Amsterdam
Last Updated: Sep. 07, 2010
by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe

Amsterdam, (or the ‘Dammage as many Contiki veterans like to call it) is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Surrounded by rings of man made canals, bridges and beautiful buildings it is a city abounding with almost surreal fantasy-like beauty. The liberal, laid back culture of the Dutch also adds a great deal to the appeal and vibe of this fun, friendly European capital.
- Nightclubs and Nightlife
Add a Comment Comments (32)
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so does anyone know if on the european discovery tour is there time to go and visit the heineken experience and anne franks house? not sure how much time we have there?
Explorer1134032
posted on Jun. 27, 2010
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DO NOT go to The Grasshopper, it is a tourist type of coffeeshop with expensive greens and expensive drinks(tea, coffee, etc.). It used to be an alright place with cheap drinks and good pastrys but they remodeled and changed the menu and jacked up the prices so it is crap now. Contiki will recommend it but only because it is easy to find. If you are into smoking good stuff or exploring more of Amsterdam’s “sinful” side, go explore the city a little and you will find numerous shops with better prices and better product(The Grey Area, The Bulldog, Greenhouse, de Rokerij, Barney’s, just to name a few). The most important thing to remember in Amsterdam is that YOU ARE IN AMSTERDAM so live it up while you are there and enjoy one of the world’s most unique cities!
travelguy
posted on Aug. 02, 2009
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where do you stay for Easter in Amsterdam?? I’m going and curious on the accomodations and what to pack (suite case vs. backpack)
Canmore77
posted on Jan. 21, 2009
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Amsterdam was absolutely wild! The booze cruise was awesome & the sex show in the red light district was pretty ridiculous. Try Baba for hash brownies and The Grasshopper. If you are open minded, you will have a wonderful time
* Alexandria
posted on Aug. 22, 2008
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If you just want a bar to drink in (as opposed to a coffee shop) then go just out of the red light district. Beers in the red light district = 6 euro, out of it 2.50 euro. Plus you must try chips smothered in mayo and melted cheese!! So bad for you but oh so good!
MrsTonkin
posted on Jul. 30, 2008
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Make sure that when they ask who is interested in going to the sexshow that you all raise your hands!!! funniest experience EVER!! everyone on my bus went and it was a riot!! ps: Grasshopper is the best bar!!!
CanuckChick
posted on Mar. 13, 2008
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I am planning on going to France in Sept with my husband and best friend. We want to take a day trip to Amsterdam while we are in the North. Is a day enough to see it or should we do an overnighter? I want to see the red light district, cafes, Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank’s house. Any input is appreciated.
Susan
posted on Mar. 02, 2008
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Amsterdam is an unreal experience!! you have to get a taste of the ‘Dutch Culture’ even if its not your thing! you have to experience it all, even the ‘live sex shows.’ it dont leave much to the imagination, but it is also entertaining and amusing….never look at bananas the same again though!
rachel
posted on Feb. 28, 2008
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if you think the red light distirct is creepy at night you should see it in the morning.
the hk experience is a must and get high b4 you do it, well worth it.
space_monkey
posted on Jan. 27, 2008
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hahah oh the banana… if you go to the sex show, sit next to someone you don’t know… it gives you something to joke about later…
sash
posted on Jan. 22, 2008
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what are space cakes? i’m going in the summer i’m intrigued
and the banana?!
do tell!
tark
posted on Jan. 22, 2008
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Some other good coffee shops to check out:
the “Original” Bulldog(the first ever coffee shop)
the Grey Area(some of the best stuff)
Magic(chill, a little hidden, internet access)
Paradise(small, chill, right near Dam Square)
travelguy
posted on Jan. 19, 2008
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Eww.. the banana!
I had managed to temporarily erase that from my mind!
marla
posted on Jan. 18, 2008
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Apart from watching the banana experience thats right I’m a girl, going to the heineken factory and eating space cakes you can go to Anne Frank’s house its like a museum but you go through her house its cool!
Danielle
posted on Jan. 11, 2008
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Ive been told by a family friend who went to Amsterdam last year that Excalibur (a bar) is really great. Its got great music and atmosphere. Its in the red light district, got a great motor cycle display on the walls. thats one place i want to check out for myself. Its going to be a different world in Amsterdam!
Aussie_Jacqui
posted on Dec. 10, 2007
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If you check out the website http://www.heinekenexperience.com/ you will see that the Heineken Experience is closed until Summer 2008.
Mike Contiki
posted on Dec. 09, 2007
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how do u know the heineken facorory is closed?
Explorer1081642
posted on Dec. 04, 2007
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yes,i agree,you dont want to be the last guy to eat the banana,haha.
r.i.traveler
posted on Nov. 29, 2007
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All I have to say is don’t be the last one to eat the banana.
Travel_Guy83
posted on Nov. 29, 2007
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Just a heads up – the Heineken Factory in Amsterdam is going to be closed until July 2008, when it will reopen after a refurbishment.
Mike Contiki
posted on Nov. 24, 2007
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