Amsterdam is known as one of the top destinations in Europe for live music. With its wide array of concert venues ranging from intimate clubs to large arenas, Amsterdam attracts major international acts as well as up-and-coming local talent. If you’re planning on catching a show during your visit, you’re probably wondering how much concert tickets cost in Amsterdam.
Average Ticket Prices
Ticket prices in Amsterdam vary greatly depending on the artist, venue, and seat location. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Small club shows: €10-30
- Medium music halls: €30-60
- Large theater/arena shows: €50-150+
Of course, prices for the biggest acts playing arenas can run much higher, easily into the hundreds of euros. For example, tickets to see U2 or Coldplay at the Amsterdam Arena will start around €100-150 for nosebleed seats and go up dramatically for floor tickets or premium seat locations.
Factors Affecting Price
Several factors account for the wide range of concert ticket prices in Amsterdam:
Artist Popularity
The popularity and fame of the artist is the biggest factor affecting ticket prices. Well-known international acts like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, or Paul McCartney command much higher prices than lesser-known emerging artists playing small clubs.
Venue Size
Larger venues that can accommodate bigger crowds tend to have higher ticket prices. Small clubs may only fit a few hundred people, while arenas like the Ziggo Dome or Johan Cruijff ArenA can hold over 10,000 or even 100,000 spectators.
Seat Location
Where you sit also impacts how much you’ll pay. Front row or floor/standing tickets are most expensive, while nosebleed seats in the upper levels or balconies will be cheaper.
VIP Packages
Many larger shows offer special VIP packages with added perks like premium seating, pre-show receptions, merch, etc. These can cost 2-3x (or more) compared to regular tickets.
Reseller Prices
Prices often go up substantially when buying from ticket resellers like Viagogo rather than directly from the venue or promoter.
Venues & Ticket Prices
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular concert venues in Amsterdam and typical ticket price ranges:
Venue | Capacity | Typical Ticket Price Range |
---|---|---|
Melkweg | 1,500 | €10-40 |
Paradiso | 1,500 | €15-50 |
AFAS Live | 6,000 | €30-90 |
Ziggo Dome | 17,000 | €40-140 |
Johan Cruijff ArenA | 68,000 | €50-250 |
Smaller Clubs
Intimate venues like the Melkweg, Paradiso, Sugar Factory, Bitterzoet, Tolhuistuin, and Splendor host smaller up-and-coming acts in a club-like setting. Tickets are usually €10-40 depending on the artist’s notoriety.
Mid-Size Venues
For medium-sized shows, AFAS Live accommodates crowds of around 6,000 and tickets range from €30-90. The 1,800 capacity Heineken Music Hall also hosts mid-level international rock, pop, and comedy acts with tickets costing €40-70.
Large Venues & Arenas
Amsterdam’s biggest venues are the 17,000 capacity Ziggo Dome, home to major rock and pop acts, and the massive 68,000 seat Johan Cruijff ArenA which gets the biggest global superstars like U2, Madonna, or Beyoncé. Tickets at these large venues start around €50 for rear seats up to €250 for premium floor seats.
How to Get the Best Deal
If you want to score the best deal on concert tickets in Amsterdam, here are some tips:
Buy Early
Prices usually start lower when tickets first go on sale, then increase as the event date approaches and availability decreases. Buy early to get the lowest initial face-value price.
Join Fan Clubs
Some artists offer exclusive pre-sales for fan club members to purchase tickets before the general public. This gives you first pick of seats before they sell out.
Find Presales & Promo Codes
Many presale ticket releases and promo codes can help you access tickets before they officially go on sale to the general public.
Go For Weeknight Shows
Tickets are often cheaper for weekday shows. Fridays and Saturdays are most expensive.
Buy Obstructed View Seats
You can save money on tickets with an obstructed view of the stage caused by pillars, production gear, etc. The music will sound the same!
Look for Ticket Deals
Some deals like 2-for-1 ticket specials, student discounts, or locals pricing can score you a bargain ticket.
Avoid Reseller Markups
Resellers like Viagogo often dramatically inflate prices. Buy from official sources when possible.
Bottom Line on Prices
While Amsterdam concert tickets may seem expensive compared to some other European cities, the prices reflect the city’s stature as a top live music destination. The sheer volume of concert options range from smaller club shows for €10-30 all the way up to arena spectacles costing €100-250 and beyond. By buying early, searching for deals, and choosing cheaper seats, you can find some great deals to experience the amazing live music Amsterdam has to offer.
Conclusion
To summarize, concert ticket prices in Amsterdam vary greatly based on the type of artist, venue, seat location, and other factors. Small club shows start around €10-30, mid-size venue tickets run €30-90, and large arena concerts cost €50-250 on average. Prices also fluctuate according to market demand. Buying early, finding presales and promo codes, choosing cheaper seats, and avoiding reseller markups are key strategies for getting the best deals. While not the cheapest city for concerts, Amsterdam’s incredible music scene and variety of options make it easy to find great prices to suit your budget.