Amsterdam Bachelorette Parties: How to Plan a Trip You Actually Remember

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about bachelorette parties in amsterdam.

Quick Resources:

• Build a realistic Amsterdam itinerary with the Bachelorette Party Planner

• Browse the full planning suite in All Wedding Tools

TL;DR: The “Need to Know” Stuff

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already stressed out trying to manage a group chat of twelve bridesmaids who can’t agree on dates. I get it. Here is the spark notes version so you can get back to your life. Amsterdam has changed. The city is kind of over the “trashy tourist” vibe. They’ve cracked down on the rowdy stuff, so the old “anything goes” mentality is the quickest way to get a fine.

The vibe for amsterdam bachelorette parties right now is less “public intoxication” and more “aesthetic wellness weekend.” You have to plan for that.

• Leave the penis straws at home: Seriously. Keep it subtle. The locals will treat you way better.
• Book boats yesterday: Private open-air boats are the highlight of the trip, but good luck getting one if you don’t book 3 months out.
• The Stairs of Death: Dutch stairs are basically ladders. If you pack a massive suitcase, you will regret it.
• Don’t bike unless you’re Dutch: I’m serious. The bike lanes are a war zone. If you aren’t a pro, take an Uber.
• Don’t mix vices: You can’t drink alcohol and smoke weed in the same place. It’s one or the other.
• Edibles will wreck you: If the group wants to partake, someone needs to stay sober to herd the cats.
• Get help: Wrangling 10+ people is a full-time job. Don’t be a hero—hire help if you’re drowning.

Plan a chaos-free group trip with the Bachelorette Party Planner

The Vibe Check: It’s Not Just the Red Light District

Amsterdam bachelorette parties have grown up. The city recently launched a whole campaign basically asking “nuisance tourists” to stay away. So, if you want to have a good time, you have to read the room. Planning a good trip now is about balancing the party with some actual class. Think less “taking shots in a freezing bar” and more “sipping wine on a canal.”

Speaking of freezing bars, skip the Xtracold Ice Bar. It’s a tourist trap kept at -10°C and your toes will just hurt. Today, the sophisticated bride wants connection, not frostbite. If you need inspiration on how to pull this off, check out our list of 25 unforgettable ideas for a modern bachelorette party amsterdam experience.

Build a modern, respectful itinerary using the Bachelorette Party Planner

Ditch the Tourist Traps

Everyone knows De Wallen (the Red Light District). It’s famous, sure, but it’s also incredibly crowded, intense, and honestly a bit grimy for a bachelorette. The cool trips are happening in the neighborhoods where actual Dutch people live.

Class it Up a Bit

We’re seeing a huge shift toward luxury over quantity. Think high tea at the Duchess or a spa day at the Conservatorium. It feels exclusive and you don’t wake up with a regret-hangover. We are seeing way more groups booking private salon boats rather than hopping on those massive glass-topped tourist barges.

The “High-Low” Mix: Here is a pro tip: Spend money on the afternoon, save money on the evening. Start with a fancy High Tea at the Amstel Hotel (about €55/pp), then wander over to a “brown cafe” (a Dutch pub) for a €3 beer. It keeps the budget under control but you still get that “living the high life” feeling.

Jordaan vs. De Pijp: Where should you hang?

You need to know where to walk so you aren’t just staring at Google Maps. The Jordaan is that postcard-perfect area with the canals and the little bridges. It’s great for shopping and apple pie. De Pijp is totally different—it’s like the “Latin Quarter.” It’s where the cool brunch spots, the Albert Cuyp Market, and the students are.

If you want to be near the cool stuff but not in the noise, check out places like the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel. It’s right by the station, so you can get to De Pijp easily but you’re only one train stop from Central Station. Choosing the right neighborhood is honestly 90% of the battle when planning a bachelorette party in amsterdam.

Just a heads up: De Pijp is getting super popular for groups because, as travelers have noted, “De Pijp is located just south of the city center and is known for its bustling markets… and trendy eateries.” It beats the Red Light District any day.

Feature	The Jordaan	De Pijp
The Vibe	Historic, romantic, quiet canals	Bohemian, loud, energetic
Best For	Boutique shopping & Apple Pie	Brunch, street markets, cocktails
The Crowd	Tourists & wealthy locals	Students & foodies
Big Landmark	Anne Frank House	Albert Cuyp Market
Noise Level	Low (People actually sleep here)	Medium-High (Lots of bars)

Choose the right neighborhood with help from the Bachelorette Party Planner

“Gezelligheid” (And why you want it)

“Gezelligheid” is this Dutch word that is impossible to translate, but it basically means “cozy, fun, and warm.” It’s that feeling of being with your favorite people in a warm place while it’s raining outside. That is the goal.

Cozy Pubs vs. Fancy Cocktails

A good itinerary mixes it up. Start at a “Bruin Café”—these old pubs with dark wood walls and candles—for a casual beer. Then, go get fancy at a place like Tales & Spirits for the big “Cheers to the Bride” moment.

Get on a Boat (Trust me)

Skip the big tourist boats that look like buses on water. Renting a private “sloop” (open boat) is the best money you will spend. But you have to book a skippered electric boat at least three months out. Make sure you can bring your own wine/snacks (BYOB) and make a playlist.

Even celebrities do this. Priyanka Chopra was spotted “sailing along the canals” for her bachelorette. It really is the main character moment of the trip. If you want to see how to fit this into the schedule, look at our Amsterdam itineraries to see how an amsterdam bachelorette party flows best on the water.

Boat Rental Checklist (Don’t mess this up):

• [ ] Reservation: Did you book it 3 months ago?
• [ ] Type: Do you want open air (sloop) or covered (saloon)?
• [ ] Bathroom: Does it have a toilet? (If you are drinking wine for 2 hours, you need this).
• [ ] Food/Drink: Can you bring your own booze?
• [ ] Music: Can you hook up your phone to the speakers?
• [ ] Rain Plan: Do they have a cover if it pours?

Schedule must-book activities early with the Bachelorette Party Planner

Shhh: Don’t annoy the neighbors

Sound carries over the water like crazy. If you are screaming “Woooo!” on a boat, everyone in the apartments above hates you. Locals can get nasty if you’re too loud, and the police hand out fines. Just keep the volume at a “restaurant level.”

Logistics: Sleeping, Safety, and Not Getting Arrested

Amsterdam has some weird laws and quirks. If you don’t know them, you can end up with a huge fine or stuck in a hotel with no elevator and a 50lb suitcase. Here is how to keep the bride safe and legal.

Where to Crash

Finding a place for 10 girls in the center is hard because the city hates Airbnbs. You have to book early. And again, I cannot stress this enough: The stairs are steep. Like, climbing-Mount-Everest steep. If your friend has bad knees or a giant suitcase, check for an elevator before you book.

Coordinate lodging and logistics in one place using the Bachelorette Party Planner

Also, let’s talk money. You need to tell the group upfront that this isn’t a cheap city. On average, you can expect to spend between €200 and €300 per person just for the basics on a hen weekend. To make sure you don’t forget the essentials, check our bachelorette party checklist before you fly.

The Houseboat Dream

Everyone wants to stay on a houseboat. It’s cool, but there aren’t many of them. You need to book these 6 to 9 months out. Also, check the map—make sure it’s central (like on the Amstel), otherwise you’re taking a 20-minute Uber just to get coffee.

Hostels vs. Hotels

“Poshtels” (fancy hostels) like Generator or ClinkNOORD are actually great for bachelorettes. You can book a whole wing so you’re all together, and it saves money for cocktails. Boutique hotels are prettier, but you’ll be split up on different floors.

Type	The Good	The Bad	Best For
Houseboat	Unique, great views, private	Expensive, motion sickness??	Smaller, adventurous groups
Poshtel	Cheap, fun social vibe	Bunk beds, shared spaces	Large groups on a budget
Boutique Hotel	Luxury, room service	Pricey, group gets split up	Smaller groups seeking luxury
Airbnb	Kitchen, living room	Strict noise rules, usually no elevator	Groups who want a “home base”

The “Coffee Shop” Talk

If the bride wants to experience the “soft drug” culture, you need to be smart about it. Not every place wants a loud group of tourists walking in.

The Rules

Weed isn’t technically legal, it’s “tolerated.” But here is the big rule: No alcohol and weed in the same place. Coffee shops don’t sell beer. Bars don’t sell weed. Also, you can’t smoke tobacco inside anywhere.

The Edibles Warning (Read this!)

The #1 reason bachelorette parties end up in disaster here is space cakes. The effects take forever to kick in. A girl eats half, feels nothing after an hour, eats the other half, and then suddenly she thinks the floor is melting during your canal cruise.

The Rule: Designate a “Sober Sister.” She holds the stash. If someone eats a cake, they aren’t allowed another bite for 2 hours. Hard rule.

Picking a chill spot

Avoid the neon-lit traps near the station. Look for places like Coffeeshop Siberië. It feels more like a tea parlor and less like a dungeon.

Street Smarts

Never buy anything from guys on the street. Just don’t. And keep your bags zipped—pickpockets love distracted groups of tourists.

Getting Around

Amsterdam is for walking. Cars are useless here. You need a plan for getting around that doesn’t involve anyone crying.

Please, don’t rent a bike

I know it looks cute on Instagram, but unless every single girl in your group is a confident city cyclist, do not rent bikes. The bike lanes are faster than car lanes, and locals will run you over (and yell at you while doing it). Take the tram or an Uber. It’s safer.

The Itinerary: Stuff That’s Actually Fun

Let’s skip the clichés. Here are things that are actually fun and won’t burn everyone out by 4 PM.

Daytime Vibes

You want activities that keep people moving but allow for plenty of coffee breaks. If you need more help structuring the day, read our tips for planning a bachelorette party.

Shopping the Nine Streets

Spend an afternoon in De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets). It’s full of vintage shops and cute cafes. The lighting is great, the canals are right there—it’s the perfect spot for those group photos.

Museums for the ‘Gram

Places like The Upside Down or Wondr Experience were basically built for bachelorette parties. It’s ball pits and crazy colored rooms. It’s low stakes, silly fun, and you get great photos.

Scent Workshops

For something a little classier, try a workshop at House of Rituals. The bride can make her own perfume for the wedding day. It’s a nice souvenir that isn’t a shot glass.

Nightlife and Food

Dinner in Amsterdam can turn into a party fast. The best move for groups is “dinner dancing”—places where you eat, and then the tables get pushed back for dancing.

The Logistics Hack: Book a table at a place like Supperclub. You eat a 4-course meal on giant beds (yes, beds). Then the DJ starts, and you’re already at the club. No trying to herd 12 girls into 3 different Ubers to get to a bar. It saves so much stress.

Supper Clubs

It’s dinner and a show, and you get to lie down. What more do you want?

Private Karaoke

Private karaoke booths, like at Duke of Tokyo, are huge right now. You can scream your lungs out to Taylor Swift in a private room without annoying the locals.

Final Thoughts

Look, planning an Amsterdam bachelorette is amazing, but it’s also a logistical minefield. You have the stairs, the bikes, the laws, and the pressure to make sure everyone is having a “Gezellig” time. It’s easy for the Maid of Honor to turn into a stressed-out chaperone instead of a party guest.

Maid of Honor Crisis Text Template:
(Save this to your notes app for when things get chaotic)

“Hey guys! Quick vibe check. We’re having a blast, but just to keep things smooth (and avoid fines lol):
1. Pace ourselves: It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Buddy system: Nobody walks home alone.
3. Shhh on the street: Let’s whisper until we get inside so the neighbors don’t hate us.
Dinner in 30! Love you! “

This is where Bridesmaid for Hire comes in. If you are feeling the panic rising, you aren’t alone. Check out our Maid of Honor guide for tips on how to keep the peace.

Let the details run smoothly with the Bachelorette Party Planner

We handle the stressful stuff—like lost passports or hotel mix-ups—and we can be the “bad cop” when the group needs to get moving. We offer creative solutions for the weird problems that pop up in a city like Amsterdam. You make sure the bride is happy; we handle the logistics.