Melkweg, Amsterdam: Address, Phone Number, Melkweg Reviews: 4.5/5
Melkweg
4.5
About
Melkweg stands for pop culture in the most broad of senses. Each year, hundreds of concerts, club nights, films and music films, theatre performances, expositions and multidisciplinary events together attract more than 400,000 visitors. The venue is located in the only surviving factory building on the Amsterdam canal ring, a former sugar and, later, milk factory. This historical building houses two concert halls, a cinema, a theatre, and an exposition space, which each can be used separately or combined together. In the Melkweg, established names can be seen alongside new talent and emerging styles get the chance to reach a broader audience. The diversity of its programming and visitors, together with its different spaces and special location, have for years made the Melkweg a unique place.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
309 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
121
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
11
James T
27 contributions
I caught the US pop rock band PVRIS here in Feb and really enjoyed the show. Mostly I enjoyed the fantastic view from the balcony, the great acoustics/sound quality and the intimate vibe. I found it easy to get around, and easy to find. The membership fee is mandatory as the venue is a non profit enterprise. Mildly annoying as it is, i think it's worth it if the bands get a bigger cut.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
honeymoonhorror
Worthing, UK49 contributions
Friends
Great venue for gigs, perfect size, good locker system for coats etc ....... at the start of the night! At the end of the night be prepared to fight your way through varying directions of people traffic to get to your locker! Mayhem! There must be a better way!!!!
The American hotel is a 50 second walk away so very handy. Some good bars 30 seconds walk away!
The American hotel is a 50 second walk away so very handy. Some good bars 30 seconds walk away!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
courtsjoe
Sydney, Australia499 contributions
This old milk factory is awesome. We went on recommendation of a waiter at a local japanese restaurant. We both love hiphop and thought wed check it out as its "encore" gig runs every saturday.
Hands down the best hiphop sets ive heard anywhere in world - dj was playing american hiphop all night mixed in with some local dutch hiphop which id never heard before.
Examples - jayz, rick ross, asap ferg, frank ocean, 2 chainz, tip, fabolous, biggie, drake, kanye, game .... list goes on. modern hiphop bangers all night
Crowd was cool, loads of beautiful girls and seemed everybody knew the words and sung/danced along all night. Stayed from 12 middnight to 6am and we had an awesome time. Drinks werent overpriced and they had some free desert table thing. no vip table wankers that i could see just heaps of steezy ppl havin a good time
Hands down the best hiphop sets ive heard anywhere in world - dj was playing american hiphop all night mixed in with some local dutch hiphop which id never heard before.
Examples - jayz, rick ross, asap ferg, frank ocean, 2 chainz, tip, fabolous, biggie, drake, kanye, game .... list goes on. modern hiphop bangers all night
Crowd was cool, loads of beautiful girls and seemed everybody knew the words and sung/danced along all night. Stayed from 12 middnight to 6am and we had an awesome time. Drinks werent overpriced and they had some free desert table thing. no vip table wankers that i could see just heaps of steezy ppl havin a good time
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vanVasa A
32 contributions
Friends
I am ashamed and buthurt that I was kicked out of the club for throwing up in the toilet. But let me explain my side - although I was near collapsing, I was conscious enough to not make a mess as others had to use the toilets as well. My mistake was "asking for help". This was the first ever time I ended up puking after drinking, that too two cups of beer, maybe it was the food I had before. I was most upset, embarrassed and lost. It was raining outside when the bouncers threw me out. They wouldn't accept any explanations or pleas for help. They would not just let me stay inside the door at least to keep myself dry. I could not call my friends as my phone ran out of power. I am curious if this is how they treat everyone who might have been unfortunate or foolish. The music was great, no complaints there. But sometimes you are reduced into a mere fragile human being far beneath any love for hip hop. I am not returning to this club ever. May be it was those specific bouncers, maybe it was my mistake to vomit and appear repulsive to other club goers, maybe it was foolish to charge my phone when I started my journey to Amsterdam that morning. I hope this won't happen to anyone in future.
Written June 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alicia P
Kansas City, MO8 contributions
Couples
I was here for a concert in March 2012. The venue is great- small and intimate, with good sound. Beers were fairly priced and cold, and the line for the bar was never too long.
The only complaint I have is we each had to pay a membership fee of 4 Euro before we could enter. So after standing in line outside, we had to wait in another line inside at the ticket window. Had we known ahead of time, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but we assumed all charges and fees were included in the final price of our tickets. Other than that, it was a great experince.
The only complaint I have is we each had to pay a membership fee of 4 Euro before we could enter. So after standing in line outside, we had to wait in another line inside at the ticket window. Had we known ahead of time, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but we assumed all charges and fees were included in the final price of our tickets. Other than that, it was a great experince.
Written July 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
willisika
Helsinki, Finland133 contributions
Solo
Went to see Fokofpolisiekar in August and Melkweg delivered in heaps on a first time visit. Great sound quality, great lights, video screens etc. Not to mention easy logistics (read: in/afterparty/out), efficient bar service, amenities & everything.
The compact layout makes this a great place for "smaller" bands. As for tix, everything's super easy online — although that obligatory "membership fee" is a bit of a hey-what's-this-now.
Anyway, this is definitely *the* place to enjoy your favorite act — front row center.
The compact layout makes this a great place for "smaller" bands. As for tix, everything's super easy online — although that obligatory "membership fee" is a bit of a hey-what's-this-now.
Anyway, this is definitely *the* place to enjoy your favorite act — front row center.
Written September 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nanxc
Essex, UK15 contributions
Couples
I'm not one to write reviews but this venue could really help out music enthusiasts when planning a trip, like it did for me
Myself and my partner saw Wilkinson here in march 2016 who we consider to be a fairly well known artist, yet we watched him in the 'Oude Zaal' (which I think means old hall) and there can't have been more than 150 people in there! I'd say the crowd went 10 rows back and if you wanted to be front row you could just walk there with no issues! Best gig I have ever been to hands down just because of the intimacy. We are travelling back in December this year to see Tom Misch in the theatre on the next floor up which also looks like it can't hold more than 100 people capacity! I will be continuing to plan gigs & holidays around this venue, despite living in England. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT IS!
There is a 4 euro charge for membership (which I suggest buying when you buy the tickets through ticket master instead of when you actually get there) but given how cheap the tickets are for the gig in the first place this was hardly a problem for us. Drinks are just as expensive as you would expect them to be in Amsterdam (bare in mind this is a music venue too)
When we left melkweg we noticed that it's actually placed in a busy part of Amsterdam with lots of bars/clubs/restaurants/coffeeshops nearby if you wish to carry on your night and it was a 15 minute walk away from our hotel in Rembrandt square. It's an incredible venue and I hope this is around for many more years to come.
Myself and my partner saw Wilkinson here in march 2016 who we consider to be a fairly well known artist, yet we watched him in the 'Oude Zaal' (which I think means old hall) and there can't have been more than 150 people in there! I'd say the crowd went 10 rows back and if you wanted to be front row you could just walk there with no issues! Best gig I have ever been to hands down just because of the intimacy. We are travelling back in December this year to see Tom Misch in the theatre on the next floor up which also looks like it can't hold more than 100 people capacity! I will be continuing to plan gigs & holidays around this venue, despite living in England. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT IS!
There is a 4 euro charge for membership (which I suggest buying when you buy the tickets through ticket master instead of when you actually get there) but given how cheap the tickets are for the gig in the first place this was hardly a problem for us. Drinks are just as expensive as you would expect them to be in Amsterdam (bare in mind this is a music venue too)
When we left melkweg we noticed that it's actually placed in a busy part of Amsterdam with lots of bars/clubs/restaurants/coffeeshops nearby if you wish to carry on your night and it was a 15 minute walk away from our hotel in Rembrandt square. It's an incredible venue and I hope this is around for many more years to come.
Written October 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
spannerwingnut
London, UK341 contributions
Couples
Came here from London to see the Mad Caddies!
Great venue, the sound was excellent. Small standing balcony area upstairs, main bar downstairs.
Lockers & phone charging lockers available! - Don’t know why we don’t have these yet at most venues in London!
We bought are tickets online at home, you do have to pay a small membership fee for the venue which gives you the ability to attend the gig & a months membership (but only a couple of Euros so nothing to worry about)
Thanks for a great night!
Great venue, the sound was excellent. Small standing balcony area upstairs, main bar downstairs.
Lockers & phone charging lockers available! - Don’t know why we don’t have these yet at most venues in London!
We bought are tickets online at home, you do have to pay a small membership fee for the venue which gives you the ability to attend the gig & a months membership (but only a couple of Euros so nothing to worry about)
Thanks for a great night!
Written February 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dwaynemassie
Hanau, Germany7 contributions
Wanted to go and have a Snack,but,was closed to the public (only VIPs allowed). Went to a certain food chain instead :-D
Written August 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DumisaniK
London, UK19 contributions
Visited Amsterdam with a friend from the 2nd to the 5th of January 2015. We are into hip hop so on the Friday ended up in a small pub called Duveil or something like that - it was decent but it's smoking inside so came out smelling of weed all over.
The next day we wanted a fuller club experience and this is when I discovered this gem Melkweg. We went early around 11 so got in for free and there were like a couple of Dutch bands playing for free in the room to the left on entry. The music was good then at 12 the ENCORE hip hop night started - for 30 minutes the place was dead but by 1:00pm the whole club was mobbed and man the DJ mixed some tunes. He was playing southern hip hop mixed with mainstream hip hop and some old skool. It was the best night ever. Next time am in the city am Defo visiting again
The next day we wanted a fuller club experience and this is when I discovered this gem Melkweg. We went early around 11 so got in for free and there were like a couple of Dutch bands playing for free in the room to the left on entry. The music was good then at 12 the ENCORE hip hop night started - for 30 minutes the place was dead but by 1:00pm the whole club was mobbed and man the DJ mixed some tunes. He was playing southern hip hop mixed with mainstream hip hop and some old skool. It was the best night ever. Next time am in the city am Defo visiting again
Written January 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
villaolivios
Cardiff, UK13 contributions
Hi can you tell me how far from the airport please.
villaolivios
Cardiff, UK13 contributions
Hi can you tell me how far from the airport the venue is,and can you recommend somewhere to stay I am going in November to see Skindred many thanks
Steve Q
Toronto, Canada216 contributions
The Melkweg is a five minute walk from the Leidseplein tram stop. You can take one of the frequent trains to central station, about 20-25 minutes from the airport, and then jump on tram line 12. I stay with friends in Amsterdam so I'm of no help for accomodation.
Is it possible to go between Max and Oz on the night or would I need to buy two separate tickets?
Wim B
Tuttlingen, Germany124 contributions
2 tickets are needed
I want to go to the Encore night tonight on Sat 5th Jan do we have to buy tickets online or can we buy tickets on the door?
ebsandspen74
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
hi,how can i get tickets for zgerry Cinnoman in january please?
Bambilula
Cascais, Portugal2 contributions
hey! you can find them on ticketmaster, i tried to add the link but tripadvisor wont let me.
19sandar
Sarasota, FL3 contributions
Hi Melkweg!
I loved Melkweg when I visited 40 years ago!
Is there still an area in the club where you can purchase edibles and smokeables?
cyberpunk-FIN
Helsinki, Finland184 contributions
There is not, yet a Bulldog coffee shop is located like 0.5kms away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Melkweg
- We recommend booking Melkweg tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Melkweg tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Melkweg:
- Amsterdam Guided Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board (From $20.69)
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese (From $31.29)
- Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise - Live Guide - from Anne Frank House (From $20.69)
- All inclusive Canal Tour by Captain Jack (Traveller's Choice Award 2021) (From $37.13)
- Luxury Canal Tour with Local Live Guide - Sightseeing - from Rijkmuseum (From $20.69)
- Hotels near Melkweg:
- (0.03 mi) Hotel La Boheme
- (0.03 mi) The Blake at Leidse Square
- (0.04 mi) Hotel Weber
- (0.09 mi) Krisotel
- (0.07 mi) Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American
- Restaurants near Melkweg:
- (0.03 mi) Milk Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Akbar Indian Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) The Chupitos Club
- (0.03 mi) De La Mar
- (0.03 mi) Trattoria Fantasia