This is a good thread. ONe piece of advice I can offer is something I've read multiple places. When you go to the Anne Frank House. Either go early ( which you might not like if you want to sleep in ) or, go late; like in the last 2 hours of the night). Most people squeeze it in during the day so the early evening is not crowded.

I too will be in Amsterdam in March. When will you be there. I'd totally be up for meeting people for lunch, at a coffeeshop, or or even at the Heine Experience (which is a great deal since it includes 3 beers and a souvenir mug :). I think part of travelling fun is just making friends along the way. I'm 33, my travel partner is 35 (not a super close friend, but a friend to travel with).

A'dam tips:
-Never ever go strolling without a map: the street layout is based on concentric circles - those new to it get lost in minutes.
-In the redlight dont use your camera.Anyone snapping at the windows may be "asked" to hand over the film.You may even get hassle for having a camera round your neck.

Hi,

Some more suggestions for your stay in Amsterdam:

* Begijnhof: an ancient little square where since centuries only elderly women are allowed to live; a quiet place right next to the extremely busy Kalverstraat

* Amsterdam Historical Museum: dedicated to the history of Amsterdam, it used to be an orphanage

* Rembrandthuis

A very well-planned itinerary. I like it!

I agree that visiting the Anne Frank house later is a good idea. My visit to Amsterdam was in the month of April, when the museum is open until 9; I walked in around 8 and had the place almost to myself, which made the experience even more meaningful for me. I think since it's open until 7 p.m. through March, if you go around 5:30 or 6, you might get more out of it as well.

I hope you enjoy the Van Gogh Museum! I found it to be far more rewarding than the Rijksmuseum; it's a well-curated collection. I admit I was basically moved to tears by the end of my visit.

Your Paris itinerary has actually encouraged me to try something new the next time I get to go (which, alas, won't be for another couple of years at least): riding bicycles. The idea of visiting Versailles by bicycle seems very fun. And the gardens are so lovely, whatever the season.

I think it's smart you are visiting the Louvre a) on the night it's open late and b) doing so when your day has otherwise been pretty light and free of visits to other museums. One of my favorite Paris/Louvre moments: getting thirty seconds alone in the room where the Venus de Milo is on display. (This, of course, was during a Wednesday evening visit.) Usually, she's completely surrounded by admirers. Getting to stand before that work of art by myself gave me serious goosebumps.

Ah, and you'll probably love Berthillon. It really is delicious.

Doubletee- Your last response really has me excited now! We will let you know how the Versailles bike tour is when we return.
Liz

Liz, Please be sure to post a trip report. I am doing a similar trip in May (maybe, still not fully committed) and would love your feedback on both bike tours and your other experiences!

Have fun!

Hi T&L,

This is DH's first visit tto Europe.

You will have 3 1/2 days in Paris and you are going to Versailles?

Are you sure?

((I))

Ira- Yes, we are sure that we want to visit Versailles. I have been to Paris 3 times and am very much looking forward to it. Different strokes different folks. We are young and if DH loves Paris then we'll be back. If not, we will probably travel elsewhere our next few European vacations.

AmyB- We will post a trip report when we return!