Reply With QuoteStroopwafels and diamonds it is then!!
Any good watch shops?
Kidding of course (how annoying are those threads getting??!) but seriously I have no idea what to expect, can anyone give me some clues??
My cousin (the stag) is well into his herbals but I've never partaken to be honest, I'm much happier with a pint in my hand than a joint. Is it right in your face or can you avoid it if you wish? I'm not anti-drug by any means, but as a none smoker I've just never been overly curious about weed.
We've booked the beer bike (image below) for the Saturday afternoon then round town on Saturday night taking in a show or two (ahem...) but I'm not right bothered about the red light district either. Seems I'm avoiding the two main reasons for going to Amsterdam.
Last edited by kevkojak; 6th August 2015 at 12:11.
Stroopwafels and diamonds it is then!!
Haven't been for a few years but used to go a lot for work. For some reason my Dutch colleagues insisted on taking me to the red light district despite no one ever using it - a bit like our equivalent of Big Ben I guess.
The hash cafes were fine to sit in & not smoke no pressure or hassle. There were also lots of Irish pubs which everyone seemed to like. Walking around the city is pleasant enough and it is picturesque although sadly full of drunk english people...
If you don't smoke be wary of the offer of a bong that avoids the smoke - it was very strong & I overslept & missed my flight home !
The 'Brown Cafes' are regulated and few in number. No pressure to go in nor to 'indulge' whilst you're there. Great city and great people - you'll have a great time!
I went a few months ago for the first time and really was rather taken with the place. Yes there are drunk english, reefer cafés and the red light area but its very easy to walk 5 mins and find beautiful old bars full of locals and cracking funky micro breweries so avoiding the worst touristy excesses. The red light area is fascinating in a weird kind of way and well worth a walk in the evening when ahem things get interesting. A great city to walk around and the canal system is great on a boat tour (we did it on a day when it was raining on a covered one).
Went there three times when I worked for a Dutch company and always enjoyed it. The reefer cafes and ladies in the window are an eye opener first time. I've also never met anyone there who doesn't speak fluent English.
I like Amsterdam very much and have been with my wife, on a stag and on business, seeing most sides of what it has to offer. Along with Copenhagen it's one of a few European cities I could see myself living in one day. Some recommendations that suit my tastes but perhaps not everyones:
- If you like your beers and could happily have a long session in a pub then visit Arendsnest (http://www.arendsnest.nl/). They have 30 beers on tap and hundreds more in bottles. Wooden walls, board games (ok, you're on a stag) but if there's a large group of you there's a separate room down the far end where you can keep yourselves out of the way of the other punters.
- If there's < 10 of you and you're fairly civilised and want a nice meal and some drinks/cocktails to start the evening then try In De Buurt (http://indebuurt-amsterdam.nl/en). Quite hip, a 5 or 10 minute walk from the South East of the centre and round the corner from a popular Irish bar/club for afters.
- If you fancy sitting in the sun with a beer by the water, some nice food and very much off the usual tourist track then try Hannekes Boom (http://www.hannekesboom.nl/). It's a 10 minute walk from the station, past the library and over a foot bridge. Very chilled out.
- Another pure beer option is the Windmill Brewery. This one is quite popular and you'll probably end up sat on the ground propped up against a wall while you wait for a seat at a table outside, but great beers and has always seemed to attract a friendly crowd when I've been there.
- For pool tables, covers bands (and in my experience weird Irish girls) then try The Waterhole off of Leidsplein (http://waterhole.nl/en)
None of the above are the usual Heineken tour, Bulldog cafe, joints and red light district kind of Amsterdam so if you're in a group of "lads" then it might not be your bag.
Enjoy, I'm very jealous. I need to arrange another visit.
Putting my mind at ease all this, cheers folks.
I pictured it just being really cheap and trashy with loads of stoned and pissed blokes causing bother.
Oh don't worry, you can get that if you want it, quite easily! But look a little closer and there's some gems. I could recommend plenty more but they'd be very much not stag material, no matter how tame you are (picnic in the Vondelpark perhapsOriginally Posted by kevkojak
)
I'll never forget The Banana Club. Put me off fruit for a while. For something more educational I would definitely recommend the Sex Museum. The only time I felt a bit uneasy was walking back to the hotel through the red light district about 3.00 Am. Most of the tourists and drug pushers had disappeared and all that was left was the crack addicts. Mind you that was 20 years ago.
Last edited by Hamish; 6th August 2015 at 15:03.
Been loads of times. My best mate got married there 5 years ago
We go 2 times a year
City is compact and can walk everywhere
Leidseplein and Rembrandt spleen are busy and good for stags
If it warm try the new skybar at the top of the Hilton near the train station
Amazing views and good vibe at night with music and a d j
I've been to Amsterdam a few times and you'll have a great laugh. Personally, the idea of passing a stag do sitting in a café getting stoned does not really appeal. There are loads of pubs and clubs around to keep you entertained. Lots of pubs do hash cakes to add a little twist to your drinking session. There are plenty of live shows going on, I'm sure you'll find your way to one at some point, and obviously plenty of prostitutes if that's your thing.
I love the place although I've been just the once and with my wife and kids. We were targeted by pick-pockets and it was only the diligence of my wife that spotted and allowed me to avoid what could have been a difficult situation.
I know this is the same for many capital cities but worth a comment.
If you feel like trying some of those substances in the coffee shops then please be very careful. I had never tried anything like that and was given a skunk joint to smoke. I puffed away like a steam train waiting to feel the effects. I passed out. Came to about ten minutes later and for several hours the only thing I could do was blink. I have been drunk many times in my younger days but being stoned was a whole different ball game and not pleasant in the slightest. If I hadn't been with mates, God knows what could have happened to me. Never had anything like that again. You have been warned!
HA,HA, Next time ask for the red leb and don't hog it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvGJvzwKqg0
Last edited by the big fella; 6th August 2015 at 16:55.
The herbals are not 'in your face' and there is no pressure to partake....however,you may be offered all sorts of drugs at one point or another. Don't be worried,just genially say your not interested And that's the end of it.
Once you've had a few beers it's worth popping in <sic> to The Banana Bar just because it's funny (at least I thought so) although I was also put of bananas for a few months after one interesting visit.
If you go to any sex shows don't sit up the front,and don't tell them it's a stag do...unless,of course,you want to sit up front and make it clear it's a stag do (ahem)
Of you are in Amsterdam on a stag do,you may as well wander round the red light district and take a squizz...it's harmless and you will see old couples wandering along the canals out for a stroll. You can actually see some sights which can come under several categories ie nice/funny/different/Jesus,what the hell is that?
Although I've personally never had any problems there,pick pockets can be a problem so be aware and just be sensible ie if you've got a big whip ( no pun intended) then try and spread it about a bit rather than stick Ł500 in a shirt pocket and have it 'alf inched (friend of mine had this happen).
Most of all have fun and if you wake up with a sore bum don't necessarily assume the worst.
Like it!
My cousin said there are some absolute stunners in the windows of the red light district, but then the further out you get the more, er, 'specialist' the wares become.
I've been 4-5 times.
Can't discuss on here though ;)
Cafe Klos for the best damn ribs........anywhere. It'll soak the booze up
Love Amsterdam, been a few times over the years, first time was when I was early 20s with a mate, no hotel booked, we planned to party all night in a all night night club that we would surely find, imagine our surprise when everything started closing at midnight, sleeping rough in Amsterdam is not reccomended..... Last time I went was on a stag do of sorts, only 3 of us, was persuaded to scoff some mushrooms and had the most incredible 8 hours of my life....
Cheers..
Jase
There is a great whisky bar there that I always seem to find...no idea where it is though!
The red light district is what it is...
Good for a stag as there are peep shows etc so no need to get into anything heavy
Bars
We went to the Grasshopper bar which was s great stag city type bar - busy and loud if I recall
Just enjoy it and buy a cheap Rolex at the airport
Very much agreed - not far from leizenplan and popular with the locals - especially when Ajex are playing at home.
If you like Thai I can recommend Birds in the red light area. Very popular and not to pricy.
For a more upmarket experience try the Sky lounge at the DoubleTree Hilton, near the Central Station - the views of the city are stunning. Or The Ocura if you enjoy proper Japanese (at full Japanese pricing).
I found an excellent Japanese/Chinese fusion restaurant on Wednesday (I visit about once a month on business) called Eat Mode - excellent and cheap. The fish stew with Udon noodles - super.
If you fancy trying proper Dutch food, there is a restaurant very close the Renaissance hotel - it's called the Silver Spoon (in Dutch) and is in a 16th century house - very nice indeed. There is also a more upmarket Red light area in that area - if you are so inclined.
If you fancy a more "interesting" evening try the Queens head - but you have been warned
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
You know, I wasn't attracted to the women in the windows at all. I didn't see any attractive ones and the UV lighting that highlights their underwear was a turn off for me. That and the queues of men waiting outside some of them. Held no appeal at all. Interesting to see though. Just remember that most of these ladies have bouncers with baseball bats! Don't let me put you off though. It's a place everyone should visit at some point in their life. You only live once!
My cousin said there are some absolute stunners in the windows of the red light district, but then the further out you get the more, er, 'specialist' the wares become.
The Banana Bar. That was it. Not the Banana Club. Memory isn't what it used to be. Damned skunk.
This is really funny to read! Some interesting addresses mentioned here. Not really for a Stag do, but you can come back another time and get a guided tour through the red light district. Suitable for work, may I add. The Beer Bike is funny, but a lot of the locals are opposing more and more against it. Try to get on the saddle before it's outlawed - just like the boat/jacuzzi in canals...
Herbals: well you can find shops everywhere. The Bulldog has a good reputation when it comes to 'first timers'. Safe spot to start. Do not be tempted to carry more than 5 grams! That's NOT allowed. Do NOT buy from people on the street - certainly not other stuff like pills, xtc etc. You will be scammed and most likely, it's rubbish - sometimes dangerous stuff as well!
Pickpockets are everywhere. Well, they are in every large city with many people on the street. The Amsterdam police has a very succesfull task force to get these people off the street, but due to the open borders, it's like mopping up with the tap still running... (Dutch expression as well as in English, I believe).
Try to figure out when Ajax plays at home: http://eredivisiestatistieken.nl/Sch...rTeamName=Ajax Large group of British men and Ajax supporters... well... that doesn't mix well... Football colours and/or songs are likely to attract attention. Sure, a single football jersey won't cause a problem - you can buy British club jerseys in the stores. I refer to a group that's wearing the same shirt, showing the same colours.
The 19/24th of August will be very busy in Amsterdam: There's a Tall Ships Parade in Amsterdam. https://www.sail.nl/EN-2015 Don't go during that period.
Menno
Last edited by thieuster; 6th August 2015 at 20:32.
Cheers Menno.
I'd heard the same thing about the Beer Bike thing - is it a big problem? Just looked a bit of a tourist gimmick to me.
I'm out there on the 24th October, so a good couple of months yet, just trying to get a feel for the place so it's not a shock to the system.
Unlucky for me, we've extended for an extra night, and Sunday 25th is pencilled for the Manchester Derby!
I've probably been 15 times over the last 20 years, so in theory i should be able to recall loads of good places but for some reason it's a little hazy....
The RLD is a must, regardless of whether you intend to partake as others have said just for the curiosity/amusement value. You'd be amazed at the variety of people doing the touristy bit in it.
The Red Light Bar in the RLD is by far the best bar we found in that area, smokers paradise if you want it but equally just a lively fun place with loads of TVs (footy if interested), pool tables, friendly staff & much less heavy/noisy than the Bulldogs dotted around everywhere.
There are loads of tiny little bars/pubs dotted around which are friendlier, more welcoming than the 'chain' ones, most we've stumbled into late so hard to recall, but the one that stands out a mile was on Damstraat on the end right by Dam Sq. Fantastic music, tiny but friendly with a curvy but loud manageress who went shot for shot with us (& won against a few mates!) & came round the bar dancing until closing time.
The Supper Club is a pricy but unique experience, laying on beds with a 6-7 course meal & risque entertainment on tap all night. Ended up sharing champagne with Shirley Bassey on the next bed, so possibly a little too 'classy' (?) for a stag do.
This place was recommended for best breakfasts, visited it & didn't disagree: http://greenwoods.eu/index.php/en/dinner-menu
Finally if you are tempted to check out watches, Gassan on Dam Sq has a huge selection of very expensive brands
A short walk from Central Station is De Wildeman
It's a really good and rather famous beer bar.
http://www.indewildeman.nl/index.php?lang=en
On the other side of the street is The Burger Bar.
Handmade in front of you and bloody good.
http://www.burger-bar.nl/M/Home-m.html
The Sky Lounge bar at the Doubletree Hilton is pleasant too.
Unless your pal is a very seasoned smoker, I'd advise you don't smoke and drink? Do one or the other.
Club NL is often fun for a later night, it's just by Dam Square.
Www.awco.nl also have lots of expensive vintage watches. They are also AD for Dornbluth and Van Der Klaauw.
Not far from there in the Jordaan district is
https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/en/
Have fun.
Last edited by Wexford; 6th August 2015 at 21:32.
Maybe de Silveren Spiegel (the Silver Mirror)?
I've enjoyed a meal at restaurant Haesje Claes.
Last edited by PickleB; 6th August 2015 at 22:22.
Lets not be too hasty and disregard all the drugs; 'when in Rome' and all that!
I don't smoke, so the weed wouldn't be of any interest but there are many other sensory stimulants in abundant supply.
There are several shops selling mushrooms with varying properties; just be upfront and say you've never done it before and the responsible shopkeeper will steer you in the right direction. They wouldn't sell you something daft for a laugh in my experience.
A friend told me that the illegal drugs there are amongst the best and purest in Europe, but down that road chaos lies.
I visited a few years back, and there was a miriad of strange happenings amongst the group - toilets chasing people down the street, talking Mars bars, glowing fish in the river, everyone appearing upside down, women talking in tongues (men in a Welsh accent) etc etc.
As a general rule of thumb, just go with the flow, everything in moderation and you'll be fine.
Oh, and Heineken is cheap as water in the supermarkets
Oh, and don't fall in a canal. They were so polluted, you'ld dissolve before you got fished out.
Good call. I'm not a smoker, but open to just about anything else.
A mate of mine said to stay away from the class A's. Whether this is true or not, I'm told that the back-alley sellers could quite easily slip a knife between your ribs and empty your pockets or just sell you a bag of baking soda as the real thing. That aside, the Dutch are massively against Ecstacy and Cocaine and punishments for being caught with it are severe.
Possibly just horror stories, but a couple of people have said that now, and to avoid the African drug pushers.
Don't worry, they are clean now. There's even an annual charity swim in the canals. On the other hand, so many tourists fall in the canals, that the locals can't be bothered to get them out again... That sometimes lead to tragic accidents.
Menno
That's good to hear. Not least about the tourists. I suspect the OP got more info than he bargained for. It will probably all be irrelevant when he's pissed/stoned and being set upon by a large black woman wearing dayglo underwear and a banana in each hand. The thread title should be changed to Amsterdamned!
She can't still be working the fruit circuit....put me off bananas for months afterwards. Kept having recurring dreams about being attacked by a man eating Brillo pad.
ps.....I wish she'd had the dayglo underwear
Got this from a friend who lives in Amsterdam
That's the one.here is another rather good restaurant in Amstelveen called the Fat boy (also in Dutch) -a long way to go, but a nice experience. Actually there are some very nice restaurants in Amstelveen But not really a stag do thing.
what about the Heineken museum tour? Or go to a super market, buy a shed load of beer and rent a boat and do your own canal tour, taking in the casino before heading off to the RLD?
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Can I come?
Cheers..
Jase
Jesus, what a weekend.
Sound advice above chaps, we took in a few of these gaffs including the Bulldog (good call) - I didn't partake as I'm not a smoker, but just sitting in there for half an hour with the rest of the lads had me off my tree.
Red light, what an eye-opener. Some proper proper stunners, but as above it's a bit off-putting seeing all the blokes queued up outside. Mint for a bit of window shopping.
Hotel clerk was very 'accommodating' (pardon the shit hotel pun) with the extras, we didn't go without. I'd write a review for trip advisor but I can't see them being able to use much of it.
There are supposedly a few good whisky bars in the city, but I find it hard to imagine any are better than the Whisky Café L & B. Its on the Leidsedwarsstraat. A couple thousand whiskys in a dark and cozy bar, what's not to like.
The Banana club or bar brings back happy memories and be careful who you snog. cant say anymore than that........................
Couple of my friends are just back. It took them roughly 1 week to recover.
They seemed to really enjoy the banana bar (I can't imagine how it could possibly be fun eating a banana out of one of those but then I don't really like banana). They also said the dwarf brothel was good.
I need to find a new social group.
Address, please?
Here you go:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amste...41553419241270
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