Why Amsterdam Is The Perfect Place For A Girls' Weekend

Ah Amsterdam, I'm writing yet another blog post about you but after my fourth visit at the beginning of September, how could I resist? Amsterdam is my all time favourite city and although I have indeed been back four times now, each time it's been with different people and each time I've done different things, meaning that I've had four totally different trips. This time, I went for a friend's 60th birthday with eighteen other girls and we had an absolute blast! Here's why Amsterdam is the perfect destination for a girls weekend away, whether it's a birthday, a hen night or just a holiday!

So as this time in Amsterdam we were celebrating a special birthday, some of the girls had organised a surprise and it was nothing like I'd ever done before - it was a beer bicycle. We had one for beer and one for prosecco and let me tell you it was fricking hilarious. For one it was a nice way for people who hadn't been to Amsterdam before to see a little bit of the city on our first night but for two, the beer was unlimited meaning that the drunker people got, the funnier the bike got. I don't like beer or prosecco and I still thought it was a blast so it's definitely just a little bit of fun for groups! 

(This was legit the birthday girl's face when we took her into the Sex Museum!) 

There's also plenty of other things to do in Amsterdam too, no matter what your interests are or how old your group is. We were a huge group of nineteen, the oldest being in her 70s and the youngest of us being in our 20s and every single one of us had a fabulous time, proving that Amsterdam has something for literally everyone. Plus, a couple of us don't drink a lot either while some like a to party hard so it honestly didn't matter who you were or what you liked - we all had a great time.

We went to the Sex Museum, the Heineken Experience, Bloemenmarkt, Dam Square, the Red Light District and did a right nice boat ride on the canals and basically, had such a lovely time and packed so much into three days. I think people get the wrong impression of Amsterdam if they haven't been and think that it's a huge "party place" and basically think it's a little bit tacky but in my opinion, these are misconceptions. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited, full of character, art and life with a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The houses and streets are stunning and are nothing like I've seen anywhere else and although there are some really great bars where you can get cocktails and drinks etc. it's more chilled than your typical "party" place. There are museums to look at, street art to see, places to visit, tourist attractions..I know my mum loved it and wants to go back next year with my dad!

Not only is there plenty to do in Amsterdam but it's also super cheap compared to other city breaks. The trip itself is cheap as it's only around a 50 minute flight to actually get to Schipol Airport and you can also get really great hotels for cheap too (I've stayed in Hotel CC and Inntel Hotels - both really great budget hotels and super central!) and the transport around the city is also relatively cheap (although if you're central and have nice weather most places are within walking distance). It's also really budget friendly when you're there too. Of course, like most places if you're not careful you could end up spending an arm and a leg but you don't have to. For one, there are amazing breakfast places everywhere that are great for lunch too, serving light bites, crepes (you must have nutella crepes in Amsterdam!), pancakes and waffles that are cheap and don't require bookings but also on an evening there are so many great choices no matter what you fancy. We ate at The Grasshopper, a pub situated just near Centraal Station on the canal and my goats cheese salad was greaaat (although my mum ordered a steak sandwich and didn't realise that the meat came raw!) and Pancakes! Amsterdam is fabulous too for sweet and savoury Dutch pancakes.

The attractions aren't that expensive either to be honest. The Heineken Experience is around €16 per person I think but a lot of the tourist shops will do you a deal if you want more than one experience and you'll get say the Experience and the Ice Bar for a little bit cheaper if you buy them together. The museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are a little bit pricier but they're not so expensive you wouldn't go in (and the Van Gogh museum was one of my favourite things I did back in January!). Basically, Amsterdam is a place that you can definitely do on a budget, something which is essential if you're travelling in a big group!

What would your ideal Girls Weekend be?

Amy x