There’s no denying that Amsterdam is one of the best cities for anything related to culture and music. Contrary to popular belief, vinyl records and CDs have seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, and these record shops in Amsterdam have certainly contributed to this trend.
Who can forget that vague, exhilarating feeling you get when you step into a record store for the first time? The music lover’s library: it has its own distinctive smell, it’s a visual feast, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. Amsterdam has quite a few great record stores, and with Record Store Day just around the corner, we’ve listed eight that are doing their part to breathe new life into vinyl culture.
8 Great Record Stores in Amsterdam
1. Concerto
We couldn’t help but start the list with Amsterdam’s oldest record store. Concerto first opened its doors in 1955 and has been a must-visit for many collectors and music lovers ever since. The store describes itself as “a paradise for music lovers” and spans five floors. You’ll find new and used albums, ranging from nostalgic rock ’n’ roll classics to quirky funk and jazz, world music, and much more. They even have a specialist for every music genre who can guide you through the latest releases! If you want to spend the day in Amsterdam’s vinyl mecca and spend hours rummaging through record bins, this is the place to do it.
📍Utrechtsestraat 52-60
2. Bordello a Parigi
This neat and minimalist-looking record shop is located in the heart of the Red Light District and boasts a massive collection of all kinds of spacey, Italo-style music mixed with techno and electro-synth.
Originally, Bordello a Parigi was just a label that produced some of the coolest techno, synthwave, Italo, and Russian dance artists, such as Palermo Disco Squad, Hypnotique, and many more. In 2011, Bordello a Parigi opened its record store. Many well-known DJs and artists, such as Honey Dijon, Miss Kittin, and Jennifer Cardini, have stopped by this now-iconic record store for the ADE sessions. The store even has its own Bordello Radio, where they upload jam sessions by some of the most promising up-and-coming artists.
📍Oudezijds Kolk 71
3. Platypus Records
This store is a riot of colors, patterns, posters, and—you guessed it—vinyls! Vinyls in every nook and cranny! Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this record shop offers a wide selection of used and new vinyl records. They likely have every genre in stock and in-house. For anyone looking to sell vinyls: they also buy LPs, singles, or maxis. Platypus also broadcasts live streams of jam sessions and DJ sets and organizes parties at various venues to promote some of the most promising artists. So if you love reggae, synth, speedcore, salsa, boogaloo— you name it—you should definitely check this place out.
📍Zeedijk 45
4. Velvet Music
This women-run business is located in the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood. Velvet Music offers old-school vinyl in a modern setting, ranging from Frank Zappa, Deep Purple, and Toussaint to contemporary artists like Little Simz, Billie Eilish, Adele, and Bruno Mars. Velvet Music is the cozy record shop for anyone who loves vinyl. As soon as you step inside the store, you immediately feel a sense of familiarity, which is nice in an environment that might otherwise be a bit overwhelming.
📍Rozengracht 40
5. Rush Hour
Rush Hour, perhaps Amsterdam’s most famous record label, has become a haven for music lovers, record hunters, and collectors since its inception. The label was founded in 1997 and initially began by importing obscure house and techno records from around the world, later exporting like-minded Dutch releases to foreign companies. In 1999, it gradually evolved into a label and has been organizing events and parties ever since. While certainly popular with visitors, they are especially beloved by the community for bringing new local artists and DJs to the international stage.
📍Spuistraat 110
6. Distortion Records
At first glance, it might seem like you’re stepping into a scene from Hoarders, but once you’ve made your way through the narrow aisles filled with vinyl at Distortion Records, you’ll find peace, catch your breath, and be able to browse for hours. You’ll find whatever you like best— new and used records, or cheap bargains and collectibles. The massive collection spans a wide range of genres, including punk, new wave, dubstep, and house. Another gem in the Jordaan: this spot has been around for 25 years, and the owner and walking encyclopedia Amond Spee is always ready to help you out.
📍Westerstraat 244
7. Charles Muziek
It’s usually hard to find a record store with a great collection of classical music, since most focus on music from the 1950s onward, but Charles Muziek is the last remaining store in Amsterdam that specializes entirely in classical music. The store opened in 1954, and its classical collection spans the period from the Middle Ages to the present day and features artists from Korea, Japan, India, and the Middle East. If you also enjoy ethnic music, you can find overtone singers from Tuva or Mongolia, Pygmy chants from the Congo, or electric West African music here.
📍Weteringschans 193
8. KILLACUTZ
Last on our list is another local favorite: KILLACUTZ. Although it doesn’t look all that impressive, this cozy little shop has more than enough charm and vinyl records to supply the entire city. Their collection consists of over 3,000 records and reissues, specializing in all subgenres of electronic music, such as Detroit techno, Chicago house, UK tech house, and deep house. And if you’re in the mood to take a trip down memory lane, there’s also a wide selection of soul, rock, and funk classics.
📍Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 21
