3 Days In Amsterdam

It looks like time may be limited for the tolerance of soft drugs in the Netherlands.Book your hotel in advance: tourist season is a year-round event in Amsterdam. If you must make use of the Red Light District, visit Het Gulden Vlies.

"Ignoring the coffee shops is like going to Las Vegas and not stepping foot inside a casino."

You cannot return from a trip to Amsterdam without friends teasing you about prostitutes and pot. For decades, the Dutch's liberal views on sex and "soft drugs" have made their capital a must-see for men around the world. However, that seems to be changing.

The city's coffee shops have so far reigned triumphant despite attempts, in recent years, to tighten restrictions and turn them into members-only clubs -- but for how long? Pressure from the European Union and an increased conservatism in the national government are changing the face of Dutch politics. The debauchery Amsterdam is known for could become a thing of the past: this may just be your last chance to see the city in its full red-light glory.

AskMen does not promote drug use, excessive drinking, prostitution, or live sex shows. We treat our bodies as temples. However, if you ignore our warnings and decide to rent your temple to demons when you travel, then please follow our itinerary for three days of pure excess in Amsterdam, which allows for a legendary time while keeping you relatively safe.

Amsterdam is a hotbed for tourism most of the year, so book a room before you go; you don't want to be stumbling around at night looking for a vacancy. If you're going for pure excess in Amsterdam, book a room at the Hotel Seven One Seven (Prinsengracht 717). Housed in a 19th century renovated canal house and close to downtown, this hotel's rates include endless minibar drinks and house wines. Every suite has fine art and great views of the canal. For 300 to 400 Euros, you can rent its top Shakespeare Suite with over 500 square feet of luxury.

If you're on "budget excess," try The Flying Pig hostels. Both have bars and lounge areas in the hostel so it's easy to meet people from all over the world. Most other hostels are just a place to throw your stuff and sleep, but here you can literally pick up a date for the night during happy hour or a last-minute bed partner late at night.

Since their invention in the 1970s, Amsterdam's coffee shops have become a must-do. Even if you don't smoke, visiting a coffee shop is an experience to be had. Ignoring the coffee shops is like going to Las Vegas and not stepping foot inside a casino.

As the government has increased restrictions, the number of shops in the city has dwindled from 800 to fewer than 250. The penalties shop owners pay for breaking codes are steep, so be cool when you visit. Don't be thrown if the employees seem a bit more tense than usual, have your passport on hand and keep your head about you. The coffee here can be much stronger than you’re used to back home. Depending on your mood, head to Coffeeshop Johnny (Elandsgracht 3) for a laid-back, out-of-the-way vibe. Coffeeshop Get Down to It (Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 77-79) offers internet access, a busy bar and pool tables.

To find other great coffee shops and get a great layout of the city, take a free walking tour with SANDEMANs New Europe (you just need to tip the guide a few Euros). The guides are all young and offer paid tours of the Red Light District and coffee shops. They'll be able to point you in the correct direction for troublemaking. Plus, you'll get to see historical spots like The Anne Frank House, the Old Church, the Jewish Quarter, the Royal Palace, and a variety of the city's famous bridges (there are more than you'd expect).

Day one of your three days of pure excess in Amsterdam continues after the break… Next Page >>

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