I’ve been to Amsterdam quite a few times both as a single bachelor and as a taken man but either situation can still prepare you for what to expect if you’re planning a guys weekend away in this brilliant city.
Amsterdam is your ultimate playground and even more so for guys. It’s got the culture, nightlife, and unusual experiences that cater to whatever weird or straight-laced interests you have. If you’ve come alone then a good place to meet people is in hostels or perhaps hotel bars or city tours. If you prefer your own company then you can certainly enjoy yourself here.
Here I’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of the best things to do in Amsterdam for single guy;s looking to make the most of their time in this crazy city!
Get right into the Nightlife
Ok, so we can’t have a list of things to do for single guys without sampling the nightlife. Many people will be aware that Amsterdam’s nightlife is legendary. I’ve had some of the best nights out in Amsterdam.
Start your night at Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein, the two main nightlife areas. Clubs like Escape and Melkweg are where the parties at. Think top DJs, pumping beats, and a crowd that knows how to party and have a good time. If you’re more into a laid-back vibe, then you will enjoy the more chilled and cosy bars in the Jordaan district.
The Red Light District also comes alive at night, and the canal-side bars are a great backdrop for a night out. This area is good for a bar/pub crawl and a late one too. If you’re on your own you can always make a friend or two in any of these areas as it has plenty of tourists.
Explore the Red Light District
Okay, so it does need its own section due to all of the curiosity. Let’s get it straight, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is infamous for a reason. It’s a blend of history, culture, and, yes, a bit of naughtiness. Take a walk through the neon-lit streets and take a look through the different coloured glass windows.
You can visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution to get an insider’s view, and maybe even enjoy a cheeky peep show or a live sex show. It might seem outrageous but this experience is pretty normal here. Remember to be respectful and keep an open mind.
Sample the Coffee Shops
When in Amsterdam, right? The coffee shops here are world-renowned, and not just for the coffee. The Bulldog and Green House are pretty iconic spots but there’s also Abraxas and Cafe Hill Street Blues where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and sample some of the finest cannabis in Amsterdam.
Legally smoking weed is a unique experience that’s part of the city’s charm. Just remember to go easy as you don’t want a bad trip in a place that’s already hard to navigate. Every corner looks the same!
Check out the Art Scene
If you’re exhausted from partying or smoking you can get a bit of culture during the calmer hours of the day, hit up the world-famous Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. These places are absolutely packed with masterpieces and offer a good break from the city’s busy streets.
If you’re more into modern art then Moco Museum featuring Banksy’s works could be more for you but in my opinion the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are the ones to see and you can do it alone or with mates.
Cruise the Canals
Amsterdam’s whole city is line with canals on every corner. So it makes as much sense to travel through the canals as it does through the roads. Hop on a canal cruise, grab a cold beer, and take in all of the stunning views of the city from the water. If you want to go a bit further, try a booze cruise with a few other singles as it’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy the sights.
Chill in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a big park in the south of the city and is an ideal spot to just chill, relax and soak up some of The Dam’s best vibes while keeping out of the heavy bike traffic of the city.
Get some snacks and drinks, maybe rent a bike, or just lounge on the grass. I found in the summer, there are usually a few free concerts and performances in the park so it adds to the all round enjoyable atmosphere. Plus it is a beautiful park in its own right.
Try the Heineken Experience
Beer lovers, this one’s for you! The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour through the original Amsterdam brewery. You’ll learn about the beer brewing process, the history of the brand, and, of course you will get to enjoy some fresh Heineken.
I would say it is one of the better brewery tours I’ve been on. Hopefully, by the end of it you might be a bit of a beer connoisseur.
Try the pancakes and waffles
Don’t leave Amsterdam without trying some of their delicacies, try stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles) or the amazingly huge pancakes with a choice of your filling from strawberries, banana, chocolate, caramel and tons more. They really know how to make a good pancake here.
Go to watch Ajax play
If you get the chance visit the Johan Cruyff Arena for an Ajax game. The atmosphere is usually incredible and since they’re the biggest team in the Netherlands there’s always a good chance they’ll win. You can catch them on the weekends in the Eredivisie or during midweek in European competitions if they qualify.
So there you have it guys, that makes for a very decent weekend itinerary for the lads with plenty of things to do for single guys. To soak up the ultimate Amsterdam experience. This city is an absolute wonderland for single guys looking to have a great time.