concerts & cultural events for Expats and Internationals in Rotterdam
join the International Community at de Doelen: easy access, meet new people & discover world-class music
Discover the vibrant heart of Rotterdam’s cultural scene at de Doelen: the city’s home for international concerts and cultural experiences for expats in Rotterdam. Whether you’ve just moved to Rotterdam or you’ve been here for years, de Doelen offers an inspiring selection of concerts, cultural events, live music and social gatherings designed also for expats and internationals. Connect with other internationals at our events, explore things to do in Rotterdam for expats, connect with the city’s international community, and experience world-class performances in one of the Netherlands’ most iconic cultural venues.
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English-friendly staff |
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Easy access from Central Station |
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Free drink during intermission |
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Student discounts |
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Meet new people |
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World-class acoustics |
discover concerts and cultural events for expats and Internationals in Rotterdam
In the vibrant heart of Rotterdam, just steps away from Rotterdam Central Station, 'het Oude Westen' district, and the lively Lijnbaan shopping area, you’ll find de Doelen; one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
For over half a century, de Doelen has been the beating heart of Rotterdam’s music and cultural life. A concert hall, pop venue, festival hub, and meeting place that welcomes visitors from across the Netherlands and the international expat community.
Our mission is to create cultural experiences where Rotterdammers and internationals come together through music, art, and connection. In everything we do: from our programming and partnerships to our staff and audience, we celebrate diversity and inclusion that reflects the world around us.
concerts and events in Rotterdam’s cultural hotspot
Each year, de Doelen hosts nearly five hundred concerts and events, welcoming over 400,000 visitors. From classical music to jazz, pop, world music, hip-hop, and film, our programming combines innovation and accessibility. Whether you’re an expat new to Rotterdam or a local music lover, de Doelen offers a warm welcome and a world of cultural discovery.
👉 Check out our agenda to discover upcoming concerts and cultural events in Rotterdam!
contact & accessibility
de Doelen Rotterdam is centrally located in the heart of Rotterdam, directly opposite Rotterdam Central Station. The venue is easy to reach by train, metro, tram or car, making it an ideal location for both locals and internationals visiting the city.
Several parking garages and public-transport connections are available within walking distance, allowing visitors to plan their route effortlessly. Whether you arrive from The Hague, Delft, or within Rotterdam, de Doelen is perfectly connected to the city’s vibrant centre.
entrances & hall addresses
De Doelen Rotterdam has several entrances around the building, each leading to one of our unique concert halls. The concert hall complex is located in Rotterdam’s city centre, within walking distance of major hotels, restaurants and cultural landmarks. Below you’ll find an overview of the addresses and access points for every hall in de Doelen Rotterdam complex, located in the city centre of Rotterdam, right next to Rotterdam Central Station.
Grote Zaal: Schouwburgplein 50, 3012 CL, Rotterdam
Jurriaanse Zaal: Kruisplein 30, 3012 CC, Rotterdam
Willem Burger Zaal: Kruisplein 40, 3012CC, Rotterdam
Eduard Flipse Zaal: Karel Doormanstraat 223, 3012 GH, Rotterdam
Van Cappellen Zaal: entrance via de Grote Zaal entrance
Feetzaal: entrance via de Grote Zaal entrance
upcoming events
agenda
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Angisa Taki
if a cloth could speakFri 17 Oct 25-Sun 7 Dec 25-
Fri 17 Oct 25 14:00 - Sun 7 Dec 25 20:00free
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Fri 17 Oct 25 14:00 - Sun 7 Dec 25 20:00free
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Elisabeth Hetherington & ADAM Quartet
Future Echoesincluding Dean, Schönberg, Shaw en MontgomeryFri 21 Nov 25-
Fri 21 Nov 25 20:15 - 21:30tickets
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Fri 21 Nov 25 20:15 - 21:30tickets
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Adès and Stravinsky
Rotterdam Philharmonic OrchestraFri 21 Nov 25andSun 23 Nov 25-
Fri 21 Nov 25 20:15external ticket sale ◥
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Sun 23 Nov 25 14:15external ticket sale ◥
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Fri 21 Nov 25 20:15external ticket sale ◥
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Sun 23 Nov 25 14:15external ticket sale ◥
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Art Walks Live
explore the Doelen art route with an art enthusiastSat 22 Nov 25-
Sat 22 Nov 25 15:00 - 17:00tickets
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Sat 22 Nov 25 15:00 - 17:00tickets
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House jam XL
Clubstyles battleSat 22 Nov 25-
Sat 22 Nov 25 19:00 - 01:00tickets ◥
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Sat 22 Nov 25 19:00 - 01:00tickets ◥
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Otemba Daring Women
an international musical theater performance about colonial relations, the female gaze and autonomySat 22 Nov 25-
Sat 22 Nov 25 20:15 - 21:45tickets
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Sat 22 Nov 25 20:15 - 21:45tickets
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50 years of Suriname independence concert
Including performances by Nisha Madaran, Powl Ameerali and Oscar HarrisHoud de websites en socials in de gaten voor het volledige programma!Sat 22 Nov 25Sranan Poku Concert
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Sat 22 Nov 25 20:30 - 22:55tickets
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Sat 22 Nov 25 20:30 - 22:55tickets
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Salsa Aan De Haven
Sat 22 Nov 25-
Sat 22 Nov 25 21:30external ticket sale ◥
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Sat 22 Nov 25 21:30external ticket sale ◥
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De Eeuw van Harry Belafonte | Leoni Jansen, Izaline Calister, Roël Calister, Thijs Borste
ZondagochtendconcertSun 23 Nov 25-
Sun 23 Nov 25 11:00 - 12:15tickets
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Sun 23 Nov 25 11:00 - 12:15tickets
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30 and under? Visit de Doelen for €10!
Good news for music lovers up to 30 years old: from the new season tickets will only cost 10 euros*! A great way to enjoy a large part of the new Doelen program. From pop and jazz to classical, hip-hop and reggae, you can get it for just ten euros! Check the program by clicking on the banner below and go on an adventure in the Doelen.
* Excluding a €1.50 ticket fee.
to all themes
reviews
- ★★★★★
"Homestead of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. I love the layout of the hall, like a Star Wars spaceship. Acoustics seem good. The sounds of the Rotterdam Philharmonic is great anyways. Robust. Plenty of toilets at various locations, drinks are usually included and are standing ready when leaving the hall during intermission. You never have to wait long in line to order a drink that isn't available at the stands anymore. It's a great system."
- Ruud Horevoorts - ★★★★★
"I recently attended Flow Unplugged at De Doelen Rotterdam, and it was an incredible experience. The event was filled with a variety of talented performers, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. The atmosphere was intimate, which made the performances feel even more personal and engaging. I loved how diverse the acts were – from soulful acoustic sets to powerful vocal performances, every artist had something special to offer. De Doelen itself is a beautiful venue with great acoustics, which really enhanced the whole experience. Overall, it was a fantastic evening, and I can't wait to attend another event there!"
- Patricia Baquerizo - ★★★★★
"Outstanding concert hall. Been there for Pletnev Rachmaninov festival in the Great Hall. Acoustics is great, although some noices (I think from the stage lighting) were a disturbance. Using cloak room is free, concert programs are free, and in the intermission you get a free drink! (Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee) They do it to attract young audience to classical concerts."
- Evgeny




