Amsterdam’s top orchestra—indeed, one of the world’s top orchestras—is the renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, whose home is the Concertgebouw. This majestic concert venue first opened its doors in 1888 and still touted as one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in Europe. The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra are also based here, and both have the same contact details (tel. 020/521-7500; http://orkest.nl).

World-class orchestras and soloists line up for the chance of appearing in the hallowed Grote Zaal (Great Hall) of the Concertgebouw thanks to its perfect sound quality. Chamber and solo recitals are given in the smaller Kleine Zaal (Little Hall). The main concert season is September to mid-June, with the Robeco SummerNights concert series running during July and August and featuring world-class artists but with much-reduced seat prices. A mixed bag of free concerts are held at the Concertgebouw every Wednesday at 12:30pm.