Free Amsterdam

Our Local Expert Says:

You may notice that not all the windows are red. The blue windows on Barndesteeg are windows for women who are women only from the waist up.

Description:

Quite possibly Amsterdam's most defining feature, the Red Light District is the place to see some truly unique things. If prostitutes in windows aren't enough, you can also find an Erotic Museum, which takes you through the history of prostitution, the Hash Marijuana and Hemp Museum, which tells you all you need to know about weed, and the Banana Bar, a bar where waitresses are highly skilled in the various ways of eating a banana. If you want to learn more about prostitution in the Netherlands, visit the Prostitute Information Centre, located next to the Oude Kerk. If this doesn't excite you, the Warmoestraat, which runs along the Red Light District, is full of coffeeshops, bars, hostels and gay S&M clubs. Walking through the Red Light District today you may notice that some windows contain out of place fashion exhibitions. This is a result of the city's efforts to "clean up" the streets.

Our Local Expert Says:

The most impressive building in Dam Square is the Royal Palace, but don’t expect to see the Queen; she lives in The Hague

Description:

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, from here you are waking distance to many of the city's attractions. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many fast food joints around, and watch the various street performers put on a show. Otherwise, you can sit on the large white phallic World Ward II monument and people watch in this busy square; stay long enough and you're sure to see something bizarre. In the square you can find a few reasonably priced souvenir shops, as well as the official Amsterdam tourist bureau.

Our Local Expert Says:

The gap between rich and poor is not visible in Amsterdam, as neighborhoods are integrated. However, the houses around the park are some of the most expensive in the city.

Description:

On one of the rare, sunny days in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark is so full of people it's difficult to find a quiet spot to yourself, but despite the bustle, the park is quite the bird sanctuary; you can watch storks flying around, as their nests are perched on high posts through out the park. If a sunny day at the park doesn't do it for you, you can also visit the park at night; after 11pm it is legal to have sex out in the open at Vondelpark. In the centre of the park you can also find the Filmmuseum, which shows interesting art films and has a nice indoor and outdoor café.

Our Local Expert Says:

If all the famous Leidseplein clubs are full, head over to Rembrandtplein. Here you are guaranteed to find a decent party that’s not sold out.

Description:

Rembrandtplein is one of Amsterdam's two main party areas (Leidseplein being the first). Whereas Leidseplein is a very popular destination for tourists, Rembrandtplein is more popular with the Dutch visiting the city for one night of partying. If you want to escape the bright lights and clubs of Rembrandtplein, adjoining Torbeckeplein offers a view over Amsterdam's famous seven bridges; beautifully lit up and reflecting in the water by night. In December, Rembrandtplein gets in the holiday spirit with a temporary skating rink set up in the square.

Our Local Expert Says:

Prettiest Bridge

Description:

In 1671 a small footbridge was built across the river Amstel. The bridge was made of wood and it could be raised. In the beginning the bridge was called the "chicken's bridge" because of its small construction. Later on, again due to the construction, it adopted the name "Skinny Bridge", being compared to a slender woman. It was rebuilt in 1871 and 1929, but it was once again made of wood and the construction was "skinny". Nowadays, at night the Magere Brug is lit up at night, beautifying the river Amstel in the dark.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Leidseplein is full of nightclubs of varying degrees of quality, but the three main venues worth checking out are Paradiso, Melkweg and Sugar Factory

Description:

Amsterdam's main nightlife area is undoubtedly the Leidseplein. Full of cafes and bars with outdoor seating and heated umbrellas, this is a great place to sit down for a drink and watch the city go by, both by day and by night. In Leidseplein you will also find the very large Bull Dog Coffeeshop; the building it's located in was once the police headquarters. On the streets leading away from the square you can find many bars with live music in the evenings, as well as small Italian restaurants that specialize in 5 euro pizzas; the food is good, fast and cheap.

Description:

This hip bar/pub is a popular spot for the trendy youth of the city, and it shows! As the evening progresses and tables become scarce and dining service can crawl. But with posh yet funky decor (including bright red walls and comfortable sofas) and loud music, Kamer 401 has established itself among the other modern lounges in the Leidseplein area. Stop by after a show or before heading out to the clubs-- and if hunger strikes, you can grab some Italian fare with your martini.

Description:

Weber is as chic as a bar can get. With art-deco lighting and interiors done up in fur and mosaic tiles, the decor is the first thing you notice as you walk in. The crowd is a mix of students, artists, business persons and theatre-goers that drop in after a movie or a play at one of the Leidseplein's theatres. The music sways from Brit pop to alternative tunes. The laid-back atmosphere welcomes you into the comfort zone-reason enough for the bar to be forever crowded!

Description:

Although the Leidseplein area is quite touristy, laid-back Lux draws in a healthy dose of locals with its chic attitude. Sit on the upper level to enjoy a sweeping view of the place.