4-5 single guys planning a trip to Amsterdam. Looking for insider's tips on sampling the best nightlife in Amsterdam...

Which is the best area to stay - something inexpensive and close to "the action"?

When is a better time to visit - October or March? Or does it even matter?

do you care about tulips?! then go in march. but seriously, just got back from amsterdam - it was cold and rainy. had a fabulous time. But it was quite wet etc. would recommend a less colder season personally.

Anyway stay on Singel or Damsquare, more central if that's what you want. Definitely visit Dampkring for your pot if you're into that stuff. It's the cafe featured in Ocean's 12 and the owners are really friendly about telling you what kind of stuff to get. Bullfrog is the other popular place but too touristy.

lots of inexpensive hostels btw - check out brian's hotel - that's one. he quoted 25E per person.

Red light was fun - check out a show if you can. the popular one is where you see a huge line - the rest I hear are cheesy.

"Old Amsterdam" the part of town you will be in is fairly small so almost anywhere you stay is within walking distance. If you want central find a hotel/hostel on Damrak (as cental as you can get), this is near the train station, Dam Square, and Queen's Palace. (Do not stay directly behind the Queens palace area). You will also be a few streets/canals from the Red Light District "the seedy action". But I think you and your friends would actually enjoy staying in the Leidseplein area. More to do and is near the Casino/Hard Rock places like that. This area is geared more towards young adults "nighclub/nighlife action". Leidseplein is cleaner/safer.
Both seasons will be rainy and cold. Depending on how well the five of you get along you may want to check out renting an apartment or houseboat on a canal. (5 of us did this in Ireland and cost less than $20 a night). Check out Tripbuilder Guide book $6 Barnes and Nobles to get a good idea of the areas. Bring your Driver's License and keep your passport safe when you go out at night (need to carry ID at all times in Netherlands). Be careful for pickpockets especially on Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat streets. They love "intoxicated" tourist.

The Leidseplein offers many options and I found it more welcoming than the central area around the Dam and train station. Once you are in the city it is pretty easy to get your bearings and figure out the kind of places you want to see. Let's Go Amsterdam had interesting sections sorting out the "Only in Amsterdam" kind of activities.

Sorry, intended to say "take DL along with you at night and leave your passport in hotel (not hostel)" so the nice illegal immigrants don't pickpocket the intoxicated young men for your passports.