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The Most Unusual Experiences in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is high on many people’s bucket list, just as it is, with all the craziness, special atmosphere and free spirit. It’s a quite unique city, so some of the things you can do only here and nowhere else. But in addition to those ones, there are some specialties that are not too ordinary even for this city. The unusual experiences can be so diverse in Amsterdam, that everybody will find something to their taste.

Flirting Workshops

There is hardly any workshops that you won’t be able to find in Amsterdam, but we’re not going to recommend you any of the boring stuff. How about learning all about the flirting science in a fun and interactive way? What could be a better place than Amsterdam for applying your freshly acquired skills and testing yourself after hilarious flirting workshops? It will be as crazy as you allow it to be and the best part is that you can bring your Flirt Diploma home as a souvenir from the Netherlands.

Real Human Bodies

Some people think it’s creepy, others find it exciting, but for sure nobody is indifferent towards Body Worlds of Amsterdam. The original exhibition of real, plastinated human bodies will allow you to look inside the human flesh and discover its mysteries. And of course, since Amsterdam is your happy destination, even this frightening museum has the Happiness Project theme. Quite an unusual place for revealing the secrets of happiness and its effects on your health, but why not! Special events and activities are waiting for you at Body Worlds this summer.

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Sex Museum

Continuing the topic of the most unique museums, let us ask you whether you’ve ever been to the Sex Museum before? Well, you have a great opportunity to visit one in the most liberal and free city in Europe. Besides, it’s right next door to Body Worlds, so make it into “a weird museums day.” The Sex Museum will surprise you with the amount of sculptures, shapes, pictures and even sounds related to one particular theme that might make your mum uncomfortable. Unique objects will scream for your attention, while the overall atmosphere will make you more curious about the human sexuality.

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Xtracold Icebar

The coldest bar of Amsterdam will provide you with an unusual drinking experience among the 60 tons of natural ice with -10 degrees Celsius. Do you think you will be able to last long or would you need a few of body warming shots? Well, be prepared as they will be served in glasses made of ice! But no worries, any outfit would do, as you will be given a thermal coat and gloves upon arrival to keep you warm throughout the night. An epic place for cool pictures, and nobody would guess there are shot in Amsterdam.

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Escape Rooms

There are quite a few escape rooms in Amsterdam, and probably your vacation won’t be enough for discovering all of them. So let’s have a look at the most exciting ones! Sherlocked is ready to surprise you with two escapes room (and the third one is launching on June 10th-maybe you want to be the first guest there?). The Vault allows you to feel like a thief who needs to break in the most secure safe in Amsterdam, but you can also get caught, so be aware! The Architect presents a mysterious room to you that has been used by the secret Society of the Crossed Keys, except it’s not too easy to get inside it. If you’re more into something scarier, then how about Zombie Escape with a high-tech lab, hungry zombies and the dark room? In case you feel for something both history-related and fun, then Escape through Time is the best for you! Time travel is possible now, and you’re heading right to Boom Chicago with actors and humor during the World World II to solve some puzzles and search for special clues. We hope that you’re not claustrophobic, as Claustrophobia is an awesome escape room (and to be honest, not even so tiny). It’s full of mysteries,  illusions and fantasies that might remind you of one of the creepy movies, where you have to save a tangled small girl.

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The Coffeeshop World of Amsterdam

If you think this blog post is about the best coffee in Amsterdam, then you need to adjust your thinking to a local definition of a coffee shop. The Dutch coffee shops might serve you coffee, but usually you would come there to buy or smoke some weed. And you might mistakenly think that having a joint is legal in Amsterdam, but the truth is that it’s just tolerated by local authorities. Yes, you are allowed to buy and use soft drugs here and coffeeshops are fine to sell them to you, but technically it’s illegal for them to buy cannabis from the growers. Let’s dive into the mysterious world of coffee shops and learn more about the whole culture around it.

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So what is allowed?

As a tourist aged 18 and above you are more than welcome in any of Amsterdam coffeeshops and you can buy up to 5 grams of cannabis per day. You can peacefully smoke it inside the place where you got it or anywhere outside, as long as it doesn’t disturb other people and is not close to schools or playgrounds. As you see, the main rule of the city is “Your freedom ends where my freedom begins.” So even when you’re stoned and can’t walk any more, be respectful and polite.

Don’t expect to combine a joint with a beer in a coffeeshop, as all of them have “no alcohol” policy. If you a tobacco smoker or don’t like your weed pure, then you will have to smoke in a separate smoking area due to the tobacco smoking ban in Holland. One way or another, there is no better place to enjoy soft drugs than Amsterdam, and the proof of this is 35% of all Amsterdam tourists who end up in a coffeeshop.

Which coffeeshop to choose

The constant law changes and attempts to criminalize cannabis in the Netherlands has hugely affected the amount of coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Hopefully 155 of still existing ones will be enough for your nice stay in the city. Which one to choose, when the variety of coffeeshops is so overwhelming? As you imagine, some of them have cooler vibe, others -higher quality weed, awesome interior or even great food for your munchies. So here is our subjective top 3 coffeeshops in Amsterdam:

Abraxas

Down a narrow alley, Abraxas attracts lots of tourists by its large weed menu, friendly staff and unique dream-like interior. The atmosphere is quite laid back and chilled there, while the product is of a fine quality.

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Dampkring

There are 2 Dampkrings in Amsterdam, so make sure to choose the original one with its unforgettable visual experience, great marijuana selection and cozy vibe. This coffeeshop design is worth a visit by itself.

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420 Café

This coffeeshop welcomes you with its dark wooden interior and super friendly and knowledgeable personnel. Loved by locals, 420 Café shows nature documentaries, offers free vaporizers and serves good weed.

Get high but be smart

Whether you have smoked cannabis before or not, you have to keep in mind that the stuff is strong in Amsterdam and it can hit you hard. So don’t hesitate to ask questions in a coffeeshop, especially when it comes to the effect and strength of the weed you’re buying. And please, do follow the instructions given, as very often tourists underestimate the quality of the local product and smoke too much of it. In case you feel adventurous or don’t like smoking, but want to get high, be very careful with space cakes. Although they look cool and promising, and you don’t feel it for a long time after eating, be patient and don’t eat more than written on a tiny manual that comes with it. We don’t want to preach, but we want you to have a good time in Amsterdam, that’s why we recommend taking it easy with soft drugs here. You didn’t come to this marvelous city to have a bad trip, so don’t buy stuff from the street, get your weed from good coffeeshops, smoke it there and know your limits.

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There is a big difference between a coffeeshop and a smartshop, as the last one sells magic truffles to you (what used to be magic mushrooms before). They are hallucinogenic and have a stronger and longer effect on you. But that’s a completely different story, so don’t rush and start with a visit to a coffeeshop instead. And if you’re really into weed and all the culture, then don’t forget about the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam in November! But no matter what, please don’t smoke in the hotel rooms!

The Singing Neighborhood of Amsterdam: the Scenic Jordaan

Many songs have been sung about this most famous in the Netherlands and finest in Amsterdam neighborhood called the Jordaan. Everything that you’re looking for in the city can be found here, accompanied by local charm, gezellig (you have to learn this word!) vibe and trendy residents.

What’s in a name?

When you discover the wonderful gardens of the Jordaan, you have no doubts that the neighborhood takes its name from the French word “jardin,” which means “garden.”  But the truth is that most of the streets there are called after flowers, such as Rozengracht, Anjeliersdwarsstraat and Goudsbloemstraat.

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The history of the Jordaan starts at the 17th century, when it was a singing but quite poor neighborhood of immigrants and the working class living in small houses. If you think that it’s not really how the modern Jordaan looks like, you’re absolutely right! In sixties it has gone through major changes and a grand reconstruction, which came together with gentrification and therefore, new residents. Today the Jordaan is full of young entrepreneurs, artists and wealthier students, who fill in lots of new galleries, brown cafes and hip stores. What once was the district of the folksingers Johnny Jordaan and Andre Hazes, the painter Rembrandt van Rijn and the writer Theo Thijssen, is now a great combination of a narrow streets labyrinth and canals of the past and the contemporary chic of the present.

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Secret courtyards

The beauty of the very special Jordaan is enhanced by the large amount of inner courtyards (the Dutch call them hofjes) with gorgeous gardens and old little houses. Lots of them date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when they were offered for older women as a sign of protection and charity. You can find the Jordaan courtyards behind the buildings at the street side so all you need to do is to check whether the door is open. If it is, don’t hesitate to come in, but please be respectful and nice towards local community there. Although some of the inner gardens might be closed, they will be open for public on Open Monuments Days or for free hofjesconcerts on Sundays in summer. Some of the prettiest courtyards of the neighborhood are Looyershofje at Nieuwe Looiersstraat 20-40, Sint Andrieshofje at Egelantiersgracht 105-141 and monumental Venetiaehofje at Elandsstraat 104-142. Make sure to sneak in these hidden gems of the Jordaan.

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Interesting finds at the market

When strolling the old streets of the Jordaan, make sure to stop by its scenic authentic markets. When you see a remarkable Noorderkerk (the main church of the neighborhood), you know that you are on the right spot. You will find an inspiring flea market on Mondays and an organic local farmer’s market on Saturdays, which is perfect for trying all good Dutch foods and delicacies. You should also discover a general market on the Westerstraat on Mondays and a very old neighborhood Lindenmarkt on Saturdays, where you can find all you can think of.

You are what you eat

Some of the best traditional Dutch cafes can be found in the Jordaan, where you can still often hear the sing-a-longs and try some nice local cuisine. The brown Café Nol is packed with locals at night, so you have a nice chance to mingle with them there. The choice of good restaurants of the Jordaan ranges from the most affordable Piqniq (great for a Dutch style lunch) to almost Michelin starred dining at Daalder with its unique 7-course surprise chef’s menu. And of course, you cannot leave Amsterdam without visiting cozy

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The artsy Jordaan

There are numerous art galleries in the Jordaan for all tastes and preferences, where the local artists share their creations for admiration or sale. Many art studios are also located in the neighborhood, and the good news is that you can come inside and meet the artists. A special “Open Studio Event” is about to take place from 14 to 16 May, when the creative bourgeoisie will open their doors for public. It happens only once per 2 years, so make sure to use this opportunity! And if you leave your heart in the Jordaan, the must visit event is The Jordaan Festival this summer (from 26 to 28 August), when you will see the real singing district with lots of Dutch folk music and locals having a good time.

The Best Parties and Events on King’s Night and King’s Day in Amsterdam

The Best Parties and Events on King’s Night and King’s Day in Amsterdam

Just like New Year starts with a grand celebration on New Year’s Eve, King’s Day party is on from King’s Night the day before, on 26 April. With more than 1 million visitors coming for the best festivals, parties and events of the year on King’s Day, Amsterdam turns into a huge citywide extravaganza. Will you have enough energy to party till Kings day itself and embrace all the festivities and parties on 27 April too? It doesn’t matter what music you like, as there is something on for all the tastes! Let’s choose the most exciting events worth attending during the orange madness!

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King’s Night (Koningsnacht)

Dubstep Party 50 HURTZ

One of the hippest and coziest live music venues in Amsterdam, The Melkweg is hosting 50 HURTZ again with great headliners of bass and dubstep.Pogman (UK), Enigma Dubz (UK), Squnto (US), Ghosh (UK), Shiverz (UK) and Karimooo are only some of the famous names in the lineup. Have an epic celebration and become a part of this mayhem! Tickets pre-sale: €16, at the door: €20.

Hippie Night at the Promised Land

Dress up like a hippie and dive into the 60’s atmosphere with the right decoration and music at Recycle Lounge Gallery Club (RLGC44).  The line up fits the theme with such artists as Cid Inc. (SWE), Dennis Price, Andre Zeldenrust (NL) and more. Normal tickets:€20, at the door: €25.

London’s FunkinEven and Electronic Music by Tom Trago

These two names come together for King’s Night at a new club in Amsterdam called De School. Located in what used to be the school’s bike shed, this venue hosts open ended nights, which means they will remain open as long as you will be dancing! So join the creative crowd at one of the most innovative spots of the city.  Tickets: €15.

Hot Dancehall and Reggae of Jamrock

A legendary club of Amsterdam Paradiso presents a night of unstoppable dancing to dancehall and reggae tunes. Live music combined with DJs in this extra big special edition for Koningsnacht. Tickets: from €15 to €22.50.

Brighter Days with House Music

Surround yourself with nice music by a famous Chicago house music producer Mike Dunn, who professionally combines the right vocal samples, percussion and smooth pads. All that takes place at Canvas located on the 7th floor and featuring a stunning view. Tickets pre-sale: €12, at the door: €15.

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King’s Day (Koningsdag)

The only parties that can beat the festive vibe of King’s Night  are the ones that take place the next day on King’s Day. The special events range from huge ticketed festivals to small cafes stages in all the neighborhood of Amsterdam.

Techno Craziness of VOLTT

The huge King’s Day celebration at the industrial NDSM-werf with lots of techno and breathtaking line up. If you like the music of Dekmantel Soundsystem, Bart Skils, Cinnaman, San Proper ,Kid Sublime or Nuno Dos Santos, then you cannot miss this event, as all of them will be there. Early bird tickets: €12.50, regular: €17.50

Dance Music at Kingsland Festival

One of the biggest events in Amsterdam of April 27, Kingsland Festival features four indoor and outdoor stages at RAI. All of them will be full of people, as this year headliners include Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Don Diablo, Axwell & Ingrosso, Martin Garrix, Oliver Heldens, Girls Love DJs and The Flexican. Only late bird tickets are left: €39.50.

100% NL Oranjefeest

Have you ever wondered about how Dutch-language party hits sound like? Come and listen them live at ArenAPark in Amsterdam. All types of music from singer-songwriters to dance music will be there for you, sponsored by local radio station 100% NL. Early bird tickets: €15, normal: €20.

Disco d’Orange

Fans of disco, funk and soul will feel at home at Amsterdam Roest on King’s Day. Lots of live music accompanied by a free-market is guaranteed at this funky location.

Loveland van Oranje

The 20th edition of this hip outdoor party will host such big names as Benny Rodrigues, Secret Cinema, Carlos Valdes, Ici Sans Merci and more. Chill out with the crowd in the green Meerpark and enjoy Loveland’s King’s Day. Only final release tickets are left: €22.50

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Last but not Least

Of course these are not the only parties and events of King’s Day in Amsterdam, as there will be thousands of them! After all, the main goal is to have a good time and celebrate the birthday of the King, no matter what event you will go for.  It’s important to know though that some of the larger events are sold out fast, so it can be a good idea to get tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. As a matter of fact, some major festivals stop the tickets pre-sale on King’s Night with no tickets available at the door the next day. Either way, don’t get disappointed when events  are sold out as Amsterdam will turn into one massive orange dance floor from dusk till dawn and beyond. Check out the handy map below to see the location of the main happenings of King’s Day 2016 in Amsterdam.

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map credits to: cartostudio2016

The Pancake Taste of Amsterdam

The Pancakes of Amsterdam

Any Dutch person will assure you that typical Dutch pancakes are the best in the world and even if you don’t like pancakes, you will adore them in the Netherlands. No, there are not the first ones who started making this tasty dish, but they have definitely mastered the skill. And pannenkoek is not just a pancake that you can get anywhere, but a very particular one that you can find in specialized pannenkoeken restaurants in Amsterdam and taste the real deal.

The tales of pancakes

If you think that nowadays the Dutch pay too much attention to such a simple dish as pancakes, then you will be surprised to learn how much respect they had in the 18thcentury. A pancake with honey and milk used to be a traditional wedding breakfast in some parts of the Netherlands, while in other areas it was eaten as a part of Christmas Eve celebration. Luckily, now they won’t serve you a pancake on special occasions, but it’s still often eaten as a main course.

A Dutch pancake is somewhat thicker than a French crêpe and much thinner than an American pancake and usually quite large, which means that you can be full after eating just one. Although the world history of pancakes goes back all the way to the 1st century AD, the Dutch pancakes are known only from 1683.

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The variety of toppings

Whether you like savory or sweet, there will be that particular Dutch pancake that you will love, as they come in tons of different variations. The Dutch favorites are probably apple and raisins or plain with unique Dutch syrup or cheese and salami. But how about going beyond that and tasting something like bacon, banana and chilly pancakes or salmon, guacamole and crème fraiche pancakes or pancakes with cherries, vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream? Go wild and explore the flavors that you’ve never combined before!

Only in Amsterdam you can have a pancake trip around the world with international selection served at the Pancake Bakery (Prinsengracht 191): Greenlandic, Indonesian, Hungarian, Masai, Chilean, Norwegian, Thai and so many more. Play with it and choose your favorite ingredients or trust the professionals and let them astonish you!

The smallest restaurant in Europe

Guess the location and specialty of the smallest restaurant in whole Europe! That’s right: Amsterdam and pancakes: Upstairs Pancakes is tinier than you can imagine and has only 4 tables! As you can guess, booking in advance is needed, but this magical place (in almost 500 years old building) and mouth melting pancakes are so much worth it. You have to deserve your treat-so climb the steep stairs to the second floor, where you will be greeted warmly and surrounded by more than 100 hanging teapots everywhere. And when it comes to pancakes themselves, no words can describe how delicious they are! Our favorite is bacon, cheese and fresh fruit pancake (Slavisch), but all other ones are also very good. Think about any ingredient and Upstairs Pancakes got it- freshest, healthiest and often from local farms.

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Pancake's Amsterdam

Eat and float

What can be more Dutch than a combination of eating pancakes and enjoying a view from a boat? If you want to try these activities at the same time, then get on the Pancake Boat to discover Amsterdam from the water and indulge yourself with all-you-can-eat pancakes. Your eating/floating tour can be either  1 hour or 2.5 hour long, which will be perfectly enough to get completely full of pancakes with a wide choice of toppings. The Pancake Boat departs from the other side of IJ (Amsterdam Noord close to the NDSM Wharf ferry stop) where you can get by a free city ferry. It is totally possible to celebrate your special event on this pancake vehicle too, as so many arrangements can be made with the captain.

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Dutch as it can be

While you’re discovering the delicious world of Dutch cuisine, don’t overlook tiny yummy pancakes called poffertjes. We can bet you haven’t tried those outside of Netherlands, and for sure they’ll impress you! Fluffy, spongy and freshly cooked (often right in front of your eyes!), they will melt in your mouth together with butter and powdered sugar. Everything is special about these small poffertjes- the buckwheat flower, a particular cast iron or copper pan and that sweet smell of childhood. No Dutch festivities, national holidays, fun celebrations and carnivals go without a poffertjes stall selling them hot and tasty for everybody to enjoy. So why won’t you try a dozen or two of them?

Eet smakelijk!

Party all week long in Amsterdam

Party all week long in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is by right the city that never sleeps and always has something happening. If you feel for a party then you should go no further, as this crazy place got it all! Amsterdam has so much to offer and even more so, when it comes to the nightlife scene. Whether your soul is craving for some live music, your feet for some unstoppable dancing, your heart for some broken beats, your ears for some lovely tunes and yourself for something completely different, this city will deliver it at the highest level. Every day of the week brings something new worth attending, so let’s have it all and check all these places out for good music, crazy parties and nice company.

Monday

The Winston Kingdom

You can start your partying week with Cheeky Monday at the Winston Kingdom dancing hard to drum’n’bass and jungle. As a matter of fact, this small a bit more alternative club in the Red Light District is open every night and offers different styles each time: from electro to punk, hiphop to jazz, rock to glam, live music to DJs playing.

Entrance: € 7 (free till 10 pm)

Party Amsterdam

Canvas

Wibaut Avenue Cocktail at Canvas means that you indulge yourself with records from a famous Amsterdam DJ with a small basket on his folding bike. Moreover, you will be stunned by a 360° view of Amsterdam from the seventh floor.

Entrance: free  

Supperclub

Supperclub offers a special fancy Monday party when artists, DJs, promoters and producers from the hottest Amsterdam locations come together. Dance to old school r&b, hip-hop and house at this historical odeon building famous for 190 degrees of visual projections.

Entrance: € 12.50

Tuesday

Sugarfactory

Techno lovers will feel at home at Sugarfactory every Techno Tuesday. This cutting-edge night theater gathers a good crown with a heart for electronic music at its large dance floor. The variety of performing artists and DJs on other days will make you want to come back at other days of the week too.

Entrance: free

Party Amsterdam

Wednesdag

Melkweg

One of the coziest venues and clubs in Amsterdam, Melkweg often hosts some larger festivals and more famous artists. It is also a great place to listen to new talents and extend your playlist with new singer-songwriters’ names. Lots of indie, hiphop, trance, house, d’n’b and new alternative styles can often be relished at Melkweg.

Entrance: price depends on the event

Paradiso

Paradiso is a legendary Amsterdam club in a former church with a few halls for all types of music that you can imagine. It is very popular as a live music venue and hosts huge names and festivals, but it is also a night club. Often you can choose among four or five events per night at Paradiso.

Entrance: hugely varies per event

Party Amsterdam

Thursday

Q-Factory

Q-Factory is way more than a concert venue or club, as it’s one of the largest music makers centers in Europe that gives an opportunity for musicians to rehearse and record. So you can imagine that this creative space unites some of the most talented souls from all over. You will enjoy nice live music (again all the types, sometimes with very touching singer-songwriters), DJs sets, talent shows and more at Q-Factory. You can choose between the performance at the great hall, almost family-like concerts at the small hall or hip tunes in their chilled out café.

Entrance: often free live music on Thursdays at Q-Café

Amsterdam Roest

Do you fancy a cocktail evening to the sound of disco, house and boogie classics? Amsterdam Roest prepares Cocktail Barlag for you each Thursday with swinging music from 70s to 90s combined with discounted cocktails. Discover this industrial space next to the waterside and feel the spirit of more alternative Amsterdam East.

Entrance: free most of the time

Friday

Bitterzoet

Everybody would agree that Friday night is a party night, and that’s why Bitterzoet is the right place to be! DJs, bands and musicians of all backgrounds will surprise you here with the music of your choice: ska, hiphop, funk, soul, rock and punk. Bitterzoet often organizes events together with  Paradiso.

Entrance: price  depends on the event

 

Party Amsterdam

Depot Amsterdam

Hipsters-oriented Amsterdam North hides a warehouse club, where you can party to deep house, techno and more. Depot Amsterdam has this post-industrial spirit that adds up to the experience.

Entrance: price depends on the event

Saturday

OT301

In case you are more into underground clubbing, then welcome to OT301 with its graffiti-loaded corridor, more anarchic set up, smoking permitted everywhere and bustling hall. The styles vary around techno, house, dubstep and drum’n’bass here.

Entrance: usually around €7-8

The Box

A huge space of the Box (a club within a walking distance from Amsterdam Teleport Hotel) hosts some larger events and must attend concerts full of drive and big line-ups. It reopened only half a year ago, and now you have a chance to see the massiveness of it yourself.

Entrance: price depends on the event

 

Party Amsterdam

Sunday

Westergasfabriek

Located very close to the hotel, Westergasfabriek attracts progressive independent thinkers who appreciate different type of creativity and counter-culture music. Hip and trendy, this former gas factory can make your Sunday evening with interesting music and locally brewed beer.

Entrance: can be free, but also depends on the event

The Waterhole

If you prefer live music on Sunday evening, then the Waterhole is open for you with its numerous live bands 365 days per year (this year even 366 days!).  Local Dutch or foreign musicians, young  or old, originals or covers, entertaining jams and high quality sound, the diversity of styles and audience –that’s all about this little pub/club right next to Leidseplein. Monday Music Meeting features local music students, who are about to become new stars of Amsterdam.

Entrance: €2,-

Be My Valentine in Amsterdam

Be My Valentine in Amsterdam

The romance of Saint Valentine’s Day is enhanced by charming narrow streets of Amsterdam, its picturesque bridges, tiny cafes and just a very unique love atmosphere. One of the coziest and heart-warming capitals in the world, Amsterdam is an amazing place to celebrate love just on any day, and of course on the soon coming weekend of 13th-14th of February. Add some festive events and exceptional things to do in the city during these days, and you are up for an ideal Valentine’s Day with your beloved one.

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24H Oost

This 2 days festival (13th-14th of February) will uncover the secrets of lifestyle, traditions and creativity of the cheerful neighborhoods of east Amsterdam. Head for 24H Oost with your date and attend Valentine’s bootcamp, participate in workshops together, get inspired by musical theater and concerts, admire culinary artwork and fair fashion event. How about making a Valentine’s card for each other, creating your own perfume, baking pizza or brewing water kefir together following the tips of professionals there? In the evening make sure to indulge yourself to a special roast prepared by Chef Valentine at Roest followed by Djs and a nice vibe party. 24H Oost programme has so much more to offer, just check it out here for more details and all the locationshttp://issuu.com/iamsterdam/docs/24h_oost_2016/1

Be My Valentine Amsterdam
Let’s get married!

Although Valentine’s Day is a perfect time for a real proposal, you don’t have to be all serious about marriage this day. Come and join a fun imaginary wedding at Emporium of Wonders featuring an all day celebration of love on the 13th and 14th of February. Special ceremonies and workshops for lovebirds at this location will add some amusement and joy to these days. Maybe it’s time to sign up for a massage workshop and practice on each other? https://www.facebook.com/events/941628289253864/

Be My Valentine Amsterdam
The boat/bike of love

When you feel like exploring the city instead of attending the offered events, then Amsterdam is the right place for it.  Add some special Dutch flavor to it by doing so with a canal ride. Whether it will be a Valentine’s cruise provided by one of the tour operators or just a small rental boat, it will turn your day or evening into an unforgettable romantic experience.

Another way to spend time with your Valentine is riding a tandem bike along the streets and canals of charming Amsterdam. Don’t forget to stop at the skinny bridge (The Magere Brug) and kiss your second half there, as it will make you stay together forever (at least that’s what the legend tells).

Be My Valentine Amsterdam
Exchange romance for curiosity

The romance of kissing might be gone once you learn how many microbes you exchange with your partner during a passionate kiss. On the Eve of Saint Valentine’s Day visit Micropia at Artisplein together to satisfy your curiosity by looking at Kiss-O-Meter and discovering the invisible world of microbes. This is the only microbes’ museum in the world and can be a good alternative to all the typical romantic agenda.

Yoga, music, movies and more

If you don’t want to jump from place to place and visit events at various locations, then Pllek is an ideal solution for you. It will keep you busy and entertained from morning till evening with its Valentine’s special. This warm and creative venue offers a yoga class with a beautiful view over the water to start your day, afternoon kids workshop in case you already have children with your significant other and laidback life music all afternoon and evening long (free entrance). You can finish your day with a movie for adults that can be accompanied by a three course dinner. To learn about location or other events, go to Pllek website: http://www.pllek.nl/pllek-agenda.html#content

A bit cliché yet enchanting

And yes, going out for a movie on Valentine’s night is cliché, but who cares if the movie theater is a masterpiece by itself. Spend some nice gezellig time with your love at the Movies at Haarlemmerdijk, which is the oldest movie theater in Amsterdam opened in 1912, giving you the spirit of those aged times. Another marvelous place to watch a movie on this special night is Tuschinski Theater with its remarkable mix of styles that make it one of the prettiest cinemas in the world. Attending one of these two movie theaters will leave you with much more than just watching a nice romantic movie.

Comedytrain International

In case you are excited about watching some good acting, but don’t feel for a movie, then Nick Thune will make you and your partner with his comedy at Toomler. Mixing storytelling with one-liners this American comedian will bring some wit and fun to your Valentine’s celebration.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you will be doing on Valentine’s day this year, as long as you spend it together with your loved one and in Amsterdam of courseJ Share your love and remember that Amsterdam loves you!