If you’re looking for a good laugh in Europe, you’re in luck. There are plenty of comedy clubs where you can enjoy some hilarious stand-up, improv, sketch, or musical comedy. Whether you prefer British humour, French wit, German satire, or Scandinavian absurdity, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top 5 comedy clubs in Europe that you should check out, with some more details about each one.
1. The Comedy Store, London, UK.
This is the place where legends like Eddie Izzard, John Cleese, and Ricky Gervais started their careers. The Comedy Store has been hosting live comedy shows since 1979 and is still going strong. You can catch the best of British comedy every night of the week, from the famous Comedy Store Players improv troupe to the cutting-edge topical comedy of The Cutting Edge. The atmosphere is electric and the laughs are guaranteed. The Comedy Store is located in the heart of London’s West End, near Piccadilly Circus. The club has a capacity of 400 seats and offers a full bar and food service. Tickets range from £12 to £25 depending on the show and the day.
2. Le Point Virgule, Paris, France.
This cozy venue in the heart of Paris is a hotspot for French comedy. Le Point Virgule showcases both established and emerging talents, from the witty observations of Gad Elmaleh to the musical comedy of Florent Peyre. You can also catch some international acts, such as Eddie Izzard or Trevor Noah, who perform in English or French. Le Point Virgule is a great place to discover the diversity and creativity of French comedy. Le Point Virgule is situated in the historic Marais district, near the Pompidou Centre. The club has a capacity of 120 seats and offers a snack bar and a lounge area. Tickets range from €10 to €30 depending on the show and the day.
3. Quatsch Comedy Club, Berlin, Germany.
Quatsch means nonsense in German, and that’s exactly what you can expect at this comedy club. Quatsch Comedy Club features some of the best comedians from Germany and beyond, who deliver hilarious jokes, sketches, and songs. You can enjoy a variety of comedy styles, from the political satire of Dieter Nuhr to the absurd humour of Helge Schneider. Quatsch Comedy Club is a must-see for comedy fans in Berlin. Quatsch Comedy Club is located in the trendy Friedrichshain district, near Alexanderplatz. The club has a capacity of 300 seats and offers a full bar and food service. Tickets range from €15 to €35 depending on the show and the day.
4. Toomler, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Toomler is the home of Comedytrain, the first and only professional stand-up comedy collective in the Netherlands. Founded in 1990 by Raoul Heertje, Comedytrain has produced some of the most famous comedians in the country, such as Theo Maassen, Hans Teeuwen, and Sanne Wallis de Vries. Toomler hosts live shows every night, featuring both Comedytrain members and international guests. You can also enjoy some delicious food and drinks at the club’s restaurant and bar. Toomler is located in the south of Amsterdam, near the Olympic Stadium. The club has a capacity of 200 seats and offers a full bar and food service. Tickets range from €10 to €20 depending on the show and the day.
5. Norra Brunn, Stockholm, Sweden.
Norra Brunn is the oldest and most prestigious comedy club in Sweden. Since 1986, it has been presenting some of the finest comedians from Scandinavia and beyond. You can laugh along with the likes of Magnus Betnér, Johan Glans, and Henrik Schyffert, who deliver sharp and witty jokes about everything from politics to pop culture. Norra Brunn also offers comedy courses for aspiring comedians who want to learn from the masters. Norra Brunn is located in the north of Stockholm, near Odenplan station. The club has a capacity of 250 seats and offers a full bar and food service. Tickets range from 150 SEK to 300 SEK depending on the show and the day.