Boom Chicago Amsterdam: a must-visit comedy hotspot


If laughter is the best therapy, then we found the most fun and affordable therapeutic night out in Amsterdam: The hysterical Boom Chicago comedy show. What a great night out.

Located in the vibrant Jordaan, this iconic English-language comedy club has been making Amsterdam laugh for more than 30 years. They produce high-energy, two-hour stand-up comedy and improv shows. The former features four top international comedians with a fantastic MC. The latter features hilarious performers, with a technician and an incredible musician all on the same wavelength.

The laughs don’t stop and the energy is high. The live music director, who is every bit as impromptu and stellar as the comedy performers themselves, makes it almost seem too good.

Boom Chicago comedy Amsterdam

The history of Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago isn’t just another comedy club – it has been a training ground for some of the world’s top comedy acts such as Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele and the creators of Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly).

It was founded by Andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld, childhood friends, who took improv comedy classes in Chicago. Their idea to set up a comedy club was born back in 1992, when the pair was on a trip to Amsterdam. Sitting in a “coffee shop“, they had “the best stoner idea ever”. They quit their jobs in the US to start a comedy club in Amsterdam.

Despite a warning from the City of Amsterdam that their “plan would never work”, they opened the city’s first English-speaking comedy theatre. They chose the name Boom Chicago because they improv came from Chicago and Boom meant “the same thing in every language”. (Unfortunately “boom” means tree in Dutch, which caused some initial confusion).

Over the years, Boom Chicago grew in popularity and moved into larger and larger venues, eventually opening a complex on the Rozengracht with three theaters. 

It has become a world-famous comedy institution, and of the 100 or so Boom Chicago alumni, six went on to work for Saturday Night Live, eight worked at MADtv.

Others wrote, starred in or produced shows like Ted Lasso, Key & Peele (Key met Peele at Boom Chicago), Rick & Morty, 30 RockCommunity, Breaking Bad, PortlandiaThe OfficeVeepArrested DevelopmentThe Mindy ProjectGirlsBroad CityHow I Met Your MotherInside Amy Schumer, Parks and RecreationDrunk HistoryBrooklyn Nine-Nine and Have I got News for You.

On Late Night TV, alumni have made their mark on Late Night With Seth Meyers, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Amber Ruffin Show! 

That’s quite a list. And tomorrow’s stars are onstage tonight!

Boom Chicago comedy club
Boom Chicago Amsterdam
A visit to Boom Chicago Amsterdam
We visited the show ourselves at December 2024. We can highly recomment this hilarious night out! Besides the great comedians, the soundsman was incrediable good!

What to expect at Boom Chicago

The venue has a modern, relaxed vibe with a lively atmosphere. THere is comfortable seating and a well-stocked bar offering drinks and snacks. Seating isn’t reserved, so you can sit anywhere.

Don’t worry about sitting in the front as you won’t get picked on, a relief for those of us who experienced the funny yet embarrassing limelight of being ridiculed in comedy shows. Instead, you can participate by shouting out an idea when the cast asks for it so they improvise about your suggestion. Another bonus is that you can also order drinks and snacks during the show.

The show is fast-paced, spontaneous and highly interactive. Many of the performances draw inspiration from audience suggestions, ensuring that every show is unique. You can expect sharp humour, clever wordplay and amazing musical improv.

The humour is accessible and caters to a sharp global audience. If you consider yourself funny, it’s good to know that Boom Chicago offers improv training and comedy workshops. For more info, you can head to their website.

Boom Chicago AmsterdamBoom Chicago comedy clubBoom Chicago comedy club

Our experience of Boom Chicago in Amsterdam

Having only experienced scripted comedy shows before, I expected a few giggles at my first improv show at Boom Chicago. How funny could it be with a cast having to make it up on the spot?

The joke was on me! I cry-laughed throughout the show, in awe of how sharp and funny the cast was. These comedians appeared like a group of friends living their best lives, making comedy look so easy.

The atmosphere was relaxed and happy, and the seating was comfortable – our party was able to position our chairs around our drinks table and enjoy the interactive vibe.

The comedians engaged with the audience, turning spontaneous suggestions into hilarious scenes that felt unpredictable and perfectly timed. They took every “random” audience suggestion and turned it into hilarity.

I left with sore ribs from all the laughter, and two days later made plans to go back to Boom Chicago with some friends who hadn’t been yet. This was one of my most fun Amsterdam experiences, and certainly the best “therapy”.

Boom Chicago Amsterdam

Boom Chicago comedy clubBoom Chicago comedy club Amsterdam

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Frequently asked questions about Boom Chicago Amsterdam

Do I need to speak Dutch to enjoy the show?
No, most shows at Boom Chicago are performed in English, making it an ideal comedy venue for international audiences and tourists.

Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, but it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance as shows tend to sell out quickly.

What time should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive about 30 minutes before the show starts to grab a drink and get a seat without rushing.

Is there food available?
Boom Chicago doesn’t offer a full meal menu, but they do have snacks like nachos and hotdogs, and a well-stocked bar with drinks available before, during and after the show.

How long do the shows last?
Most shows run for about 90 minutes, including a short intermission.

Is Boom Chicago suitable for children?
The humour at Boom Chicago is more geared towards adults, kids from around 13 will likely enjoy the shows (it depends on the child too). There are no kids’ tickets available.

Can I host a private event or corporate party at Boom Chicago?
Yes! Boom Chicago offers private show options and event packages, making it a great choice for corporate outings, team-building sessions or special celebrations. They can also create a private evening with food, drinks, presentations and a tailored comedy show for your company.

Are there special discounts for groups?
Yes, Boom Chicago offers group discounts for parties of a certain size. Check their website for info.

What happens if you can’t make a show that you’ve booked for?
You can reschedule your tickets at least 24 hours in advance.

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Boom Chicago dates and times

Shows are held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. For an up-to-date show calendar and times, check out their website.

Location & contact details of Boom Chicago

Rozengracht 117, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Call: +31 (0)20 217 0400 on Mon-Fri 10:00 – 18:00.
Email: [email protected]

Public transport

Public transport in Amsterdam is well-organised. Boom Chicago is easily accessible by public transport, and is a few minutes away from Amsterdam Central Station.  Use the 9292 OV app when planning your trip to Boom Chicago.

9292 knop Nederlands

Your Boom Chicago experience

Have you attended a show at Boom Chicago? We'd love to hear about your experience, and if you'd recommend it. Let us know and we'll share your review.


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