Paris to Amsterdam
 

I will be in Paris from Sept.12th to 19th. My husband wants to take a side trip to Amsterdam. Is it worthwhile (and feasible) to take a train first thing in the morning spend the day and night in Amsterdam and then train back to paris the next evening? Is that enough time? Would 1 full day in Amsterdam be enough? Can anyone recommend a convenient hotel in Amsterdam for around $100 or less (decent, clean and comfortable0? I have heard that Amsterdam is full of hash & marijuana cafes and prostitutes - is that so?

<BR>Take the TGV train from Gare Du Nord in Paris. It is a high speed . I think it's about 5 hours but the scenery is beautiful. Amsterdam is beautiful - take a canal boat ride, go to the Anne Frank House, the VanGogh museum and the Reichsmuseum. We stayed at the Swiss hotel but can't remember the price. It's worth it.

I would recommend a day more in Amsterdam, but even if you only have a day - go - it is worth it. We stayed at the Bridge Hotel on the corner of Amstel and Prinsengracht for US$75 per night including breakfast. Our room was large and comfortable and had a view of the Skinny Bridge. It was walking distance to the city centre, but we also used the nearby subway (a three day transportation pass was only $10). Amsterdam does have hash bars and prostitutes, but these activities are confined to a certain area that you probably won't wander into unless you are specifically trying to find it. We didn't have enough time for the Rikesmuseum, but enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum very much. Since we were there in April, we took the day trip to the tulip farms and Kuekenhoff Gardens - absolutely incredible. We can't wait to go back. Have a good trip.

I would say that the trip is very worth it. I believe that the only train you can take between the two cities is the Dutch high-speed Thalys. My husband and I had to take it in June, and it was very nice. My husband and I absolutely loved Amsterdam. It is such a beautiful city. Please don't worry about the hash bars and prostitutes. Because those activites are decriminalized there, it is a completely different atmosphere. Just don't go to the red light district at night and, if you do, don't take any pictures. My husband and I wanted to see what the redlight district was all about, so we just went during the day. It was completely safe. Since you have very limited time there, I would recommend buying tickets for the boat cruise. It was 22 guilders ($11) per person, but the ticket was good for 24 hours, and the boat can be used as a bus. You can hop on and off as you wish for 24 hours, and the boat stops at all major attractions - the Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Central Station, etc. I say, go for it.

I would say that the trip is very worth it. I believe that the only train you can take between the two cities is the Dutch high-speed Thalys. My husband and I had to take it in June, and it was very nice. My husband and I absolutely loved Amsterdam. It is such a beautiful city. Please don't worry about the hash bars and prostitutes. Because those activites are decriminalized there, it is a completely different atmosphere. Just don't go to the red light district at night and, if you do, don't take any pictures. My husband and I wanted to see what the redlight district was all about, so we just went during the day. It was completely safe. Since you have very limited time there, I would recommend buying tickets for the boat cruise. It was 22 guilders ($11) per person, but the ticket was good for 24 hours, and the boat can be used as a bus. You can hop on and off as you wish for 24 hours, and the boat stops at all major attractions - the Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Central Station, etc. I say, go for it.

Amsterdam is a glorious city and well worth a train trip there. As previous posters have said, yes, there are prostitutes and marijuana, but it is very different than in the U.S. Prostitutes are confined to the red light district. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to it. We walked through both at night and in the daytime, and felt perfectly safe. According to some Dutch police officers I know, technically marijuana is illegal. However, as long as it is confined inside, they turn a blind eye. They will arrest, however, anyone smoking or dealing it outside. It is a truly beautiful and friendly city. We found that a canal ride, as touristy as it may seem, it a good introduction to the city, particularly if you have a limited amount of time. the Van Gogh museum was wonderful and the Anne Frank house is a must see. I guarantee that you won't want to leave Holland.

I have travelled to and from Paris/Amst several times and would stongly encourage you to go there. The Dutch people aside from being fluent in English are some of the warmest Europeans you'll meet. The TGV from Paris is a fast and smooth ride, that will wisk you over the flatest and greenest land you've ever seen. Though Amst'dm can be easily seen on foot in the course of a day you should consider renting a bike a memorable experience. Grab a sandwich from a vendor and people watch, the mix of locals and tourists in such a small space can be a feast for the eyes.