Amsterdam
 

How many days do you need to hang out in Amsterdam? I would like to see the Red light district, smoke in cafes and ride in a boat on the canal. HELP!

That is a modest enough agenda that three nights should be fine. Of course, you can always stay longer and see and do more. :o)

In that case, you may never want to leave..

Take at least three days and think of them as an initial visit. The Van Gogh museum should be added to your list, IMHO. Enjoy!

I stayed 5 nights at the beginning of a Euro-vacation last summer. That was about right for me. I highly recommend the Leidseplein for 'coffeeshops', street performers, etc. Central area and red light district were OK but one walk around was enough to satisfy. But around Leidseplein, Vondelpark, well that neighborhood was just the *best*.

We'll be in Amsterdam mid-April for 6 nights. It's our first time. We think this should be enough time. We plan to spend 1 day in Brugges Belgium.

The 3 things you mention could all be done in just 1 day. I'm certainly not recommending that, but Amsterdam is fairly compact and those entertainments are perhaps 1 hour each (unless you go to the coffeeshop first, then things might take a bit longer) LOL<BR>