Last Updated: Nov. 05, 2008
by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe

Amsterdam, (or the ‘Dammage as many Contiki veterans like to call it) is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Surrounded by rings of man made canals, bridges and beautiful buildings it is a city abounding with almost surreal fantasy-like beauty. The liberal, laid back culture of the Dutch also adds a great deal to the appeal and vibe of this fun, friendly European capital.
Amsterdam was absolutely wild! The booze cruise was awesome & the sex show in the red light district was pretty ridiculous. Try Baba for hash brownies and The Grasshopper. If you are open minded, you will have a wonderful time
If you just want a bar to drink in (as opposed to a coffee shop) then go just out of the red light district. Beers in the red light district = 6 euro, out of it 2.50 euro. Plus you must try chips smothered in mayo and melted cheese!! So bad for you but oh so good!
Make sure that when they ask who is interested in going to the sexshow that you all raise your hands!!! funniest experience EVER!! everyone on my bus went and it was a riot!! ps: Grasshopper is the best bar!!!
I am planning on going to France in Sept with my husband and best friend. We want to take a day trip to Amsterdam while we are in the North. Is a day enough to see it or should we do an overnighter? I want to see the red light district, cafes, Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank’s house. Any input is appreciated.
Amsterdam is an unreal experience!! you have to get a taste of the ‘Dutch Culture’ even if its not your thing! you have to experience it all, even the ‘live sex shows.’ it dont leave much to the imagination, but it is also entertaining and amusing….never look at bananas the same again though!
if you think the red light distirct is creepy at night you should see it in the morning.
the hk experience is a must and get high b4 you do it, well worth it.
hahah oh the banana… if you go to the sex show, sit next to someone you don’t know… it gives you something to joke about later…
what are space cakes? i’m going in the summer i’m intrigued
and the banana?!
do tell!
Some other good coffee shops to check out:
the “Original” Bulldog(the first ever coffee shop)
the Grey Area(some of the best stuff)
Magic(chill, a little hidden, internet access)
Paradise(small, chill, right near Dam Square)
Eww.. the banana!
I had managed to temporarily erase that from my mind!
Apart from watching the banana experience thats right I’m a girl, going to the heineken factory and eating space cakes you can go to Anne Frank’s house its like a museum but you go through her house its cool!
Ive been told by a family friend who went to Amsterdam last year that Excalibur (a bar) is really great. Its got great music and atmosphere. Its in the red light district, got a great motor cycle display on the walls. thats one place i want to check out for myself. Its going to be a different world in Amsterdam!
If you check out the website http://www.heinekenexperience.com/ you will see that the Heineken Experience is closed until Summer 2008.
how do u know the heineken facorory is closed?
yes,i agree,you dont want to be the last guy to eat the banana,haha.
All I have to say is don’t be the last one to eat the banana.
Just a heads up – the Heineken Factory in Amsterdam is going to be closed until July 2008, when it will reopen after a refurbishment.
Amsterdam was awesome! Definitely check out the Heiniken Experience when ur there, its soooo worth it. The Grasshopper is a great coffee shop too, and it very centraly located. Also try FEBO, its fantastic!
A tip for people looking for a decent coffee shop.. if you don’t already know about it, you will because most Contiki travellers find out about it – its The Grasshopper. Ask a local and they should be able to tell you where to find it.
hahaha chopsumbong….. hahah what is it thats funny
CHOPSUMBONG?? sorry what is that
Most come to Amsterdam to CHOPSUMBONG, however its something to reconsider if you are alone? Or are you….? Thats just paranoia kicking in!
Yeah I think I would rather spend my time at the Heineken Brewery where the beer flows like gold. Oh yeah, and dont be an idiot like me and try to steal a commemorative Heineken glass, cuz they give you one when you leave!
Remember that cyclists have the right-of-way over pedestrians. Respect the culture and don’t linger on the bike path! Move out of the way if a cyclist is approaching -they come up pretty quick!
The dutch are not big fans of eating out in restaurants so the restaurants tend to be a little pricey. Buy some fresh fruit and cheese and have a picnic by a canal or in the park instead!
When I lived in Amsterdam I rode my bike everywhere I went. Renting bikes is really simple and really affordable.
OMG….Amsterdam and space cakes. Loved Amsterdam, but the space cakes? Whoa remind me to NEVER do that one again.
How could something so tasty be so catastrophic to my brain?
I think I hid in a corner of a closet for like 6 hours.
It’s probably even creepier after a few space cakes!
If you go to the red light district, go with a group of friends … otherwise it’s a bit creepy.