Maloe Melo

In the heart of the Jordaan on the Lijnbaansgracht, Maloe Melo is Amsterdam's self-styled oldest blues bar — gritty, intimate and the real thing. There's live music every night of the week from around 9pm into the small hours, with free entry.

Blues is the backbone, but you'll also catch rock and roll, country and regular jam sessions where local musicians let loose. It's a small, dark, atmospheric room with a loyal following.

What to expect

Expect a raw, close-up music bar rather than a polished venue — a tiny stage, a packed room and a friendly, music-loving crowd. On jam nights, anyone good enough might end up playing.

Good to know

Just turn up — no tickets, no fuss, free entry, and a proper taste of old-Amsterdam music culture. It's small, so it fills up; come early on busy nights for a spot near the stage.