Just booked a trip to Amsterdam?

Question

I just booked a trip to Amsterdam, I am going for the coffee shops and the night life, the women just a bit of fun really with a pal. Anyone else been? Any advice on how to have a good time? Also is it much different in the week to the weekend?

Answer 1

Actually, its not much different from week to weekend- there is such a steady stream of activity- you will never tire or get bored.  

I am a woman who has been to Amsterdam a dozen times, and I still have fun in the bars that surround the red-light district.   Don't let the taboo of it keep you from frequenting the neighborhood.  You will see- the young and the old are in the bars, cafes, walking the streets- its a blast!

For points of interest- across from the train station, the vvv tourist information is there - take a number and they will inform you of all the activities going on at the time.

Whether your are there to party or museum hop  - Please, please, please don't miss the Anne Frank House.  It is an unforgettable place, one that no human should miss.

Answer 2

Here is some advice. It is not true that you can smoke in front of a police officer or in otherwise non-designated establishments. Most hotels have a no drug policy. There are places like Smokey's on Rembrandstplein where you can order beer and smoke as well, but the majority of shops don't sell alcohol, they sell coffee or tea.  There are very modern shops and very antiquated shops.

Eat the Vlaamse frites (french fries)...and check out all of the Middle Eastern fast foods. Heineken is brewed fresh...so is Grolsch...a much different taste, and far more bubbly than you might be accustomed to.

Make no deals on the streets. Watch your wallet...get one that hooks to your belt, and turn the wallet inside to your waist on the strap itself.

(smile) NOBoDY uSES AMErICAN EXPrESS...YoU wILL HAVE TO TAKE THE CHeQueS tO AN AE EsTABLISMENT To TRaDE FoR EuROs (smile)

...and it's a pain finding their locations. Reason? AE charges too much to shopkeepers. Some may accept it, but roughly 95% (and more) of the time it's a "Sorry, we do not accept American Express". Use the ATMs...you may have to spend a few bucks more, or use a debit card or Visa.

The best time to be had is exploring and taking pictures of the canals and blooming trees. The sun is out quite late during the summer. Bike.

Rent a car a take a day trip along the Dutch coast, as the Dutch summertime destination is Zeeland.

Go to the zoo and the planetarium (Artis)...I'll bet that if you are mildly zonked, you will see stuff in the zoo that you never have seen before. In one building they have pickled people. The planetarium is one of the newest and biggest on the planet.....

There's stuff to do, take a trip to The Hague...check out the beehive modern Dutch buildings, or 10 Bosch where the royal family lives...check out their backyard through the bushes and security fence...some old guy might be mowing the lawn. Have a good stay....and don't walk in the bike lanes :) ring-ding!