Amsterdam...1.5 days...what would YOU do?
 

My husband and I will be in Amsterdam for 1.5 days on a short layover. In that time frame...what would you do/see/experience?

*background: mid 30's...love amazing food/restaurants...adventure...shopping

We are looking for places to see, places to eat at, and a wonderful hotel to stay at.

Thoughts?

If you are at all into shopping, Amsterdam is one of the most fun and inexpensive places to shop in Europe in my experience. Amazing food and restaurants are much harder to come by. As for adventure, rent a bike, or at least a bike taxi, a pedal boat on the canal (weather permitting), and I love going to the Tuschinski theater for a movie, or getting my hair cut at a tony shop (like tony and guy's!).

There is also no end of legal vice in Amsterdam, but can't give you any personal recommendations.

Bookmarking for spring '10. Have fun!

agree with zeppole about food.
Canal tour is always a good idea. Weather permitting - just walk around...

Indonesian food is the thing in Amsterdam, there are many restaurants, from basic to posh. I would stay in a centrally located hotel converted from old canal houses, maybe the Pulitzer or the Canal House Hotel. Adventure abounds, and it is legal in Amsterdam!

With a short timeframe I'd also suggest making your own walking tour... Central area, RLD, then Leidseplein and Vondelpark areas. I didn't have very good luck with food in Amsterdam so can't help there. A boat canal tour is one thing I didn't do that I would definitely add next time.

Awesome start! Thanks for your tips! I will keep researching based on your advice and be back with more questions soon ;)

I have taken candlelight cruise 3 times and loved it.
http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/des...d=1054&sid=586

the core of Amsterdam isnt that big so it is walkable if you are reasonably fit. There is area called 9 streets that is fun shopping. http://www.theninestreets.com

Have you decided where you are staying?
I love the Jordaan area.

haven't decided yet where we are staying...still looking. Would it make sense to stay close to the airport since we get in at 10:30am and leave the following day at 8:45pm? Or could we swing staying in the city for a more in depth feel to the city?

Stay in the city. It will be cheaper and much nicer than staying out at the airport. It is only a short train ride away, but with only one night you may want to explore the city and it's nightlife - and you can't do that if you have to get a train back to the airport. Only hotels actually at Schiphol make sense if you do opt for staying out there - others will be hard to reach by public transport from the city.
Make sure you are back at Schiphol in plenty of time fro your flight.