Amsterdam is often referred to as the party capital of Europe. The Amsterdam red light district is visited by millions of travelers every year who come to experience the clubs, the coffee shops and a few other things. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam and there will never be a shortage of pub crawls and festivals during the summer. The people of Amsterdam are very open to learning about other cultures and are always happy to show you a good time.

Things to do in Amsterdam

The Heineken Experience

Amsterdam is home to the famous Heineken Brewery. Whether you drink Heineken or not I would defiantly recommend taking the tour. The Heineken Experience offers a very interactive tour of the state of the art brewery complete with flat screen TV’s, video games, and photo booths. The tour is roughly an hour long and each visitor is allowed 2 beers towards the end. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Heineken but I have to admit the beer is pretty good when it’s served in the brewery.

Van Gogh Museum

I visited the Van Gogh Museum on my first trip to Amsterdam in 2012. The museum is very modern and very well organized which is about all I can say because I didn’t enjoy it. I love art, especially the work of Van Gogh, but the museum was an absolutely mind numbing experience. Van Gogh produced some incredible pieces of art but this museum just doesn’t do it justice. Sorry Guys :/

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the best place to relax in the city. Amsterdam is always buzzing with tourists and festivals all year long so if you want to escape the craziness for a few hours, Vondelpark is where it’s at. Vondelpark is a hot spot for tourists, locals, hipsters, runners, you name it they’re there. Check out Vondlepark one afternoon and have a picnic by one its many ponds but make sure watch out for the pesky birds.

Anne Frank House

Visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi’s during World War 2. Tours are offered daily but make sure to arrive early because the lines get pretty long.

Red Light District

The Red Light District became famous for legalized prostitution in the year 2000. You know you’re in the Red Light District because there are red lights everywhere but beware of making eye contact with one of the girls behind the red windows because after all they are working. There is more to the Red Light District other than just legalized prostitution. Some of the best bars, coffee shops, and even really good restaurants can be found in this part of town.

Coffee Shop

Oh you gotta love the coffee shops in Amsterdam! If you do not visit a coffee shop while you are in here you are seriously missing out. The coffee shops in Amsterdam attract people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a great place to meet locals or fellow travelers and spark up some good conversations. The staff is very knowledgeable and if it’s your first time smoking marijuana they are happy to answer all of your questions. If smoking is not your thing I recommend at least visiting a coffee shop to see what its all about. (Remember to keep an open mind)

Delicious Food in Amsterdam

Bar B

Wow! This place is amazing. Bar B is located just south of Vondelpark, which means my two favorite places in Amsterdam are within short walking distance from each other. Bar B serves some of the best barbeque in Amsterdam. The restaurant is clean, the music is good and the staff are super nice.

Churro stands are everywhere

The churros are so delicious and incredibly addicting.

Accommodation Amsterdam

The Flying Pig Hostel

First let me tell you that the Flying Pig Hostel has two locations, Uptown and Downtown. I have only stayed at the Uptown Flying Pig and I have only good things to say. The breakfast is good, the bar is cheap, and this place even has its own smoking room so as not to disturb the guests who do not partake in the smoking of hippy lettuce.

Transportation in Amsterdam

• Rent a Bike: 10 dollars per day
• Walk
• Tram: Tickets can be purchased in the tram and the price is $12 for a 2 day pass.