Amsterdam has been a fixture on every backpacking route through Europe for decades, and the city young people from across the continent descend on for a long weekend.
Why Amsterdam in particular
Few cities pack this much culture, nightlife and freedom into such a small space.
Small yet world famous: Amsterdam is really quite a compact city, yet it ranks among the most visited destinations in Europe. Thanks to its many canals it is also known as the Venice of the North.
Everything on foot: the city centre is compact enough to cover almost entirely on foot or by bike, with no expensive taxis or complicated routes.
Tolerance as a trademark: Amsterdam has earned its reputation as a liberal, diverse city. That shows in one of the most open going-out cultures in Europe and an extensive LGBTQ+ scene.
Doable on a budget: with a wide choice of hostels and budget hotels and plenty of cheap flights into Schiphol, a weekend in Amsterdam need not break the bank.
Good in any season: there is no bad time to come, though July and August are the warmest and busiest. Spring and autumn are quieter and often cheaper.
Going out and nightlife
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without an evening in the city's buzzing nightlife.
The two big squares:Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein are the beating hearts of the going-out scene, both packed with bars, clubs, restaurants and lounges.
The street that links them: the Reguliersdwarsstraat runs between the two squares and is the best-known street of the queer scene, with plenty of good bars.
World-class clubs: Amsterdam is one of the capitals of electronic music. Big names such as Paradiso, Melkweg and the clubs in Amsterdam Noord draw DJs from all over the world.
Mind the closing times: in the Red Light District area closing times for bars and clubs have been brought forward, so check in advance how late you can stay out.
Festivals all year round: from King's Day to summer dance events, the events calendar is full on almost every weekend.
The Red Light District and the coffeeshops
The two things Amsterdam is known for worldwide, and the two most misunderstood.
De Wallen: in the Red Light District the oldest profession in the world is openly practised behind the famous windows. It is also one of the oldest quarters of the city, with medieval alleyways and the Oude Kerk at its centre.
Coffeeshops: soft drugs are tolerated in the Netherlands and the city has dozens of coffeeshops. Bring your passport, as age is checked, and the minimum age is 18.
No smoking in the street: in the Red Light District area, on Dam Square, the Damrak and the Nieuwmarkt, smoking cannabis in the street has been prohibited since 2023, with a fine of 100 euros. It is still permitted on coffeeshop terraces. The same area also has a street drinking ban.
Daytime: culture and sights
There is far more here than nightlife, and it is precisely that combination that makes the city so popular.
World-class museums: from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam's museums are worth the trip on their own. Entry is free at many of them up to and including the age of 18.
The canal ring: the seventeenth-century canals are on the UNESCO World Heritage list and look their best from the water, on a canal cruise or in a hired boat.
Drink your way round the city: the Heineken Experience and the House of Bols combine a tour with a tasting, always a hit with a group.
Eating for little: from fresh herring at a street stall to a cone of chips with mayonnaise and the Surinamese and Indonesian kitchens, eating and drinking in Amsterdam need not be expensive.
Top 10 for young adults
From the wide range on offer we have picked the places best suited to a weekend with friends, from tastings and immersive museums to a good dose of Amsterdam eccentricity.
1Heineken Experience
The world-famous Heineken brewery, opened in 1867, has today been transformed into the Heineken Experience - a must-see attraction in the heart of Amsterdam. This immersive, semi-guided attraction in the old Heineken brewery is a mecca for beer enthusiasts and an iconic Amsterdam experience. What Can You Expect? - Historic Brewery: Begin your tour through historic ...
Experience the thrill of the one and only Amsterdam Icebar, one of the top 10 attractions in the city, and a unique adventure you shouldn't miss. This fascinating bar, entirely made of ice and maintained at a constant temperature of -10°C, offers an experience you won't find anywhere else in Amsterdam. What Can You Expect? - Icy Environment: Be amazed by the ...
Immerse yourself in a unique experience at The Upside Down, the largest interactive Instagram museum in Europe, located on Europaboulevard in Amsterdam. Designed in collaboration with influencers, The Upside Down offers an immersive world where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur. What can you expect at The Upside Down? - Interactive Spaces: Explore a ...
Discover the famous AmsterdamRed Light District, better known as the Wallen, in a respectful and safe manner with our guided Red Light District Tour. This tour offers a unique insight into the world's oldest profession and the rich history of this fascinating district. What can you expect during the Red Light District Tour in Amsterdam? - Oldest district of Amsterdam: A ...
Experience a unique, sensory journey at AMAZE Amsterdam, an innovative attraction initiated by ID&T, the world-famous organizer of dance events. AMAZE invites visitors on an impressive journey through seven experiential worlds, powered by the most advanced audiovisual technologies. What can you expect at AMAZE Amsterdam? - An Immersive Journey: Be transported from ...
Visit House of Bols: Cocktail & Genever Experience at Museumplein in Amsterdam, where you'll be immersed in a unique adventure and an unforgettable interactive experience in the glamorous world of cocktails, liqueurs, bartending, and Dutch genever. What Can You Expect? - Interactive Exhibition: Explore the rich history of Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled ...
The future of art and technology at the Nxt Museum. This is the first museum in the Netherlands fully dedicated to new media art, offering visitors a unique, immersive audiovisual experience. What can you expect at Nxt Museum? - Immersive Art Experiences: Immerse yourself in large-scale, multi-sensory exhibitions designed to challenge assumptions and broaden ...
Immerse yourself in the colourful and interactive world of WONDR Experience, located on Meeuwenlaan in Amsterdam. This unique pop-up experience museum offers a playful journey through enchanting spaces, ideal for both young and old. What can you expect at WONDR Experience? - Interactive Art Installations: Explore 15 different, imaginative rooms filled with ...
Situated in an old warehouse right in the heart of the Red Light District, the Erotic Museum invites you on a journey of discovery through Amsterdam's erotically charged sides. With red neon letters marking the entrance, this museum is housed in a 17th-century canal house that embodies the city's unique contrast. What can you expect at the Erotic Museum? - Unique ...
A few things will stop your weekend costing more or going worse than it needs to.
Cycle sensibly: the bike is the best way to get around, but the traffic is fast and the rules are enforced. Riding without lights or after drinking earns you a hefty fine.
Pay contactless: on public transport you tap your bank card or phone both when you board and when you get off. Forget to tap out and you pay a penalty.
Book ahead: popular attractions and hostels fill up quickly at weekends, and online tickets are usually cheaper than at the door.
Respect the neighbourhood: ordinary people live in the Red Light District and around the canals. The city acts firmly against shouting, public urination and antisocial behaviour, with fines running into the hundreds of euros.
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