We are going to Amsterdam in May, the hotel and flights are all booked up. Four of us are going, we are all in our 50's. Has anybody got any tips where we can go in the evenings? Anything unsusual, anything to look out for? Shall we try the "smokes" (wink wink)? (We never have before). Also, does anyone know if its possible to cycle to the bulb fields and how far it would be?

I don't know where you live, but you can expect Amsterdam in May to be still pretty cool, so take a sweater or light jacket or both, along with an umbrella.

It is possible to rent bikes from the train stations in Haarlem or Leiden- both short and frequent train rides from Amsterdam. The bulb fields are mainly located in between. The local tourist centres have route maps for cycling.

If you travel in early or mid-May, the Keukenhof Gardens will be still in full bloom. But the flowers in the fields are usually be-headed ealier, to keep the nutrition in the bulbs.

I like the square in the Leidseplein district in the evenings. There's lots of different restaurants nearby and sometimes street performers (I saw an amazing couple of fire eaters/dancers).

Personally I wouldn't bother with the 'coffeeshops' (smoking) if it's not something you have done before or usually do at home.

After you arrive pick up the free entertainment magazines you'll find around town, there's tons to do depending on your interests... plays, movies, music, performances, etc. etc.

I would definitely not rent a bicycle within Amsterdam because it is NOT for rookies (but like the idea if you can rent them at the train station in a smaller less congested town).

I'm not a prude but you shouldn't indulge (or at least <i>over</i>-indulge) if you are not accustomed to it; strengths and effects can vary. You could go in and have a drink or a coffee, if you just want to see what's it's about...

We have rented bikes in Amsterdam - the first time, I freaked out about the traffic and turned bike back in within about 10 minutes. The second time, I was nearly hit by a fast-moving tram - it passed in front of me within 3 feet, I'm not kidding. Smaller towns are better, or stick to Vondelpark and some back streets.

You can go to the cinema at Leidseplein and enjoy a beer during the movie. There is a comedy club (English) called &quot;Boom Chicago&quot; that is supposed to be very good, and you can include dinner (or not), also at Leidseplein.

You can take an evening canal boat cruise - the little bridges have lights and it's quite pretty.

I can't imagine riding a bike in Amsterdam. I just try to remember to stay OUT of the bike lane. Third visit and I think I've almost got it.

In May definately take the train and then catch the bus for the Keukenhof Gardens. You won't be able to describe how beautiful they are.

As for coffee shops, that is entirely your decision. If you choose to indulge ask the staff for the WEAKEST weed. Marijuana is much more potent that it was in the days of our youth. Nevertheless we endulge when in Amsterdam. Be sure to buy munchies. Life is good and that is dessert!

I have been to Amsterdam many times and never rode a bike and don't intend on it..However, there are bike trips you can take out of Amsterdam in the country....
www.letsgo-amsterdam.com/
We are taking the one that you ride through the tulips, but that only runs in April.
There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam...Shopping, eating, musueums, night life, roaming around the streets, it is endless...
As others have stated, pot is stronger than what it once was, so if you do indulge, be careful, a few hoots should do..It is worth it even if you don't smoke just to enter a few coffeeshops, have a coffee or whatever to drink..Some of them are really neat inside..Definately pop in at a few of them and then you will see what I mean....Have fun.

Too bad you didn't book for a day earlier. April 30 is Queen's Day and the biggest one-day all-city party I've ever attended, three times.

The Keukenhof flower garden should be open until the middle of May. You can bicycle from Haarlem or Leiden station, and rent a &quot;fiets&quot; in either station. I've pedaled from Haarlem and it is a nice ride, if the weather is good. Buy a map from the VVV tourist office at the station. From Amsterdam I would not recommend it under any conditions.

In Amsterdam, always look out for pickpockets. They will be looking out for you also.

If you need the weed you'll have no trouble finding it.

For hanging out, the Leidseplein and Rembrantplein are popular places with plenty of cafes (aka, bars). I prefer the Spui. Try the Cafe Luxembourg (also good for lunch) and the Hoppe, my long time favorite for meeting the locals.

I would definately recommend the Amsterdam Pass, which is available at the VVV directly across from Central Station or at the VVV on the Leidesplein. It is good for admission to most museums in Amsterdam (except Anne Frank House), two canal crusies (do one by day, one by night) and transportation on the trams and buses. You can purchase a 2, 3 or 4 day pass. Two years ago the cost was E36.00 for a two day pass, and it was well worth the money.

Just a hint - when you visit the Anne Frank House, schedule it for later in the evening (they are open 9:00-21:00) to avoid the long lines. We were there at 17:00 and walked right in. The Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic) is a delightful little church that should not be missed (on the Ams. Pass). And walk through the Red Light District by day (and again by night, IMO, to compare the difference). And a visit to the Marijuana/Hash Museum and the Sex Museum can be quite educational and fun. And don't forget the Waterlooplein Flea Market. And perhaps a bouquet of flowers at the Bloemen Market on the Singel for your hotel room.

Some websites that you can visit on Amsterdam include:

www.channels.nl
www.amsterdamhotspots.nl
www.bmz.amsterdam.nl

If you do decide to partake in the coffeeshop experience, please be warned that the pre-rolled joints that many coffeeshops sell are marijuana mixed with tobacco. And remember, tobacco has been proven to be addictive and can cause death.

Have fun in Amsterdam and watch out for the bikes. Peace. &gt;-

Robyn

if you're so inclined a visit to the amsterdam casino on the max euwe plein is a little different experience.

i'm not a big fan of the leidesplein which i find somewhat seedy and surrounded with overpriced and under quality cafes, bars and restaurants.

i second the suggestion of the area around the spui as a happier alternative. the rembrandtplein is okay but somewhat more subdued at night altho my favorite bar, the cafe lusthof is just up the street from the concertgebouw.

i always recommend a visit to cafe bern for the funky atmoshere and the fabulous fondue. you should also try ristafel at an indonesian restaurant. two of my favorites are kantjil de tiger and orient.

If you are curious about smoking for the first time in an Amsterdam coffee shop, you may want to stop by the Cannibas College, which has a lot of interesting information (and for a small charge, will let you into the &quot;garden&quot; where they were growing 5 of the most incredible cannibas plants I have ever seen. Wow! The people are really nice and happy to talk about anything you might want to know.