The Big Guide to Your Amsterdam Stag Weekend

An Amsterdam stag weekend is just as good as you think it's going to be.

Actually, no, scratch that, it's way better than that!

If you've never partied in the Dam, have a scroll and find out everything you need to know about booking a stag do in this legendary city.

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Is Amsterdam Right for Your Group?

Amsterdam is a true party city.

The Red Light District. The Clubs. The Bars. The Heineken Museum. You'll be spoilt for choice.

However, even those going booze-free will be able to have a blast with the range of activities on offer and the top sights to see.

It's also a great place for stags of all ages as former stag legend Sean confirmed: "We were a group of 14 guys aged from 25 to our late 40s. The activities were brilliant for a stag and really enhanced the overall weekend experience."

Sean and his pals had a two-night stay in a central three-star hotel, and took on target shooting and footgolf.

And, OK, Amsterdam isn't as sunny as some of its European counterparts, but if you're looking for a legendary city break, you could do a whole lot worse.

The Places in Amsterdam You Need to Know About

The Red Light District

As well as all the pretty ladies in the windows, Amsterdam's Red Light District has a load of bars and traditional pubs lining either side of the canal.

Dam Square

In the side streets splitting off from Dam Square, you'll find plenty of bars, Irish pubs, restaurants and more.

Leidseplein

This is Amsterdam's clubbing hub. Head to Leidseplein Square and go from there. Korte Leidsedwarsstraat (try saying that after a few Heinekens) is packed with cafés, sports bars, clubs, and pubs.

Rembrantplein

Another vibrant booze and food area, Rembrantplein is right on the River Amstel with loads of places to kickstart that big night out.

Top 8 Amsterdam Pubs, Bars & Clubs

The Best Time to Go

In 2023, two-thirds (64%) of our groups heading to Amsterdam with StagWeb went there between March and June.

The beauty of Amsterdam is you could go in the dark depths of December and still have a blast, but the best time of year is that gap before the summer months when the weather's picking up.

Plus, if you go between March and June, you'll leave plenty of time between the stag do and the weddings in the summer and you'll miss this price hikes of the school holidays.

How Long Do People Go For?

83% of our stags heading to Amsterdam for their stag dos in 2023 went for a total of three or four days (two or three nights). This gives you enough time to take on a range of Amsterdam activities, enjoy a couple of nights out, and see the sights of the city.

How Soon Do People Book?

On average, groups going to the Dam with StagWeb booked 3 months before they left.

Now, we know Amsterdam is close by, but this is cutting it fine.

According to our end-of-year industry report, on average, stags usually book 4 months before they go.

People heading to Bristol and Edinburgh even book sooner than those going to Amsterdam.

Seriously, the longer you leave it to book, the more likely you are to miss out on your preferred options. We'd recommend booking 4 months in advance at a minimum.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

We have plenty of stag-friendly accommodation options in Amsterdam, no matter where you plan on partying.

Be sure to check the map on each hotel page or, if you need more advice about where to stay, speak to our Amsterdam Destination Specialist on 01225 474200 and he'll be able to advise you on the best places to stay.

Tom's top tip is to stay slightly outside the centre if you're looking to save a bit of money.

What to Do in Amsterdam

As well as all the sightseeing and beer-sampling you'll be doing, we have 60+ Amsterdam stag do ideas for you to enjoy.

Yep, you read that right, SIXTY!

Trust us, you don't want any gaps in your weekend itinerary - this is a stag do and you can't risk the guys getting bored.

Make sure you throw in a few activities to keep the party spirits high and crank up the competition stag-style.

Things to See in Amsterdam

Red Light District

A little stroll down the Red Light District is a must on your trip to Amsterdam.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is the beer tour to end all beer tours. The perfect stag activity.

Van Gogh Museum

A refined stat outing. The Van Gogh Museum is a must for any art fans.

How to Get to Amsterdam...

What Airport to Fly To...

Almost all UK airports offer direct flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (check your nearest airport in advance).

How Long is the Flight from the UK?

Flights are short and sweet and will take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on where you fly from.

Getting from the Airport to Amsterdam...

Bus - You can hop on the Airport Express Bus 397 from the B17 bus stop at Schiphol Plaza (1118 CX Schiphol) which will take you to the city centre in about 30 minutes for €6.50.

Train - There is a railway station directly under Schiphol Airport, which will take you to Amsterdam Central Station in about 15-20 minutes. You can buy a ticket for €5 from one of the many machines in the airport beforehand. Probably the easiest and cheapest option.

Taxi - There are loads of taxis located just outside the Terminal. Expect to pay more than you would for the train but split between you, the taxi fare will probably come to about €10 per person and drop you straight at your accommodation - easy.

Private Transfers - We can arrange private transfers for you and the lads to take you straight to your hotel. You can select that you want transfers at the bottom of your Amsterdam stag enquiry, and your Destination Specialist will factor that into your quote.

Sexy Hitchhiker - Get a private transfer from the airport and pick up a hitchhiker en route to your accommodation. But this won't be any hitchhiker, this will be a sexy hitchhiker who turns out to be a smoking hot stripper. A proper stag arrival.

Tips On Getting Around Amsterdam

Walking - Famously, the Netherlands is completely flat, so walking around Amsterdam is a breeze. The best party districts (De Wallen, Leidseplein, Rembrantplein, etc.) are all within one mile of each other.

OVpay, OV-Chipkaart, I Amsterdam City Card - You can hop on and off Amsterdam's extensive public transport network thanks to a range of payment methods. They allow for unlimited use of the public transport system for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours. Find out more about paying for public transport in Amsterdam and sort yours ahead of time.

Taxis & Uber - Amsterdam has Uber as well as a load of taxis, so make sure you download the app before you get there. Be wary of the unlicensed taxis that try their luck at the airport. Licensed taxis will have blue number plates, roof lights, and official logos/names of their operators.

Common Amsterdam FAQs

Is Amsterdam good for a stag do?

Amsterdam is one of the most popular European cities for a stag do. Thanks to the Red Light District, café culture, delicious beers and a wide range of stag activities, you won't be short of things to do in the Dutch capital.

Is Amsterdam strict on drinking in public?

You aren't allowed to drink whilst you're walking around in Amsterdam. But with a bar every twenty yards, you won't need to. If you're thirsty for a boozy refreshment, nip into your nearest bar and sample some of the city's finest brews.

Is alcohol in Amsterdam cheap?

Amsterdam is about as expensive as most major UK cities (probably a bit cheaper than London). A pint of beer will set you back in the region of €6-€7 in most central bars and pubs.

Is Amsterdam good for clubbing?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll have heard about Amsterdam's party scene. With every venue you could think of (traditional pubs, sports bars, cocktail joints, techno nights - everything), there's something for all tastes and styles.

Is there a dress code for bars in Amsterdam?

Most bars and clubs are casual, but don't just guess. Check in advance on their websites. If it doesn't say, err on the side of caution. Use your common sense, too. Some VIP bars might want a bit more than jeans and trainers.

Can you wear fancy dress in bars in Amsterdam?

It's best to check in advance whether you can wear fancy dress or not. Again, err on the side of caution. Fancy dress is fun, but it shouldn't be offensive or too vulgar.

What time do clubs get busy in Amsterdam?

The popular bars and clubs in Amsterdam share opening and closing times - 10-1 am throughout the week and 10-4 am on the weekends. At the weekends, expect the clubs to get busy around midnight, so make sure to head over earlier to avoid long queues!