Amsterdam or Rome??
 

I have not been to Rome, but Amsterdam is wonderful. It is very unique and unfortunately often gets bad press because of it's red light district. There is so much more to this city than that. If you decide on Amsterdam, you must visit Zaanse Shanse in nearby Zaandam. It is a great place to spend a relaxing day. I would also suggest a nighttime canal ride. The lights are beautiful!

It's an apples and oranges thing. I adore Amsterdam. I went to Rome on a trip that my parents won when I was a child - but that's been 20 years or so. I do intend to go back to Rome, but I still think Amsterdam would be my preference over the two. Amsterdam just seems like this small, quaint place to me. There is so much more to the city than the Red Light District and coffee shops. Day trips are easy. Communication is never a problem b/c the Dutch speak English better than we do. Rome has legendary sights and great cuisine (Dutch food isn't much to write home about). Maybe you should get a guide book on each place, read some and just decide which appeals to you more.

ROME! it is the most amazing place, and while amsterdam is nice, i think there are certain cities in europe that are essential to visit b/c so much of our civilization started there. beyond the requisite roman sights, there are neighborhoods like trastevere, smaller churches, amazing restaurants....as you can see i love rome so much....see if you can find the archived hosted forum they did on rome on this site a week ago or so. they had some great advice.

When I was a teenager I took my first trip to Europe and the we started in Rome. Beginning in Rome put all the other cities in a sort of historical perspective for me. I have returned to Rome as an adult and still find it very magical.

Everyone seems to like Rome the best, and perhaps they are correct. I have been to Amsterdam 5 times this year and find every trip more interesting that the last. There is so much to do and everything is within walking distant or on public transportation. A strip card is very cheap. 11.75 I believe. The city has so much to offer and train travel is easy to get out of the city, to another city. <BR> Now after saying all of the above, I really want to go to Rome the next time it is offered on Delta Escape. So keep on giving hotel info for me on the best places to stay in Rome. Thanks, JMGarrison