Introduction
WARNING – ADULT CONTENT (I mean obviously, its Amsterdam after all!)
So you have booked a short break in Amsterdam, well first of all I want to say GREAT CHOICE! Amsterdam is one of my favourite European Cities and there is so much to see and do.
As you may know, my posts are not the usual travel blogs. When I go away I don’t like spending my time walking around Museums and Art Galleries, I prefer to experience more out of the box activities. So I have compiled a list of my most favourite things to do when I go on a short break in Amsterdam. And here they are:
The Red Light District
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 37, 1012 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands
What better place to start then the red light district. You cannot have a short break in Amsterdam without exploring the streets here.
Most people assume the red light district is a seedy place for stag parties and lonely men to go and have half an hour of naughty fun, but these people are wrong! (sort of). There are plenty of curious couples and groups of people who visit the red light district each year to explore and find out what its all about.
Of course you need to be prepared for the women in the windows (who by the way, are all absolutely stunning!) and it does make you feel like you have stumbled into a bit of a sinners playground, which I actually really like!
It makes you feel relaxed and open minded and you know you are going to have a good time and see things you wouldn’t normally come across. I will talk more below about some of the things on offer in the red light district but if you are interested in a night time stroll then this is where you should go.
There are also lots of bars, shops, places to eat and coffee shops in this area too so it isn’t all about the sex!
You can find out more about the bars in my blog post Best Bars In Amsterdam.
If your feeling curious and a little bit kinky, or just want a drink and a good time, the red light district is where you should go on your short break in Amsterdam!
The red light district is pretty easy to find and is just to the right of the train station, walk that way and you will know when you have found it when you start seeing red crosses around the streets.
Live Peep Show
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 106, 1012 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Following on from my above recommendation, in the heart of the Red Light District you will find the Live Peep Show.
Easy to identify and not discreet at all, this is something that has to be experience if you’re feeling brave enough!
When you enter you will see lots of private booths, pick one that is available and walk on in. Pop your money in the slot and the window will suddenly de-mist! This will reveal a large round rotating bed with some one, or some people on it (depending when you go and what you want to see).
I will leave the rest up to your imagination to work out! The longer you want to stay and watch, the more coins you need to insert. Once you are finished the glass will mist up again and you can leave at any time.
The peep show is used to getting people that just want to come in and have a look, as well as people that are going for their own enjoyment, so don’t feel embarrassed, but maybe have a couple of beers first to build up the courage.
There is also private video booths available if you would prefer to watch something that is not live, I personally stayed away from them but the choice is there if you want it!
Red Light Secrets – Museum Of Prostitution
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 106, 1012 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Just down the road from the peep show you will find Red Light Secrets. This is a cheap and fun attraction that explains the history of prostitution in Amsterdam. It has multiple rooms and is housed in an original brothel with some original features.
It has a wealth of history and is also interactive and fun. You can even sit in a window yourself if you fancy it!
It has loads of selfie opportunities if you’re looking for inspiration for the gram and is a naughty, cheeky, fun experience. Well worth doing if you’re having a night in the Red Light district.
Again, be prepared to not be prudish and embrace Amsterdam’s saucy history.
A great night time activity when on a short break in Amsterdam!
Sexmuseum Amsterdam
Damrak 18, 1012 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Sexmuseum is the main Museum dedicated to all things sex in Amsterdam. It is easy to find and located on one of the main streets. If you’re coming from the station then just head straight down and you will find it.
This is much bigger than Red Light Secrets and is aimed at all things sex, not just prostitution. There is something for everyone here (literally…..something for EVERYONE!) whatever your taste or kinks you will find it. Sit on a giant penis if you like! Or if you are just interested in learning about the history of sex it caters for that too.
This is a must see if you come to Amsterdam. Its a really fun expereince and is very well priced.
The minute you walk through the door you are greeted by a robotic dummy that flashes you as you walk past and this sets the scene for what else is to come. I love visiting the Sexmuseum as it is so cheeky and not something you will come across every day so its worth it just for the laughs, and maybe you might learn something about sex, or yourself in the process! 😉
The Bulldog Amsterdam
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 1012 GJ Amsterdam The Netherlands
The Bulldog is Amsterdams most famous Coffee shop and there are many located around the City. The address above is for the original Bulldog which was established in 1975, but you are never far from a Bulldog in Amsterdam.
It prides itself of being the living room of Amsterdam, a place to come, chill, drink coffee and get baked!
The owner Henk is still the original owner and was the first person in Amsterdam to be allowed to legally sell cannabis. This is how he created his famous coffee shop and one of the main reasons people flock for a short break in Amsterdam each year.
More and more coffee shops have popped up over the city since then but this is where it all started.
One thing to note……a cafe is NOT a coffee shop! you cant just turn up to any old place that sells coffee and start toking, that is not how its done. You will get the hang of identifying the difference between a cafe and a coffee shop but if you’re not sure, head to Bulldog.
Many coffee shops have counters that sell weed and a menu so you can select the type of weed you want depending on the mood you want to be in.
Also, it is illegal to mix tobacco with Cannabis but most establishments provide herbs that can be mixed into joints instead.
You cant have a short break in Amsterdam without checking out a coffee shop and if you want to go to the best, go to Bulldog!
Heineken Experience
Stadhouderskade 78, Amsterdam 1072 AE
Pre book tickets for fast track entry and save the precious drinking time instead of standing in line to buy your ticket!
I LOVE this place! It really is…as it say…an experience!
Start with a tour of the building and learn about the history of Heineken and how it was made and still being produced today.
Stop for a quick tasting session and down as many beers as you can possibly get your hands on in this time! You are given a wrist band with pop out rings to use as beer token but get resourceful people, you are going to need to be tipsy for the next part.
After you have been really mature and had your history lesson and done some really grown up beer tasting its time for the fun part!
You will find yourself in room after room of interactive Heineken experience.
Become a DJ,
Sing a Dutch song whilst riding a bike and being recorded,
Play some Rugby,
Play some Football,
Dance.
Its all there to get stuck in to. Its so fun and I am not doing it justice with my description. You really just need to go and experience it for yourself.
The last part experience leads you to an uber cool bar/club where you can sit down (or dance) and use the remainder of your Heineken tokens to get a good amount of tipsy before going off to explore what else the City has to offer.
If you like Beer, you will LOVE this! As I said this is my favourite place to go and never gets boring (probably because of all the free drinks!) and I make sure I visit whenever I come to Amsterdam.
Ice Bar Amsterdam
Amstel 194, 196, 1017 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Most European Cities now have an Ice Bar and I have been to a few and Amsterdam’s is one of the best for value and experience.
The Ice Bar is a chilling – 10 degrees Celsius and you feel it! If you have had a heavy night and need a wake up then go here for hair of the dog and a refreshing experience.
Your ticket will include 3 drinks. The first token can be exchanged in the nice warm bar on entry and the other two tokens are for the Ice Bar where you will receive two drinks served in a glass made from Ice. But don’t worry about wrapping up warm to prepare for the experience as you will be provided with snuggly, warm ponchos and gloves upon arrival.
The bar is made completely of ice, from walls, to bar, to sculptures, its ALL ice! Its a great place to take some pictures too! Just make sure your feet don’t get stuck to the floor!
Body Worlds Amsterdam
Damrak 66, 1012 LM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Just down the road from the Sexmuseum you will find Body World. This is not for the squeamish!
Step inside and learn all about our body, how it works and what happens to healthy and unhealthy bodies.
Body Worlds is an exhibition of over 200 bodies (real bodies!) that have been plastinated to preserve them.
If you’re curious about what our insides look like, how they work and what damage we could be doing to them then this is an experience you will enjoy.
It is meant to be a reflective experience and one that makes you think about how your everyday choices affect your happiness and health.
This exhibition is not for everyone but I told you, I am not about regular Museums and Art galleries and what to provide options for all tastes for your short break in Amsterdam!
A’DAM Lookout
Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Just over the river is the A’DAM Lookout. This will be a highlight for your short break in Amsterdam.
To get to this attraction simply take a free ferry (F3) from behind the train station and head towards Buiksloterweg.
A’DAM Lookout is on top of the A’DAM tower and has amazing 360 views all across the city.
You can see all the famous historic buildings of Amsterdam and the beautiful canal structure weaving its way through the city too. There is also an interactive exhibition and free audio tour about Amsterdam’s history and culture.
To get to the top you have to take a Willy Wonka style lift with flashing lights that will trip out anyone that has spent too long in the coffee shops. Its such a cool feature and I really enjoyed taking the lift to the top!
Over The Edge A’DAM Lookout/
Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Feeling brave? well not only is it brave to get to the top of the A’DAM Lookout but once you are there you can test your nerves even more if you want!
At the top of the building are two giant swings that swing right over the side of the building and it feels as though you are flying! It was slightly terrifying to me looking down below and seeing just how high up I was and that there was no floor beneath me, but it was also very liberating and once I got used to it I did feel safe.
It’s a completely unique way to see the sights and how many people can say they swung over the top of a tower? right! It was scary as hell but I am glad I did it! It will really top off your short break in Amsterdan!
Would I do it again…….probably, although I would need some ‘dutch’ courage first 😉 and what better city to find some in!
Booking tickets
If you do a quick google search you are likely to find combo tickets to lots of the attractions mentioned in this post and its worth doing! I bought a ticket to A’DAM Lookout, Over The Edge and the Heineken Experience and it included a free canal boat ride from one attraction to the other! So have a look online and see what deals you can find.
To ensure you get the best out of your short break in Amsterdam would also recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment and ensure your short break in Amsterdam is full of fun!!!!!
I hope you liked this post and I hope this gives you some inspiration on your short break in Amsterdam.
If you have any questions, comments or tips please feel free to leave them below and we can chat about it.
Also, if you liked this post I have many other posts on similatr topics too!
Check them out on the My Adventures pages.
I hope you have the best time in Amsterdam……I know you will! 🙂
Emma x