Hi guys,

I'm really excited to be going on my first Europe trip this coming week!! My last destination would be Amsterdam and I am short of time to plan a detailed itenary for this stop. I've been looking up on interesting places through the "I amsterdam" website but I find it hard to come up with a solid plan as I do not know the place. Some of the attractions that caught my eye include the canals, theatres, NEMO science center, Artis Zoo, royal palace, some (but not too many) museums and shopping / market areas. I know i'm being a little ambitious but there's just so much to see and do in Amsterdam!! I just want to get a taste of Amsterdam so it would be much appreciated if someone could give me a few hints / pointers on must see places.

I'll be arriving Amsterdam via train at 6.43pm on the 29th of December 2010 and leaving via plane at 2.30pm on the 1st of January 2011. My accommodation would be near the central train station. Could someone be kind enough to advice me so that i can experiece Amsterdam to the fullest within this 2 days of my visit? It would be good if you can advice me on which area of Amsterdam I should concentrate on, what to visit, and which day to purchase the "I amsterdam" card to get good entry rates. Also, where would be the best place to be on New Year's Eve?

Thank you in advance =)

I think the NYE festivities are in the main square (Dam square I think it is called). Tradition is to set off fireworks at midnight.

3 sites I would recommend would be Anne Frank house, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum.

Everyone lets of fireworks at midnight, everywhere in Amsterdam. There is a free concert at the Museumplein - but that will be packed. There is usually something on at the Dam too, but no free music there I think.
If you are intimidated by fireworks then I suggest you stay indoors - fireworks can be legally set off from 10 am on the 31st and will be, so be aware of what's going on around you.

Apart from the big three Susan mentions I would suggest Nemo if you have time.
There are also some skating rinks set up for the season so you could go and have a skate, and some snert (pea soup). You can hire skates.
Remember it is dark by 4.30 so if you are visiting things which need daylight bear that in mind.

The IAmsterdam card doesn't cover the Anne Frankhuis so you will need to buy that ticket separately.
It may be worth doing a few sums to see if you will get your money's worth form the card or if you are better off buying entry and an OV card separately.

The museums are shut on January 1st, but you probably wouldn't have time to visit them and get out to the airport. You will need to get a train at about 11 am to be in time for check in and security.

I love the fireworks the Dutch put on over NYE.
This person had a good view on the displays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DYs1q3_rug
As you can see everyone seems to have some. If you are interested then just head for an area where the Dutch live and not the city centre fora proper atmosphere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV5C9mySi2o

The fireworks are really something! They are not, as in our super-safe country, strictly controlled big displays seen from a distance, but each individual Dutchman sets off his own. In some places, it is like being in the middle of a battle, with explosions going off all around you, and rockets whizzing by. Really fun, f you are into that sort of thing.

During one of the ones I attended, in a small town outside of Amsterdam, I was issued safety glasses by my host. It is a celebration not to be missed, but if loud bangs make you nervous, you might want to watch through a window.

I cannot see where the OP said they do not like fireworks.

@ribeirasacra, She didn't but I can relate to the other poster's comments as in the UK or US fireworks tend largely to be an organised show where the crowd watches from a safe distance. My first couple years in NL I was pretty freaked out by the amount of noisy type firworks being let off all around you as you walk the streets. Got used to it since though!

As hetismij said - I think it might be more economical just to get an OV (public transport) 2 days pass for the 30th & 31st and pay the museums etc directly. You can check out their sites online and see if you can buy a ticket online to save waiting in queues.

BTW with the OV chip card DON'T FORGET to check in AND check out as you get off a tram or bus or you invalidate your card.....

Also I'd advise this website http://journeyplanner.9292.nl/default.aspx You can put in the name of an attraction eg Artis or the postcode (NEMO isn't recognized by the site so I put 1011VX) and you get bus & tram info with maps etc)

They also have a link to the OV website..