One of BarChick’s favourite cities for a boozy weekend break, there’s more to Amsterdam than the red light district and cafes. If you’re hitting up this smokin’ city, BarChick’s got the places you need to visit on lockdown. Oh and she’s also coming in your suitcase – download the Amsterdam bar guide through the free app or check out the BarChick city guide.
To Look the Part – Waterlooplein Market
If you’re hitting up the smokin’ city, you’ve got to look the part so hit up the local flea market, Waterlooplein, for some second-hand scrubs. It’s a little crowded, so get there early to bag the best bargains (9am in the week, 8.30am on Saturdays) and you’ll be kitted out in time to hunt down the food huts for lunch. The style-stakes in this city are definitely more shabby than chic – think tie-dye T-shirts and ex-military uniforms. Seriously, you’d think the people in this city were on something.
Speakeasy Style – Door 74
When we say hidden speakeasy, we darn well mean it. Look out for the black door, the two lights above it and the gold plaque with “d” and a 74 cross linked, and you’re there, sweet cheeks. It’s hard to find but people in the know, know, you know? So book ahead and abide by their rules: no screaming, no hats and no hitting other guests. Got it? Good because playing sensible is worth it, this place knocks up classic cocktails like no other, fixes up creative concoctions better than Wonka and it’s the greatest secret in town. Shhhhh.
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Day Time Hipster Hangout – Bar Brouw
If you’re out to pick up a Dutch bearded beer-drinking hipster then you’re in the right place. Open from midday, if it rains and you don’t fancy having an emotional breakdown at the Anne Frank museum, this is the place you’re going to want to be. Keep an eye out for the neon-pink, retro-lit sign for ‘MEAT’, get yourself a bottle of beer (artisanal craft, obvs) and nestle in among Amsterdam’s coolest crowd. Before you meet someone too hot to eat an organic sausage in front of, get stuck in to the epic selection of meats and sides and then go mingle.
Late night boozing – Feijoa
No-one knows quite how to booze like bartenders, so if you’re looking to stay up all night you’ve got to party with ’em at Amsterdam’s ‘bartenders bar’ – Feijoa. These shelves are stacked so high with bottles that they have ladders to reach the top; there are mirrors everywhere (literally) and there’s a black and white vintage vibe. Sure, they do an early evening aperitivo night, but arrive at 3am as all the city’s best bar staff are clocking off and getting ready to party. Take it from BarChick – to keep up with this pack you’re going to need an Espresso Martini (or five).
READ MORE: Here’s An Ultimate Boozy Guide To The Best Bars In Barcelona
Banging brunch – Little Collins
We don’t know who big Collins is but we’re loving this little ’un for a dose of morning-after brunch. Kick things off with one of their legendary Bloody Marys – hungover or not, they do them real good and four different ways, so you can mix in some Mexican tequila or go Asian with rice vinegar. If you’re with a date (and can hack it), get sexy and hit the oysters. Can’t stomach them? Roll onto oven-baked eggs, kedgeree or their version of a full English that goes by the name Carnivore or Herbivore, depending on your vegi stance. Good coffee, good food, straight booze. We’re sold.
Get your beach on – Amsterdam Roest
Didn’t come to Amsterdam expecting beach vibes? Neither did we. Sure it might be man-made, but who’s going to argue with swing, sand and surf shack vibes while you can get your hands dirty with burgers and nachos? BarChick got into the heatwave vibe, nabbed a hammock and rocked the day away with an ice cool beer, but you could always bring your extra dollar for a bit of vintage shopping. It’s all going on down here. Honestly, the only place to come if you see an ounce of sunshine.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.