Are you planning to have a bachelorette party (or “bachelorette party” as the British say) in Amsterdam? Here are some unique ideas to take your girls’ weekend beyond the basic touristy bars.
Rent a private boat
If your girl group is big enough, why not go find a fancy private boat to take you through the canals while you sip champagne? Amsterdam Boats staff specialize in customized charters on restored ‘saloon’ boats adorned with elegant, classy, wood-paneled interiors. It’s a luxurious twist on one of the must-do activities for visitors to Amsterdam, the classic boat tour that runs along the city’s famous canals, which have defined the city of Amsterdam since at least the 17th century (and, in the case of the most intimate). channel, even earlier).
Groups of five or less may consider renting the only gondola in Amsterdam. Who said that Venetian ships were relegated to Italian waters, or that they could only carry pairs?
Have a high tea
Balance your nights sipping cocktails with days sipping cream scones, small cakes and delicate sandwiches… oh, and tea, of course. The striking 1920s architecture at the Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam makes an evening especially elegant. Enjoy a more informal respite at Hofje van Wijs, in a quiet courtyard near the Red Light District. Bakkerswinkel has three places to choose from for women’s afternoons. Gartine offers delicacies from the owners’ garden.
Bag a Museum… About bags
Maybe you’ve already seen the ‘big three’ museums in Amsterdam, or maybe you want to keep your weekend a bit more joyous than including stories of the Nazi occupation. Whatever the case, most women would enjoy a visit to the Tassenmuseum in Amsterdam, also known as the Museum of Bags and Purses, which proves that this love story between women and their bags is centuries old. Browse an impressive collection of more than 3,500 pieces, ranging from embroidered bags from 17th century England and Art Deco-style pencil cases to Chanel shoulder bags from the 70s and fabulous Fendis from just a few seasons ago.
Do you want another museum dedicated to a fashion accessory? Try the Nationaal Brilmuseum (National Eyewear Museum), located in the trendy 9 Straatjes district for a retrospective of shows from centuries past. Downstairs is a modern-day optician, while the upper levels contain the owner’s hoard of optician fashions. Afterwards, don’t miss a walk through nine of the city’s most modern streets (see below).
Shop in the nine streets
There’s a reason why the Negen Straatjes neighborhood ranks first on my list of the best shopping areas in Amsterdam. Retail therapy in the “Nine Streets” works like a trip through one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. This three-block by three-block (hence the Nine) area of water-woven side streets straddles Amsterdam’s main canals and features favorite cafes and restaurants, stylish fashion boutiques, vintage boutiques from long standing and countless independent traders of all kinds. Come in.
Once you’ve exhausted all nine streets, there’s also a lesser-known 10th Street (Tend Straatje) : Hazenstraat, a side street on the Elandsgracht in the Jordaan district. Follow the Berenstraat west to the Elandsgracht (across the canal, Prinsengracht) to find another street full of food and fashion. Antique lovers can continue down the Elandsgracht to find the city’s most famous antique market: Antiekcentrum Amsterdam at Elandsgracht 109.
Updated by Kristen from Joseph.
