The Dutch capital of Amsterdam may have a reputation for debauchery, but there’s so much more to this culture-rich city than just coffee shops and kinky stores.
Look past Amsterdam’s infamous attractions and you’ll find that there’s plenty on offer for every type of traveller, and if you’re planning to head there on a girls’ weekend, you’ll be spoiled for choice of things to do - that you’ll be happy to tell your mum about!
Here are 5 things for discerning ladies to do in Amsterdam, so book a flight and be sure to add them to your list.
Go Vintage Shopping in the Jordaan
Jordaan - image: Matthew Kenwrick, FlickrArguably Amsterdam’s trendiest neighbourhood, the Jordaan is an historic area of the city that also has plenty to offer by way of shopping.
In the narrow streets of the Jordaan you’ll find cosy cafes, fashionable boutiques and enough vintage stores to occupy you, and your bank balance for a few hours. If your weekend visit also spills over to Monday, don’t miss the fantastic Noordermarkt flea market in the Jordaan.
Sex Museum - image: Gabriela Capo, FlickrYes, we did say that there’s much more to Amsterdam than its rather vulgar qualities, but the Amsterdam Sex Museum is actually a fascinating and surprisingly educational place to visit, with artwork, sculptures and literature on display that tells the story of sex through the ages.
Plus, there’s no denying that it’s a great place for a bit of a light-hearted giggle with the girls.
Vesper Bar - image: Ming
Amsterdam’s Vesper Bar has long been hailed as one of the hottest spots in the city to enjoy a cocktail, but after one of its star bartenders took the title of ‘Best Bartender in Western Europe’ in the Diageo World Class competition in 2012, there’s never been more of a reason to slip on those high heels, grab a bar-side seat and linger over a martini or two.
Try and visit in the afternoon too to enjoy one of their ‘High Tea Cocktails’, served in stemmed teacups for an entirely different afternoon refreshment.
Canvas on 7th - image: Peter Robinett, Flickr Dining on a rooftop terrace can make even the blandest of lunches feel like a wild culinary adventure, but ‘bland’ is the last word you’d use to describe enjoying a midday meal at the Canvas on the 7th, the highest rooftop terrace bar and restaurant in Amsterdam.
Located on the 7th floor of the Volkskrant building, you can enjoy lunch on the terrace here between 11am and 4pm, with a menu of temptations like mousse of beetroot, farmer’s aged cheese and roasted asparagus salad to choose from. Plus there’s a dinner menu, and the Canvas on the 7th becomes a stylish club late at night.
Vondelpark - image: Toni Escuder, FlickrBest navigated by bicycle, Amsterdam’s largest green space has more to offer than just grassy knolls and glimmering ponds.
The Vondelpark also has a nature reserve with exotic birds and wildlife to spot, as well as a bandstand and a number of adorable bars and restaurants in which to take a break. Make a beeline for the Blauwe Theehuis for its delicious hot chocolate and cakes, and feel the hangover melt away.
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