Things to see in Amsterdam?

[Starchild]

Some friends and I are planning to spend a few days in Amsterdam over the Easter holidays. What are some good things to see, do, places to stay, etc?

We're not going just for the drugs (well, I'm not going just for the drugs) and places to pick up nice gifts would be greatly appreciated.

[Provost Harrison]

Take in those Caribbean themed cafes...they are lovely

[Theben]

dutch
hippies
stoned yank/brit tourists

[Hueij]

Originally posted by Theben
dutch
hippies
stoned yank/brit tourists

Hippies? In Mokum? It's been a while since you've been in Amsterdam, ain't it?

[Theben]

Originally posted by Hueij

Hippies? In Mokum? It's been a while since you've been in Amsterdam, ain't it?

I've never been to Amsterdam. Just my stereotypical furriner view.

[Hueij]

Originally posted by Theben


I've never been to Amsterdam. Just my stereotypical furriner view.

Ah, ok... Just don't forget your wooden shoes when you do visit

[Thucydides]

There are a couple of good museums there, a Rijks museum for example, never made it there because I always ended up too stoned to find the place, but it's there around Museumplein. I believe there's also a beach nearby, around a half hour away, but I don't have exact directions to get there.

Make sure to book your rooms early at any rate, the better/cheaper places get filled up. Amsterdam is the only city I've been to where I consistantly have a hard time finding a room if I don't make reservations.

Provost, you been to the Rastafarian Cafe near the Train Station too? Or are you talking about another one?

[Hueij]

The Rijksmuseum is undergoing a major renovation but part of the collection is on display elsewhere. For more info: http://rijksmuseum.nl/asp/start.asp?language=uk

[Provost Harrison]

I enjoyed a walk around the Rijksmuseum, probably aided by the slice of cake I had previously

[Bereta_Eder]

scary place that amsterdam. but then again i was just 15 when i went there.

[Solly]

I thought the cannabis had no effect on you Rich..

[Provost Harrison]

It doesn't when smoked, but when eaten it does...

[DeathByTheSword]

amsterdam sites to see:

coffee shops (duh)
red light district (funny to walk around there)
rijksmuseum (culture)
de dam (kinda nice)
vondelpark. (funny)

but one of the best things to do in amsterdam is just walking around and watching people...

[germanos]

If you like art:

Rembandt-museum (near the Stopera (townhall)). The house itself is ot that great (but fun to see), but the collection they have of his ink-drawings is truly amazing! Small drawings but with an incredible detail, sometimes made without lifting his pen from the paper.
A must-see.

The 'van Gogh'-museum is great as well, but expect big queues. (its close to the Rijksmuseum) The museum of contemporary art (Stedelijk Museum) is closed for renovation, but supposedly they have an exhibition near the old docks now.

There is a replica of one of the 17th century ships (from Holland's Golden Age) in the harbour as well, I suppose you can board the vessel to have a look around.
More Golden Age stuff is to be seen at the Palace on Dam-square, which is in fact the townhall from the 16th-17th century. Beautifull marble maps of the known world in the main hall. Lots of 18-19th century crap as well, when the place was taken over by royals.

There is a concert Hall (Paradiso) in the center, near the Leidseplein, where you might be able to see something good. Its in a defunkt church, has a nice atmosphere to it. The Leidseplein itself is a good place for bars, coffeeshops, cinema's and theaters. It's crowded with tourists though (both foreign and local), but since you are one of them, you'll fit just nicely.
Many restaurants are closeby as well.

If the whether is good, the Vondel-park is good for leisure.

Whatch out for pick-pocketers! They are everywhere, and they are there in large numbers.

Don't buy your **** on the streets, but buy it in the shops. Mushrooms (in smartshops) and smokes (in coffeeshops) are readily available, other stuff is illegal.


Other places to see:
Utrecht (has a nice late medival centre) (half an hour by train)
Rotterdam (if you like modern architecture) (one hour by train)
If you plan to travel by train, check out the possibilities for reduced fares (especially if you'll be travelling in groups)

[Zopperoni]

A canal cruise is great if you want to explore the heart of the city from a boat.
If you like diamonds/juwels, there two major diamond "factories" in Amsterdam: Coster and Gassan. (Avoid the Amsterdam Diamond Center, property of Gassan BTW, it gets robbed frequently. The last attempt was foiled by a passer-by).