Top 10 spring break destinations - Amsterdam

Head out for some no-holds-barred vacationing at these popular spring break hot spots.

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Introduction

Spring break time is almost here, sounding the signal for some no-holds-barred vacationing — as such, we've concocted a list of the best destinations to party during this raucous time off. For some of us, this short break is an excuse to visit the world’s most salacious spots, where illicit activities, like underage drinking and access to red-light districts, are more popular than sightseeing.

You'll find plenty of forbidden fruit on offer in a liberal European capital, a Thai island, and, closer to home, a Canadian city — a trio which, notwithstanding, is known to offer a good dose of culture, too. For those content with the spring break destination staples of beaches, bikinis, and beer, we’ve counted two homegrown beach cities that make the grade and, of course, a Caribbean and Mexico option.

Rounding out our list are some unexpected spots, however, including something for do-gooders, a final ski getaway, and a desert-fringed lake in America’s Southwest. Party on!

Amsterdam

Some come for the tulips, some come for the weed, but whatever’s on the vegetative agenda, visitors to this freewheeling  spring break destination often find themselves mesmerized by the city’s free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. With a Dutch policy structured on controlling what it can’t efficiently outlaw, such illegalized American no-nos as marijuana (widely available in Amsterdam's ubiquitous coffeeshops) or even prostitution (witness the notorious Red Light District) are permitted and regulated here.

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Additionally, the legal drinking age for beer is 16 (and even that is rarely enforced), giving the under-21 crowd full access to the stellar nightlife scene and all its libations, in trendy cafés, cozy “brown” bars (neighborhood watering holes), and clubs highlighting top international DJs.

For those preferring to steer clear of such illicit temptations, spring’s warm days in this Venice of the North are also tailor-made for strolling the 1,000-plus bridges that span the city’s 160 canals — whether they lead you to a Van Gogh painting or to fulfill your hankering for a hashish-filled hookah or cold Heineken (the Dutch beer’s brewery is open for tours in town) is entirely up to you.

.....   to be continued ......

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