Are you and your friends looking for an adventure in Amsterdam? This article provides a list of the top 10 things to do with friends in Amsterdam, including canal boat tours, bike tours, experiencing the local nightlife, visiting coffeeshops, going on food tours, exploring the Red Light District, trying an escape room, taking a day trip to Zaanse Schans, visiting the Anne Frank House, enjoying a beer tasting at a local brewery, and exploring the NDSM Wharf. The article aims to help readers make unforgettable memories with their friends in Amsterdam.
The best things to do with friends in Amsterdam, according to a local
1. Explore the city’s canals on a boat tour with a bar
Explore Amsterdam’s architecture, landmarks, and sights from the water on a 60-minute UNESCO World Heritage-listed Golden Age canals cruise. See famous bridges and gorgeous buildings while receiving recommendations from the local skipper and hosts for their favorite bars, cafes, parks, and activities. The cruise goes through the trendy Jordaan neighborhood and past the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend, and nine streets, with a friendly hostess helping with Dutch pronunciation. A bar stocked with drinks and cocktails is available on board for a memorable experience.
2. Take a bike tour of the city and its surroundings
This tour offers a chance to safely experience Amsterdam like a local with a professional guide. The tour covers all the city highlights, including the Jordaan, Anne Frank house, Museumplein, Vondelpark, the Skinny Bridge, and the Red Light District. As one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, this two-hour bike tour with a knowledgeable guide and use of a bike is an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s famous sites and less known places. With the Yellow Bike, the oldest bike rental and bike tour provider in the city, visitors can take advantage of their expertise and get a safe and informative overview of the city and its fascinating history.
Order tickets for the bike tour here
3. Experience the local nightlife at the many bars and clubs
Going out to the clubs and bars with friends in Amsterdam is a must-do experience. Amsterdam’s nightlife is legendary, and you can explore it with your buddies while enjoying free drinks, 2-for-1 cocktails, and entrance to over 20 clubs. It’s a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime and make the most of your trip.
This ticket provides access to over 20 popular clubs in Amsterdam for two or seven days. With the pass, visitors can enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails at Hard Rock Café Amsterdam and 2-for-1 entrance to comedy shows at Boom Chicago, as well as free drinks at nine of the clubs. In addition, the ticket offers the chance to play indoor Glow-in-the-dark minigolf at Lovers Powerzone. From techno at Panama to karaoke at Candela, visitors can choose where to experience the city’s nightlife scene.
- Club Panama | Friday – Sunday
- Hush Silent Disco | Thursday- Sunday
- Club Smokey | Monday – Sunday
- Club Rare | Monday – Sunday
- El Punto latino | Monday – Sunday
- Candela | Monday – Sunday
- Feest van Joop | Thursday – Saturday
- Bubbels | Monday – Sunday
- Surprisebar | Thursday – Saturday
- Hush | Monday – Sunday
- Club Hartje | Monday – Sunday
- And more!
Tickets for Amsterdam Nightlife & Clubs + Free Drinks
4. Visit some coffee shops to smoke weed
Going with friends to a coffee shop in Amsterdam is a great way to share a unique experience and create memories together. It’s a chance to try new things, relax in a laid-back environment, and enjoy each other’s company while exploring the city’s famous liberal culture. Just remember to consume responsibly and stay safe.
This walking tour takes you through Amsterdam’s Red Light District and other areas to gain insight into the city’s liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs. Discover historic landmarks, local markets, and street art while listening to your guide’s informative commentary. You’ll also learn about the legalization of prostitution and soft drugs in the Netherlands, and visit the first coffee shop in the world. This tour offers an in-depth perspective on Amsterdam’s unique culture and politics.
Order your tickets here for a walking tour
5. Go on a food tour and taste traditional Dutch delicacies such as stroopwafels and herring
Traditional Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring are a must-try when in Amsterdam. Tasting them with friends can be a fun and delicious experience as you explore the city’s culinary scene together. Sharing a plate of bitterballen with a cold beer or biting into a warm stroopwafel while strolling along the canals is an unforgettable experience to share with friends.
The 360 Food Tour is a self-guided adventure that takes you on a journey through Amsterdam’s vibrant Jordaan neighborhood. You’ll discover the boutiques, nooks, and crannies of this multicultural area and taste a new delicious snack or dish at each of the five stops. It’s part sightseeing, part treasure hunt, and the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Order here tickets for a self-guide food tour through the Jordaan
6. Explore Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District with a local guide
Going to the Red Light District with friends in Amsterdam can be a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the city, see a different side of Amsterdam, and have fun with friends. Plus, exploring the area together can make for an interesting and entertaining conversation topic later on!
The Red Light Secrets Museum in Amsterdam offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s oldest profession in the Red Light District. Visitors can sit in a window, pose for photos, and learn about how the prostitutes are respected, protected, and earn money. The museum also features sparkly bedrooms and bathrooms, and visitors can watch videos featuring some of the prostitutes.
Order tickets for the museum of prostitution
7. Play a game of real-life escape room at Sherlocked
You need to visit Sherlocked Amsterdam with friends in Amsterdam to experience the thrill of solving the mysteries of the historic Beurs van Berlage, while immersing yourself in the fascinating story of the private vault and the secret society that protected it.
Sherlocked Amsterdam offers two escape rooms in the historic Beurs van Berlage building. The Vault is a 90-minute experience where you and your team of at least three people must open a private vault, which was previously managed by four families. You will be searching for an object made by Nikola Tesla to produce infinite energy. The Architect room invites a team of up to six people to uncover the secrets of the Society of Crossed Keys, a secret organization that may have been led by architect H.P. Berlage. The room is not scary and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Prices for The Vault start at €139, while The Architect costs between €129 and €149 per game. It is recommended to book with friends or colleagues.
Order your tickets here for the Escape Room in Amsterdam
8. Take a day trip to nearby Zaanse Schans and see traditional Dutch windmills and cheese factories
Experience the traditional Dutch life and visit the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans with your friends. The village offers windmills, cheese making, clog making, and green-painted wooden houses. With a guided bus tour, you will learn about the local history and culture and get insider tips before exploring on your own. Don’t miss the chance to see this open-air museum of typical Dutchness!
This tour takes you to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans where you can experience traditional Dutch life, see windmills, and visit clog and cheese makers. A guide will give you an introduction before allowing you time to explore on your own. You can also add a canal cruise in Amsterdam to your ticket for a more relaxed experience.
Order your tickets for the daytrip to Zaanse Schans here
9. Visit the Anne Frank House to learn about World War II history
The Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam is a powerful and educational experience honoring the Frank family’s memory. It’s an opportunity to learn about their lives, reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust, and remember the importance of tolerance and respect for all people.
The Anne Frank House is a museum in Amsterdam that honors Anne Frank and her Jewish family, who went into hiding during World War II. The museum is built around their hiding place, called the Secret Annex, at Prinsengracht 263, where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary. The museum is a non-profit organization funded by admission fees and donations. It attracts more than 1 million visitors every year, mostly from other countries. In 2019, a record number of 1.3 million visitors came from 95 different countries, with the largest group being between 20 and 30 years old (32%).
More information about Anne Frank House
10. Enjoy a beer tasting at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a local brewery housed in a windmill
Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a well-known brewery in Amsterdam, located next to the De Gooyer windmill. The brewery produces a variety of organic beers, including its flagship beer, the IJwit. Visitors can enjoy a tasting at the brewery’s taproom or take a tour of the facilities. The brewery also offers a nice outdoor seating area with a great view of the windmill.
Visiting with friends is a great way to experience the Dutch beer culture, enjoy a tasting, and learn about the history of the brewery.
Order here your tickets for Brouwerij ‘t IJ
11. Discover the World of Beer at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam
Experience the fascinating history and brewing process of one of the world’s most famous beers, Heineken, at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. Indulge in interactive exhibits, games, tastings, and a light show while learning about beer-making and enjoying free beer.
The Heineken Experience is an interactive and immersive attraction located in the old Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam. Visitors can explore historic brewing rooms, play modern interactive games, and learn about the four natural ingredients used to make Heineken beer. The experience also includes multiple tastings and a small beer-tasting session during the tour. Visitors can download the free Heineken Experience app for audio content and a map of Amsterdam’s best hidden gems.