We have never been to Amsterdam before. We are staying a couple of days before we leave for safari in South Africa. We will be there in January. What suggestions does everyone have?

anyone?

Hi,
I bought the Fodor's guide to Amsterdam and followed their suggestions. It took about 1.5 days to do it. Throw in some extra time for the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. Also did a boat tour which I found worthwile and interesting (night one is better for the illuminations). Anne Frank House is quite good, plan on going early morning to avoid crowds. Did not see Rembrandt house. We went out to Allsmeer (sp?) and visited the flower auction house. There is also a tour of the Heineken brewery that alas I could not do. Recommend indonesian food, and there are some neat cafes to hang out in. Yes, I did go to the red light district, it's different for sure, bit seedy. I guess it's one of those things that you can skip, or do just to see what the fuss is about.

Walking along the canals (and there are a lot) was very nice. We found one shop that sold 'person size' wooden shoes, decorated, and bought them.

Here is a link I found recently from New York Times (correspondent's recommendations):

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/tr...12000m7XRY7XVP

If you can't read it, I can send you the info.

Hope this gets you started.

Enjoy,
Mike

Amsterdam is a city to soak up more than run about to find specific sights. Neighborhoods are fun just to walk around. Of course, there are world class museums to occupy your time --indoors which will be nice in January. We like the Hotel Estherea and Zuid Zeeland restaurant, also Dynasty Chinese restaurant.

also forgot, there is recommended in a few places, including the NYT article, to see the 'church in the attic'.

Museum Amstelkring
Oudezijds Voorburgwall 40

Leidseplein square in the evening and you might luck into seeing some great street performers (I saw an incredible fire eating dancing duo). Being winter I'm not sure of the scene since I was there in summer.

Vondelpark is beautiful but am guessing Amsterdam weather in January will be too cold for hanging around outside?

I had a fun walk one afternoon thru a bit of the red light district and went to one of the Erotic Museums (it was lighthearted not nasty).

It's January. Go to Deco Sauna and warm up.

I have been to Amsterdam many times. In posts such as this it really is helpful to know of someone's particular interests. Since those were't listed I'll assume they include art and museums and that said, you could spend several days in the city between the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt, etc., etc.

I second the suggestion of reading on-line or getting a guidebook prior to arrival so that none of your time goes to waste.

What's deco sauna?

We love to eat and shop!