1 Day of Wild Adventures in Amsterdam
Updated: Aug 27
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A Friendly Note to Our Readers
Before diving into this blog post, we'd like to extend a polite word of caution. Some of the content includes details that some readers might find too liberal, open minded, disturbing or offensive. My intention is not to hurt anyone's sentiments, but rather to provide a comprehensive guide for those seeking adventurous experiences in Amsterdam. While Amsterdam is known for its liberal and open-minded culture, it's essential to approach all experiences with respect and consideration for local customs and residents. As adults, you have the ability to decide what is right for yourselves. There is no obligation to follow this itinerary. If you prefer, feel free to skip to more family-friendly content.
When these 20-somethings say, "If you haven't tried pot in Amsterdam, what have you done?" I used to cringe and look away. I wondered why they couldn't see beyond just the smokes and the space cakes. But, hey, I understand! Amsterdam—the city where forbidden fruits are not only legal but temptingly accessible! And so be it, if that's what sails your boat! Today, I'm diving into the wild side of Amsterdam, where adventurous travelers seek more than just the usual tourist fare. But before we plunge into these exhilarating experiences, let's set the record straight. To equate the Netherlands solely with pot is like reducing India in Hollywood to just elephants and snake charmers. There's so much richness here—stunning canals, a bustling bike culture, innovative windmills, heavenly cheese, stroopwafels, and a deep cultural richness waiting to be explored beyond the typical tourist hotspots. That will be explored in my other blog post 'How to Explore Amsterdam in One Day'.
Keeping the fun angle in mind, the guide below will cover all the beautiful spots to explore in Amsterdam, including those wild fantasies that some tourists just can’t resist. 😉 It also depends on the age group you're with. When my 20-something friends and cousins visit, I switch gears and join in on their adventures. But when the friends with kids or the "cultural explorers" visit, I have a completely different itinerary planned for them. And of course, when the parents are in town, its a very different ball game then! I've tinkered with different itineraries for various age groups in Amsterdam, but it's probably best to tailor your explorations based on who you're hanging out with. If it were up to me, I'd experience it all!
1 Day of Wild Adventures in Amsterdam
Our Amsterdam itinerary with my cousins was a whirlwind of fun and excitement, with my husband bravely joining us in all our escapades. He took occasional sanity breaks but always jumped back in with enthusiasm.
Frolicking on Dam Square
The main square is a great place to begin your Amsterdam trip. There is always something interesting going on there, whether it's buskers performing stunts, singing, playing instruments, or dancing. You can also find food stalls, flea markets, and sometimes even peaceful protests, making it fascinating to be part of any of these activities. The last time we visited there was an outdoor hip hop extravaganza taking place. Every night, Amsterdam's music scene is buzzing with activity. If you fancy massive rock concerts or sweaty jam sessions in underground jazz clubs, there's always something to tickle your musical fancy in my lovely A-M-S-T-E-R-D-A-M!
There are also several museums and experiences to explore in Dam Square. You can visit Madame Tussauds to mingle with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, or dive into the bizarre world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! for a collection of oddities. You may also enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Amsterdam Dungeon.
The best way to explore any city is on foot, and in Amsterdam too we have the option of a walking tour wherein anexperienced guide will narrate tales of the city and explore its hidden gems with you. Excited? Book your tour here now. CLICK ON THE LINK.
Cruise Amsterdam’s canals in a HotTug
Visiting in winter? And feel like you could enjoy a canal cruise without freezing your ass off? I have an excellent solution for this. Have you heard of the HotTug? It’s the world’s first wood-fired hot tub that you can sail in while soaking. Wohoo! Hop into one in Amsterdam and glide through the beautiful canals while enjoying champagne and snacks. This electric-propelled boat is perfect for year-round fun. Plus, you don’t need a boat license to sail a HotTug, and it's suitable for all ages.
Duration: 2 Hours
Approx cost: From € 164,-for the boat
You may also opt for an Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drinks option which is relatively cheaper option at 20 per head. To book it, CLICK ON THE LINK HERE.
There is a also the Classic Option of 'Amsterdam 90 Minute Boat Cruise with Drinks and Snacks' if you wish to do that. To book it, CLICK ON THE LINK HERE.
The Heineken Experience
Founded in 1864 in Amsterdam, Heineken is one of the oldest breweries in the Netherlands. I studied the success story of Heineken in my MBA program and it was then I discovered that it's a huge source of national pride for the Dutch. The Heineken brand is more than just beer; it’s a cultural icon. It sponsors loads of events, from sports to music festivals, and is synonymous with socializing and good times, reflecting the Dutch love for fun and togetherness.
You may explore this experience by booking one of our many tour options provided below. Click on the image and book your tour instantly.
I've always wanted to do the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. My husband doesn't drink beer, so I always count on my friends to join me for this popular tourist attraction. Besides enjoying the tastings, it’s a chance for me to learn about the brewing process and the company’s history. This interactive museum really shows how important Heineken is to Dutch culture and tourism.
Dance on a Silent Disco Party Boat
The Silent Disco boat turns your boat ride into a big rave. You will be provided with headphones where you can go crazy with the same songs others are listening to or listen to your own favorites from your playlist. Cruise the Amsterdam canals while having a party with all your friends on board.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Approx cost: €45-50 per head, max 10 people
Book your Silent Disco Boat Party by clicking on the LINK here or by clicking on the image above.
Participate in a Pub Crawl
Ready to dive into Amsterdam’s nightlife scene? You must join a Pub Crawl guided tour for an exhilarating journey through the city’s vibrant streets and historic canals after dark. You’ll have an expert guide leading the way, so you dont need to worry about anyhting, just enjoy! You will be offered special drink deals and complimentary shots. It’s a night filled with lively dance floors, fun games, and plenty of chances to mingle with fellow adventurers.
Pedal with friends on a Beer Bike
Pedal your way around Amsterdam on a unique Beer Bike Tour. I see a lot of men do this for a bachelor party. This mobile bar allows you to enjoy drinks while cycling through the city streets, taking in the sights and sounds of Amsterdam with friends or fellow travelers. It always looks so much fun!
Sip Cocktails at the Ice Bar
Chill out at the Ice Bar, where everything is made of ice—including the glasses! Sip on delicious cocktails in a frosty setting (check out if they have Pornstar Martini and thank me later 😉 ), complete with icy sculptures and a cool ambiance that’s sure to make your night memorable.
Sign up for a Cocktail Workshop
Take this opportunity to learn something unqiue on your trip to Amsterdam. I lesrnt about this from a friend whose office organzies cocktail workshops for their employees as a fun way to bond! What more fun than learning the art of cocktail-making from expert mixologists in Amsterdam. Get hands-on experience crafting your own cocktails, discover new recipes, and enjoy tasting your creations alongside friends in a fun and interactive workshop setting.
A Visit to the Cannabis Museum and Magic Mushroom Shops
Along the way, we encountered cyclists and stylish wanderers, and couldn't resist a peek into cannabis and magic mushroom shops. Here we saw a display of bongs and crushers and a dozen apparatus related to cannabis. This led us to the doorstep of the cannabis museum with a question in our minds as to if cannabis had any benefits. Here we discovered the fascinating world of cannabis. With varied interactive experiences, it was an engaging and educational journey.
Opening times: Everyday 9 AM to 10 PM
Single Ticket is €12.
Travelers rave about Dolphins Delight Truffles and Golden Teacher truffles from The Magic Mushroom Gallery. The entire shop is an experience, brimming with fantastic gifts. The staff is super helpful, guiding visitors on how to enjoy the truffles responsibly—crucial info, if you ask me! Plus, you can snag a mushroom grow-kit to bring a bit of Amsterdam magic home. Surely seems like a 'bucket list' experience for many!
Red Light District
No trip is complete to Amsterdam without a visit to red Light District. But it shouldn't be the first place to explore, lest you make up an impression of Amsterdam thta it is a sex capital of the world and nothing else! If you are mature enough to differentiate the two, then feel free to explore it first but its doors open only post 5 pm. The district is highly touristy, offering a unique experience of observing beautiful women in their windows. The area comes alive with crowds and red neon lights illuminating the canals after dark.
I enjoy strolling through the RLD because it's one of the safest places on earth for women to walk freely. There are numerous policemen and private bodyguards on duty, along with cameras nearly everywhere. One thing that I love about Amsterdam is that it takes pride in its liberal and tolerant culture. It embraces various aspects such as prostitution, soft drugs, and pornography as part of human nature rather than criminalizing them. These women you see behind windows are legal prostitutes regulated by police, tax, and health authorities. Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, but not on the streets. This experience can be quite surprising (and also a possible cultural shock) for many first-time visitors to Amsterdam who come from cultures with more reserved norms, encountering such an open, free, and unabashed display of semi-nudity in public spaces.
Photography and Videography of the women behind the windows is strictly prohibited. Be sure to get heavily fined summed up with an aggressive defense from the women. |
A Visit to the Erotic Museum
Next up was a visit to the Erotic museum. I was gearing up for some real gory stuff but I was actually surprised by the display here. The three floored museum depicted scenes from various interesting art and artefacts which explores human sexual behaviour, relationships, and love. There are also some random/interesting cartoons. It's alright and can be a way to pass an hour, but if you're pressed for time, I'd opt for something different.
Timing: Everyday 10 AM to 1 AM
Ticket costs: €8
Red Light Secrets Museum
This museum is truly fascinating and is located in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District. It's the world's first and only museum dedicated to prostitution, offering a unique and eye-opening experience. You can learn about the benefits of legalizing prostitution, see a brothel in its original state, and get a glimpse into the lives of prostitutes in the Red Light District. The museum helps remove the stigma attached to their profession and highlights the dangers they face from inhumane behavior. It's an intriguing and educational visit that sheds light on an often misunderstood aspect of society.
Timing: Everyday 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Tickets: €15 per adult
Book your ticket to the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostituiton here by clicing on this LINK or on the image above.
Go to a Strip club or Peep show
Dive into Amsterdam's more adventurous offerings with a trip to a strip club or peep show. On my last three visits to Amsterdam, I've dabbled in each of these, adding a spicy twist to my travel experiences. For some, these venues are a thrilling part of exploring the city's nightlife and culture, while others might find them controversial or not their scene. Whether it's a wild adventure or a bit offbeat depends on your own taste, comfort, and what you're seeking from your trip. What's your take—are these spots fun, crazy, or a bit of both?
It's advisable to keep your phone or camera tucked away to avoid being escorted out by the bouncers. |
Additional Tips and Considerations
Respect the Culture: While Amsterdam is known for its liberal and open-minded culture, it's essential to approach all experiences with respect and consideration for local customs and residents.
Stay Safe: Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring nightlife or more adventurous activities. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and travel in groups when possible.
Know Your Limits: Whether it's trying out magic truffles or joining a pub crawl, know your personal limits. Consume responsibly and be mindful of your well-being.
Cash and Cards: While most places in Amsterdam accept cards, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or tips, especially in smaller shops or during street performances.
Local Etiquette: Photography is often restricted in areas like the Red Light District. Respect the rules and avoid taking pictures where it's not allowed.
Dress Comfortably: Amsterdam involves a lot of walking and cycling. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, especially if you plan to be out all day and night.
Closing Thoughts
After writing this post, I'd like to reiterate that Amsterdam is more than just its infamous attractions; it's a city bursting with vibrant culture, fascinating history, and endless opportunities for adventure. There's something here for everyone. Embrace its unique blend of experiences, but always with a sense of responsibility and respect. For culutral and history explorers, and for adults with kids, check out my blog post 'How to Explore Amsterdam in 1 Day'. Embrace the spirit of Amsterdam—its openness, diversity, and sense of fun—and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic city.
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