My sister, a friend, and I (all in our 50s) are starting plans for about a week in Europe in September. We'd like to split the time between Amsterdam (none of us has ever been) and Paris (sister and I have been, friend has not).

I've already done some research and have a fair idea of the sightseeing highlights in both places, but would love any thoughts you all might have regarding how to split the time - three days Amsterdam, four Paris? Or vice versa? And which place first? Does it make any difference? We plan to fly into one city and out of the other (and connect them by train).

We're on a tight to moderate budget (not hostels) and would welcome hotel recommendations. I've considered Hotel Jeanne d' Arc (Marais) and Hotel du Champ-de-Mars (7th) in Paris. Haven't done as much research on Amsterdam - open to suggestions. Clean and quiet are essential. A good location is important. Charm would be nice.

Any thoughts with regard to schedule/itinerary, hotels, eating spots, or general tips on sightseeing would be much appreciated. I've already done some homework here, but would welcome your ideas.
Thanks,
Karen

I would consider looking for an apt in both places. We stayed 3 nights in a 2 bedroom in AMS and on some trips have stayed less than a week in apts in Paris. Many do rent for less than a week. You would save money and get much more for your value.

In Amsterdam I love the Jordaan area.
The little canals are so charming.
I too suggest getting apt. vs hotel.
There are many 2 bedroom apts in that area.

The Pijp area is fun for exploring the Albert Cuyp Market.

Van Gogh Museum is a must in my book.
I have been 3 times and cant get enough.
Book tickets online so no waiting in a long line.
http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/ind...online&lang=en

To save money in Paris, look for a hotel in the 9th or 10th arrondissement. That's where European tourists stay, and those two arrondissements also happen to be the arrondissements with the greatest number of hotels.

I have almost always gone to Amsterdam on day trips, so I am no good at recommending hotels there.

`Bed and breakfasts can be terrific value in Amsterdam. I would look in the Jordaan or the Herengracht/canals area.

I think your idea for splitting up your time is on the mark, but it really does depend on what the 3 of you enjoy doing. A canal tour is really rewarding in Amsterdam, and I would say the same of its art museums and shopping -- but if you are not interested in art museums or shopping, but are more interested in the types of things Paris France offers, it would make sense to move on to Paris sooner.

I have visited both cities a number of times ( last time in the summer 2008).
A canal tour is lovely, Van Gogh is wonderful, some parts of Amsterdam are sooo charming, but generally Paris has a ton more to offer.
I would spend more time in Paris than Amsterdam.

When in Paris we prefer to stay in the Latin Quarter(5th Arrondisement), also called the Left Bank. In my opinion it is the hub of activities.
When in Amsterdam, there are many areas to stay in that are full of atmosphere. Replies have mentioned the Jordan and I can't agree more about the lay-back canals with small bistros etc. The Jordan offers a glimpse of working families and school childern in playgrounds. The Jordan does not offer a lot of late night venues, but we still stay there soimetimes and love it. The RLD (Red Light District) is interesting, but very noisy at night time. The RLD offers more bars and coffee shops rather than bistros. Leidseplein area offers the most nightlife of any area. You can find apartments just off the main area of Leidseplein that will offer quiet and easy access to nightlife. For apartments go to vrbo.com for the best prices. We use them all the time. Have fun. I will be in AMS the first week of September, which is a great time to visit.

We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Hestia in Amsterdam. Well located for transportation and a short walk to the Rijk and Vangogh. It abuts Vondelpark and is 2 minutes the canals. Lots of restaurant choices nearby. The breakfast was very substanial . There is wifi for a small charge. Our room had a nice balcony overlooking the garden and toward Vondelpark.

Myself and 2 co-workers (40's and 50's) are going to Amsterdam May 12-16. We have rented an apt for 75Eur per night (seems to be a bargain!). I'll keep in touch with you and let you know how it goes. None of us have been there before so it will be interesting for sure. We do plan on taking a side trip to Lisse and the Keukendof gardens, but they are only open through the end of May. I've done alot of research and am trying to plan the days we are there. The apt looks close to all transportation and many attractions. I've also been to Paris, stayed at a hostel there (MIJE). It was surprising clean, comfortable and cheap! Very basic though. 2 beds, end table, shower and sink. Toilet a few steps down the hallway. It worked for my son and I though and was probably 1/3 of the price of the hotels at the time when the exchange rate was horrible. It has improved since then. We loved Paris though. This hostel was in Marais, one block from the metro stop. Send me an email ([email protected]) and I'll share some of the research I've done on Amsterdam with you! I'm really looking forward to our trip!

Wow - 75E a night? For an apartment? That's really cheap. Did you find the apartment over an internet site? Yes, I'll send you an email, but if you have a link, please go ahead and post it! Thanks.
I've been following up on some of the advice here. Found a couple of possibilities in Paris using vbro, but nothing promising in Amsterdam. We haven't nailed down our dates yet. Hope to do so soon so we can start making reservations.

althom1122,My partner and I visited Amsterdam in September and have stayed in Paris a number of times. We are also in our fifties and probably enjoy similar experiences. For Paris, Hotel Jeanne d’Ark would be a good budget choice; I have not stayed there but have toured the premises, it looked fine. We are actually going to Paris next month and are staying at the Bonaparte (we wanted to try staying in the 6th); I can let you know how I enjoyed that hotel when I return. You already know how magnificent Paris is, it’s my favorite city in the world. I would definitely give it the extra day.

Amsterdam is a much different city. Don’t be put off by the litter and congestion encountered at the train station. Once you walk further south into the city it is quite beautiful. We rented bikes for our entire stay; our best memories are biking around the picturesque canals and areas. Amsterdam is surprisingly small and biking is not taxing or difficult. The must see Anne Frank house and Van Gogh Museum can be done in a day. The rest of the time bike, walk, and just enjoy the city. The “flower child vibe” is alive and well here, you will feel like your back in the 70’s! We stayed at the Hotel Brouwer for 95E/night. It is located on a canal and serves an enjoyable, included breakfast. I am not sure it has any triple rooms so you have to enquire. Both the d’Ark and Brouwer are VERY popular, getting a room may not be easy. Enjoy!

This is the type of trip I plan to do next time (was hoping for November 2009 but probably will be spring 2010). I was actually surprised that multi-city flights (flying into Paris and flying out of Amsterdam) isn't any more expensive. Of course we have to factor in the price of the train ticket though.

Have a wonderful time!

Here is a trick I have learned for multiple city travel. Last September I decided to visit Amsterdam and London. I found that Continental flew from Miami to Amsterdam via London. I took that combination to arrive to Amsterdam. On the way back to Miami I did a 10 day “stopover” in London. Thus the airline paid for my flight from London to Amsterdam and the fight back from Amsterdam to London.

Another example; I am flying to Rome via Madrid on Iberia airlines in 2010. I will first do a 10 day stopover in Madrid and then travel on to Rome. My flight from Rome back to Miami will be just a 2 hour connect. The bottom line is that a connection can be lengthen into a stopover which allows a 2 city visit. Also the short leg is flown with a major airline, not a discount server. In my opinion safer.

Ruby99, AirFrance does a flight to Amsterdam via Paris. You could try this same setup, just find a cheap enough flight.