Amsterdam has long enjoyed a reputation as the party capital of Europe, and indeed as one of the wildest good-time destinations in the world. Actually, there’s much more to Amsterdam than sin, sex and getting wasted, as the port is a beautiful, vibrant city rich in culture and history. But at the same time, its party reputation is well-deserved and continues to draw visitors from all over the globe who are eager to sample the many opportunities for hedonism and wild abandon that Amsterdam has to offer.

Every guy needs to visit Amsterdam with a gang of his best buddies at least once. This is an opportunity to let your hair down and have some serious fun, with the only limits being the ones you set for yourselves. The excuse might be a stag party, a birthday or just a gonzo European road trip for its own sake. Whatever the reason for your getaway, Amsterdam is the perfect place for a crazy vacation with the lads.

Getting there

Flights into Amsterdam are relatively cheap, with most low-cost and budget airlines including it on their itinerary. Most fly into Schiphol Airport, which is just a short train or taxi ride from the city center. If you’re traveling in a group, then getting a cab directly to where you’re staying might only be slightly more expensive than the train and worth it for the convenience.

Where to stay

There’s certainly no shortage of hotels and hostels to suit every wallet in Amsterdam. Be aware, however, that many won’t accept large groups of lads booking in together. These are balanced out by the party hostels that specialize in such arrangements and often incorporate some of the city’s liveliest bars as well.

For something a bit different and more stylish, why not try using houseboat accommodation in Amsterdam? The city is famous for its canals, and its luxury houseboats for hire can accommodate groups of different sizes with all of the amenities you’d expect in a hotel, plus a lot more freedom to do your own thing.

Going out

Once you’re settled in, it’s time to head out for a few drinks. Amsterdam is a great city for beer drinkers with a multitude of ways to enjoy a brew. These include the beer bike, on which parties of 10 to 19 game individuals can be pedaled around the city center and its sights, drinking as you go. If you’re planning your own route, then consider heading out to De Pijp (pronounced pipe), the city’s cool bohemian neighborhood with many trendy bars and cafes. There’s also great street food to be had at the Albert Cuyp market. Get the number 16 or 24 tram from the city center.

Sampling the beers

Amsterdam may be known for its lager, but these days, there’s far more to drinking in the city than just Heineken. The port is stuffed with craft beer bars and microbreweries. A great place to start is Arendsnest on the Herengracht, where the friendly and knowledgeable bar staff will happily guide you through their vast array of Dutch beers. Organized beer tasting sessions are also available for groups of eight or more.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is an award-winning microbrewery with an outdoor terrace in the shadow of the De Gooyer windmill in Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Docklands). This former bathhouse produces an astounding range of organic local ales with 30-minute guided tasting tours available as well as excellent food.

Clubbing

As is the case in many cities, most of Amsterdam’s nightclubs are reluctant to allow large groups of young males to enter together, especially if they seem a bit boisterous. If live music is your thing, you might be better off going to see a band at the Melkweg or the Paradiso, where the door policy is usually somewhat more relaxed. These venues often have DJ nights too, so check the local listings.

Recovery time

You’ll need to spend at least some of your vacation time chilling out, and thankfully, Amsterdam’s plentiful open parks are some of the best places to relax and nurse your hangover on the morning after. There are also plenty of great cafes and inexpensive restaurants to refuel at, or you could even try a Dutch specialty in the form of a raw herring sandwich with pickles and onions from a herring cart — just ask for a ‘broodje haring’ and remember they’re sweetest between May and July!

You might also want to visit Amsterdam’s many museums and art galleries, including Venustempel sex museum and the torture museum, though possibly not with a hangover and a stomach full of raw herring! Whatever your pleasure, Amsterdam is sure to offer you a vacation with the lads that you’ll never forget… or possibly won’t be able to remember!