My wife and I are travelling from the states to Amsterdam from March 15-22nd. First time to Europe (ages 41&36). Wondering about any recommendations for travelling outside of the area for a couple days to see other parts of Europe. Possibly Germany, or maybe even Paris. We love dramatic/scenic landscape. Also, love rock climbing if anything in the area.

Amsterdam is built on pilings in a swamp. It is the wrong nation for climbing rocks. You must go to Switzerland or other Alpine countries to see the rocks.

Amsterdam and environs is worth a week, maybe much more depending on your attitude. Check out Haarlem, 20 minutes west by train. Zandvoort is another 20 minutes, with a view over the wild North Sea. But Paris is within reach and since this is your first trip to Europe, go for it.

Hi russ,

An overnight trip to Paris is easy.

See http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_

www.basiqair has many new low-cost routes from Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Thanks folks - definitely going to Amsterdam for the nightlife and the uniqueness of the city. Didn't realize till I booked the trip how flat the country was. Didn't know if the topography changed into Germany. If not rock climbing, want to experience something different over there since we are going the distance.

Russp-
Another closer choice might be Brussels instead of Paris- Brussels can be seen in 2 days at most, and you might squeeze in a day trip to Brugge. But having been to all 4 cities I would opt for 2-3 days in Amsterdam and the rest of the time in Paris. Especially if you can get an open jaws ticket so you don't have to backtrack to Amsterdam.
You might want to check out www.bookings.nl for a room in Amsterdam. Paris-hotel.com is one of many Paris room finders.
Enjoy the Heiniken brewery tour -

Amsterdam is great, and Paris is "do-able". Will you train it, or rent a car.
Lots of folks find Brussels sort of blah, but that town of Brugge is worth a night or two if you can swing it.

Most probably we would be using the trains to get around if we ventured out. Can you share a little more information about Brugge? Also, does anyone know if St. Patrick's Day is celebrated heavily in Amsterdam?

You can climb lots of steps: up bell towers, wind mills, city hall towers ....

Def go to Brugge over night so you can get up early and enjoy the quiet city before all the other tourist show up....

What's the concer about St Pat's day? Don't see Irl in your plans.

We modified our plans to spend a full day or so in Brugge. Booked a night at the Hotel Luca - which a saw recommended a few times. No concern about St Patricks Day - we will just be in Amsterdam on that day, and was curious if this gets celebrated as much there as in the states - just another reason for a party!

If time is an issue, a day trip to Brugge is enough.
The train takes about an hour- smooth and comfortable.
Or you can stay there and spend a day in Brussels- Brussels IS blah compared to Brugge, but still has a lot to offer.

ana - according to all I've been reading, Brugge is about a 2.5 - 3 hour train ride from Amsterdam, with at least one connection. Are you aware of a different option?

oh, I meant it's about an hour form Brussels... Sorry!
I also meant that you can use Brussels as your base and that a day trip to Brugge is an easy thing to do.