Canals, stroopwafels… and a brand-new piercing as the cutest souvenir ever! Getting pierced on holiday in Amsterdam is super popular. But before you walk into any studio, here’s what you need to know to make it stylish, safe and totally memorable. I was visiting with my best friend, and we were both a little nervous, but the team made us feel right at home.
1. Can tourists get pierced in Amsterdam?
Yes, absolutely! Just bring a valid ID or passport. Under 18? Check our minimum age page first.
2. What makes a studio safe?
- A GGD licence: proof that the studio meets official hygiene and sterilisation standards.
- Sterile, single-use needles and tools.
- Clear aftercare instructions, written down for you.
Fun fact: Piercings Works was the first studio with a GGD licence, and we’ve been piercing since 1998.
3. Do I need an appointment?
No! Walk-ins are welcome. During busy times (weekends, holidays, festivals) it’s smart to book online so you don’t have to wait.
4. What about the language?
No worries. Our team speaks several languages, usually 6, including English and Dutch. We make sure you feel understood.
We have one golden rule: we always ask for your approval first. We mark the spot, you check it out, and only after your "yes!" do we pierce. Nothing happens without your consent.
5. Is it safe to get pierced while travelling?
Yes, as long as you follow your aftercare, keep it clean and dry, and skip pools and the sea while it heals. Need aftercare on the go? Our AphraHeals wipes fit in any bag.
How to look after it
- Clean it twice a day with the AphraHeals wipe (our favourite: practical, sterile and safe). It fits in any bag, right next to your lip gloss.
- Prefer a spray? The AphraHeals aftercare spray works great too, for example at home.
- Want all AphraHeals products in one place? Visit the AphraHeals shop.
- Wash your hands first, and no twisting or playing with your jewellery. Not even when it looks this good.
- Want to read it all again in peace? Download our aftercare instructions.
Is your piercing getting red, warm or swollen, more painful instead of calmer, or does it stay inflamed? Contact your piercer or a doctor. We’re always happy to take a look.
Please note: all healing times mentioned are an indication. Healing is very personal: for some people it goes faster, for others it takes a little longer.
Healing time depends on the spot: a lobe usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks, cartilage often around 6 to 9 months or more. Healing is very personal and depends on many factors, so see these times as a guideline. More travel tips: read what’s important when you go on holiday with a piercing.
6. Which jewellery can I choose?
Titanium is the very best for fresh piercings: light and nickel-free. Gold is possible too, like 14K or 18K solid gold for a luxe look. We’ll help you choose what suits your body, your budget and your vibe. Browse our first jewellery in titanium and gold.
What clients say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what others wrote. Click a name to see the original review:
"The staff are super professional, friendly, and really make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in."
– Mishal Trivedi, Google review
"also the have a big range of jewerly for you to choose, so if you are in Amsterdam don’t hesitate!"
– Jennifer Tatiana Castañeda García, Google review
"Gui helped me and gave me great tips!" (translated from Dutch)
– Madelief Rosa, Google review
7. Visit us while you’re here
Find us at Reguliersbreestraat 46, right in the city centre, around the corner from Rembrandtplein (see the map). Questions? WhatsApp us at +31 653555143.
Want to see it first? Watch our video for tourists. We also train future piercers to work hygienically according to GGD guidelines at our piercing institute.
Why get your piercing at Piercings Works?
- Experience: we’ve been piercing since 1998, and we’ve been at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam for 22 years. That’s a lot of happy clients walking out the door.
- Hygiene: we were the first studio with a GGD licence, and the GGD re-inspects us every 3 years.
- Know-how: we’ve trained more than 100 piercers.
- You decide: we always ask for your approval first. We never do anything without your consent.
- Safe jewellery: in the studio we use internally threaded jewellery, so no thread scrapes through your fresh hole.
- One step at a time: we do a maximum of 3 piercings per visit. Even if your bestie yells "one more!"
- Questions in your own language? Our team speaks several languages, usually 6.
- Age: check our minimum age page first.
More than 2,000 reviews, piercing since 1998 and 22 years at the same location on Reguliersbreestraat 46. We’re open every day of the year from 10:30 to 22:00.
Want even more tips for your trip? Read our e-book Piercing in Amsterdam as a Souvenir? The Ultimate Amsterdam Survival Guide.
Ready for your Amsterdam souvenir? Book your appointment here or just walk in. Bring your bestie for the selfie afterwards!
FAQ for tourists
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, bring a valid ID or passport.
Can I walk in?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome every day. Booking online saves time when it’s busy.
Can I swim after my piercing?
Better not while it heals. Pools and the sea can irritate a fresh piercing.
My piercing gets red at home, what should I do?
Contact your piercer or a doctor. You can always message us a photo.
VIP with us is pure benefit, zero risk: join for €50, €100 or €200 a year and get the same amount back as a gift voucher, plus 10% off for as long as your membership runs and free piercing changes.
From Ira, with love
Ira Lutvica is co-owner of Piercings Works, which she runs together with her husband Mensur Lutvica: since 1998, and 22 years at the same spot on Reguliersbreestraat 46. Ira writes the books herself and runs the piercing course (in Dutch), where she has trained 100+ piercers. Want to know more about this topic? Read her e-book (in Dutch) Sieraad laten verwisselen?. Also read Piercings Works in the media.