Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

We are thinking about going in September.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

I've been, but unfortunately I don't remember any of it.


Seriously, my parents went last year before they came to visit me, they liked it. Its a nice city to wander around, it can be very raunchy, especially in the red light districts, but the Anne Frank Houses is unmissable. I don't know how much time you can spend in Amsterdam on its own, you might want to combine it with travel to another country also.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Posted by racheeeee

I've been, but unfortunately I don't remember any of it.


Seriously, my parents went last year before they came to visit me, they liked it. Its a nice city to wander around, it can be very raunchy, especially in the red light districts, but the Anne Frank Houses is unmissable. I don't know how much time you can spend in Amsterdam on its own, you might want to combine it with travel to another country also.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

I also backpacked europe and spent a few days...its a lovely city, highly recommend the Van Gogh museum too. There's yummy cheese stores. I just wandered around the canals and looked around. I thought the red light district was very interesting.

dont forget the heineikein brewery!

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

DH and I were there in December for 3 days (we took the Euro Rail to Amsterdam from Paris).

I highly recommend it - what a unique and beautiful city - not to mention enriched with history. lots to do - canal tour, Heineken factory tour, Anne Frank house, Rijks museum, etc.

The Dutch are wonderful people! so warm and friendly, and EVERYONE speaks English.

I am not sure I would spend a whole week there though.

I have an album on here with picstures from that trip if you'd like to see them - here's a link

ETA: if you do decide to go, please look into staying at the Banks Mansion. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this hotel!!! FM if you have any questions

Message edited 6/8/2009 6:40:48 PM.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Eh. It's okay. I've been twice. The Anne Frank house is worth the plane fare there, honestly. It's one of the most moving experiences you'll ever have. And there are wonderful art museums - the Rijksmuseum is fabulous, and the Van Gogh Museum is also very good.

But I didn't care much for wandering around the city. I found it to be kind of dirty and scuzzy, filled with American frat guys stoned off their azzes. The novelty of the "cafes" is fun for a day or two, but it's not really my thing, and I felt like that's what most people were there for. I think I was expecting tulips and windmills and stuff, and it was just a regular old city with canals. The people were pretty American-friendly and the food was good. But I wouldn't spend more than 2 nights there, unless you're going to party like a Frat guy (and hey, if you are, have a great time! You didn't mention what kind of fun you were into.)

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

dh and i were just there in March and absolutely loved it! We're thinking of going again in December. Fm if you want any specific info. It's such a beautiful city. I recommend doing a late night walking tour through the Red Light District. I really didn't find it that shady, it was actually really interesting. We also did a candlelight canal tour which was really cool. The food is great, especially the pastries

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

I was there a few years ago and really liked it but combined it with a trip to visit other cities. Loved the Anne Frank house - so moving. We stayed at an amazing hotel called the Hotel Pulitzer which I loved. They used it in the movie Oceans 13.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Thanks Everyone! I am trying to combine the trip with Paris but DH doesn't really want to

Merf99- If we go, we will be staying at the Hotel Pulitzer

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Go!

Love it, it's one of my top 10 favorite cities in the world.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Posted by Tine73

Thanks Everyone! I am trying to combine the trip with Paris but DH doesn't really want to

Merf99- If we go, we will be staying at the Hotel Pulitzer

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

I've been five times.

I love it but I have to admit I don't remember a lot of it. Hotels are a blur as are restaurants. I did eat everything in sight...

I really enjoyed the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum. The Anne Frank house is a must see! The Heineken brewery is fun, but closed certain times of the year.

I am not sure if you are into coffee shops, but don't go to a chain (Bulldog), go to an independent coffee shop.

ETA: September is a great month to go in. Bring a raincoat because it rains quite a bit.

ETA: I wasn't a fan of the heart of the Red Light District at all. It made me freak out. Between the people trying to sell me cocaine and ecstasy, I wanted out of there. Tons of pickpockets as well. I stayed on the outskirts where I felt less threatened.

Message edited 6/10/2009 8:34:26 AM.

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

Posted by Tine73

Thanks Everyone! I am trying to combine the trip with Paris but DH doesn't really want to

Merf99- If we go, we will be staying at the Hotel Pulitzer

Re: Amsterdam - Anyone Been?

I have been there 5X, yes 5X and no I don't have a problem

I love that city to pieces!!!! Great people (We actually have friends there). Sept is a good time to go, weather is similar to here, but I have been there in Sept and it was in the 70's and sunny and I have been there when it rained almost every day.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Just wanted to add, I feel 100% safe in that City. I have walked from the bars back to my Hotel at 2am by myself with no problem. The red light district is not a bunch of stoned idiots walking around and just an FYI, you can not smoke in the streets, only in the coffee shops and they are very strict about that. It's a very free city, some people love it and some don't care for it. Personally, it is one of my favorite places on this planet!!!

Message edited 6/12/2009 8:57:10 AM.