Amsterdam Recreation And Gambling

Sometimes the endless stream of interesting art, cozy bruin cafes, and picturesque canals can get overwhelming. When this happens, you may feel the need to blow off some steam. Amsterdam can make that happen, whether you let it out by furiously hitting a small ball in a squash court, cranking a slot machine, or living vicariously through the athletes of Ajax.

Squash City, Ketelmakerstraat 6 (☎062 678 83; www.squashcity.com), This large gym complex on the IJ near Centraal Station has squash courts, two floors of fitness equipment, group lessons (spinning, Pilates, yoga, and more), and personal trainers. It also offers a sauna (free for members), restaurant, and bar. Bus #18, 21, or 22 to Buiten Oranjestraat. You'll see Squash City across the road from there. Monthly memberships from €35, single visits from €10.50. Open M-Th 7:30am-midnight, F 7:30am-11:30pm, Sa-Su 8:45am-8pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Het Marnix, Marnixplein 1 (☎052 460 00; www.hetmarnix.nl), In the site of a former bathhouse, this highly modern large sports complex has a great view of the old Jordaan. Marnix holds two swimming pools, courts for all kinds of sports, and a luxurious spa. Group classes for aerobics by land and by sea are available. Tram #3 or 10 to Marnixplein. Prices vary by subscription; single visit to pools €3.70. Make sure to bring your own towel. Open M-F 7am-10pm, Sa-Su 7am-7pm. Check website for specific schedules, as classes sometimes interfere with public use. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Holland Casino Amsterdam, Max Euweplein 62 (☎052 111 11; www.hollandcasino.nl), If the rest of Leidseplein doesn't provide enough debauchery for you, head into this stylish casino to try your hand at slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. All of the casino's profits go to the Dutch treasury, but that doesn't mean it's any easier to hang onto your money. There's another branch at Schiphol Airport if you have some time to kill before your flight. Another dozen are scattered throughout Amsterdam. Tram #1, 2, 5, 7, or 10 to Leidseplein. Walk down Weteringschans and make a right under the colonnade into Max Euweplein. 18+. Admission €5. After that, good luck. Open daily noon-3am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Amsterdam ArenA, ArenA Bld. 1 (☎031 113 33; www.amsterdamarena.nl), This stadium is the home turf of Amsterdam's beloved Ajax football (soccer) team. Unfortunately, the only way to get tickets to a game when you're outside of the Netherlands is to buy a fairly expensive hospitality package through the Ajax website; it includes a tour of the stadium, food and drink, a souvenir, etc. If you are in the country, however, you can either buy tickets at the stadium on game day (keeping in mind that the games, especially those against the larger Dutch city teams, often sell out) or call to find out when ticket pre-sales will begin, then buy the tickets at any shop in the city that is part of the TicketBox network. There are a number of rules for who can buy tickets and when those tickets can be purchased depending on the game, so it's advised that you call and figure out the specifics for the game you want to attend. If you'd like to get a taste of Ajax outside of football season, tours introducing you to the “World of Ajax” are given daily at the stadium. In the city's southern suburbs. Bijlmer Arena. Follow signs for stadium. Game tickets from €30. Tour €12. Open daily 11am-4:30pm. Tours offered daily 4-7pm, depending on season. Check website for specific times. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.