Amsterdam!
I am going to Amsterdam with Nat at the end of the week and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on things to do and places to visit. I am going to be there on Queens Day which is cool and I already have an idea of some cafe’s I want to pass by (thank you Cannabis Cup 2008), and maybe go bungee jumping or take a wetland safari but what else can I do or see? No museums please!
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Apr 26, 2009
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84 Comments, add your own...
1. Nobu | April 26th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Is the Bulldog cafe still there?
2. Mark | April 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
yup still there
3. Nobu | April 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
And why my comments are being moderated? The Bulldog is not a porn joint! :)
4. Mazouq | April 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Enjoy!! No Thursday for U!
5. Mark | April 26th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Nobu: Not sure even Marzouqs comments are being moderated for some reason
6. Anonymous | April 26th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Two words: Coffee shop.
7. Anonymous | April 26th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Oh and there is a museum of sex, you should check that out. Also, a marijuana museum.
8. Mark | April 26th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Amnesia is on my to do list
9. Web Weaver | April 26th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Oh!!! Yes :))) Coffee Shop!!
10. Yousef | April 26th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I went to Amsterdam on Queen’s Day last year. IT WAS CRAZY!
First of all, DJs are lined up all around the city playing house music. It’s filled with crazy drunk people dancing in the streets.
I was invited to go to one of the local concerts in Rotterdam, which I really recommend. People were dancing and singing crazy Dutch music while throwing half empty cans of Heineken in the air.
I posted some videos of my visit on Youtube. Check them out to get a feel for what to expect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKzttQqKVuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt6t34oeZl0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_R2ficYDVs
11. Richie | April 26th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
red light district (no nat)
12. Nat | April 26th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Richie Dude, Mark and I are going together so yeah we’ll be going to the Red Light district together.
13. Nasser | April 26th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Let’s see…Amsterdam…what can you do there….
14. hilaliya | April 26th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I was going to say Red Light district but since Nat is with you…:)
15. zaydoun | April 27th, 2009 at 12:00 am
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/travel/26amsterdamlow-high.html
16. CreativeForces | April 27th, 2009 at 12:01 am
As soon as you’re in Amsterdam, you should visit the Red Light District like everyone has mentioned above. After that, and given the fact that you will misbehave there, I really recommend that Nat takes you directly to the Torture Museum, where she will find plenty of tools at her disposal.
http://www.torturemuseum.com/content.html
http://www.amsterdam.info/museums/torture-museum/
17. Nobu | April 27th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Go to the Bulldog, have a couple of beers and a joint or two, then go to this restaurant on Rembrandt square where they serve buckets of Mussels with fries. Afterwards, party till the early dawn at one of the local clubs. You’ll thank me for it. :)
18. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I found this hotel while looking for a place to stay.
http://www.blacktulip.nl/tulip.html
thought that was freaky/funny
19. Anonymous | April 27th, 2009 at 12:10 am
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
20. Nobu | April 27th, 2009 at 12:12 am
And, I highly recommend the Radisson-SAS hotel, especially for couples.
21. Justanotherone | April 27th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Ok you have to pass by Haarlem, which is about 5-10 minutes away from amsterdam by train… its more chilled than amsterdam and has almost no tourists.. they have a few coffeeshops there too, and theres a local outdoors market with all kinds of random food and different stuff and there is an amazing windmill in the middle of the city!! theres no need for taxi, just walk around and explore the whole city.. I spent the whole day just walking around and i loved it!
Ohh and you can find the best magic cake in bluebird coffeeshop.. its by far the most potent!
Enjoy!
22. ahmad | April 27th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Dont Go Out after 11..
23. d.jesus | April 27th, 2009 at 12:49 am
hilaliya: maybe she should take him to the blue light district. :) i’m sure mark will like it better there….
24. Camil | April 27th, 2009 at 1:22 am
you should definitely check out supper club.
http://www.amsterdam.info/restaurants/supperclub/
its amazing!
25. burger fan | April 27th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Starboks, MiCdonalds, H and M, Tob Shop all good places to enjoy :) have fun mark.
26. nyx | April 27th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Try cramming in Eindhoven. You wont be disappointed!!! Maybe you get a fantastic tour of the Philips factory there; City of Lights.
Safe Travels and Godspeed.
27. Lexicon | April 27th, 2009 at 2:36 am
the search is over, John Digweed @ Club Panama
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event-detail.aspx?id=81807
28. Yizz | April 27th, 2009 at 3:15 am
Stay in a houseboat if you can afford it and make sure you visit Rokerij II, Dampkring and Greenhouse (all are next to the CS).
If you’re up early try Barney’s breakfast bar.
29. Can't sleep | April 27th, 2009 at 3:21 am
I second Camil’s recommendation, the waiting staff are gorgeous. For a nice meal, try Vuong, they are known for their onion soup and oysters. And the place oozes cool.
30. Zuno | April 27th, 2009 at 5:11 am
coffee shooooppppp!!!
31. J | April 27th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Lol, I’m going to amsterdam at the end of the week as well! I’m probably going to check out some imrpov comedy. I don’t know how good the show is but you can check them out at easylaughs.nl
Have a good time in A-Dam, I know I will.
32. J | April 27th, 2009 at 6:21 am
Hey, I was in Amsterdam earlier this month for about 10 days. I recommend checking out the Rembrandt museum and the Van Gogh museum while there if you get the time, they’re located close to Leidseplein square in Amsterdam. send me an email if you want some more info about Amsterdam.
33. J | April 27th, 2009 at 6:23 am
i just read the no museum part, my bad.
34. Abid | April 27th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Get high!
35. Mathai | April 27th, 2009 at 8:33 am
how come no ones talking about the weed cafes ? or have they closed ? :)
36. Basit | April 27th, 2009 at 8:50 am
the “weed cafes” ARE the coffee shops
37. yaki-CHAN | April 27th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Go to Casa Rosa in Red light district, its a live sex show…Free Drinks ;)
Grass Hopper is a great coffe shop :) and read the weed and hashish guide b4 smoking, it will give an idea of what each type will do and good for. Stay away from the white widow :D
38. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Lexicon: where do i get tickets from??
39. Bader | April 27th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Heineken factory and supper club both are a must in amsterdam
40. baddunk | April 27th, 2009 at 8:59 am
sex museums
red light district
coffee shops
and thats about it
41. Moustapha | April 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Make sure to take the bus somewhere from near the Central Station and visit the fishing village of Volendam. Fantastic food and atmosphere.
42. vampire | April 27th, 2009 at 9:21 am
get high and be safe
43. sweeps | April 27th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Didn’t have much time there, several hour layover, but enjoyed the canal cruise. Would also, recommend renting a bike, in Frisco was great way to see the city. If you want something different you could try the airplane hotel, though don’t know much about it.
44. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Lexicon: Nevermind, just purchased two tickets from the Panama website :)
45. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 9:37 am
btw thanks everyone, so far i’ve gotten some good recommendations. I saw some videos of supper club on youtube, looks pretty cool.
46. Selfemployed | April 27th, 2009 at 10:28 am
http://www.saunaridderrode.nl
http://www.SupperClub.nl (U HAVE TO EAT HERE)
http://www.naughtynight.nl/bananenbar.htm
47. POP | April 27th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Madurodam Miniature City for few hours ,it nice unique,
it is one hour outside Amsterdam
also tunnle cruise will take you around the whole city
plus all the above mentioned about Red District I have no chance to visit as my children came with us last summer
my be my kids ” 14 and 18 ys” went to RD after we slept I am not sure
48. Zohak | April 27th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Definately go to the Heineken brewery, not sure if they still do the 30 mins all you can drink at the end of the tour, if they do, try and beat my record of 15 glasses of H in 30 mins (smaller than 1/2 pint glasses).
Other than that if any bands are playing at the Paradiso then go and see them. Its a converted church and the accoustics are fantastic. I saw mercury rev a few years ago and it was spell binding.
Other than that i can recommed some cafes, if you like coffee!
And ignore the comment about being out after 11pm. I have been to amsterdam 20 times, walked around at 2/3/4 in the morning and never had or seen a problem.
Most of the trouble if any is normally caused by drunk brits and germans and the police soon deal with that!
49. Zohak | April 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
forgot to add, as I check back on the posts. Go to the comedy clubs as well, dinner is pretty good in there, but just dont sit to near the front!!
50. Camil | April 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Supper Club an experience that you will never forget!
you should also check out Club NL Amsterdam, the resident DJ is Faddy Ferraye he play some really good tunes.
http://www.clubnl.nl/
51. Lendog | April 27th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I’ll be there starting Saturday as well!!! WOOHOO!!!
Amnesia and Grey Area
Barneys for Breakfast!
52. aziz | April 27th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
go get some weed its legal
53. Halicy | April 27th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
that will help you A LOT: http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Map.html
i recomend a coffeshop called “betty too” ;)
54. Maaike | April 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Hello Mark & Nat,
Cool you’re going to Amsterdam!
I’m from Holland. Some tips for you:
If you’re going to be there on Queensday, you should (try) to check out the Museumplein. A famous Dutch Radiostation has a stage there with music.
Remember it will be very very busy in Amsterdam that day!
Evereybody will be dressed up in Orange (our National Colour)
The Heineken brewery:
http://www.heinekenexperience.com/home.html
If you would like to see the flowers, you could go to the Keukenhof:
http://www.keukenhof.nl/
Haarlem is nice as well!
Or go to Zaandam, the Zaanse schans: http://www.zaanseschans.nl/
If you want to go to the Red light district, don’t be dissapointed because they have closed a lot of these place’s the last few months.
In Holland it’s not allowed to smoke in restaurants & cafe’s anymore. They where even planning a non-smoking policy in the Coffee-shops……
Make a boot trip through the canal’s, you can do this on several place’s.
Visit the Vondelpark: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vondelpark
Hope you guys will enjoy yourself and have a good time in Amsterdam!!
Waiting for your story and the picture’s!
55. anon | April 27th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
definitely red light district!
56. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Maaike: I am already too late for the shrooms and now it looks like I am too late for the red light district. What about smoking in coffee shops, are you saying thats not possible anymore??
57. Camil | April 27th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
your allowed to smoke inside the coffee shops, but you cant mix it with any tobacco…
so get ready for some serious high times!
good luck :)
58. Mark | April 27th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
phew thats cool. I was planning to use vaporizers or bongs anyway :)
59. Maaike | April 27th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hi Mark,
Check out http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/spotlight/queens-day for all info on everything that is ‘legal’ in Amsterdam. Especially the events during Queensday are worth ‘experiencing’.
If you require more directions please submit your offline email.
M
60. SanDMaN | April 27th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
After going to the coffee shops in the morning, visit the Van Gogh museum, you’ll appreciate art much more than you usually do ..
61. Sauce | April 27th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Must-go-to coffee shops: Amnesia, Grey Area and The Coin. There was also another one across the canal from Rick’s American Cafe, but I can’t remember what it was called. Still, it’s well worth looking for.
Around this time of the year you should go to Vondelpark for a beer and a smoke. It’s a beautiful park and makes for a lovely afternoon. Leidseplein is also a cool spot for some restaurants, cafes (of the regular variety) and comedy shows. For nightclubs, I’d recommend Rembrandtplein.
Take it from someone who has been to Amsterdam far too many times to count. Enjoy! Queen’s Day isn’t my favorite of times because it’s too busy to relax and it’s tough to find a spot at a coffee shop, but it should be good times anyway.
62. skyline | April 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Dude, have a Van der full time ;)
63. Lendog | April 27th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
dopefiend.co.uk survival guide (good podcast too)
http://www.libsyn.com/static/dopecast/survivalguide2009.pdf
64. teach | April 27th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Van Gogh Museum.
65. Eli | April 27th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Knowing how much you like fast food, you should definitely try this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FEBO
http://www.febodelekkerste.nl/vestigingen/?v=2&elemid=3&id=12
There’s a couple in Amsterdam, but the one i remember is when u’r in Dam square and the big column is behind your back, you look at the far right of the square, take the small alley, it shld b somewhere on the right ;)
Enjoy!
66. hadi | April 27th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
in central amsterdam near to the madame tussade ask for a falafel rest. named Maoz Veggi and try their falafel with the garlic sauce and their fries, u’ll luv it no doubt.
67. hadi | April 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
you can search google map for directions for the Maoz veggi.
68. Justanotherone | April 28th, 2009 at 12:41 am
There are coffeeshops with smoking sections, where you could mix your hash or weed with tobacco.. i know that bluebird is one of them.. just look around.
69. Dell | April 28th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I’ve been to amsterdam a couple of times and if you have a lot of time to spare… you should go for a countryside tour that would include a visit to a wooden shoemaker and see him making shoes, see the interior of an old windmills up-close & personal, a trip to the world-famous fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, a boat trip from an island to another and get to see wooden houses and farms where cheese is made in the traditional way.
enjoy your trip!
70. Azzurri | April 28th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
1-Baba’s – Best Space Brownies
2-Baba’s Store – Get some seeds
3-Moaz – Great Falafels (Munchies)
4-Tops Coffee Shop – on the canal but i forgot which one
5-Doner Kabab – forgot which one
6-Dampkring Coffee Shop – its where the shot “oceans twelve”
7-Fritz (potato chips) – its close by Dampkring (not the one next to it) but its in the area
8-When Nature Calls – Smart Shop .. SHROOOOOOOMS .. you will never forget it
I miss Amsterdam
71. Mark | April 28th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
sadly as of december shrooms are now illegal
72. Lendog | April 28th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
But according to the latest 4/20 podcast from the Dopefiend.co.uk “Philospher Stone” Truffles are stil sold at smart shops.
http://media.libsyn.com/media/dopecast/Dopecast170.mp3
73. Azzurri | April 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
You won’t find shrooms in the menus.. but they are there ..just look around ..
i don’t care if you waste the whole trip trying to find them .. but once you do .. believe me it will be worth it
74. hassan mikail | April 28th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Supper Club is a must. was there in December..quiet an experience!
75. Azzurri | April 28th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Or buy your own Grow kit .. and enjoy them in kuwait :)
76. Gert | April 28th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Mark,
just listen to Maaike. She knows what she is talking about. The evening before, you should vist Den Haag for Koniginnennacht (Queens evening). It’s great up there and it’s only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. But on Queens day, STAY in Amsterdam. Enjoy the crowed, the drinks and all the other nice things Amsterdam has to over. But one last thing, think about the Dutch here in Kuwait who will be missing THE event of the year!!!
Enjoy it for all of us.
Gert
77. Anwar | April 28th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
try barney rubles at barney’s and try amnesia
78. amadO | April 29th, 2009 at 1:20 am
Since I’ve been living for 5 years in Netherlands, I suggest that if you want to experience the real traditional Dutch snacks, then try eating Haring fish (raw).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DaEVTJDz6E
Other snacks that you should try:
kibbeling (fried fish)
Lekkerbek (fried fish)
poffertjes (dessert) pronounced “poferches”
patat oorlog (fries) pronounced “patat orlo5″
kroket
I recommend all of them no exceptions, it is really the Dutch way
normally you can find them at kiosks (outdoor)
There is also a meal you should try, its called “Kapsalon” this one you can find it in most of the Turkish restaurants (my favorite), google them if you want to check the pictures.
good luck with your trip.
79. Em7agny | April 29th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
In the past month alone, I’ve visited the dam twice, so ..Ill be giving you some pretty, pretty, valuable pointers of the ‘Dam if you are willing .. ;p
Do not miss the Heineken Brewery on the Leidestraat, it isn’t very far and tram 17 will take you there from the CS, and you should also make sure to visit the Anne Frank House, in the Jordaan district .. you should’nt miss this one trust me .. especially if you read her diary.
As for the coffeeshops, The Dampkring has the best atmosphere, its where Ocean’s 12 was shot .. remember the scene with clooney and pitt? yep that’s where it is .. behind the palace of the Dam Square, also, The Grey area has the best bud (and I mean the best) it’s owned by two americans who bring the best out of Marijuana , try the L.A Confidential and the Chocolope for that exquisite uprising high. Also, make sure to go to Barney’s for the nice Royal Jelly, good choice to wander around the city on;p .. you’ll also love their selection.
Checking the city out? Walk down the Damrak for starters, dont buy anything here .. usual tourist traps, Check out the Warmoestraat for the Red Light District feel .. and then decide if you want to go further;p , You also have to hit the Spuistraat from Dam Square, until you hit Leidesplein, check the nightlife scene over there, and then head to Rembrantplein for the real party, there’s also a Coffeeshop across the road from there called “Old Amsterdam” owned by a cool Lebanese dude, you should holler there for quick J ;p
Oh yeah, and don’t forget to WOK TO WALK :P try their coconut curry … Aaah Delicious ..
You’ll love it .. trust me :)
80. verriberri | April 30th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
DO SHROOMS!
81. george | April 30th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I just saw the BBC reported that all celebrations have been called off because of some crazy driver who rammed a crowd of spectators and killed 4 and injured several.
Hope you guys are OK Mark.
Be safe.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8026807.stm
82. TanGo | April 30th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
now look what happens!
83. joey | April 30th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
was there in december. love it. coffee shops ftw. ;p
84. Elias | May 1st, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Well, I have been there few years back. One of the things I enjoyed seeing is the cheese market in Alkmaar. This is done just one fridays. People are dressed in traditional dutch clothes and wooden clogs and they start trading cheese. Just check if it’s still on fridays and if they still do it.
You can also see Holland in Miniature.
If shouldn’t also miss the cathedrals, there’s one in Alkmaar, so if you go there to see the cheese market, just pass and see the Cathedral and you should visit Utrecht the city of Cathedrals.
You can visit Van Gogh Museum which is located in Amsterdam.
I have downloaded last week an application on my iphone for holland. It would help, if you have internet connection, it’s called Amsterdam Mobile Guide (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=308723874&mt=8). Another good resource is holland.com. I know you’ll really enjoy your stay there, I can’t wait to go visit it again. There are some streets that is advised you avaoid at nights, holland.com would give you a good information on that.
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