Stop 1: Xtracold Ice Bar – Because Normal Bars Are Too Warm
Start your day at the Xtracold Ice Bar, where the temperature is a crisp -10°C and the cocktails are served in glasses made of ice. You’ll feel like a sophisticated polar bear sipping vodka while wrapped in an oversized parka they hand you at the door. Pro tip: Bring your sunglasses. Not for the ice, but to avoid the judgmental looks of other tourists when you ask for a hot chocolate at the bar.
And don’t worry about the cold—it’s Amsterdam, so you’re probably already shivering from the wind anyway.
Stop 2: Piercing Works – For That “Amsterdam Forever” Look
Next up, stroll over to Piercing Works, the city’s premier destination for piercing enthusiasts. Whether you’re adding a dainty nose stud, a bold septum ring, or you’re just feeling a bit YOLO, this is the place to do it. The staff are pros, the needles are sterile, and you’ll leave feeling like a cooler version of yourself.
Need inspiration? Just say, “Surprise me!” Trust me, there’s no better way to commemorate your trip than a piercing you can awkwardly explain at family gatherings later.
Optional Challenge: If you’re feeling extra brave, get a matching tattoo while you’re at it. Nothing says “I love Amsterdam” like a tulip permanently inked on your ankle.
Stop 3: The Piercing Museum
Now that you’re rocking some fresh metal, head to the Piercing Museum, conveniently located nearby. Yes, this is a real thing. And yes, it’s as bizarre as it sounds. Dive deep into the fascinating (and slightly eyebrow-raising) history of piercings around the world. From ancient tribal traditions to modern-day TikTok trends, this museum has it all.
Bonus points if you spot the section dedicated to piercings you didn’t even know existed (and probably wish you still didn’t).
Stop 4: A Moment to Process Your Life Choices
After exploring the museum, you’ll probably need a strong cup of coffee—or a cold beer—to digest everything you’ve seen and done. Luckily, there’s no shortage of charming cafés in the area. Grab a cozy corner seat, reflect on your adventurous day, and consider texting your best friend: “Guess what I just did?”
Wrap-Up: The Coolest Day Ever
So there you have it—a day in Amsterdam that includes drinking in a freezer, voluntarily letting someone poke a hole in your body, and learning about the wild history of piercings. By the end of it, you’ll feel like the ultimate Amsterdam adventurer.
Just remember to take lots of pictures—preferably not while grimacing during the piercing—and leave a little room in your itinerary for some spontaneous canal-side wandering. Because, as they say in Amsterdam, “Life’s too short to not pierce something!”
Safe travels, and may your piercing be as flawless as your new Instagram selfies.