Concertgebouw

With its beautiful architecture and clear acoustics, the Concertgebouw is a favourite venue of many of the world's top musicians, and is home to the world famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. As you'd expect, the sound in the Grote Zaal (Great Hall) is excellent. The Kleine Zaal (Recital Hall) is perhaps less comfortable, but is the perfect size for chamber groups and soloists. Visiting stars push up the prices, but if you avoid the big names, the concerts are very affordable: the Robeco Summer Concerts (July, Aug) are a particular bargain. For a taster, pop into a free Wednesday-lunchtime concert: they often offer a trimmed-down recital from one of the week's key performances, and sometimes even feature the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with a guest conductor. Visitors under 27 can arrive 45 minutes before the show to see if there are any remaining seats, which are then sold for €7.50; for information, call 573 0511). For a full night of culture, precede your concert with a meal at the posh, pricey but wonderful Bodega de Keyzer (Van Baerlestraat 96, 675 1866) or Chinese fusion cuisine temple Chang-I (JW Brouwersstraat 7, 470 1700, www.chang-i.nl). Then, after the show, round things off at the unpretentious and convivial brown bar Café Welling (JW Brouwersstraat 32, 662 0155).