Where to Catch André Rieu: Europe’s Most Praised Arenas

When fans talk about their favorite André Rieu concerts, certain arenas seem to be mentioned again and again — not because of size alone, but because the combination of acoustics, staging, audience energy, and atmosphere comes together in a magical way. Below is a journey through five European venues often praised by concertgoers — each with its own character and memories — to help readers imagine where to experience Rieu at his finest.

Maastricht — Vrijthof Square

No list of “best” Rieu venues can omit his hometown’s signature open-air stage: Vrijthof in Maastricht. For many fans, attending a summer concert here feels like coming home to Rieu’s musical roots. Reviews from audience groups after 2025 concerts describe the night as “incredible,” with the full orchestra performing against the twilight sky and thousands gathered in the square singing along. What makes Vrijthof special is that it blends intimacy and spectacle — though it’s an outdoor venue, the production design ensures you still feel part of the orchestral pulse and showmanship. Moreover, the city infrastructure embraces the concert: fans arrive early to stroll the town, gather in cafés, and soak in the atmosphere before the music even begins. The emotional resonance of seeing Rieu in his native soil adds a depth that few indoor venues can match.

London — The O2 Arena

When André Rieu performs in London, The O2 is often the venue of choice, and many concertgoers leave with glowing reviews of both performance and capacity. One attendee described seats in Row N, Block 111, as “great — we felt very close to the action and could see details of the orchestra.” Another review called the show “great music and superb entertainment,” praising strong sound for much of the arena but noting some limitations in particular seating blocks. What makes The O2 stand out is its reputation for supporting high-end productions: light rigs, video screens, acoustics tailored for large-scale performances. Because the venue is so familiar to London concertgoers, many fans feel comfortable navigating it, and the amenities (restaurants, bars, ease of transport) add to the overall positive experience.

Antwerp — AFAS Dome (formerly Sportpaleis)

In Belgium, the iconic arena known historically as the Sportpaleis (rebranded in 2025 as AFAS Dome) often draws fans for its grandeur and concert pedigree. The building underwent major renovations from 2011 to 2013, increasing its capacity to over 23,000 for standing events. Its long legacy includes hosting world-class acts across genres — and, naturally, André Rieu. The venue’s connectivity is a plus: located along major traffic arteries in Antwerp, it offers multiple car parks and strong public transport access, though traffic congestion can be challenging on big concert nights. Some fans point out that its sheer size means that distant seats may feel far from the stage, but the arena’s acoustical upgrades and stage design often mitigate that. In short, Antwerp’s arena combines prestige, capacity, and logistical strength — a reliable choice for large-scale orchestral spectacles.

Copenhagen — Royal Arena

In more recent years, Rieu’s concerts at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen have gained praise. One attendee on TripAdvisor said the Anders Rieu concert was “outstanding” and lauded the venue as “functional, clean and efficient,” noting that everything worked well for a large-scale production. Another review echoed those sentiments, highlighting the venue’s capacity to energize the show while maintaining clarity. Built and opened in 2017, Royal Arena was designed with flexible concert acoustics in mind, with capacity up to about 16,000 for musical shows. Fans often remark that for a venue of its modern size, it strikes a good balance — neither too cavernous, nor too constrained — making it a favorite for Scandinavian fans. The smart seating layout and sightlines allow many to feel close to the performance, even in higher tiers.

London — Wembley Arena

Though The O2 is more often associated with André Rieu in London, Wembley Arena has its own reputation — and not always flawless, but always memorable. A review from 2024 remarked on the show’s theatrical flair, comparing the production to a blend of Eurovision and variety spectacle, with central aisle entrances, visual effects, and flamboyant staging.  However, that same review warned that the arena’s sound system can sometimes feel echoey in certain seating areas, and that announcements of individual pieces often vanish in the acoustic haze. That said, for many fans the energy, pageantry, and grandeur of Wembley must be seen at least once — especially as it challenges both performer and venue to deliver under spectators’ high expectations.

Together, these venues illustrate why fan opinions matter: what makes a concert “great” is rarely only the performer — it is how the architecture, acoustics, sightlines, crowd energy, and logistics all harmonize.
Do you agree with your choice? Share your favorite concert with us and the readers, in the comments!