Set to spend three nights in amsterdam and would like to get some advice on what we need to do (canal cruise, which museums, where to eat) to have a great time. We're set to stay in the museum district at the Jan Luyken (sp?) hotel which sounds quiet and we can take a trolley to the action. Any thoughts would be much appreciated; we're hanging out and beer drinking kind of people and Amsterdam sounded great. Thanks.

Don: <BR> <BR>My husband and I were in Amsterdam in late March and had a wonderful time. If you enjoy being laid back and drinking beer, you have found your Utopia. <BR> <BR>One thing which surprised us was how fluently the Dutch spoke English. I felt a little guilty that, although my Dutch is/was weak, they spoke my language better than I did their's, and I was in their country. I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about perfecting the language unless you are a stickler for immersing yourself in the experience. <BR> <BR>Here are a few things not to miss, in my opinion. The Anne Frank House is a must. It almost sends shivers down your spine when you stand in her bedroom and consider what she must have been thinking while writing her diary. Also, the Stedelijk Museum is their version of a contemporary art museum and is very worthwhile. The much larger Rijksmuseum is quite time consuming, but worthwhile if you are patient. The Van Gogh Museum is quite small and can be covered easily in 1-2 hours. <BR> <BR>Two areas we enjoyed were the Waterlooplein flea market, where we shopped for local second hand goods and antiques. It is near the Rembrandt House. Also, believe it or not, we got a big kick out of the Red Light District. It is amazing how many people, young and old, browse the district at all hours of the day. It is both amusing and slightly disconcerting as it is in such deep contrast with what we have in America. <BR> <BR>As for restaurants, there are a few I can recommend with one exceptional choice. We tried Indonesian food for the first time at a restaurant called Kantjil and De Tijger, Spuistraat 291-293. The food and atmosphere are wonderful and it is quite affordable. Don't miss this one. Also, a good bet for fish and seafood is Lucius, down the street from Kantjil and, for Dutch food, Luden, across the street from Kantjil. <BR> <BR>That's all I have for you. Please spend time riding the trams (inexpensive way to see the city) and walking the canals during the day and night. The city is very beautiful and I think it is best explored by foot and tram. Have fun! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Definitely sample the Riijstaffel at an Indonesian restaurant. They're all over town and I've never found a bad one. <BR> It might sound a bit touristy, but the City Tours <BR>departing from the Dam Square give a great understanding of the layout and history. They also offer excursions to the tulip growing and cheese making areas nearby. <BR> The Heineken Brewery is worth a visit. <BR> I also recommend the Rijksmuseum for the Dutch Masters (paintings, not cigars) and the Red Light District. The latter is perfectly safe and very entertaining. The trolley system is very easy to use. Just hop on one sometime and ride it to its <BR>terminus to get an idea of the size and variety of the city. <BR>

I don't know how anyone can say the Red Light District is entertaining. My 50 year old husband thought so and took my l4 year sold and l7 year old daughter thru it and SHE (even though a wise california girl) was stunned! She started crying and was hysterical by the time she returned to the hotel. My husband, man that he is, was mystified. Later she told me of the young girls, younger than, her, with such sad eyes, having to do horrible things - things that a human being with pride and dignity shouldn't have to do. If you all get a 'thump ' from that I guess you would have laughed at the Gas Chambers too! <BR>

As someone who lost many family members in the gas chambers, I have to say that Joy's remark was quite inappropriate. Both my husband and I enjoyed walking through the red light district. We did so because we went through it with an open mind, remembering that 1) prostitution in Amsterdam is very different than what we have here in the US and 2) most of the girls are there on their own free will (before people debate me on that last point, we know many Dutch police officers who have confirmed that fact). Regarding sights to see, we really enjoyed a canal cruise. While it may seem a bit touristy, it was a great introduction to the city. Have a great time!

I go to Amsterdam several times a year. It is so calm and beautiful. Go shopping on the avenue behind the Dam. English is no problem and yes Joy is wrong, the red light district is interesting and safe. <BR> <BR>There are many restaurants in the Leidensplan Area and also good shopping across from the casino. The casino requires proper dress so no gym shoes etc. Worth seeing (no craps but all the other games.)

I am Dutch myself and I am glad to hear everyone likes the town! (apart from a few moral moans...) <BR> <BR>The area where your hotel is, is a good choice (since it is quite a peaceful area). From there, as suggested by someone earlier, it is easy to walk or get a tram into the main squares and streets. <BR> <BR>Trams and bicycles are your enemy No.1 in Amsterdam! So mind out when you cross the roads, as they won't stop! You will be amazed by the number of people on bikes. This is not only the case in Amsterdam, but everyone in Holland cycles, in fact, it's one of the first things we learn as a child. <BR> <BR>A few tips: - the museums are definitely good, so is a canal-boat (you see it all from a different perspective), the brown cafes, and despite what other people say, don't miss the Red Light District, the Leidscheplein and Rembrandtplein are very good for people watching and beer drinking. The beer in Holland beats everything; Heineken beer tastes best in Amsterdam! <BR> <BR>Also the area called the Jordaan is nice for its cafes and little restaurants, since not many tourirsts come there. <BR> <BR>Anyway, go and have a look yourself. I think you'll love the place. Go with an open mind and see for yourself what a lovely, liberal, little country Holland is. (I certainly miss the place, since I live in London now, which is the opposite of Amsterdam!)) Don't worry about learning the lingo, everyone is more than happy to speak English. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Best bar for beer & chat is Gollum's. <BR>This tiny bar has hundreds of beers. <BR>Near centre on Sigel canal.Very friendly.

My husband and I were in Amsterdam earlier this summer and absolutely loved it! It is quite a beautiful city and, as another poster mentioned, very laid back. Everybody is super friendly. You must eat at the NatchWatch in the Rembrantsplein. It's mostly a steak house, but they also have seafood. A great Indonesian restaurant is Bali on Leidsestraat (spelling?). If I was to re-do my first visit to Amsterdam, I would start off by taking a canal cruise. It's a bit touristy, but it's quite helpful in orienting yourself as well as showing you what's in Amsterdam. You can also hop on and off the boat at the several stops for an entire 24 hours. The boat stops at all the major attractions - Anne Frank House, the Museums, Central Station, etc. Then, hit the museums all in on one day. If you're very efficient with your time, I would hightly recomment the 10 minute train ride outside of Amsterdam to Zaans Schaans (again, spelling?). It's a very cute little town on the water with about 4 or 5 windmills. There's also a cheese factory. My husband and I headed out in the morning and were back by mid-afternoon in time to hit other sites in Amsterdam. Boy, can I come too?

My husband and I like to hang out and have a few beers also and we loved Amsterdam and are planning to return there. I must admit before we went to the red light district, my image was a seedy back alley where prostitutes hang out. I was VERY much surprised. That was not the case at all. It was completely safe and yes touristy! We did the canal tour and went to different cafes and sat outside and people watched. I think everyone pretty much has given you the same advice...so go with it! Have fun...I'm jealous! <BR>