The Ultimate Guys’ Getaway in Amsterdam
So, after many evenings of planning, you and your pals finally managed to organise a group trip to Amsterdam. Nice one… and good choice might we add. With so much on offer, the Dutch capital is an ideal location for a guys’ getaway. There are loads of quirky nightclubs and trendy bars, as well as heaps of cafe’s, museums and restaurants… plenty to keep you and your band of boisterous boys busy!
But first… here’s a few tips for travelling as a group
- Book restaurants and activities in advance where possible to avoid disappointment on the day. Amsterdam can get very busy at peak times, so if you want to make the most of a group trip then the best time to visit is April, May, early June, mid-September and mid-October
- Avoid queuing in train stations and save some cash by booking a group travel card before you arrive
- In Amsterdam, it can be very easy to end up wandering around aimlessly, especially after a few too many drinks or ‘coffee chop visits’. We recommend planning as much as you can before you arrive.
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Where to eat as a group
There are things going on all year round in the city, so whenever you’re planning to visit for a guys weekend in Amsterdam, there’s always plenty to do. But first things first… food!
From all you can eat buffets to fine dining and vending machines serving up hot snacks, Amsterdam is a city jam-packed with places to grab some munch with the lads. Check out a few of our faves! Be aware, if you are travelling in a large group it is probably best to book in advance as some places are more group friendly than others.
ClinkNOORD
First on our list of group friendly places to eat is our very own CatalystCAFE and ZincBAR at ClinkNOORD. Here you can find lots to satisfy your food cravings – without breaking the bank!
Febo Vending Machines
Looking for a quick bite to eat but too hungover to deal with a waiter or waitress? Skip the human interaction and head to fast food vending establishment FEBO. Here you can find loads of tasty Dutch treats including krokets, frikandellen, hamburgers and Kaassoufflés!
Pllek
Located in the hipster NDSM district (just a short ferry ride from Centraal station) Pllek is the king of cool and a super trendy place to grab some food as a group. The venue also regularly hosts live music events, as well as a variety of cultural activities like outdoor films, art exhibits, and even morning yoga and Tai Chi.
Terrazen Centre
If you’re a group of guys that love nothing better than chowing down on a plate Jamaican plant-based fare then you will love the Terrazen Centre. They definitely know a thing or two about meat-free munch. Their 100 percent vegan menu will leave you and your friends questioning why you ever ate meat in the first place!
Goodies Food & Drinks
From smaller bites like burgers and sandwiches to more hearty Dutch favourites like cheese fondue, there’s something for everyone at Goodies. To top it off, their menu is budget friendly and all their ingredients are fresh and organic – great news for all you health conscious eaters!
Foodhallen
If your pals are proper foodies then they will love the Foodhallen. It has everything a group of foodies could ask for – shed loads of different food and drinks offerings from local eateries and breweries, an idyllic location and an airy open plan eating area perfect for groups!
Staying in Amsterdam as a group? Have a chat with our dedicated group team here!
Things to do as a group
Amsterdam is a city that sets the bar high when it comes to activities for groups. There are so many awesome things to do, check out a few of our top picks below!
Rent a bike and explore the city
When in Amsterdam… do as the Amssterdammers do. Renting a bike is the best way to explore the city and a great way to burn off all that delicious yet indulgent Dutch food. You and your group can hire a bike for just €13.50pp from the ClinkNOORD reception.
Beer tasting & Brewery tours
Ever wondered how your favorite tipple is produced? Head to one of Amsterdam’s many amazing breweries and find out. Thanks to all the independent breweries based in the city, finding tasty beer is rarely difficult. You and your friends will be pleased to know there is no shortage of beers to sample. There are a dizzying amount of breweries to choose from, including the Famous Heineken Brewery as well as loads of microbreweries like the Oedipus Brewery, the Walhalla Craft Beer Brewery, and the Brouwerij ’t IJ Brewery. No guys’ trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a brewery tour!
See the city by boat
There’s no better way to explore Amsterdam than hopping on a boat, cracking open a few beers and cruising along the city’s many canals. There are boat tours to suit every group, including pedal boats for smaller groups or 12 seaters for larger ones. There is even a boat tour that offers bottomless Dutch style pancakes. Yum!
Get your tickets here.
Visit the Ajax Stadium
Football fanatics? Book your group a tour of the legendary Johan Cruijff Stadium and get behind the scenes access at one of the world most successful football clubs. The Tour will get you access to the trophies in the Gallery of Fame, the pitch and even the official changing rooms. Book your tickets here.
Night time activities in Amsterdam
Bars and Clubs
When it comes to a big night out in Amsterdam, there are endless places to party. The best thing about a night out in Amsterdam is the close proximity of all the bars, clubs and pubs. If you and your group are not feeling the vibes of a particular place there will be another bar, pub or club just around the corner, usually with a completely different feel!
Where to go?
The city has a few major nightlife districts, where the majority of partying takes place – the famous redlight district, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein. Simply punch these locations into your google maps if you’re feeling adventurous and try your luck once you arrive. These areas are loaded with quirky bars, pubs and night clubs, and are a good place to kick off your guys’ night out! If you prefer a plan, or are in a larger group and don’t fancy spending all night trying to track down your mates, then we recommend heading to one of the below locations:
Big Clubs
If you are looking for cutting-edge electronic tunes, multi-tiered dance floors and more glowsticks than you could possibly imagine then head Melkweg, Escape, Warehouse Elementenstraat, Air Amsterdam, or Paradiso. Here the party-goers flock in their thousands.
Top tip: Some big names visit these venues so make sure you have a look online before you go to book tickets!
Quirky places
As with any big city, there are certain areas that can be a little bit too touristy. Check out our guide on how to avoid tourist traps here. If you’re after a more authentic Dutch night out and like to go against the grain, we recommend heading to Vondelbunker, Shelter, Sexyland, or De School.
Top Tip: Shelter is a very cool venue, it is like something out of the Matrix. It is hidden away underground and it is just a short walk away from ClinkNOORD!
There you have it, the ultimate guide to a guys’ weekend away in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest travel tips!
Travelling to Amsterdam? Book your stay at ClinkNOORD, ClinkMama, or ClinkCoco now or chat to one of our friendly team on live chat! We also offer cheap group accommodation in Amsterdam if you’re planning a group getaway.
