TOP 10 EUROPEAN PARTY SPOTS

#10 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

PIC: an Amsterdam 'coffeeshop'

Long reknowned as one of Europe's hedonism capitals, the party vibe in Amsterdam can be quite different to the rest of the cities on this list. Whilst there are definitely wild, boozy nights to be had, Amsterdam's party tends to be more chilled out.

Perhaps we can put this down to the coffeeshops and the mellow highs they sell to the millions of tourists who pass through the Dutch capital every year. (Of course, there are moves afoot to restrict tourist access to these cofeeshops, so if smoking weed in Amsterdam is on your to-do list, you may need to get a hurry on!)

Much of what you are able to do, or see, in Amsterdam is forbidden, or taboo, in most other countries and, perhaps even more famous than Amsterdam's liberal attitude towards drugs ('Gedoogbeleid' in Dutch), is its red light district. In just a short walk around the neon-lit, cobble-stoned, sinner's haven, you will pass many prostitutes all plying their trade behind glass windows.

The opportunity to view all manner of 'live sex' is another rarity that many might only have the opportunity to see, legally, in Amsterdam. The sex shows range from 'classed-up' theatrical performances for €40 through to seedy, peep-show performances at €2 for 2 minutes.

For a more traditional night out, Amsterdam also has many bars and clubs in which to get your drink on.

Your standard Amsterdam drinking establishment is known, in Dutch, as a bruine. This translates to a brown bar or cafe and is not to be confused with the afore-mentioned coffeeshops. Pot is not sold, or tolerated, on these premises.

For later in the night, most of the better cubs are centred around the Canal Ring. 'Melkweg' (previously a milk factory), 'Sugarfactory' ( unsurprisingly, previously a sugar refinery) and 'Paradise' (a one-time Church) all alternate in feel between 'club' and 'live music' depending on the night, but are all amongst the best venues in Amsterdam.