Robyn- thank you again very much for the info.

PennyRoyal- thanks for your tip. Just in case you're curious, "Tempo Doloe" means "Old Time" in Indonesian :)

One other market my husband reminded me of...

The Thorbeckeplein, just off the Rembrandtplein - Artist's market held on Sundays.

We found this on our 2001 trip, and purchased a few pieces of original artwork. I'd much rather support another artist instead of some souvenir shop. Learned from one of the artists that the City of Amsterdam provides the stall for free (with canopy cover) to help promote the arts. I LOVE this concept...something I've never seen here in the United States. Peace.

Robyn

In the summer, there are free concerts in the Vondelpark in the evening. That would be a wonderful way to spend one of your Amsterdam nights.

You aren't fooling anybody, dutchtraveladvisor!

Once again, DutchTravelAdvisor, you have been reported to Fodors.

Has the Stedelijk Museum re-opened? It was closed for renovations when I was there a month ago, but I'm not sure the schedule for completion.

As already mentioned, part of the Rijksmuseum is also closed, but what is open and exhibited is definitely worth seeing.

the netherlands- Shame on you! Every one of your posts on this board has to do with dutch travel advisor!

I've been there many times as I had a relative living there.

I really recommend at least one canal boat tour and maybe two, one by day and one by night. Amsterdam doesn't really
have a lot of major monuments, as Paris or London does; what it has is beautiful 17th century houses on canals,
to be enjoyed as a walker-by or from a boat.

Also - if you'd like a glimpse of the red light district without the possible discomfort of feeling you are staring at people (the ladies) - after dark you can glide by on a canal boat and experience the overall atmosphere of this aspect of Amsterdam.

I second the idea of stepping into a "coffeeshop" whether you intend to indulge in the herb or not. It's a real experience to just sit in one (they all serve beverages) and observe how low-key this aspect of life in Amsterdam can be. Imagine perusing an actual menu, discussing your choice with a knowledgeable vendor, and paying just as if you were purchasing a bottle of wine or a cheese. Just stay out of the sleazy-looking places in the RLD, choose a nice establishment in the Canal District or the Jordaan.

Try the restaurant called "The Antelope and the Tiger" for Indonesian food. Also-the Stedelijk Museum is not open yet.

Thank you everyone for the replies :) I've been taking notes dilligently of the places that I'd definitely try to check out. Now I wish that I had more time to spend in Amsterdam. Maybe next year ...

The Stedelijk Museum now has a temporary location near Centraal Station: Post CS: at the Oosterdoksdijk. (It's the old mail distribution centre)