Amsterdam Guide to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

Welcome, fellow Swifties, to your Guide to Taylor Swift’s Concert in Amsterdam

Are you coming to Amsterdam to see Taylor Swift at the Johan Cruijff Arena and completely overwhelmed with all the details? That’s why I’m here to break it all down for you! I’m going to keep it as clear as possible so you can refer to it quickly and while you’re on the go.

Please note there are affiliate links used in this post. When used, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick facts 

• Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is in Amsterdam July 4, 5, 6, 2024
• Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena (venue’s website) | The roof will be closed
• Doors open: 3:30 PM for those holding VIP Early Entry tickets and 4:30pm for everyone else. 
• Tickets: Ticketmaster
• Opening Act: Paramore

How to Get to the Arena: Transportation Guide

Plan Your Route

• Google Maps and Citymapper: These apps are great for real-time navigation.
• Local apps & websites: Visit gvb.com (buses, metro, tram) and ns.nl (trains) for information directly from the source

By Train

• Direct Routes: Take the train directly to the Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station from:
  • Amsterdam Central
  • Schiphol Airport
  • Rotterdam
  • Utrecht
• Connections: You can connect from any other train station in the Netherlands.
• Last Train: The last train is around 1:30 am. Check the NS.nl website for updates.

By Metro

• Metro Lines:
  • Metro 50
  • Metro 54: This line goes from Amsterdam Central Station.
• Exit Stations:
  • Strandvliet: Best for Noord/North Entrances A-E & K.
  • Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA: Best for Zuid/South Entrances F, G, H, M.
• Reminder: Enter through the entrance listed on your ticket.

By Ride-Sharing (Uber or Bolt)

• Availability: Uber and Bolt are available in Amsterdam.
• Traffic: Expect heavy traffic and traffic controllers, which may cause delays.

Using Public Transportation

• Contactless Payment: Check in and out using contactless payment for all modes of public transport.
• GVB app: If you want to buy a day ticket for local transportation, buy at a machine in most train stations, all metro stations, and some tram stops. Look for the one that says “GVB” or the blue machine. I do NOT recommend buying the digital ticket in the app that uses a QR code. I see many visitors who have issues with it.
• Local transportation Includes local buses, trams, and metro in Amsterdam. Does not include trains or regional buses.

For more information on metro, trams, and local buses, visit the gvb.nl website. Plan your route ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey to the concert.

What’s Around the Arena (Food, Shopping)

• If you want to stay close to the arena all day, you can:
  • Watch a movie at the Pathe theater
  • Go window shopping in Amsterdamse Poort
  • Eat at one of the many nearby restaurants

Venue Information: Johan Cruijff Arena

Key Dutch Words

• Ingang: Entrance
• Uitgang: Exit
• Noord: North
• West: West
• Oost: East
• Zuid: South

Entry Points and Facilities

• Entry Points: Check the official website for detailed information on entrances and nearby facilities.
• Retractable Roof: The roof will be closed for the concert.
• Door Opening Times:
  • VIP Early Entry: 3:30 PM
  • General Admission: 4:30 PM
  • Note: Camping out before the show is not allowed.

Weather Preparation

• Sunny Day Tips for standing in line:
  • Apply sunscreen in advance.
  • Wear a hat to keep cool.
  • Drink plenty of water (but no bottles are allowed inside)

Merchandise

• Avoid Long Lines: Arrive early to purchase concert merchandise.

Food and Drinks

• Water Bottles: Even empty water bottles are not allowed (I specifically reached out to ask).
• Venue Options: Check for food stalls and drink options within the arena. Stay hydrated!
• Restrictions: Visitors cannot bring outside food and drinks into the stadium. Confiscated items will be donated to a food bank project in Amsterdam Southeast.

Tickets and Seating

• Tickets: Ensure you have your tickets downloaded, take a screenshot, and print, if you can, as a backup.
• Entry: Enter only at the entrance listed on your ticket
• Early Arrival: Arrive early to find your seat or secure a good spot in standing areas.

Bag Policy

• Size Limit: Bags must be A4 size (30 cm x 21 cm x 10 cm) or smaller.
• Locker Points:
  • There are no lockers available at the Arena
  • Lockerpoint ArenApoort above the Ziggo Dome
  • Lockerpoint ArenApoort P5 at Villa ArenA

Payment Methods

• Cashless Payments: Only PIN debit cards, Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron, AmEx, and VPay are accepted.

Prohibited Items and Rules

• No Smoking: Smoking is not allowed.
• Alcohol: Available to those over 18 with ID.
• No Water Bottles: Water bottles are not allowed.
• Selfie Sticks: The use of selfie sticks is prohibited.
• For a Full List: Check the Greenhouse Talent website for detailed information on prohibited items, including specific camera guidelines.

Nearby venues

• Good to know: None of the nearby venues including AFAS Live and the Ziggo Dome have shows on the same dates as The Eras Tour.

Concert Outfit

Embrace Your Inner Taylor

• Style Tips: Think sequins, glitter, and fun accessories.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be on your feet dancing and singing for many memory-making hours.

Shopping for Last-Minute Concert Outfits

If things don’t go as planned and you need a backup outfit, here are some great places to check out in Amsterdam:

• De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets):
  • Trendy boutiques and vintage shops
  • Delicious snacks and unique finds
• De Bijenkorf:
  • High-end department store on Dam Square
  • Offers a variety of glamorous brands
• Thrift Shops:
  • Numerous options throughout Amsterdam
  • Search “thrift shop” on Google Maps to find beautiful and unique gems
• H&M, Zara, Peek & Cloppenburg:
  • Located on Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat
  • Affordable and quick options for a last-minute outfit change
• Costume and Party Shops:
  • For something a little extra, check out:
    • SoLow
    • Louis Wittenburg
  • Fun, themed accessories to complete your concert look

Travel Essentials for the Concert

Small Bag: Bring a compact bag with the following essentials:

• Phone
• Power bank
• Wallet
• ID
• Concert tickets (or have them on your phone)
• Blister pack
• Tissues / Hand sanitizer
• Friendship bracelets
• Earplugs
• Necessary medications

Things to Do While in Amsterdam

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Rijksmuseum: Home to Dutch masterpieces. Get your priority ticket.
• Van Gogh Museum: Celebrate the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.
• Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience: Immersive visit into Rembrandt’s life. Note: this is NOT Rembrandt’s House.
• Anne Frank House: A poignant historical experience. You may be able to find day-of tickets online.
• Take a Canal Cruise: Explore the city from the water with Those Dam Boat Guys. I’ve booked them every time someone visits.

Quirky Spots

• Moco Museum: Contemporary art and street art. Check availability
• Electric Ladyland: A museum of fluorescent art.
• STRAAT Museum: Indoor (mostly) street art museum. Discover more
• WONDR Experience: Colorful and immersive experience. Check it out here
• The Upside Down Amsterdam: Quirky museum made for photos and fun. Book now
• AMAZE Amsterdam: Multi-sensory audio-visual experience. Find your ticket here

Brunch and Coffee Spots

For all of these spots, please make a reservation!

• Dignita Hoftuin: The extensive terrace and location is perfect for a sunny day.
• Greenwoods: My top recommendation for brunch.
• Kessens: A local favorite with good vibes and nice food.
• Pluk Amsterdam: Small spot with Instagram-worthy dishes and decor.

Parks for Relaxation

• Vondelpark: Perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. There’s an actual Picasso statue in the middle and plenty of cool areas.
• Flevopark: A quieter alternative with beautiful greenery and a jenever bar by a small lake.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans: Just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, this picturesque village is known for its well-preserved windmills and traditional Dutch houses. It’s a perfect spot for a quick getaway and some great photos…and I made a full video guide about it!

Haarlem: A charming city just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem offers a mix of history, shopping, and dining. Check out the Grote Markt and the Teylers Museum. My friend, Tea, lived in Haarlem and created this helpful guide for visitors.

Utrecht: A 30-minute train ride will take you to this vibrant city with beautiful canals, a stunning cathedral, and plenty of cafes and shops. Here’s how to plan the best day in Utrecht.

Concert Day: Get Ready to Sing Your Heart Out!

Meetups

• Fan Gatherings: Look out for fan meetups before the concert. Check social media groups for Swiftie gatherings.
• Hard Rock Cafe Swifties Breakfast: For each concert day, Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam offers a breakfast with a DIY friendship bracelet station. Buy your ticket here.

Post-Concert Fun

Late-Night Eats

• FEBO: A Dutch fast-food chain with vending machine-style food with spots all over the city. It’s mostly fried food, but all options make a nice late-night snack with vegetarian options included.
• Favorite Chicken & Ribs: A hole-in-the-wall spot in the center of Amsterdam with my husband’s favorite late-night chicken.
• Burger Zaken: Also in the center of the city in a burger spot open until 1am most nights and 2am on the weekend. I enjoyed many burgers and fries here, and I love that they have a veggie burger option.

Nightlife

• Paradiso: A famous music venue that often has late-night events.
• Escape: Another great spot for music and dancing.

Safety Tips

Generally, Amsterdam is a very safe city and I feel completely comfortable being out at night, even alone. I realize this also comes from a place of living here for almost 10 years. But mostly, just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

• Stay Together: Stick with friends and stay in well-lit areas at night.
• Watch Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Capture the Memories

• Take Photos and Videos: Clean off your phone! Make sure your phone has enough storage and bring a backup battery.
• Connect Online: Use a hashtag for the event to connect with other Swifties online.

Enjoy your time in Amsterdam and the unforgettable Taylor Swift concert experience! Safe travels, and have a blast!