Welcome to Amsterdam!
Mets Amsterdam
The METSTRADE show, in Amsterdam RAI, is the only international B2B exhibition for the marine leisure industry. It’s the perfect place to forge profitable relationships and it showcases new product launches by 1,400+ exhibitors from over 40 countries. METSTRADE show combines new products, seminars and unrivaled networking opportunities for visitors to connect across countries, technologies and industry sectors.
The SuperYacht Pavilion
The SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) at each bustling annual METS event is a destination in its own right. With its own dedicated hall, and associated educational and social networking programmes, the SYP is far more than an exhibition – it’s a superyacht experience.
I Amsterdam
The Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) is the world’s largest trade show of the international marine leisure industry. This a show close to our hearts, nestled in the heart of our very own home city of Amsterdam! The show is held in RAI, an impressive event center located in the south of the city.
Whether you’re based in the lively de Pijp neighbourhood, or the upmarket streets of Oud Zuid, Amsterdam always acts as a great host to METS attendees! As we’re based in and around the city, we know a bunch of great places to stay and visit, and our Amsterdam leisure guide is packed full of insider tips and tricks to getting the most from your time here.
Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of watching the METS grow and grow, and it’s a great feeling to see every single person in the industry working in the unique business-to-business approach of the show. With a large pavillion where the big builders boast their biggest and best superyachts as well as an array of fantastic events and seminars, the METS is an excellent opportunity to keep your network updated.
Leisure Guide
Restaurants
FOYER – 15 min. drive from RAI
Must-try! Dutch dishes with local products in one of Amsterdams lovely canal houses. Book your table NOW as this pop-up restaurant will close doors in February!
CASTELL – Leidseplein – 13 min. drive from RAI
This cosy barbecue restaurant serves brilliant steaks together with the most delicious wines. Take a seat in the lounge next to the fireplace, kitchen-view or in one of the most comfortable bar stools ever. Steaks will be served on a wooden cutting board with huge knife… Open daily (till midnight).
TAIKO (Conservatorium hotel) – Museumplein – 11 min. drive or tram 12 (20 min.) from RAI
Asian flavours meets local products. Chique, recently opened restaurant located in one of Amsterdams best hotels. Tip: make a tour in this hotel to also visit their fancy sigar shop and brilliant gin-tonic bar Tunes. Open Mon-Sat from 18:30.
HENK – city center – 16 min. drive from RAI
Pop-up restaurant (will close their doors end of Dec.!) with New York style interior, view on the popular (Prinsengracht) canal AND gin-tonic bar:). Daily open for lunch and dinner.
FOODHALLEN – Amsterdam West – 20 min. drive or tram 12 (30 min.) from RAI
Inspired by indoor food markets, this is the latest hotty in town. The best of culinary Amsterdam under one single roof. Including cinema, restaurants (try Meat West or Halte 3!), hotel De Hallen or have food and drinks at the market where several stands and bars offer their finest dishes.
VOLT – 17 min. walk from RAI
Hotspot popular by locals from the neighborhood. Vintage and industrial gastro bar with simple but tasty dishes.
RIJSEL – 10 min. drive from RAI
Serve a tasteful, pure and authentic 3-course menu that changes regularly. Very popular after the best reviews from the Dutch food critics. So you have to be a bit lucky with your reservation but worth trying! Open: Tue-Sat from 18.
FEDUZZI – 8 min. walk from RAI
No time to leave your stand for an extended lunch, go to Feduzzi! Lovely Italian sandwiches (also take away).
IZAKAYA – 7 min. drive or tram 12 (20 min.) from RAI
Best modern, Asian (Japanese) restaurant in town. Hyper modern but warm surrounding. Daily open.
RESTAURANT AS – 10 min. walk from RAI
Situated in a former chapel with a very well designed interior. Pure cooking on open fire in their outdoor kitchen. Daily open.
VISAANDESCHELDE – 6 min. walk from RAI
Best fish restaurant in Amsterdam. And better yet, it is next door! Artful dishes in a very modern surrounding. Daily open for lunch and dinner.
THE FAT DOG – 15 min. walk from RAI
Whoop whoop: hotdogs & champagne! Awesome hotdogs in all flavours, perfect after a long day at the show. What about hotdog ‘Vive la France’ with mushrooms, foie gras and truffle mayonnaise?!? Open: Wed-Sun from 12. No reservations for groups less than 8.
Drink & Dance
BOLLE JAN – Rembrandtplein
Want to experience a real Dutch bar, then definitely go to Bolle Jan. After a couple of beers, we are sure you will join in the Dutch songs, fluently! Can’t get enough? Cafe Nol in the ‘Jordaan’ is also a good option.
CLUB ABE – Amstelstraat
Classy club with a good vibe. Minimum age of 28 so don’t forget your ID;).
TALES & SPIRITS – Lijnbaanssteeg
Yes, you really get a Barbie in a bath tub filled up with one of their tasty cocktails. Go there and also try their other great cocktails made by the best cocktail shakers in town.
BAR PAUL – Reguliersdwarsstraat
Located close to THE entertainment area of Amsterdam – Rembrandtplein – this is a cosy ‘hipster’ bar, perfect for after-show drinks.
BAR OLDENHOF – Elandsgracht
Hidden surprise no. 1 sssssh. Oldenhof is an old-fashioned bar with an impressing collection of single malt whiskies and the finest wines.
DOOR 74 – Reguliersdwarsstraat
Hidden surprises no. 2 ssssh! Nicely dressed bartenders in Door 74 making unforgettable cocktails while hearing jazzy tunes. Make your reservation beforehand by texting or calling a phone number you can find on their Facebook page.
SKYLOUNGE in Doubletree hotel – Oosterdokstraat
No energy left for the dance floor? Go to this rooftop bar with the best view over Amsterdam.
DISCO DOLLY – Handboogstraat
Latest hotspot! Older crowd and open for at least 7! days per week. Don’t forget your dance shoes;).
NEIGHBOURHOOD ‘DE PIJP’
Famous because of the large amount of students, there is always something going on in this ‘hood. Try bars such as De Pilsvogel, Sarphaat, De Groene Vlinder.
D’OVERKANT – Scheldestraat
Need a drink immediately after the show, don’t wait any longer and have a beer (or 2) almost next door.
Hotels
HOTEL DWARSBoutique
THE EXCHANGECreative
VOLKSHOTELIndustrial
HOTEL DE HALLENTrendy
HOTEL NOT HOTELUnique
CONSERVATORIUM HOTELCompleteness
HOTEL SIR ALBERTBeautiful
Spare time
AMSTERDAM IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA!
· There is no better way to discover Amsterdam than on a bike! You can rent bikes everywhere so just google for the nearest rental shop.
· Amsterdam is of course world famous because of the Heineken beer. Visit the brewery or in case you think that is too touristic (and it is!) visit the newer breweries ‘Brouwerij Troost’ or ‘Brouwerij ‘t IJ’.
· Not far away from the RAI you will find the outdoor market Albert Cuyp. Definitely worth visiting during your trip in Amsterdam where you can find almost everything in a very low price range.
· A new popular men activity is visiting a barber shop. Having a hair-cut while enjoying a whiskey. Try the Barber Shop at the Elandsgracht. The ladies can visit one of Amsterdams massage salons like the latest hotspot Het Massagehuys or visit the City Spa.
· With a lot of heritage a museum visit is a must. Tips: Rijksmuseum (then also try their recently opened in-museum restaurant Rijks), Foam, Stedelijk Museum.
· Ignore the crowdie shopping streets and turn left to the ‘Negen Straatjes’. 9 streets full of small boutiques!
· Quartier Putain is a really nice coffee bar (not a shop!) with a creative music area on the 1st floor. And even better is the location; the Red Light District. Finally a good reason to visit this area…