Amsterdam. The name itself conjures images of winding canals, clinking bicycle bells, and an air of creative freedom. But beyond the picture-perfect postcards lies a city buzzing with an energy that's perfectly in tune with young, adventurous travellers. It’s a place where history and modern culture don't just coexist; they party together.
This isn't just another European capital; it's a dynamic hub for backpackers, students, and friends seeking an authentic adventure without breaking the bank. Forget generic tourist traps and surface-level guides. We're diving deep into the real Amsterdam, the one locals love and savvy travellers seek out. From exploring vibrant street art in up-and-coming neighbourhoods to finding the cosiest brown cafés for a taste of true Dutch 'gezelligheid', this guide is your key.
Staying in a hostel is the best way to do this. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about the people you meet and the genuine adventures that a social base unlocks. Your base for this adventure? St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston and Flying Pig Hostel Downtown , located right in the heart of the action, where the social vibe starts the moment you drop your bags. Our legendary on-site bars are the perfect place to meet like-minded travellers and plan your next move. To start your day with more a bit more greenery... check out the legendary Flying Pig Uptown right opposite the stunning Vondelpark.
1. Get on a bike and explore like a local
There is no more authentic way to experience Amsterdam than from the saddle of a bicycle. With its world-famous canal system, flat landscape, and over 767 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths, the city is a paradise for two-wheeled exploration. Renting a bike isn't just a fun activity; it's a way to live like a local, navigating the charming streets of neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp at your own pace.
This is one of the most budget-friendly and enjoyable things to do in Amsterdam for young adults, offering complete freedom to discover hidden courtyards, quiet canals, and sprawling parks like Vondelpark. You can join an organised tour with companies like Fat Tire Bike Tours for a guided sunset ride or simply hire your own from a local shop and set off on an adventure. Our St Christopher’s Inn Amsterdam - The Winston hostel is perfectly located to start your cycling journey.
Pro Tips for Cycling in Amsterdam
Book Ahead: In peak season (spring and summer), bikes get snapped up quickly. Reserve yours online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Lights On: It’s a legal requirement to use front and back lights after dark. Most rentals come equipped with them, so make sure they work.
Lock It Up: Always use a good-quality lock (or two) and secure your bike frame to a designated rack or solid object.
Social Cycling: Look out for group cycling events organised by hostels, a fantastic way to meet fellow travellers while exploring.
For a deeper dive, check out our guide to the best cycle routes in and around Amsterdam to plan your perfect day out.
2. Soak up some culture at the world-class museums
Amsterdam's Museum Quarter is an absolute must-visit, packing some of the world's most renowned cultural institutions into one beautiful, leafy square. Whether you're a history buff or a modern art enthusiast, diving into the city's museum scene is one of the most enriching things to do in Amsterdam for young adults. You can spend hours marvelling at Dutch masters in the Rijksmuseum, trace the poignant story of Anne Frank, or explore the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
Beyond the big names, you'll find unique spots like the Stedelijk Museum for contemporary design and even a Cannabis Museum for a truly Amsterdam-specific perspective. Many institutions offer student discounts or participate in special events like Museumnacht (Museum Night), offering a budget-friendly way to soak up some culture. It’s an ideal way to spend an afternoon before heading back to the lively Belushi’s sports bar at St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston to share your experiences with fellow travellers.
Pro Tips for Visiting Amsterdam's Museums
Book Way Ahead: Tickets for the Anne Frank House are released online and sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Plan accordingly to avoid missing out.
Go Mid-Week: To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting popular museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
Consider a City Card: If you plan on visiting multiple museums, the I Amsterdam City Card can offer great value with free entry to many top attractions.
Look for Youth Discounts: Always ask about discounts for students or anyone under 26. Many museums offer reduced rates, and some are even free for those under 18.
To help you decide which galleries and exhibits to prioritise, explore our detailed guide to the best museums in Amsterdam and start planning your cultural tour.
3. Experience the famous coffeeshop culture
Amsterdam's open-minded culture is highlighted by its well-known coffeeshops, where cannabis sales are allowed under the Dutch 'gedoogbeleid' or tolerance policy. For many young adults, visiting a coffeeshop is an essential part of experiencing the city, offering a secure and regulated place to explore local products. These venues vary from historic, lively locations to contemporary, boutique-style lounges, providing a sociable environment rather than solely a purchasing spot.
This aspect is a highly discussed activity for young adults visiting Amsterdam, allowing inquisitive travelers to connect with an integral part of the city's culture. Well-known spots like The Bulldog offer a tourist-friendly, historic atmosphere, while venues like Boerejongens provide a more refined experience. The main goal is to find a comfortable setting to relax, converse with friends, and witness a distinctive part of Amsterdam life.
Tips for Visiting a Coffeeshop
Ask for Guidance: Feel free to seek advice. The staff are knowledgeable and can recommend products based on your experience level. Start with small quantities.
Carry Identification: You must be 18 or older to enter a coffeeshop, so have your passport or driving license ready for identification.
Follow the Rules: Each coffeeshop has its own regulations. Some don't allow tobacco, others have designated consumption areas. Always be courteous to staff and fellow patrons.
Ensure Safety: Avoid purchasing anything from the street. Only buy from licensed coffeeshops to guarantee safety and quality.
Additionally, our sister properties, Flying Pig Downtown and Flying Pig Uptown, both offer smoking rooms at their hostels in Amsterdam.
4. Learn about the Red Light District's history
Beyond its infamous neon-lit windows, Amsterdam's De Wallen (Red Light District) is one of the city's oldest and most architecturally beautiful neighbourhoods, with a complex history. For young adults looking to understand the real story, an educational walking tour offers a respectful and fascinating insight into the evolution of sex work, from its medieval origins to its modern-day legalisation and the ongoing fight for workers' rights.
This is one of the more thought-provoking things to do in Amsterdam for young adults. Opting for a tour led by a former or current sex worker, or one affiliated with an organisation like the Prostitution Information Centre (PIC), provides an authentic perspective that party-focused bar crawls simply cannot. These tours demystify the area, focusing on social context and historical facts rather than spectacle. A visit to the Red Light Secrets museum can further enrich this understanding by sharing personal stories from the industry.
Pro Tips for Visiting the Red Light District
Choose Wisely: Book tours that explicitly focus on education and history, not rowdy 'party' tours, to ensure a respectful experience.
Daylight First: Visit during the day to appreciate the architecture and get a feel for the area without the intense nighttime crowds.
No Photos: A strict, unwritten rule is to never take photos or videos of the window workers. Doing so is highly disrespectful and can provoke a negative reaction.
Ask Questions: Engage with your guide. Educational tours are the perfect opportunity to ask questions you might have in a safe and appropriate setting.
To get a better sense of the area's atmosphere, our St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston hostel is located on the edge of the district, offering a safe and central base for your explorations.
5. Dive into the nightlife, from live music to clubs
When the sun sets over the canals, Amsterdam's vibrant energy transforms into a world-class nightlife scene. From historic brown cafés (bruin cafés) pouring local beers to legendary music venues and pulsating techno clubs, the city offers a nocturnal adventure for every taste and budget. Exploring the nightlife is one of the most essential things to do in Amsterdam for young adults, offering a chance to mingle, dance, and discover the city’s creative pulse after dark.
World-renowned venues like Melkweg and Paradiso host international acts, while smaller spots like Bimhuis offer intimate jazz sessions. For a guaranteed laugh, Boom Chicago delivers hilarious English-language improv comedy. Joining a hostel-organised bar crawl is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to meet fellow travellers and get a curated tour of the best local spots. The lively Belushi's bar at our St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston hostel is the perfect starting point for any night out, with great drinks deals and a buzzing social atmosphere. It's the only choice for an epic pre-game.
Pro Tips for Amsterdam Nightlife
Start Local: Begin your evening at a traditional brown café for an authentic, cosy atmosphere before heading to bigger clubs.
Book Ahead: For popular concerts or club nights, especially at venues like Paradiso, tickets sell out fast. Secure yours online in advance.
Travel Smart: Plan your journey home. Night buses run after the trams stop, but ride-sharing or pre-booked taxis are also good options.
Join a Crawl: A hostel bar crawl is a safe and social way to explore, often including free shots and discounted entry to multiple venues.
6. Discover street art in alternative neighbourhoods
Beyond the traditional museums, Amsterdam’s streets are a living gallery, showcasing a vibrant and ever-changing urban art scene. Exploring alternative neighbourhoods like the industrial-chic NDSM Wharf in Noord or the trendy streets of De Pijp reveals a world of colourful murals, thought-provoking stencils, and bold graffiti. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Amsterdam for young adults who want to connect with the city's contemporary creative pulse.
You can join a guided tour with organisations like Amsterdam Street Art to get insider knowledge on the artists and stories behind the pieces, or simply hop on the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord for a self-guided adventure. The NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard, is a must-visit, with its sprawling artworks, artist studios, and unique post-industrial atmosphere. It’s a raw, authentic experience that offers a fantastic contrast to the historic city centre and a glimpse into the local artistic community.
Pro Tips for Exploring Street Art
Take the Free Ferry: The best way to reach the NDSM Wharf and the street art of Amsterdam Noord is by taking the free GVB ferry from behind Central Station.
Look Up and Down: Some of the most clever pieces, like Clet Abraham’s altered street signs, are hidden in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled for art in unexpected places.
Check Event Schedules: Time your visit with open studio days or street art festivals for a chance to see artists at work and even purchase original pieces.
Follow Local Artists: Follow Amsterdam-based street art accounts on Instagram to discover new murals and pop-up installations as they appear around the city.
7. Eat your way through food markets and local hotspots
To truly taste Amsterdam, you need to dive into its bustling food markets and sample the local delicacies. This is where the city’s culinary heart beats, offering a delicious mix of traditional Dutch treats and multicultural street food. Visiting markets like the famous Albert Cuypmarkt is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to eat your way through the city, trying everything from freshly made stroopwafels to savoury herring from a local fish stall.
Exploring these foodie havens is one of the most flavourful things to do in Amsterdam for young adults. You can wander independently, grabbing a cone of patatje oorlog (fries with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions) or join a guided food tour to get an insider's perspective. Our St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston hostel is a great base from which to start your culinary adventure, with many markets just a short tram ride or cycle away.
Pro Tips for Amsterdam's Food Scene
Go Early: Visit popular spots like Albert Cuypmarkt in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and get the freshest products.
Sample Smartly: Try herring from an established fish stall to ensure it's fresh, and buy cheese from specialised vendors for better quality than tourist shops.
Explore Beyond: For a more local vibe, check out smaller markets like Dappermarkt in Amsterdam-Oost or Ten Katemarkt in the west.
Tour Timing: Book a food tour for the late morning; it’s a great way to combine sightseeing with a satisfying lunch.
For more inspiration on what to eat, check out our guide to the top 5 foods you must try in Amsterdam before you go.
8. Take a day trip to see windmills and fishing villages
While Amsterdam's canals are captivating, the surrounding Dutch countryside offers a complete change of pace and a glimpse into traditional Holland. Just a short bus or bike ride away, you can explore picturesque fishing villages, iconic windmills, and serene polder landscapes. Visiting places like Marken, Volendam, and the Zaanse Schans is a fantastic way to escape the urban energy and discover the country's rich heritage.
This experience is one of the most rewarding things to do in Amsterdam for young adults looking for stunning photo opportunities and cultural immersion. Wander through the historic wooden houses of Marken, sample fresh seafood in the lively harbour of Volendam, or watch craftspeople at work in the Zaanse Schans open-air museum. You can join an organised tour from Amsterdam or use public transport for a more independent adventure, easily accessible from our central hostels.
Pro Tips for Exploring the Countryside
Go Early: Catch an early bus to villages like Marken to experience their charm before the large coach tours arrive mid-morning.
Cycle Waterland: For a truly local experience, rent a bike and cycle the scenic routes through the Waterland region, stopping at villages like Broek.
Book a Combo Tour: If you're short on time, booking an organised tour that combines Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken is an efficient way to see the highlights.
Seafood Stop: Don't leave Volendam without trying some freshly smoked eel or herring from one of the harbourside vendors.
9. Hit the water with kayaking and paddleboarding
While cycling offers one perspective of Amsterdam, getting out on the water provides an entirely different and equally immersive experience. Beyond the classic canal cruises, adventurous young adults can actively engage with the city's waterways through kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even designated open-water swimming spots. This is a fantastic way to see Amsterdam from a new angle, paddling through quieter canals or exploring natural areas just outside the city centre.
From guided tours with companies like Kayak Amsterdam to hiring your own gear, it's one of the most refreshing things to do in Amsterdam for young adults during the warmer months. You can explore the vast Amsterdamse Bos park or head to nearby coastal spots like Bloemendaal aan Zee for a full beach club experience. Even in winter, the city's relationship with water continues, with canals sometimes freezing over for magical ice-skating sessions. Our hostels are a great base to dry off and share stories after a day on the water.
Pro Tips for Water Activities in Amsterdam
Book Guided Tours: Especially in summer, organised kayak or paddleboard tours fill up fast. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot.
Check Water Quality: Before taking a dip in designated swimming areas, always check the latest water quality reports online.
Go Early: For a serene experience, try kayaking early in the morning when the canals are quiet and you have them almost to yourself.
Hit the Beach Clubs: For a proper party vibe, head to the beach clubs at Bloemendaal or Zandvoort for sunset drinks and DJ sets.
For a different kind of water-based fun, don't miss our legendary boat parties at St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston, a perfect way to socialise with fellow travellers.
10. Maximise your time with an attractions package
For young adults keen on ticking off Amsterdam’s most iconic sights without the logistical headache, an attractions package is a game-changer. These passes bundle major attractions like canal cruises, museum entries, and even trips to see the famous windmills into one streamlined, often discounted, ticket. It’s an efficient way to manage your time and budget, letting you focus on the experience rather than juggling multiple bookings.
This approach is one of the most practical things to do in Amsterdam for young adults on a tight schedule. Options like the I Amsterdam Card or passes from GetYourGuide combine several experiences, saving you money compared to buying individual tickets. An evening dinner cruise, for instance, offers fantastic value by merging a meal, drinks, and a scenic tour. Our reception team at St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston can often point you towards the best value packages and might even have exclusive hostel discounts.
Pro Tips for Using Attraction Passes
Anne Frank House: This must-see is almost always booked separately and well in advance. Secure your ticket online at least two to three weeks before your trip.
Compare Carefully: Do the maths to ensure the pass saves you money based on what you actually plan to see. If you only want to visit two museums, individual tickets might be cheaper.
Morning Slots: For popular attractions included in your pass, book the earliest time slots to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit.
Hostel Deals: Always check with your hostel first. They often have partnerships with tour operators that offer better deals than you can find online.
For a comprehensive look at the options, check out the official I Amsterdam City Card page to see if it fits your travel style.
Your Amsterdam Adventure Starts Here
Amsterdam is a city that defies easy categorisation. It's more than just its picturesque canals, historic gabled houses, or even its famously liberal attitudes. It's a living, breathing metropolis that pulses with a youthful energy, making it a perfect playground for young adults seeking an unforgettable European break. From the two-wheeled freedom of exploring its neighbourhoods by bike to the contemplative quiet of its world-class museums, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
The best adventures are built on a great foundation, and that means choosing accommodation that enhances your trip. Staying at St Christopher's isn't just a bed for the night; it's instant access to a community of fellow travellers and the city's best social scene, thanks to our lively on-site bars. It's the smart, fun, and obvious choice for anyone looking to make friends and unforgettable memories.
Ultimately, your Amsterdam story will be a collection of moments: the taste of a fresh herring from a street vendor, the shared laughter with new friends in a hostel common room, the feeling of freedom as you cruise down a canal. It’s a city that invites you to be present, to explore, and to connect.
This isn't just a checklist to be completed; it's a foundation for building an adventure that is uniquely yours. By combining cultural deep dives with laid-back exploration and vibrant nightlife, you’ll discover the multifaceted soul of this incredible city. So, get planning, pack your bags, and prepare to write your own Amsterdam chapter.
Ready to lock in the social heart of your trip? Book your stay directly with St Christopher's Inns to get the best rates, a free welcome drink, and 25% off food at our lively Belushi's bar, placing you right in the centre of the action. Your ultimate Amsterdam adventure starts here.