Amsterdam a city like no other place on earth; the freedom, vibes, and openness of the culture that has been adopted in the city is absolutely incredible.

My first trip to Amsterdam was in spring; the tulips were in bloom, the canals were full, and the grass was vibrant green. An amazing contrast to the vibrant and hectic city of Amsterdam; I had seen pictures and heard stories of Amsterdam; and was not quite sure what to expect. On arrival, my eyes were opened to the magic that makes up the city. The beautiful 2-4 story skinny wooden houses built alongside the canals, potted flowers sitting in the window sill; there was so much character and charm to this busy city it was mind-blowing. Leaving central station I ventured deeper into the “heart” of the city towards the Red Light District; now this was a very unique experience for me. I wasn’t sure where to look or what to do but it is what makes up the character and history; of the city of Amsterdam.

There are so many things here that will make you double-take; things you wouldn’t expect to just come across in the street but this is why Amsterdam is so special. The freedom and carefree attitude of the locals draws people from all around to experience it.

 

 

Jump on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise

 

The city of Amsterdam is made up of Canals; one of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective is by boat. You can do it during the day; however I would suggest booking one for just on dark; to see the change in the sky over the city as you cruise the canals in a glass-roofed boat; sipping on a beverage. You can make it more romantic at night on a candlelight cruise; through the canals with your beloved or you can go the complete opposite; and jump on a party boat enjoy the music, the lights, and the atmosphere of the city from the boat. There is an option for everyone; most of the Canal cruises leave from in front of Central Station and vary in price.

 

 

Check out the Amsterdam Light Festival

 

Every year from the 01^st December to the 22^ndJanuary Amsterdam lights up their city with light art; different artists and architects from all over the country showcase their work all over the city. It is really cool; they create images and stories with lights in all different areas of the city. We went on a canal cruise to check it out and it was defiantly worth it; they brought the art to life by explaining to us the meaning of each piece; as well as the local knowledge of where the best ones were located.   

 

Kingsday

On the 27^th of April the entire country celebrates and gets a day off for the King’s Birthday, but the real party is in the city of Amsterdam. The streets are closed to traffic and are transformed into a massive celebration that lasts 2 days for two days! Be sure to wear something orange or you will be the odd one out for sure; everyone goes nuts dressing up their dogs, painting their faces, full orange costumes it’s insane. The crazier the better! Why do you ask? Well, the colour orange is worn to show support for the Dutch Royal Family the House of Orange-Nassau. It can get pretty hectic between 600,000 and a million people head to the city to enjoy the festival; so just be prepared to have no personal space, be patient and just go with it.

 

Nightlife

The city looks completely different during the day as it does at night; the lights come on, the squares become busier, and of course, the pubs and clubs come to life. Leidseplein is the main area where you will find some pretty cool nightclubs; they have a range for every age group. The best part about the Leidseplein area; is all of the nightclubs and pubs are within walking distance of each other so a pub crawl is in order! Each club has a unique style; you will find amazing drink specials and fantastic DJs. Some other areas that are using bouncing after dark is Rembrandtplein; and of course, the Red Light District, all I can say is be prepared for a big night out! Check out our Sex Drugs and Alcohol post for more on a big night out.

 

Red Light District

 

 

Dating all the way back to the 13^th century was when the Red Light District began in Amsterdam. It all started with the fishermen, they would be away at sea for months at a time; and what is it that men want when they have been away on a ship full of men; for months at a time? That’s right Ladies. The Girls caught onto this and began waiting on the docks for the fishermen to come in and let’s say offer their services to the men in need. It became a trade or industry that brought more and more fishing boats to the area.

There is a massive church called the Oude Kerk in the middle of the Red Light District; There is a reason for this, the fishermen who had used the service from the ladies; had to be cleared of their sins before leaving to go back out to sea; so they paid the church a fee to clear them of their sins; so that they would be safe at sea.

 

Don’t be afraid, it is all a part of the experience

 

The Red Light District is made up of narrow lanes, lined with windows on naked women. I remember the first time I walked down one of the streets I didn’t know which way to look; “do I look at her do I hurry past and keep my head down”. It was confusing to me as this is not something that I have ever come across in my life. Once our guide explained that the ladies expect you to look; they get offended if you laugh or hurry they are there to showcase themselves I relaxed a little.

The women are friendly and often give people passing by a cheeky wave. There are over 290 windows in the Red Light District, and the windows cost the ladies around €150 a day to rent. In the Red Light District, there are around 900 prostitutes working every day; there is a street for everyone, a say street because the windows are set out in specific types; for example, the larger women are behind the church. There are also a few streets where you will find blue lights; these are the transvestites of the District.

 

Be respectful

When walking through the Red Light District be respectful; and DO NOT take photos your camera or phone will end up in the canal. DON’T even try to sneak a picture the ladies will see you and you will lose your phone!

Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam so don’t be afraid; it is defiantly an eye-opener and you won’t see anything else like it in the world, relax and enjoy!

Now the ladies in windows are not the only thing to see in the area; you will come across sex shops on almost every corner!!! Everything you could possibly imagine freely on display for all to see.

There are plenty of museums to enrich the mind

Sex Museum in here you will find erotic art and collections from throughout history; there is also the Erotic Museum which is made up of 5 floors of erotica art from all around the world. Don’t forget the Hash and Hemp Museum which goes through the history of the Cannabis plant.

 

 

Lets Talk about Sex Baby

 

You may even come across a few sex or peep shows; this is something that every person needs to see at least once in their life. We talk about experiencing the culture of each country; well this is the culture of Amsterdam and a sex show is something very unique. It is not as scary or awkward as you imagine it to be; think of it as more of a performance there are different acts from scenes to pole dancers to audience participation.

It is all very light and entertaining; the couples are real people and are basically naked performers. Don’t be scared it is entertaining, interesting, and a unique experience. If you want to check out a sex show in Amsterdam Cassa Rosso is one that I would recommend; they have a few locations but head to the one with the 2 big pink elephants; out the front of the venue.

Absolutely no photography is allowed in any of the shows so do not even try; your phone will get confiscated.  

 

The Unique Design of the houses

 

 

Gabled Houses

The houses have another unique feature which is gables; the gables are basically the shape of the top of the roof. You will see 6 main gable designs  

 

• 1 – Point – the most basic gable is shaped like the triangular roof behind it.
• 2 – Flat –
• 3 – step – triangular and lined with steps
• 4 – Bell – looks like a bell.
• 5 – spout – a rectangle at the peak
• 6 – Neck – a broad straight segment setting atop rounded contours described as shoulders.

Why are some of the houses leaning?

As Amsterdam was originally marsh wet grounds, the Dutch built their houses on piles of dirt; they realised this is ok but not the best way; so they changed and starting building on wooden poles. These poles were forced into the ground to create a foundation; now what do you think would happen? that the wooden poles would eventually rot and collapse? The Dutch worked out if you keep the wood submerged in water it does not rot or weaken.

So they developed an underground water management system which is still in place today; they use the canals to regulate the water flow to ensure the wooden foundations are all ways submerged in water.

You will see a few of the houses on a bit of a lean; this is the result of the Water Management system not being maintained for 2 weeks. This happened to be the first 2 weeks of WWII so the Dutch were a little preoccupied. So because the water level dropped the wooden frames started sinking and causing the houses to lean.

 

Public Toilets in Amsterdam

 

Ladies, unfortunately we get the raw end of the deal with this one, dotted all around the city; you will see green metal shields; which are actually urine holes for men to conveniently use after a big sesh on the drink. Don’t stand too close the bottom section of the Urine hole is open! For us ladies we have to be a bit more proactive; and look for a café, restaurant, or shopping center to use their facilities. I wouldn’t recommend trying to sneak in and use the facility for free; you will usually get caught, walk up to the staff and ask them how much to use their toilet. It will usually cost you around 0.50c. If you are visiting an attraction, museum or coming from a train station; they usually have free of charge facilities that you can use.