Planning trip to amsterdam? ?

Question

I am planning on going to amsterdam next summer with a friend of mine. After doing some research though, alot of people say it is not what its hyped up to be. Is it true there are lots of drunk ppl that walk around the red light district, or that its not as fun as ppl would think it is. Any opinions thanks.

Answer 1

I think as usually, negative reports are more recognized than positive ones. When I was in Amsterdam, although 20 years ago, I found a wonderful city with all that historic places. Musea to look at, as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frankhuis were wonderful. Also the bloemenmarket was worth a vist. Things may have changed, but I do not think so. Everybody is talking about drugs and red light district, but the main tourist interests are others.

This is just an opinion of a German, being to Amsterdam long time ago. Hopefully Dutch Yahoo Contributors as Willeke or Bla Bla will be able to provide more detailed information.  

Answer 2

Ignore all the adverse comments - you'll get those for any city or town or destination you could think of.

Amsterdam is a great city with - quite literally - something to suit all tastes ! Go for it - it's a wonderful place to spend a few days

Answer 3

How you experience Amsterdam depends on what you expect and how well prepare yourself for that.

If you just want to use the relative freedom in respect of drugs, whores and alcohol it is likely to be less than satisfactory, but I do speak as a non user here.

Amsterdam is a nice, not too big, city with a big town feel to it.

There is a lot in the way of museums, sights and shopping, but it is not Paris or London.

If you like museums, a good look at a good list and you can make your selection.

If you want out of town entertainment, see the countryside or villages, a little planning brings you that.

But come to Amsterdam unprepared and you can easily miss those.

I think the hype around the red light district is a hype and you are right about many people being disappointed about it. And the groups roaming around drunk or stoned do not make it better.

On the other hand, as a town I like Amsterdam, much to do. Even after visiting it all my life I still find new things to do, new places to visit.

I think this site is good for preparation, a lot of links inside and out of it.

http://www.amsterdam.info/

Answer 4

Have been there recently.

Its safe and wonderful.

RLD - its too small, and i couldnot find it so interesting, so i may not got there again.

If you are planning to go for a show..go with time in hand to bargain. once in,  you can be there for hours, but for sure you will be out in minutes.

Its mainly on an individual, to decide what experience you want from a place, and accordingly you choose the places to visit. After all its your choice. + and - is with all the places.

Answer 5

Amsterdam is fabulous, don't listen to those who say otherwise.

There are drunks walking around every city in the world, but the red light area is so small (maybe a small city block) and not even a big deal here. I'm a female that has walked and biked Amsterdam many many times and have never had any problems.

Besides the more intelligent views on s*x and weed, the country has lots to offer. It is steeped in history and is very beautiful, with lots to see and do.  

Answer 6

Actually, Amsterdam is what you make it.

If you hang around drunk people, then yes, you will see drunk people.

Thankfully, there is a lot more to the city than some silly drunks and some tourists on a drug trip.

Besides the obvious, besides the interesting (as stated, for example, by Willeke) a good point about Amsterdam is the fact that the rest of the country is within easy reach by public transport.

Visit Haarlem? Sure, 20 minutes by train.

Go to Rotterdam - you`re there within an hour.

There are a lot of curious little shops - a british specialty shop nicely hidden next to a huge comic store for example.

I think that Amsterdam is a nice city, and if you act normal you`ll have a good time.