My husband and I have planned a romantic getaway to Amsterdam four days in mid-November. Should we explore the city, or are there any must sees outside the city? This is our first trip there. I know it will be cold and windy. Just happy to have some private time away from three teenagers!

amsterdam is a place i would visit anytime of the year. stay at the grand hotel, excellent place and a great location. i would spend all four days in amsterdam, just perfect amount of time, and WALK, no rental car!!! all cabs at the airport are mercedes so don't book a ride ahead of time, super easy. it will be windy!!

I was in Amsterdam for the first time this summer (solo, female, 48). I particularly liked the neighborhoods of & around Leidseplein and Vondelpark (hear the Jordaan is nice too).<BR><BR>I mention this because the true central area around the train station, the Dam, the red light district... well without sounding rude I didn't like it very much. Gray and dreary.<BR><BR>I spent 5 days, all within town, only on foot. That worked out fine for me. Enjoy!

Like others who have responded, I too would recommend you stay in the city. In the summer months, bike rides in the country are nice though.<BR><BR>Amsterdam is a very romantic city. I have found November especially nice since there are far fewer tourists. The Jordan, as noted, is lovely to wander. If you do, stop in for a drink and/or lunch at Cafe't Smalle (Egelantiersgracht 12). It's a classic "brown bar" with lots of charm. Location wise, it's just around the corner from the Anne Frank House. The West Kirk (West Church) is also in the area. Once can take a tour of the bell tour that affords fantastic views of the city.<BR><BR>Romantic meals? Try Cafe Roux in the Grand Hotel (very upscale French). Thier prix fix dinner is a bargain (lunch, I have heard, is nice as well). Other, more off beat, but very nice restaurants include d'theeboom at Singel 210, and my new favorite, Lulu at Runstraat 8. All of these are listed in DK's Amsterdam guidebook.<BR><BR>If you have not booked a hotel (chances are you have), my favorite is the Seven Bridges, a small B&B just off Rembrandt Square (but far enoough to be away from the sometimes crowded scene). It's a lovely little canal house, with the larger rooms overlooking the canals, all with antiques and lots of privacy (there are no "common" rooms, bars, or eating areas--your breakfast is served on English china to your room) Prices are very reasonable. They are also featured in the DK guide as well as Virgin's travel guide to Amsterdam.<BR><BR>I myself will be back November 10th, and can't wait! Let me know if you have any questions.

What's on in Amsterdam in mid-November (a small selection):<BR><BR>"American Beauty" from the Dtroit Institute of Arts; Van Gogh Museum<BR><BR>"Marc Chagall and the Jewish Theatre" Jewish History Museum<BR><BR>"Mozart and Opera in the Netherlands" Theatre Museum<BR><BR>"Stealing loaves from the bears: Artis Zoo during the war" Resistance Museum<BR><BR>"The Wealth of the Stroganoffs - The story of a Russian family" New Church, Dam<BR><BR>"Le Corbusier meets Berlage", Berlage Stock Exchange Building<BR><BR>"The Nose", opera by Shostakovich, Opera House<BR><BR>and try these:<BR> <BR>www.visitamsterdam.nl<BR>www.holland.com<BR>ww w.noord-holland-tourist.nl<BR>

We were in Amsterdam the week of 10/06.Temperature was 50 degrees and breezy. Do walk about the city, take a canal cruise;yellow bbike tours are still operating. We enjoyed the Rijksmuseum,dinner at the Pulitzer hotel(Sheraton) and the Anne Frank haus.On Day 3 we drove 1 hour to visit the castle in Zeist;the pleasant town of Amerogen and the little market in Elst(a gem of a find!-purchase cheese and wines there!)From the market it was a 10-12 minute walk to the edge of the Rhine River. From Elst, we went to the National forest and tucked in there is the Kroeller-Muller Museum where among the many displays are Picasso and Van Gogh. Day 3 was an unexpected treat!

I was in Amsterdam in march with my boyfriend and I thoroughly recommend the Redarji lovers cruise (Its a candlelit cruise), inexpensive, serving unlimited nuts and red and white wine. The trip through the canals were absolutely beautiful at nighttime as they were lit up with lots of fairy lights. It was the best part of the trip and I would definitely do it again. For information about this cruise, check out the redarji lovers cruise site, try doing a google search for it. It really shouldnt be missed.

just returned from amsterdam. temp in 40's and 50's. rain and clouds.<BR><BR>word of caution. several americans including me were robbed of important documents, money etc. beware of distractions involving coffee shop owners, internet cafe owners; or crooks posing as doormen in small hotels. distractions include loud talking, paint splashing, etc. several incidents involving minor violence and confrontation with knives. it was a sorry sight at the police station and us consul.<BR><BR>

Amsterdam is the drug capital of Europe.<BR>In the winter months there are less tourists to support their drug addiction robberies and you will be the target. The Addicts will confront you several times each day. Some of them will rob you if you say no. The prostitutes will follow your husband around like you don't even exist. Amsterdam is the LAST place for a romantic getaway.

"robbie" is enjoying making up stories.<BR>I have been there over 20 times & never been "confronted" by an addict (whatever that means)or anyone else for that matter.Prostitutes stay strictly in their areas & are indoors.<BR>It is a very very romantic city.<BR>Robberies are few compared with other cities.<BR>Last time I was there I did catch a very erotic sight.I happened to look through a "window" in one of the tiny RL districts you find outside the main area.A woman wearing almost nothing was standing over a stove frying bacon & eggs!!Few men can take this form of strong titillation-if my girlfriend hadn't been there....<BR>On another tack, I think it would be interesting to see the stats for tourist crime in various cities - it might make places like Barcelona take some action.