EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

Akhnaton , Nieuwezijds Kolk 25, city centre. A "Centre for World Culture", specializing in African and Latin American music and dance parties.

Alto , Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115, near Leidseplein. Legendary jazz bar, with free live music every night 9.30pm-3am. Big on atmosphere, not space.

Arena , 's-Gravesandestraat 51, near Oosterpark. Multimedia centre featuring live music every weekend, cultural events, a bar, coffeeshop and restaurant. Intimate hall features underground bands from around the world. ¬4-22.

Bimhuis , Oude Schans 73-77. Premier jazz venue. Big name concerts Thurs-Sat (around ¬10). Free workshop sessions Wed.

Casablanca , Zeedijk 26, red-light district. Live jazz every night.

Maloe Melo , Lijnbaansgracht 163, Jordaan. Dark low-ceilinged bar, with local bluesy acts.

Melkweg , Lijnbaansgracht 234a, near Leidseplein. Amsterdam's most famous entertainment venue, with a young hip clientele. Two halls feature a broad range of bands tending towards African music and lesser-knowns. Excellent offbeat disco sessions late on Fri & Sat. Also films, a tearoom selling dope, and a bar and restaurant. ¬7-17, plus ¬2.50 membership on the door. Closed Mon.

Paradiso , Weteringschans 6-8, near Leidseplein. A converted church featuring semi-big names and up-and-coming bands. ¬4-22, plus ¬2.50 membership on the door.

Winston Kingdom , Warmoesstraat 127, red-light district. Small renovated venue with spoken word, jazz-poetry, R&B and punk/noise nights. ¬5.