Sorry - I will be gone before then. Thanks for the kind offer, though. I'll post my Amsterdam experience during that week, and I look forward to hearing yours as well. Cheers!

Go to the bullfrog coffee shop, I hear it is the BEST. I will definately visit it when I go to Amersterdam.

Funtraveller, hurry hurry to get a hotel.. there is an annual convention in Amsterdam every September, I believe it is between Sept 14-20 this year. I had to scoot my arrival out a week (arriving 9/22) in order to have any choice of accommodations.

donnae_b, you sure you don't mean Bulldog?

If you are talking about the Bulldog, I do not think they are the best in Amsterdam (there are several locations)..They are overpriced and touristy, however, the one in Leidsplein has some glass covered seating that allows you to people watch..But that is about the best thing about it. And regarding the convention, I believe the last day of it is September 17th..That is the day I arrive in Amsterdam and I think the hotel I am staying at said that that was the last day of the convention..Have fun anyhow..

Agreeing with Tracy, Bulldog is far from the best choice, if a 'coffeeshop' is what you're seeking.

I was just trying to straighten it out for Donna, so she (or someone else) wasn't trying to find a "Bullfrog".

www.bulldog.nl

Does anyone know if there is a dinner cruise on the canal like they have in Paris or London on the beautue (or something like that)??? We are also looking for greek or french restaurant recommendations that do not require a jacket and tie. Thank you!

Don't avoid the 'red light district' It's full of giggling people, who point.
The positive side is that Welsh-men can feel liberated, to wholly appreciate sheep in a clean and welcoming atmosphere.For once!

The sex museum is good fun: a little known fact is that on wednesday mornings they have a swap! I took a few 'items' along too, they said "This one, is of particular interest" ..and promptly purchased it from me, you can see it dangling from the mantel in the main room.
It's great fun to just sit in the cafe's and enjoy the tooing and frowings. I had 7 or 8 hash cakes - followed by a joint-of-the-day - after this, Amsterdam was just a blurrr..

Hi Funtraveller,
I went to Amsterdam alone 5 years back when I was 21. I loved that place.
I think you can keep yourself very busy with all the museums - Van Gogh, Tropen etc.
You should check out the RDL. I went there with a friend not for its perversness but just to see what it was like. I found it funny! Trust me..I have heard the same from others.

There are lot of good rest. in the DAM area, from what I recall. The pubs in DAM and Spuii were pretty good and they seemed to be safe.

I also took the Boat ride in the night from Dam/Spuii and it was great.

Also I think there is a tram (#20, 5 years back) that took you around the city. You may want to check that. Also careful of the Coffee Shops, if you havent already heard of it.

Have a good trip,
Raman

Thanks everyone for your comments. I booked my hotel thanks to the prompting to get that done ASAP while there were still rooms in the city. Thanks for the coffee shop commentaries. I don't smoke the stuff, and am more interested in sitting, drinking & watching the tooing and froeing, so I'll look for the other place. TRAVELAD: I'll look for your item while I'm there! So excited about this trip. I was told the canalboats are also an excellent way to get around. Any comments.....

OOps. I mean PLAYLAD....I'll look for your item.....