Some come for:
- the canals,
- coffeeshops,
- nightlife,
- museums,
- tattoos,
- or the city’s unique atmosphere.
But more and more travellers are now taking home something very different:
a piercing as a memory of their trip.
From Amsterdam to Budapest and from Rome to Barcelona:
body art has become part of the travel experience for many young travellers.
At Piercings Works, we see tourists from all over the world every day who consciously choose to get a piercing during their stay in Amsterdam.
And honestly?
We completely understand it.
A piercing travels with you much longer than a fridge magnet ever will.
Amsterdam in 2026: freedom… but with rules
Amsterdam is globally known for being:
- open-minded,
- creative,
- alternative,
- and free.
But the old idea that “anything goes” is no longer true.
In 2025 and 2026, many rules in Amsterdam have become stricter:
- coffeeshop regulations,
- Red Light District policies,
- street drinking fines,
- and tourism enforcement.
That’s exactly why more travellers are now looking for:
- trustworthy information,
- safe studios,
- and professional guidance.
Especially when they want to get a piercing or tattoo while travelling.
Why people get piercings while travelling
Travelling is often about:
- freedom,
- spontaneous decisions,
- new experiences,
- and creating memories.
A piercing fits perfectly into that feeling.
For many people, a piercing symbolises:
- a new chapter,
- a solo trip,
- personal growth,
- freedom,
- or simply a moment where they felt truly alive.
That’s why people around the world get piercings during:
- city trips,
- backpacking journeys,
- festivals,
- holidays,
- or long travels across Europe.
Some clients still say years later:
“I got that piercing during my first trip to Amsterdam.”
or:
“That was during my solo journey through Europe.”
That makes a piercing far more personal than a standard souvenir.
Why Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities for piercings
Amsterdam is internationally known for:
- tattoos,
- body art,
- creative expression,
- fashion,
- and alternative culture.
Because of that, the city has become the perfect place for many tourists to:
- get their first piercing,
- start a curated ear,
- or finally get that septum, nostril or navel piercing.
At Piercings Works, visitors from:
- the United States,
- Germany,
- France,
- Italy,
- Scandinavia,
- Asia,
- and Australia
come in daily for piercings during their stay in Amsterdam.
Some book in advance.
Others walk in spontaneously during their city trip.
How to recognise a safe piercing studio in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is full of tourist-focused shops.
But not every studio works at the same professional level.
In the Netherlands, professional piercing studios must be registered with the GGD (Public Health Service).
What should you look for?
✔ Visible GGD certificate
✔ Single-use sterile needles
✔ Implant-grade titanium ASTM F-136
✔ Professional aftercare guidance
✔ Experienced piercers
✔ Strong reviews and portfolio
✔ Clean, separated piercing room
Be careful with:
“piercing in 5 minutes” tourist trap shops.
Especially around:
- Damrak,
- Kalverstraat,
- and heavily touristic areas.
Which piercings do tourists choose most often?
Popular choices while travelling include:
✔ Helix piercing
✔ Tragus piercing
✔ Septum piercing
✔ Navel piercing
✔ Nostril piercing
✔ Flat piercing
✔ Conch piercing
✔ Curated ear styling
Titanium jewellery is especially popular because it is:
- lightweight,
- comfortable,
- hypoallergenic,
- and easier to care for while travelling.
Is it smart to get a piercing during your holiday?
That depends on:
- your schedule,
- climate,
- travel plans,
- and activities.
New piercings require:
- rest,
- proper hygiene,
- and correct aftercare.
That’s why it’s important to think about:
- swimming,
- sun exposure,
- festivals,
- backpacking,
- or long flights.
Professional studios will always give honest advice.
Sometimes:
“waiting a little longer”
is smarter than getting pierced impulsively.
Coffeeshops, nightlife & tourist rules in Amsterdam
Many visitors combine their piercing experience with:
- nightlife,
- coffeeshops,
- festivals,
- and the Red Light District.
But Amsterdam has become stricter.
Important rules in 2026:
✔ Minimum age for coffeeshops = 18
✔ Maximum 5 grams of cannabis per day
✔ No tobacco smoking inside coffeeshops
✔ No drinking alcohol in public city centre zones
✔ No photos of sex workers (€95 fine)
✔ Avoid street dealers — products are often fake or dangerous
Amsterdam remains open-minded —
but the city now expects more respect from visitors as well.
Why tourists choose Piercings Works
Many travellers look for:
- safety,
- clear explanations,
- good aftercare,
- and professional jewellery.
At Piercings Works, tourists often choose:
- implant-grade titanium,
- experienced piercers,
- professional guidance,
- sterile procedures,
- and a studio located right in the centre of Amsterdam.
The team also helps travellers with:
- healing advice,
- travel aftercare,
- downsizing,
- and jewellery recommendations for life on the road.
A piercing lasts longer than a souvenir
A piercing is more than jewellery.
For many people, it becomes:
- a memory,
- a story,
- a feeling,
- or a small chapter of their life.
From Amsterdam to Budapest.
From Rome to Barcelona.
From city trips to backpack adventures.
Maybe this time you won’t take home a magnet.
But a piercing.
Ready for a piercing in Amsterdam?
At Piercings Works, you can easily book online or simply walk in during your stay in the city.
Piercings Works
Reguliersbreestraat 46, Amsterdam
Open daily from 10:30 AM until 10:00 PM
Because some souvenirs end up forgotten in a drawer.
And others… stay with you for life.