Paradiso

A cornerstone of the Amsterdam scene, this former church is in such high demand that it often hosts several events in one day. The main hall has a rare sense of grandeur, with multiple balconies and stained-glass windows peering down upon the performers. The smaller hall upstairs is a great place to catch new talent before the big time. Both are wonderfully intimate; bands feed off the surroundings, making for some special nights. What's more, the security is surprisingly relaxed: you can often even wander between halls to check out the differing vibes before settling in to watch the show that's best suited to your own tastes.