15 Ridiculously Fun Things To Do With Your Friends In Amsterdam
It’s no secret that Amsterdam is a city bursting with activities and entertainment. Aside from the buzzing coffeeshops and the famous Red Light District, there are plenty more fun things to do with your friends and many things about Amsterdam that you should know about!
From Amsterdam’s friendship cruises, playing glow-in-the-dark mini-golf or riding the highest swing in Europe; there are lots of great group activities to get stuck into during your city break. Whether you’re enjoying a lads’ weekend in Amsterdam, are on a hen do or are simply exploring the Dutch capital on your travels, we’ve rounded up the 15 top things to do in Amsterdam with your friends.
1. Take a ride on Europe’s Highest Swing
Scared of heights? Look away now! Our first suggestion sits atop A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam Noord (just a minutes’ walk from ClinkNOORD). Branded as ‘Europe’s Highest Swing,’ this activity is not for the faint-hearted – but it is a whole lot of fun.
Grab your best friend, get strapped in and swing away, soaring over the city. If you can bear to open your eyes, the views are pretty spectacular too. You can see Amsterdam from a completely different perspective, soaking up the city’s culture in a unique way.
If you’re staying at ClinkNOORD, make sure to ask reception about our discounted tickets for the swing.
2. Cruise like kings with Pure Boats
If you’re tempted to take a canal cruise whilst you’re in the city, you’ll want to gather a bunch of your mates and get in touch with Pure Boats. A tacky tourist boat this is not. You’ll be welcomed on board a boutique vessel by a fun and knowledgeable captain, so you can sail the Dutch streets in style.
Plus, if you want to make the trip extra special, you can sample some of the drinks and snacks from lovely local suppliers. A 90-minute trip is 250 EUR which works out at just over 20 EUR if you bring 11 friends. Alternatively, you can jump on a shared cruise with a group of like-minded explorers.
Visiting Amsterdam as a group? Book your dorm room at ClinkNOORD!
3. Go street art hunting
Amsterdam is a hotbed of creativity and there are lots of places in the city where you can check out some incredible street art. Hit the road with your friends, armed with your camera of course, and go sightseeing!
Our favourite place for street art is just a stone’s throw from ClinkNOORD at NDSM Werf. The area is a former industrial dockyard but in recent years it has become a hub for artists, musicians and creatives.
Extra reading? Check out The Hostel Girl’s article all about Amsterdam Noord’s street art scene.
4. Tour the city by bike
Ok, this might seem like an obvious one but it has to be on the list because riding a bike around Amsterdam with friends is ridiculously fun. It may feel a little bit like you’re taking your life in your own hands, but once you’ve got used to the Dutch cyclists whizzing past you and the buzzy little mopeds, the sense of freedom and adventure is amazing.
We can’t get enough of Amsterdam Noord and through our very own bike tour, our guides love to show guests around the city. Ask the ClinnkNOORD reception team to see if the bike tour is running during your stay.
5. Hit a festival
Did you know that Amsterdam hosts over 300 festivals a year? That’s a hell of a lot to choose from. You’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste, may it be dancing, drinking, eating, artsy or business. Although, if you’re into music, what better way to spend a few days with your friends than dancing along to indie anthems and club bangers in the open air.
In the summer, we recommend taking a visit to either Valtifest and Mysteryland. As autumn creeps in, check out the Amsterdam Dance Event which sees more than 2,000 artists play across 80 city locations. For something different during the winter months, check out Valhalla which sees electro music and classic circus culture come together to create the ultimate clubbing experience.
6. Go bargain hunting at IJ Hallen
IJ-Hallen is a huge warehouse in Amsterdam Noord that plays host to Europe’s biggest flea market. If you and your friends are bargain hunters – welcome to your mecca. With two huge halls packed to the brim with vintage clothes, shoes, toys, tools and antiques, you can find pretty much anything you might be looking for.
Like any flea market, you’ll have to root through some junk but there are some real gems to be found. IJ Hallen is at NDSM Werf, just a 5-minute cycle ride from ClinkNOORD.
7. Head to the beach at Pllek
A beach? In Amsterdam?! Yes, you heard right. Of course, a beach is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Amsterdam but let us highly recommend “The Beach” at Pllek where you can sit on the banks of the River IJ and take in the views across the city.
Pllek is a music, arts and events venue that also serves up some pretty tasty food and drink. On a sunny day, it offers lots of great things to do with your friends. Grab an ice-cold drink, pull up a deckchair on their man-made beach and sit socialising in the Sun. When the weather isn’t so fine, hunker down inside and enjoy the view out of the huge windows that look out onto the ‘beach’ and across the river.
8. Hail the disco taxi
The disco taxi, as the name suggests, is everything you’d hope for and more. Often the way people get hyped up for a night out is dancing in your lift to the bars and clubs. If you and your friends are wandering the streets of Amsterdam and the disco taxi swings by, hail it immediately and strap in for the best ride of your life.
With disco lights, the hottest charts playing and a singing driver, it’s an experience like no other. If you’re not lucky enough to stumble across this dream vehicle, take fate into your own hands and give them a call on 0654698187. This is a great activity if you’re on a stag or hen party in Amsterdam.
9. Eat your way around the city
There’s not much that’s more fun than being with your friends and eating lots of delicious Dutch food. If you want to find out where the locals satiate their hunger, then sign up for one of the many food tours like Hungry Birds. Here a local guide will show you around some of their favourite eateries and feed you of course!
There are lots of tours out there so just shop around until you find one that feels like a fit to your tastebuds. Popular Dutch cuisine that you should be on your checklist to try includes Bitterballen, Stroopwafels, Thick Dutch fries, Oliebollen, Poffertjes and Tompouce.
10. Hang out in a cold war bunker
If you and your friends are looking for some entertainment that’s off the tourist trail, then head to the Vondelbunker. Find the bunker in the ‘blink-and-you’d-miss-it’ foundation of the bridge which crosses the top of Vondelpark. It’s an old WW2 bunker converted into a 60’s hippie hangout.
The Vondelbunker is the perfect spot for anyone after underground culture and experimental vibes. Expect a mix of live music, art exhibitions, theatre, and film screenings in a totally non-commercial, DIY atmosphere. This place isn’t about fancy venues or touristy spots, it’s about art, activism, and independent expression. Keep an eye on their socials for the next event, or just swing by to see what’s going on.
11. Catch a show at one of Amsterdam’s iconic theatres
When you’re in Amsterdam, there’s no better way to spend an evening than catching a live performance with your friends at one of the city’s iconic theatres. Whether you’re into contemporary drama, musical theatre, or experimental productions, the city’s top venues have got something for everyone. Koninklijk Theater Carré offers a grand experience with world-class shows, while Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) brings cutting-edge performances to the stage. For something a bit different, Het Nationale Theater mixes drama with bold, thought-provoking pieces that will have you talking long after the show’s over. Grab your mates, sit back, and enjoy some of the best theatre Amsterdam has to offer!
12. Dive into a virtual reality adventure at Lightning VR
Step into a whole new world at Lightning VR in Amsterdam Noord. Just a 13-minute walk from ClinkNOORD, Lightning VR is the perfect way to kick off your day. Grab your friends and immerse yourselves in thrilling virtual reality games, from battling zombies to exploring alien worlds. It’s not an escape room, but a fully interactive VR experience that lets you solve puzzles and work as a team in a virtual setting. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a first-timer, it’s a fun and unique way to bond with friends. Plus, with a café to relax in afterwards, Lightning VR is the perfect spot for an action-packed day out!
13. Go to an escape room
Looking for a thrilling way to spend time with friends? Escape rooms in Amsterdam combine excitement, teamwork, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Two of the city’s top escape room experiences are Amsterdam Catacombs and Sherlocked. Over at Amsterdam Catacombs, prepare for a spine-tingling adventure set in the eerie depths of an old church. Expect heart-pounding puzzles, immersive storytelling, and a few hair-raising surprises. At Sherlocked, dive into mysteries like The Architect, where you unravel secrets in a stunning historical setting, or The Vault, where you’ll attempt a daring heist.
Perfect for groups, these escape rooms challenge your logic, creativity, and teamwork in a race against the clock. Whether you’re experienced puzzle pros or total newbies, it’s an fun activity to try when you’re in the city!
14. Dive into a world of light and sound at Amaze Amsterdam
Amaze Amsterdam offers a one-of-a-kind sensory experience where light, sound, and technology come together to create an immersive, mind-bending adventure. You will enter an ever-changing maze of captivating visuals and dynamic audio, designed to transport you into a surreal world that’s perfect for exploring with friends. It’s a fun and interactive way to engage your senses and get lost in a visually stunning, multi-sensory environment. . Whether you’re into art, tech, or just looking for something unique, you will definitely have the most amazing time at Amaze Amsterdam.
15. Hang out with furry friends at Kattencafe Kopjes
If you’re a cat lover, Kattencafé Kopjes is the purr-fect spot to unwind in Amsterdam. Located near the city centre, this cat café lets you relax with a coffee or tea while surrounded by adorable cats. It’s a calm and cosy environment where you can watch the cats play, nap, and even adopt a new feline friend. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful break from sightseeing or just want to enjoy some quality time with cats, Kattencafé Kopjes offers a welcoming and unique experience for all animal lovers.
We hope our list of fun things to do in Amsterdam inspired you
Don’t forget about us!
We offer great accommodation without the hefty price tag, perfect for backpackers or those visiting Amsterdam with friends on a budget-friendly weekend getaway. If our list of the top things to do in Amsterdam with friends has inspired you to bring your mates to this amazing city, great! Talk to us about our group accommodation at ClinkNOORD, ClinkMama, or ClinkCoco hostels in Amsterdam.
