Contrary to what is said on other web sites, in guidebooks, on travel shows, and even by some people who have traveled
to the city, there is much more to Amsterdam than the town's sinful sides.
In fact, this comprises only a small part of this extraordinary place. Amsterdam is one of the world's oldest cities, dating back to
1275. Named after the dam built on the Amstel River, it has an intricate system of canals that embrace the city, making it one of the
most scenic destinations in all of Europe.
The buildings are historic and the colorful trams are moving landmarks. There is tremendous nightlife, further enriched by the fact
that it's possible to party with locals as well as other travelers.
In Amsterdam, it's not the cost of the drinks or even the admission to the clubs (both of which we noted earlier can empty a wallet quicker than pickpocket in Centraal Station) that poses a problem, but the confounding door policy at the pubs and clubs. It is not uncommon to approach a place, be it empty or packed, and be turned away by the words "private club" from an unconcerned doorman.
The Dutch serve their brews in small 10-ounce glasses with a precisely-measured ounce of foam (fl3 at pubs, more at clubs). Little more than a shot glass to an Aussie or a Texan, these "tiny Heineys" would seem to offer little resistance to heavy drinkers. Yet with so many bars to visit, they make it easy to be mobile and the cumulative effect they have over the course of an evening can be quite intoxicating.
Most of the bars and pubs are small and narrow, yet each has a unique personality and crowd all its own. They go strong until 3 a.m. The clubs are massive, holding anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people and stay open until 5. Most places deal in cash, so have plenty of guilders on hand. You're going to need them.
Happy Hour
If there is one thing the Dutch enjoy, it's discussing the day's activities over a drink. Feel free to join them, although your day may have only consisted of taking in a museum or recovering from yesterday's hangover.
The happy hour hangout is in the Spui. Its landmark is one of the best bars in town, regardless of the time of day, Cafe Luxembourg. A perfect example of the Dutch "brown cafe," where years of smoke have turned the walls brown, Cafe Luxembourg has a crowded patio, a long dogleg bar and tables with Dutch newspapers for the culturally inclined. Sunday afternoons, it's THE place to be in town. You can also bookmark Luxembourg for a good meal.
The Leidseplein
If all the coffeeshops and space cakes have dulled your senses, the Leidseplein will bring them back to life, perhaps even send them into overdrive.
This section of town, which consists of a town square fed by a pair of main streets, is lined with pubs, clubs, restaurants and street entertainers. On a sunny afternoon, cafe tables pack the area; at night, people fill the role. In the summer, youthful and eager tourists flock here like pigeons.
The Rembrandtsplein
With the exceptions of Bastille, Surprise and the Jordaan area, when locals want to go out (which is often), they head to the Rembrandtsplein.
There are so many bars here, you will fall down dizzy if you try to notice them all.
After Hours and Private Parties
Amsterdam has a thriving "special" party scene where you can dance until noon. Being "special," however, doesn't come cheap. Cover charges usually start at fl25 and can go up to, well, they name the price (so far, fl75 has the record for a remake of New York's Studio 54. The standard rate for the "in-crowd" parties is fl35-50).
On the plus side, these events attract crowds in the hundreds to thousands, so you won't be drinking alone.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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