Amsterdam - Europe's Playground

Imagine Vegas on steroids and you might get a feel for this open-minded haven of good fun. In Amsterdam, anything goes! This capital city of the Netherlands (located in the south providence of North Holland) is where the locals are friendly and the city has something for everyone. Yes, it is legal to have sex with a stranger (a.k.a. prostitute) and yes, it is legal to smoke up. Amsterdam is very much alive and the positive energy is contagious. Just make sure you rest up before you arrive...since sleep comes at a premium in this 24-hour party destination.

But contrary to what some people think, there is so much more to Amsterdam than its sinful offerings. One of the world's coolest and most popular destinations, this city is a worldly mix of all things old and new. It's beautiful, hip, laid back and offers a myriad of things to do and see. A visit to Amsterdam is often like taking a stroll back into the 17th century- whether on foot, bike or car. But the architecture is probably the only "old" thing about this place.

So, where to go in Amsterdam?  What to do in Amsterdam?

With a number of fascinating neighborhoods to explore- from Central Amsterdam (The area that runs from Central Station along the Damrak to Dam Square) and the Red Light District (one of the most touristy spots that lies just east of Central), to Leidseplein (the place to go to enjoy the area's best nightlife), and Jordaan (west of Central Amsterdam where quiet streets wind along sleepy canals- (the untouched part of the city). Sightseeing is a real treat!

Start your trip off with a famous canal boat tour to get a feel of these neighborhoods. Just make sure you get a chance to check out the Heineken Brewery, where you get to go behind the scenes into the brewing and distribution process. And naturally, a trip to the Van Gogh Museum is a must - as well as a tour of Anne Frank's house.

If you're in no mood to catch one of the local taxis, don't fret...jump on the Metro- a very easy and clean way to get almost everyone in Amsterdam. And, if you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the tulips in bloom, you're in for a real treat.

When you're ready to feed your palette, you'll quickly learn that in contrast to many of the other cities in our Destination Guide, Amsterdam doesn't really have its own cuisine. Instead, the city boasts a sampling of delights from around the globe. And the best part is- all of the food is authentic! Italians roll the pizza dough, Indians bake the nan, and Spaniards create the tapas! From Nepalese and Greek cuisine, to Ethiopian and French- you can find just about anything here! (And the number of restaurants here is simply mind-boggling!) From the elegant 17th century dining rooms and cozy waterside bistros, to spirited taverns and sophisticated supper clubs - there's a number of things to choose from each and every day.

With regard to partying- Amsterdam is the place for the best nightlife. Even the most jaded characters will be easily impressed with Amsterdam's selection of canal-side pubs, hot and hip-as-hell dance clubs, jiving jazz venues and cutting-edge experimental theatres. Most clubs here are open at 10 p.m. until nearly 5 a.m. But just like any other major city destination, things don't really get hoppin' till after midnight- so make sure you've got your energy to stay awake (or at the very least, have a Red Bull). You'll find that some venues suggest a "Member Only" policy - but a little negotiating can go a long way here! And, due to the late night hours at these places, there's also an abundance of late-night dining options (you must try the Frites-aka French Fries - drenched in mayonnaise. It's surprisingly delicious).

Though there's a wide range of offerings, most of the music in Amsterdam venues is similar to that of Ibiza - some say it's even the birthplace of electronic sound (with three of the Top 5 DJs in the world hailing from Holland).

Just remember, with so much to do, you may find yourself fading after a long day of activities. In that case, just ask one of the local bartenders for a swig of sugar water ASAP. Apparently, this concoction works wonders. One bouncer told us that he pours a sugar water to revive a tourist who's had more than he could handle, at least once a day!

So...what are you waiting for? Let your crazy side shine and sow those wild oats in Amsterdam - the perfect place to dine, drink and be merry!

Restaurants

Supperclub - Dining meets a dinner show of music and live performances at Supperclub. This all-white lounge and eatery boasts lavish beds, Mediterranean food and an unpretentious crowd. The DJ also spins sultry sounds making this a great spot for a first date with that someone special.  A roving masseur helps relieve your stress before or after dinner ( just don't forget to tip them).

Le Garage - The brainchild of local celebrity Joop Braakhekke - this is the place to be seen..and to be seen you must make a reservation far far in advance! The Vegas-style theme with the bright lights and red vinyl banquettes attracts the local and international celebs and the lucky guests who get in to snack on Tuna Pizza and crisp spinach pancakes - while sipping on bold red wines. The menu at Le Garage shuttles between Tuscan Trattoria and a Parisian Brasserie. Definitely a must!

Bice - Every culinary hub has a Bice restaurant that we love (Dubai is our favorite). This Northern Italian cuisine served at Bice is just about as authentic as it gets. Inside you'll find crisp linens adorned with dishes of light pasta and grilled meats. Located just opposite the Leidseplein (in the heart of Amsterdam), Bice makes for a great spot after your afternoon stroll or a hard day of work. Know this: the Risotto with Black Truffle is something to marvel at followed by the Halibut Filet seasoned with Saffron and Tarragon.

Vyne -With a choice of more than 200 fine wines and mouth-watering culinary bites (each matched well with the wine) it is easy to say that Vyne is a hip hangout for big groups. Designed by well-renowned Concrete, the originality and charm of the place make for a fun night out. The walls are decorated with the impressive list of wines and champagnes. And here a tip: the shrimp flight and Monte Cabonara make for a great starter.

Envy - Sister restaurant to Vyne and from the thinkers of Supperclub, this black and chrome hotspot has just the right amount of style and atmosphere needed for the perfect dining experience while in Amsterdam. Fresh products and good wines are most important here and are on display to the guests- talk about a tease! The restaurant was awarded "Best New Style Venue" of 2006 (and we definitely agree!).

Zest - Like the name suggests you're in for a tongue-tingling adventure at Zest. Eating here, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the most delectable fusion entrees imaginable- from Thai curries to vegetable stir fry- you're bound to find something for everyone. The restaurant is referred to as Demi-veg, which suggests a high concentration on vegetable and fish dishes. Zest is modernly decorated with a very intimate atmosphere.

Swarte Schaep (The Black Sheep)- Rustic beams, romantic artwork and the culinary mix of French and Dutch delights is bound for success at Swarte Schaep. Housed in a 300-year-old farmhouse, the restaurant attracts the locals as well as food connoisseurs from around the globe. The decor here mixes modern with old, as guest enjoy an after-dinner cigar on a bright sofa in the beautiful old garden.

Restaurant Bond- like James, this restaurant  is just as sleek, stylish and sophisticated. Located in the Southern part of Amsterdam, the menu was created by French Chefs Bas Kloosterboer and Michel Moinat. The fare is arranged seasonally, yet the Entrecote Bearnaise and the Steak Tartar stay on the Menu all year round. Grab that certain someone and get cozy over a candlelit dinner (and a shaken, not stirred, martini)- you're sure to enjoy every mouth-watering bite.

Pur - A perfect destination during the hot summer months, Pur offers guests the opportunit to sit on the veranda and sip on tropical cocktails, as they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Pur offers fresh oysters and a succulent filet on the Mediterranean-style menu. Just make sure you save room for dessert! The "Wentelteefjes" dessert made of sugar bread, dark fruits and vanilla bourbon ice cream is to die for!

De Witte Uyl - Using only organic and free-range meat and vegetables, this restaurant is high on the gastronomic radar! A small menu gives you the option to choose two small dishes and a desert for just under 40 Euros. The grilled scallops with dutch mint pancakes and salad with Soya dressing is just as divine as it sounds. The wine and champagne list flaunts Sancerre and Cote French wines.

Bars & Nightlife

NJoy - Located in the Leidseplein area (near the Burger King and Royalty Club), NJoy is a new private lounge that's so exclusive that it buzzes patrons in as they arrive. The focus here is on the art of the cocktail- which the place masters (just like Da Vinci would).  Matter of fact, we were so impressed by their flair that we've listed the bartenders here on our "Most Creative Bartender" blog. The staff at NJoy puts together the most exotic and flavorful mixed-drink recipes ever created. From fresh pineapple (which they cut in front of you) to a garnish of strawberries and cucumber- the drinks alone make this destination worth a visit. Although the concoctions are easy to down and will likely make you crave fifths, they're also known to knock you on your ass. (Make sure you know where you're going after the doors close). The vibe is friendly and casual, and the music is great at this trendy lounge.

Mansion - By far this uber-trendy mega disco is the top club in the city. The 3-story facade is something you would only see in Europe and the vast amount of options keep the party moving all night long. Start the evening off in the basement snacking on Asian food and listening to smooth sounds of electronic music. The interior of the Mansion is decorated with Ostrich leather, golden walls and a ceiling reminiscent of the Sistine chapel. Travel upstairs and let a night of partying begin. The crowd is very international as we met people from Indonesia, Morocco, and Australia. 
 
Panama - This late after hour hot spot is great, should you choose to continue your night out in Amsterdam. Club-meets-cafe as the chic crowd munches on late-night snacks and listens to the latest music in electronica. Some of the best Dutch DJs have been known to rock the house- Armada and Deep Dish are just two of the many masters of sound that keep the crowd energetic. The corporate room is always rented out to private parties,celebs and big namers. The restaurant serves a mix of Italian and Asian dishes and is a fun place to watch a live Jazz or Comedy show. Definitely worthy of a visit when in Amsterdam!

Club Sinners in Heaven - with a name like that, you can only imagine what goes on between these walls! The beautiful models,actors, and local celebs that party at Club Sinners get their groove on and let loose at this chic haven. The martinis here are known to flow all night long and the scene looks like a fashion shoot (come on now, we know you like hanging with the pretentious label-conscience crowd at least once on your journey).

Paradiso - Well known for its great live music, this impressive venue is home to local and international bands and resident DJs who know how to get the crowd rolling. Alan Thicke and Grandmaster Flash are two such performers that  are known to grace the stage of this mega-sound stomping ground.

Route 66 - A place that serves Hash Muffins, Mushroom Tea and Skunk Hot Chocolate is bound to be a good time. The cold beer and friendly staff add to the concoction that reeks of a good time. Billiard tables are available for those in the mood to test their skills after tasting a few treats from the menu. And, a Harley Davidson is positioned near the counter to give this place a grungy/rocker feel.  Here's a tip: sit outdoors (if weather permits) and enjoy the scenery of the city.

Harry Bar: Located in City Center near the Red Light District, this dark cocktail bar is a great place for all the liquor connoisseurs out there.  The most attentive shakers know what to mix when you've arrived after a hard day of work or sightseeing.  Like sweet libations? Try the Planters Punch to take away all your worries and give you that extra bit of confidence to chat up the gal to your right.  Open on weekends till 3 a.m. and on weekdays till 1 a.m, this place is great to start a long night out!

Odeon: eSituated in the canal district of Amsterdam, this "discotheek" was originally a beer brewery built in 1663 then a very popular concert hall in 1830. In the 80's it transformed into a cosmopolitan center for entertainment and has been a dance meca ever since!  The Spicy Mex is their version of a perfect Margarita and will help elevate your mood. Playing "Credible Classics" Fridays and Saturdays till 5 am-this is a venue for the young and old who enjoy reminiscing to the sounds of yester-year.

Flex Bar - This contemporary and colorful lounge pumps up the night with its impressive sound system and equally impressive decor. Local DJ Tommie Sunshine spins weekly and the Punk Girl Trio Sweet get the crowd jumping. Folks can lounge in the abstract bar area or join the partiers in the dance hall - either way, anyone who hits up Flex Bar is bound to have a great night out!

Jimmy Woo - Hong Kong accents and modern design drape the walls of this Mega-nightclub.  Black is the dominant color at Jimmy Woo- which gives the atmosphere a very dark and underground feel.  Stick out with a colorful top while relaxing on the black leather sofa and dance the night away on the dance floor that's highlighted by 12,000 mood-enhancing light bulbs.  The door policy at Jimmy Woo is strict, so get in well with the bouncer or you'll find yourself  spending most of the night in the endless queue.

Shout-outs to our friends at Holland.com

Looking for more ideas about where to go in Amsterdam? Here is a list of five popular locations to visit. Amsterdam may be small, but it has hundreded of treasures for savvy travelers. Why not start with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise? Because the canals are one of Amersterdam's best features, if you do nothing else in Amsterdam, you must take a Canal Cruise, whether in an open-top canal boat or a canal bike-a self-pedaled boat. You will see many of the sites in a short period of time including tree-lined neighborhoods, boathouses, 17th century mansions and architecture from medieval times all the way to modern.

Next visit the Rijksmuseum, the country's largest national museum featuring the finest collection of 17th century Dutch works of art. Some of the featured artists are Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals along with a beautiful collection of Delftware, silver and other artifacts.

While you are in that museum mood, stop by the Van Gogh Museum. This museum allows vistors to get up close and personal with brushstokes of one of the world's most beloved artists-Vincent Van Gogh. This museum houses the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's works along with other 19th century artists on permanent display.

The AnneFrankhuis, or Anne Frank House, is the place where the young Jewish girl in hiding during World War II wrote her now famous diary. It is always a deeply moving experience to view this restored canal house, so don't worry about the ever-present crowds hoping to experience the same thing. It is worth the wait. To avoid some of the crowds, go early in the morning or late in the day. Purchasing special access tickets in advance will get you in for an evening tour.

Last, don't forget about an Amsterdam walking tour. With over a 1,000 bridges to cross and delightful architecture to photograph, you can spend hours on a self-guided tour. Grab a map at a local tourist office and choose your area to walk: Funky Jordaan, the Nine Streets of the Central Canal Ring, Oude Zijde where many of the city's oldest buildings stand, or the stately mansions on the Eastern Canal Ring.