The 10 Best Comedy Clubs in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well-known for being a city where the good times roll. It is, after all, Europe’s capital of hedonism. It cultivates an atmosphere for laughter and good times. Although many of the quirky shows, live music and bars can keep you entertained, another popular side of the city is its comedy clubs.
To a tourists’ surprise, watching a stand-up comedy in Amsterdam doesn’t have to be a problem. The language barrier is easily avoided as many of the venues we’ll discuss, offer comedy in English as well as Dutch. Plus, with this capital creating such a buzzing environment, comedians worldwide see it as a hotspot to tour.
So, with that in mind, we’re going to take a look at the best comedy clubs in Amsterdam so you can get your fix of fun.
1. Boom Chicago
Now into its 25th year of comedy, Boom Chicago is one of the most popular comedy clubs in Amsterdam. It offers many improv shows and sketches that have made more than a million people laugh. If you start your night here, you’re in good hands.
Built from more than a 100-year-old former cinema, this venue has been transformed into one of the capital’s finest venues. It offers strategic seating of 330 people around tables as well as an upstairs theatre and multiple breakout rooms, offices and studios. Make the most of their impressive bar and get those necessary rounds in. With its high ceilings and original stained glass windows from 1913, you can take in the bar’s authenticity and (sensibly) drink pints of your choice.
Where: Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Comedy Café Amsterdam
With a star rating of 4.5-star rating on both Google Reviews and TripAdvisor, Comedy Café is one of the most enjoyed comedy clubs in Amsterdam by both tourists and locals alike. Its international comedy shows make it ideal for any English-only speaking tourists. Watch world-renowned comedians such as Ardal O’Hanlon, Stephen K. Amos, Gina Yashere, Phill Jupitus, Al Pitcher, Tom Rhodes and many more. As well as getting your day’s dose of jokes, there’s also delicious food at nearby restaurants, Nomad and cocktails on tap in the bar. With a unique location overlooking the view of the Amsterdam Harbour, you’re in for a hilarious night in a picturesque setting. If you’re looking for more bar recommendations, to visit after your comedy show, check out our guide to the best bars in Amsterdam. Where: IJdok 89, 1013 MM Amsterdam, Netherlands See the Agenda
3. Toomler (Comedy Train)
Toomler, also referred to as Comedy Train, is a theatre café, filled with much-loved Comedy Train comedians. See them in action and be surprised and entertained until your heart’s content. What is Comedy Train? Comedy Train is a hallmark of stand-up comedy in the Netherlands and has been for 25+ years. The idea behind it is to offer talent a stage to trial new ideas and lay the foundation for humour in the future theatres of the Netherlands. Some of the most famous comedians started out as Toomlers. Authorities such as Joan Rivers, Mel Brooks and Danny Kaye gained the experience that served as the basis for their further career, all from a fairly small but now sought, Yiddish comedy club.
Where: Breitnerstraat 2, 1077 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. Paradiso
Paradiso is one of the longest-running comedy clubs in Amsterdam. Having been around for 50 years, it has since evolved into a popular pop venue, night club and cultural palace in one. At Paradiso, you’re not limited to what you might see, though comedy is, of course, regularly on the agenda. From stand-up comedy and live music to scientists leading discussions on quantum physics, Paradiso offers it all
Where: Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Melkweg
Similar to Paradiso, Melkweg is much more than just a comedy club. Here you’ll find live musical performances, cinematics and even the occasional small festivals. However, their comedy acts are definitely top-notch and one of their must-see features.
Where: Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Easylaughs
If you’re looking for something a little more comical than musical, easylaughs is a go-to. In a nutshell, they offer shows, workshops and classes, mainly run by students with a passion for performing. Easylaughs’ goal is not only to entertain but also to educate their audience. If you fancy trying your hand at performing they hold their very own workshops and improvisation events too. There’s also a café with craft beers available, so you’ll be able to sip, socialise and smile – though, to avoid spillages, maybe not all at once!
Where: Nieuwe Achtergracht 170, 1018 WV Amsterdam, NetherlandsSee the Agenda
7. The Comedy Embassy
Although not a specific venue, The Comedy Embassy combines some of the best comedy clubs we’ve already listed, to share the latest shows and offers, giving you discounted tickets. By combining a list of performances for venues like Boom Chicago, Comedy Café and De Prael Houthavens, you get access to some of the greatest stand-up English comedy in Amsterdam, starting from €15. Witness much-loved house comedians including Tim van ‘t Hul, lovable hipster, Kor Hoebe and Pauly Russell, a self-proclaimed belligerent drunk Scottsman. You won’t be disappointed. Where: IJdok 89, 1013 MM Amsterdam, NetherlandsSee the Agenda
8. Playground Comedy
A strong favourite with the staff at ClinkNOORD is Playground Comedy. From cabaret and stand-up comedy to witty poets and tailor-made productions, Playground Comedy does exactly what the name states. It gives comedians a place to experiment with their inner funny bones to create hilarious sketches. If you want to get a taste of the kind of comedy you can expect, take a look at the various on-site videos. From Dutch comedians to English and other nationalities, their comedians cater to all languages. Where: Van Zeggelenplein 116, 2032 KG Haarlem, NetherlandsSee the Agenda
9. Clink Comedy Club At ClinkNOORD
That Clink Comedy Club at ClinkNOORD youth hostel creates a cosy and fun environment to discover new hidden talents in the underground English Comedy scene of Amsterdam. Come be part of one of the nicest nights of comedy in town! At ClinkNOORD every Friday at 8 pm and check out their website for all their shows! Where: Badhuiskade 3, 1031 KV Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Amsterdam Magic Show
If you’re looking for a magical show that will let you forget the world outside, don’t miss out on the Amsterdam Magic show, one of the best comedy clubs in Amsterdam that mixes together illusionism and comedy acts. Each show is different and unique and the comedy acts take place in a roaring 20’s era-styled theatre. Check out the best upcoming shows and indulge in a glass of prosecco, while assisting at the best, magical comedy performances. Where: Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam, Netherlands
See the agenda
Why Comedy?
Humour is super personal and not everything will make you laugh but with so many shows and great venues to explore, there will definitely be someone who can make you smirk and smile. We cannot recommend watching live comedy enough, it really is a great night out. Whether you go to watch a stand-up comedian as an alternative way to start your usual night out, to top off a weekend away or just to try something different, it’s destined to end in amusement. Immerse yourself in the Dutch culture. Experience their sense of humour and gain a whole different outlook on this quirky city.
In conclusion
Amsterdam is a city full of surprises and events to discover and we have recommendations for all kinds of adventures. If you can’t get enough of stand-up comedy, browse all tickets for comedy in the Netherlands. Alternatively, come and visit our helpful team: we’re always happy to recommend more enjoyable activities to get stuck into. Book your stay at ClinkNOORD youth hostel in Amsterdam or contact us for more information on the latest deals.
