Amsterdam next week

[Dibble]

Mrs Dibble and I are off to Amsterdam next week for a few nights.

Anything we must see? Thinking of the Anne Frank House, but need some other pointers.

Any recommendations for places to eat and drink?

[VinceFox]

...

[Targarama]

Amsterdam is one of those cities you can walk around quite easily, so just mince around seeing what you fancy. I suggest a canal boat ride to help you get your bearings. Tourists tend to focus on several of the big squares for food and drink, I suggest just walking off the beaten track and finding a more 'local' place. The red light district is interesting to see (yes, with the wife) - it is a big student area so quite cosmopolitan.

If you're staying in town then don't get a taxi from the airport, take the train to Central Station, then a taxi from there if you need one. Watch out for pickpockets, esp. as you arrive at Central Station the first time.

[PaulHogan]

Artis (the zoo)
Van Gogh Museum (pre-book or arrive at opening time)
Boom Chicago (show only, eat elsewhere)
Sauna Deco (book massages in advance)
NEMO
Top floor cafe in Metz & Co
Ajax game at the ArenA (obviously only if they’re playing whilst you're there)

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

100% agree with canal trip early on...gives you a real good feeling for the place

[Dibble]

Cheers for the suggestions so far.

I've been to Amsterdam before, but it was a good few years ago, so I've a vague idea of the layout (and of course the inbuilt man ability to read a map, or navigate without one).

We're staying about 10 minutes out, but Trip Advisor recommends the hotel and it's only a short hop on the bus or tram to Central Station.

[Engineer1]

Heineken museum is good, the Coffee shops are fun, and most of Amsterdam is a semi circle of canals centred on the station with radial roads up into the centre. Some of the shows in the red light district are interesting and entertaining.

[Bec]

If you're interested (i.e. like) cocktails, House of Bols is good (opposite the Van Gogh museum) - 11 euro entry fee into a small museum detailing the history of the company and tastes and flavours, and this includes a free cocktail in their bar, plus tastes of 2 Bols products. Additional cocktails are 5 euros each - and they are all full strength cocktails

[Dibble]

Thanks Bec

Mrs Dibble heartily approves of a cocktail or seven, so we'll be paying a visit.

[kingofherts]

I would suggest a few of the local 'cafes' but after seeing your occupation, I'm guessing that's not your cuppa tea

[Dibble]

kingofherts said:

I would suggest a few of the local 'cafes' but after seeing your occupation, I'm guessing that's not your cuppa tea

I don't personally object, but if I dabbled I'd lose my job, so I'll be giving it a miss! Had a few days here now and a walk round, and there's obviously some strong stuff being smoked.

We did the House of Bols, and had quite a few cocktails there. Well worth every penny.

[a_bread]

What has happened about this new law banning foreigners from buying weed & hash? I know two people who have each been in the last 6 weeks or so and there was no sign of any restrictions. Has it been postponed or abandoned or maybe just not enforced?