Destination Spotlight: Amsterdam
“Pornstar Martini, Please!” ~ Pam Lee’s Guide to a Thrilling Amsterdam Vacation
Guest Post by Pam Lee
Amsterdam is one of those places that completely catches you off guard in the best possible way. If you’re looking for a travel destination that mixes European charm, rich culture, delicious food, and just the right amount of “let’s try something new,” then sis…Amsterdam is calling.
As a Black woman traveler, it’s important to pay attention to how a place feels—how the people vibe with you, how easy it is to move around, and whether or not you’ll find experiences that feel tailored to your sense of adventure, beauty, and rest. Amsterdam delivered on all fronts.
If you’re planning your first trip and searching for the ultimate Amsterdam travel guide for Black women, this Destination Spotlight is for you. I’m breaking down some of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam, where to eat and sip, and the moments that made this vacation one for the books.
Cruise the Canals with a Cocktail in Hand
Let’s start with a floating brunch. Now anyone that knows me, knows I love a classy, fashionable brunch. I enjoyed a Bottomless Boat Brunch Tour featuring endless mimosas and a cheddar waffle, with smoked salmon, mascarpone cream cheese and chives called “The Dirty North.”
The Dirty North
Cheddar Waffle, Smoked Salmon, Mascarpone Cream Cheese & Chives
There’s something about sipping a drink while floating through the city’s waterways that makes you instantly feel like the main character. It’s a laid-back, scenic introduction to Amsterdam that will set the mood for the rest of your trip.
Miss G’s Brunch Boat
Here’s a few more canal cruises to check out: Amsterdam canal cruise with unlimited wine and beer.
Explore the Red Light District (Yes, Really)
Welp, no first time trip to Amsterdam is complete without a tour of the Red Light District. Let’s just say it was an experience! 😳
It was a mix of culture, history, and pure “Wait, what?!” moments. While you’re there, keep in mind that it’s illegal to take photos in many parts of the district, so keep your camera tucked and your curiosity open. This is one of those places that you’ll just have to go see for yourself.
You can definitely explore the red light district on your own, but if you’d prefer a tour, there are several walking tours in the area that also offer a bit of history.
Visit Keukenhof Gardens During Tulip Season
If you find yourself visiting between March and May, run, don’t walk, to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. As a lover of all things soft and beautiful, I was absolutely blown away. The colors. The size of the gardens. The peace. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam, but even better than the photos is the actual feeling of walking through literal fields of color.
Get Hands-On at the House of BOLS Cocktail Experience
If you love mixology—or just love to sip something fancy—then you’ve got to add the House of BOLS Cocktail Experience to your itinerary. I learned to make a Pornstar Martini, a Caipinebra (a Dutch version of the famous Brazilian cocktail, Caipirinha), and an Apricot Brandy Sour, and yes, I got to drink them all. This was easily one of the most fun and interactive activities in Amsterdam for adults.
Taste Your Way Through Amsterdam on a Food Tour
One of the most surprising highlights of my trip was a walking food tour through Amsterdam. We tried eight traditional Dutch foods—including grilled cheese with Dutch cheeses, pickled herring, Dutch fries, stroopwafels, and bitterballen (a savory fried meat snack that’s way better than it sounds). If you’re a foodie looking for authentic local experiences in Amsterdam, don’t skip this tour!
We tried 8 traditional Dutch foods on the tour:
- Cheese tasting
- Grilled cheese (corn bread – Gouda, edam, cheddar)
- Herring with onions and pickles
- Kibbling (battered fish in tartar sauce- Dutch version of fish and chips)
- Stroopwafel
- Dutch fries
- Bitterballen (A Dutch meat-based snack, made by making a very thick stew thickened with roux & beef stock and loaded with meat)
- Dutch apple pie
Cheese Tasting
Herring with Onions & Pickles
The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Let’s talk food. I ate at the following restaurants and they did not disappoint! Ambience, great food & drinks? Sign me up!
✨ Restaurant Black and Blue – Delicious food and the smoothest Pornstar Martini in town. Perfect for a laid-back but elevated dinner.
✨ The Secret Garden – A romantic, plant-filled restaurant serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion that was both stunning and mouthwatering.
✨ Toos & Roos – Cozy breakfast vibes and hearty options to start your day right.
✨ Sky Bar Amsterdam – Rooftop cocktails and skyline views? Yes, please. Try the Fleur D’Amour or the Peruvian Pornstar. Both are top-tier!
The Flower Bike City Tour Was Definitely an Experience
You get the “before” pictures because after an hour and a half bike ride through the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam…baby, a sister is beat and laying down!
But let me tell you why the Flower Bike City Tour was worth it: each bike is covered in big, bright flowers, inspired by a beautiful love story between a man named Warren and his wife Michelle.
Warren’s bike-decorating began when his wife couldn’t find her bike at Amsterdam Central. Warren’s wife, Michelle has had epilepsy for years and often struggles to remember details like where she parked her bike!
To help her out, Warren decorated Michelle’s bike in bright flowers so that it would be unmissable. He then decorated a bunch of abandoned bikes, which he left along the route home so that she would never get lost again.
Isn’t that the sweetest thing ever? ❤️
Why Amsterdam Belongs on Every Black Woman’s Travel List
From tulips to tulip cocktails (shoutout to the Pornstar Martini), my time in Amsterdam was filled with joy, flavor, and freedom. As a Black woman, I felt seen, safe, and inspired. I had a great time!!
It was the kind of trip where you laugh hard, eat well, take a thousand photos, and return home refreshed. A reminder of how beautiful life is!
So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a girls’ getaway, or a well-deserved break from the everyday—trust me, Amsterdam is ready for you.
Grab your passport. Book the brunch. Order the Pornstar martini. And go!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post includes a few affiliate links. If you click and purchase an activity, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this work and the Traveling Black Women community!
