Amsterdam Stag Do

Written by Tom Probert Marketing & Content Executive

Updated: 06/11/2024

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.

StagWeb's Amsterdam Destination Specialist

Meet Tom, StagWeb's Amsterdam Specialist.

Tom has been stag planning since 2015 and is our go-to Amsterdam expert.

What he doesn't know isn't worth knowing, so give him a bell on 01225 474200 (Mon-Fri 08:30 - 17:30) if you need any info or advice.

✅ Tom's Top Tip for Amsterdam

"This is the original stag city, so you've made a good choice."

"Accommodation is always better value just outside the city centre, so bear that in mind if you're looking to save your pennies for the beer kitty."

🍺 Tom's Night Out Top Tip

"Leidesplein Square is a popular nightlife hub with a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants that the stags will love."

"It's the perfect place to start your evening before heading over to the Red Light District."

As well as Tom, we have a whole Stag Planning Army working hard behind the scenes to make sure you have the best stag do possible. Come and meet our team and see why 700,000 party legends have trusted us to plan their big celebration!

Contents

Amsterdam Stag Activities

Wham. Bam. Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital is an iconic stag city and is guaranteed to give you that legendary celebration you're after.

As well as the bars, café culture and the nights out of the Red Light District, we have over 60 Amsterdam stag do ideas for you to choose from.

Have a scroll through them, select the ones you like the look of, and send us a free no-obligation enquiry.

Our Amsterdam specialist will then get to work building your ideal weekend and will send it over along with the price (usually within 24 hours).

Don't forget to add your Amsterdam stag accommodation, too. We've searched the city high and low for the best stag-friendly stays, so you can book with the knowledge you won't get turned away on arrival.

Gentlemen... Welcome to Amsterdam!

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.

Amsterdam Travel Facts

Where to Go on Your Amsterdam Stag Night

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 Amsterdam Pubs, Bars & Clubs

And if the venues above aren't enough for you, we've put together a hitlist of 15 of the best bars in Amsterdam for a stag do in 2025, so you don't have to faff about with places that aren't worth your time.

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.

Best Amsterdam accommodation options

• Budget option - Generator Amsterdam
• Upgrade option - Motel One Waterlooplein
• Self-catering option - Nieuw-West Villa

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 Stag Do 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.

Where are the best nights out for an Amsterdam stag do?

Amsterdam has multiple districts offering all sorts of nights out. Leidseplein is the clubbing hotspot, Rembrantplein has a load of cracking pubs and bars, and Dam Square and the Red Light District also have plenty of places where you can start the party on your big Amsterdam stag night.

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!

Have Amsterdam introduced a stag do ban?

The simple answer is: no, Amsterdam has not introduced a stag do ban.

The tourist board put a campaign out in the press which warned people to behave responsibly otherwise they could face fines and potential prosecutions.

However, there's nothing happening that means stags will be prevented from going there.

As with any other destination, we'd encourage you to go and have a great time, but just be mindful of the locals and the fact that they will be potentially cracking down on people being a nuisance.

What is the best time of year for a stag do in Amsterdam?

64% of stags heading to Amsterdam with us go between March and June. Unlike destinations in Spain and Portugal, you're not going to Amsterdam for the weather, so you could go and have a blast any time of year. We'd just advise avoiding school holidays because you tend to see prices of flights and hotels go up.

What are the best activities for an Amsterdam stag do?

The best Amsterdam stag do activities are the most popular ones. You can fly around one of Europe's largest go kart tracks in some 270cc karts before hitting up the Heineken brewery for a tour of one of the world's biggest beer brands.

What are some unique Amsterdam stag do ideas?

You won't be short of unique Amsterdam stag do ideas that's for sure. From picking up a sexy hitch hiker to a private canal boat tour, the weird and wonderful Red Light photoshoot to catching a live Ajax game, there's plenty for you to sink your stag-sized teeth into. Check out our full range of Amsterdam stag activities at the top of the page.

What accommodation options are available for stag parties in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is loaded with stag-friendly accommodation. From budget-friendly to a little more high-end, we have plenty on offer to suit all groups. We find that stag accommodation in Amsterdam is always slightly better value just outside the city centre, so if you want any recommendations, give us a call on 01225 474200.

How long should a stag weekend in Amsterdam be?

83% of groups heading on a stag weekend in Amsterdam go there for three or four nights.

How much does a stag weekend in Amsterdam cost on average?

Stags are spending around £180 for their stag dos in Amsterdam which is less than the average (£190).

Are there any Amsterdam stag do packages available?

Yes, as well as being able to build your own stag weekends, we have some readymade Amsterdam stag do packages priced up and ready to book. These are all based on our most popular combinations by like-minded party legends like yourself!

What are the must-visit attractions during an Amsterdam stag weekend?

The Red Light District is an obvious choice. Have a little stroll down there and take in the sights before diving into some of the bouncing bars that line the streets. For any refined gentlemen, the Van Gogh Museum is a must, just be sure to book your tickets in advance.

What are the best bars in Amsterdam for a stag do?

We have a rundown of 10 of the best bars above or a bigger list of 15 of the best bars in Amsterdam for a stag do in 2025, but if you want the best of the best, head to Rembrandtplein. You'll find famous haunts like Rembrandt Bar, Club Smokey and Escape Nightclub.