night in Amsterdam -- heaven! What a show and what a venue. Lots of my favorites, Rocket, Disarm, Today, the band played two hours plus easily. What a great place to see a show. Chill vibe for a large venue, excellent sightlines. Plenty of good beer. Quality sound. US venues should come take notes. I promise to return!

Watch out for this "terrible" spot! Big time issues with staff. Plus from what I was told after, its a total spot for super young kids and I believe it now. Can tell you more about bad things that happen, just message me.

Very nice venue for seeing live music. Even the "big" hall is a nice cozy setting. Really nice to be so close to the performers. Really enjoyed being in the second balcony and having a birds eye view of the stage. Looking forward to seeing several other concerts here during my time in Amsterdam!

awesome venue for live music - location right next to Leidseplein

Of all concert venues that I have ever seen, Paradiso is one of the best by far. Every band (from the well-known to the more obscure) that I could ever hope to see live have come and played here, much to my excitement. It's the prefect size- not too big or too small, but just the right amount of intimacy so you really feel close to the music. The only bad thing I can possible point out is the plastic cups and how they bounce and make noise if someone drops them ( and everyone does, right on the floor). It's only annoying if there is a quiet or acoustic song being played. But that's not the fault of the venue, more the people who visit. Love the place!

Love love love this place. Been to so many events in Paradiso and always a great night. Security are on point so never any trouble. Bar staff friendly and helpful. Love the lockers to put your stuff away then you don't have to wait in long queues when it's time to go. Only thing is the bathrooms are unbearably hot and on a busy night you often have to wait a while. Airco in the bathrooms and this place would be superb

Me and my friend came from abroad to visit this place and other clubs in Amsterdam. We had just paid the entry fee. They patted me down like they do everyone while my friend went to call someone to explain how to get here. I go hang up my coat (another fee of course).. I stand around for 5 minutes then the bouncer comes up to me.. Your friend will not be let in because we went out before being searched. I explain that he's foreign, he has no idea what's going on, he's just calling someone to explain how to get here. The bouncer did not listen at all, end of conversation and asked another bouncer to kick me out. I ask for at least a refund. NOPE. So 1. we pay 2. we don't get let in because of some unknown security reason 3. no refund and they don't listen to reason. SHAMEFUL.. Imagine all businesses treated their customers this way. Oh and also, they broke the law doing this..

One of my favorite spots in Amsterdam when going to a concert of just for a dance, since there are often weekly dance nights with alternative music. This old church is beautiful and makes the perfect music venue. I think a lot of Amsterdammers will agree with me that this is one of our nicest venues. There are a few different stages insides. Big artists will play of the main stage and smaller ones on a small stage. (duh) I like it both. The small stage is more intimate. When I went to see Jonathan Jeremiah I could probably touch his nose if I wanted to and that was nice.

Do yourself a favor and don't come here. The security is beyond rude! We were suggesting by a local to check out this spot. Upon arriving at 9pm we were told by the host that they had stopped selling tickets, which was no big deal since we had other spots to check out & mind you the place was DEAD, no body outside, no one waiting to come in, no one from what we can see inside, so we turn around, out the door, order an Uber for our next spot and since it's POURING outside so we wait on the steps outside, a few seconds after ordering the Uber, we get told by the security that we have get off the stairs and go in the rain! Remember there was NO ONE there, I would completely understand if they had customers trying to come in or something of that nature where we need to give them the full space. We let him know it's raining and we will be out in literally 2 min once the Uber arrives if that's ok since it was pouring and guess what he didn't care, said we have to get off and then goes on to push me off the stairs, yes pushhhhh me off the stairs, so hard that I almost slipped off the stairs since they were all wet !! So just an FYI, rude, disrespectful and a holes.

OMG I think it is one of the best club I've never been in my life ! This place is totally crazy and beautiful. Check the stained glass windows and balconies, yes you are in an old church ! Nice mood,nice people, nice events, I just love it !

I first walked through the doors of Amsterdam's most famous venue in 2003 during a heatwave that was crippling Europe. Paradiso was undergoing a major rebuild and I was a drunken youngster out to absorb the spoils of the Dutch capitol's nightlife. I don't remember what my friends and I were there to see. I remember feeling confused and spending most of the evening hiding from everyone in a hole in the wall trying not to be sick. For some reason I didn't fancy going back there for many years until the opportunity to see Grace Jones on her Hurricane Tour in 2009. The builders were long gone and the mild September weather and efficient air-conditioning system held the temperature in this beautiful, atmospheric old Methodist church which was alive with a wide mix of people all here to see possibly the world's biggest diva strut her remarkable 60 year old body about the stage in a corset and g-string. Amazing. On this particular night Paradise was completely sold out and the place was packed. This meant stocking up on drinks at various points in the evening so as not to be left standing frustrated from waiting at the bar which, as is the custom in so many places in the Netherlands, was drastically under-staffed and was also really far away from all the best places to get a good view of the action. Despite the dodgy service the evening was amazing. Tickets were good value, we even slipped in without the right membership. Drinks weren't too expensive and we got our buzz on. For a relatively small venue, Paradiso also attracts a huge amount of top notch talent and throws some wicked parties. In ambience it's very cool and unpretentious, even after all the refurbishments it still feels a bit shabby and there are still plenty of cosy little places to hide in if you are feeling a bit dazed and confused on a hot summer night.

Very irritated I was forced to buy a " membership" at the door even though I bought a ticket to the show. There was no indication that was a requirement when I bought the ticket. Trickery to get another $5 out of people!

Terrible experience. I suffer from anxiety disorder so I always go out with a klonopin pill for emergencies. I showed the medication to security willingly, explaining the situation. They chose to kick me out And withold my medication. And all of this after they'd already charged admission! No one in the staff was sympathetic to my situation, with some dumb bouncer even saying: "Welcome to Amsterdam", whatever that means.

The ultimate place to see bands (just edging out de Melkweg) in a former church. Long history, all the big bands pass by here.

It was great fun to be there and it's a nice location. Crowd is from young twenties to young thirties. Friendly people!

Went here for a Mos Def Concert a couple years back. Great venue for music, kinda like the Fillmore in SF. But there was so much smoke in the air that i literally got into a contact high stupor and fell asleep halfway into the concert.

One of the better looking locations for smaller concerts. This venue also requires a membership fee. Beer/wine and soda's are served in hard plastic glasses not as good as real glass but a better alternative than those soft plastic glasses.

I really didn't like this club. It is really pointless to pay so much and to not even be able to go outside to buy something or find your friends. The show and the performances are good but the staff is really rude, I was told to shut up and things like this just because I asked to stay a little bit closer to the door because I was freezing. I was really polite the entire time and it was no reason to be treated like this specially when you pay so much money to get in. Really hope it was just a bad day for everybody, but you guys should have more polite people working for you!

I was able to go to Paradiso a few weeks ago while in the city and my friend's band, Craft Spells, also happened to be in town that night. I met up with him before the show and got to hang out with them in their dressing room before the show and drink some Heinekens, of course. They played one of the smaller rooms upstairs, but it still got pretty packed before they even went on. There was a small bar area in the back of the room and the stage was viewable from pretty much anywhere, but I chose to go up front and to my right to see them play. They played an amazing show and their fans were really great and some had traveled pretty far to come see them in Amsterdam. The people working at Paradiso were also some of the nicest event space employees I've heard had the opportunity to meet, too. The larger room was having a music bingo night that night, but I'm sure concerts there are even more amazing. Whenever I'm back in the city, I hope I can stop by here again and see another band, maybe even my friend's.

Oh my goodness... Last time I was there was in the 1980s when I was a teenager and I saw the Jesus and Mary Chain. It was just after their first album came out. Sounded like being in a jet engine. Bobby Gillespie played a single snare drum.