Roadtrip to Amsterdam from UK

[si_xsi]

I'm off to amsterdam in a few weeks for a couple of nights stopping off in Brugge first (the latter i've been to before.

I've not done much continental driving before, aside from the usual must haves in the car, i.e high vis, bulb, breatherliser, light beam things, is there anyhthing else i need to be thinking about?

For instance, i'm not running winter tyres - should i be ok? Are there any toll roads on the way?

Any must see places in Amsterdam? And yes i am going wit the girlfriend so a trip down the red-light district isnt going to win me any brownie points

[davepoth]

si_xsi said:

I'm off to amsterdam in a few weeks for a couple of nights stopping off in Brugge first (the latter i've been to before.

I've not done much continental driving before, aside from the usual must haves in the car, i.e high vis, bulb, breatherliser, light beam things, is there anyhthing else i need to be thinking about?

For instance, i'm not running winter tyres - should i be ok? Are there any toll roads on the way?

Any must see places in Amsterdam? And yes i am going wit the girlfriend so a trip down the red-light district isnt going to win me any brownie points

In the day, the red light district is very pretty, with all the canals and little bridges. I drove around it with the theme music from "Van der Valk" on the stereo, it was very atmospheric.

[halfpenny43]

si_xsi said:

I'm off to amsterdam in a few weeks for a couple of nights stopping off in Brugge first (the latter i've been to before.

I've not done much continental driving before, aside from the usual must haves in the car, i.e high vis, bulb, breatherliser, light beam things, is there anyhthing else i need to be thinking about?

For instance, i'm not running winter tyres - should i be ok? Are there any toll roads on the way?

Any must see places in Amsterdam? And yes i am going wit the girlfriend so a trip down the red-light district isnt going to win me any brownie points

You'll be fine driving over here just take it easy. All the safety gear you mention plus a first aid kit and warning triangle. Don't forget if your using a GPS with camera warnings to be careful in France as they don't like anything that warns for camera's but if your coming in through Calais you spend 30 mins or so in France.

Driving in Amsterdam look out for trams but remember that bicycles have right of way over cars - and they usually pull out when you least expect it. Parking is pretty expensive in Amsterdam too.

Do the usual museums, squares (Rembrandtsplein, Leidseplein, Dam Square), red light district etc etc.
As you've got the car try and explore outside of Amsterdam also - Haarelm is a lovely old town, Zandvoort is on the coast (and has a circuit), go to Delft to see the pottery factory if that's your thing, up to Volendam or Edam.

[Potatoes]

Agreed, Volendaam is amazing.

Amsterdam zoo is also really good but it might be a little cold at this time of year.

Shopping: Kalverstraat & Leidseplien

a has been said parking is really expensive, I'd recommend parking near a tram stop (I always park near Amstelveen and get a tram in from there.

[si_xsi]

Thanks for the suggestions, will look into these and check out the parking.

The girlfriend is sorting accomodation and i'm doing the travel! Will try and get her to find somewhere to stay with parking so i can leave the car there and not worry about it.

1 night in brugee and 2 nights in Amsterdam - can't wait!

[Potatoes]

I've done this exact trip twice in the last 3 years including stop offs in a few other locations. Love both Brugge and Amsterdam as well as Volendam and Edam.

[ClaphamGT3]

Some good posts covering the key points. The only thing to bear in mind is that the investiture of the new King takes place on 30th April so Amsterdam, Delft and Den Haag will be very busy in the build up to this and on the 30th itself, everything will be at standstill.

[Tonsko]

Might be worth finding a 24 hour garage to put the car in while you're there and just walk around/use public transport. Worked well for us in Rotterdam, wasn't *too* pricey either.

[si_xsi]

Ferry is booked £85 return compared to £150 chunnel.

Amsterdam room booked, 2 miles out of town but next to tram stop and secure parking.

Just need to sort Brugge room now, found a nice little b n b 100 euros including parking and breaky, sounds reasonable considering its a busy weekend and only 1 night.

Edam (i like cheese) and Volemdam are on the list to see.

[g3org3y]

Enjoy, you should have a great time (even with gf)!

Might be worth giving the Heineken brewery a visit, was quite fun when I went (quite a few years ago). Also, not sure if you or the gf are footie fans but the Ajax arena is also worth a look. Although with only 2 nights, you may be pushing things.

What's the dealio with weed smoking out there now? I heard that from now on you need to present a Dutch passport before you're allowed to buy any.

Here are a few shots to 'inspire' you:

[si_xsi]

hmm just read this

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/inde...

pleasant.

[Thunderace]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Some good posts covering the key points. The only thing to bear in mind is that the investiture of the new King takes place on 30th April so Amsterdam, Delft and Den Haag will be very busy in the build up to this and on the 30th itself, everything will be at standstill.

Should be even more mental that the usual Queen's Day shenanigans

[Melman Giraffe]

davepoth said:

si_xsi said:

I'm off to amsterdam in a few weeks for a couple of nights stopping off in Brugge first (the latter i've been to before.

I've not done much continental driving before, aside from the usual must haves in the car, i.e high vis, bulb, breatherliser, light beam things, is there anyhthing else i need to be thinking about?

For instance, i'm not running winter tyres - should i be ok? Are there any toll roads on the way?

Any must see places in Amsterdam? And yes i am going wit the girlfriend so a trip down the red-light district isnt going to win me any brownie points

In the day, the red light district is very pretty, with all the canals and little bridges. I drove around it with the theme music from "Van der Valk" on the stereo, it was very atmospheric.

Very good