Anyone ever been to Amsterdam?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anyone ever been to Amsterdam?

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:12:56 PM EDT

I've never really wanted to travel, but I have a coworker that goes practically every year. I'm thinking about putting a week long trip next year.

He talks nonstop about the Netherlands and all the breweries within striking distance. Crazy old monasteries that still brew with open fermentation and the like.

I rack up quite a bit of airlines miles for work and I think it would be fun to take the wife over there since she's always wanted to see Europe.

Anyone been, what was it like.

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:22:34 PM EDT

[#1]

I have been several times, there is plenty to do there:
I believe they have the most museums per capita of any city, It is a very easy city to get around in (pretty small and set up like 1/2 a circle, the center being the train station. From the airport (Schipol)you can take the train right to the station.Walking is easy just mind the bike lanes,they seem to have the right of way. Everyone speaks English, most things are written in English. I visited the Heineken brewery one time.
What time of year do you plan to go, in the winter it gets quite cold (it is right on the North sea so it is a "wet" cold).
What kinds of stuff are you interested in?

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:28:51 PM EDT

[#2]

Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:30:44 PM EDT

[#3]

Too many times when I lived in Europe. Not a bad city and plenty fun if you take full advantage, but nothing to write home about. In other words, there are many other places I'd rather visit.

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:32:23 PM EDT

[#4]

I've been to Amsterdam several times, but my memories pretty foggy about it

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:37:26 PM EDT

[#5]

It's a cool city. Like others said it is stupid easy to get around in. There are other places in Europe I would rather go though.

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:40:39 PM EDT

[#6]

But I kind of like the music

Posted: 10/25/2013 10:48:40 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:

I have been several times, there is plenty to do there:

I believe they have the most museums per capita of any city, It is a very easy city to get around in (pretty small and set up like 1/2 a circle, the center being the train station. From the airport (Schipol)you can take the train right to the station.Walking is easy just mind the bike lanes,they seem to have the right of way. Everyone speaks English, most things are written in English. I visited the Heineken brewery one time.

What time of year do you plan to go, in the winter it gets quite cold (it is right on the North sea so it is a "wet" cold).

What kinds of stuff are you interested in?

View Quote

We'd like to visit a lot museums, breweries, and of course sample a bit of the nightlife.

We'd probably go in the winter, but the cold probably wouldn't bother us, we're used to it

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:00:09 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:

Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

View Quote

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.
My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:02:34 PM EDT

[#9]

i wish.. its probably really expensive to travel there though..would love to someday though

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:07:00 PM EDT

[#10]

Went on an overnight trip there when I lived in Europe.

Blew a few hundred euro's at the Holland Casino, went thru the red light district, got offered coke by a homeless looking dude that got slammed to the cobblestones by undercover cops (who searched me after, they thought I bought some) and passed out in my car across the river from the Heineken plant. Good night

It's a fun, hopping city in the downtown area, but it's not huge, you will run out of things to do after a couple days (unless unlimited hookers is an option). Also, I recall the Dutch tightening up drug laws, but I'm not sure on the specifics.

Had a piss test the next Monday too. Random my ass

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:17:16 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

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no blow in holland?

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:18:39 PM EDT

[#12]

I've heard-tell that the ladies are insane

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:22:28 PM EDT

[#13]

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:25:56 PM EDT

[#14]

Keep in mind that in Europe lots of stuff closes in the winter months. I'm not sure about Amsterdam, but I found that to be true in most of Europe.

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:32:48 PM EDT

[#15]

Not bad for a day or two; but there are more fun places to visit in Europe. Plenty of places in France and Germany that I'd visit before going back to Amsterdam.

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:39:42 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.

My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.

My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

Winter might not be the best. Utrecht has a bunch of restaurants next to a canal that is all outdoors. Right around 52° 5'33.52"N 52° 5'33.52"N. It is sort of a college town.

Amsterdam has some outdoor eating as well and people watching is better in warmer weather. Watching middle aged women be shocked at the red light district that they went to see is amusing.

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:45:58 PM EDT

[#17]

Been once, that was enough for me

Posted: 10/25/2013 11:54:09 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Too many times when I lived in Europe. Not a bad city and plenty fun if you take full advantage, but nothing to write home about. In other words, there are many other places I'd rather visit.

View Quote

This.

My favorite cities in Europe are Trier, Budapest and Berlin. In comparison, Amsterdam is just another dirty city, fun to experience once, but really nothing special.

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:01:05 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.

My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.

My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

Might as well go to Denver then..

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:09:45 AM EDT

[#20]

Edit

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:22:19 AM EDT

[#21]

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Quoted:

Might as well go to Denver then..

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Amsterdam is pretty cool. But if you have not been to Europe before I would put it pretty far down on the list of places to see, unless of course you are into pot and hookers.

I really don't care about seeing the best of Europe. My idea of travel is to drive/fly into the interior of Alaska and spend a good deal of time.

My wife has an inkling to see Europe and I love beer, the amount of wonderful belgian beers on tap there would blow my mind. And I've actually never smoked pot, but chilling in a coffee shop and doing something that I can't do here in the sates sounds pretty cool

And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

Might as well go to Denver then..

We got the beer and pot no doubt. As far as hookers go, the euros might have a leg up on us.

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:36:00 AM EDT

[#22]

That city is being overrun by Muslims.

The House of Ann Frank is a powerful experience.

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:47:31 AM EDT

[#23]

Yes, but it was back in the mid 70's. Went with a bunch of military friends and with all the beer we drank the memories are kind of foggy. Amstel was really good.
I'd recommend London or Paris if you've never been.

Posted: 10/26/2013 12:51:20 AM EDT

[#24]

Yes, twice.

Art and beer

Posted: 10/26/2013 1:07:03 AM EDT

[#25]

I have been countless times when I grew up in Germany.

We made many trips to just hand out and do fun stuff. Coffee Shop comes to mind.

Those where great times.

Posted: 10/26/2013 4:48:12 AM EDT

[#26]

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:06:18 AM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
We'd like to visit a lot museums, breweries, and of course sample a bit of the nightlife.

We'd probably go in the winter, but the cold probably wouldn't bother us, we're used to it

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have been several times, there is plenty to do there:
I believe they have the most museums per capita of any city, It is a very easy city to get around in (pretty small and set up like 1/2 a circle, the center being the train station. From the airport (Schipol)you can take the train right to the station.Walking is easy just mind the bike lanes,they seem to have the right of way. Everyone speaks English, most things are written in English. I visited the Heineken brewery one time.
What time of year do you plan to go, in the winter it gets quite cold (it is right on the North sea so it is a "wet" cold).
What kinds of stuff are you interested in?

We'd like to visit a lot museums, breweries, and of course sample a bit of the nightlife.

We'd probably go in the winter, but the cold probably wouldn't bother us, we're used to it

Amstel & Heineken are the ones I know of, IIRC they charge a fee for the tour, but give out copious samples afterwards..Just try to avoid the british (nothing against them, but giving a bunch of brits free beer gets kind of...interesting. It got to the point that I left because I seriously thought that fighting was about to commence), on a similar note, you could fly into London and get a cheap plane over the channel (easy jet, or something similar) its about 45 min flight. Or if you wanted to see some of Northern Europe, check out eurrail or rail europe, you can travel to several countries quickly and relatively cheap
ETA: it is pretty surreal to go into a bar and they will sell pot, hash, some places sold halucenogenic mushrooms. Red light is truly wild...

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:08:04 AM EDT

[#28]

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:18:40 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

I have been several times, there is plenty to do there:

I believe they have the most museums per capita of any city, It is a very easy city to get around in (pretty small and set up like 1/2 a circle, the center being the train station.

View Quote

I think Camus described it as being laid out like the circles of hell in the Inferno. I constantly got lost because that was the first European city I had ever visited, and didn't know the names of streets seem to change at every intersection.

I liked it, it was a trip going from a very car-oriented city where you have to drive everywhere and bicycles are a nuisance to one where you can ride in traffic and cars don't act like you are out of place.

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:29:58 AM EDT

[#30]

I think so....but I can't really remember....

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:40:56 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I think Camus described it as being laid out like the circles of hell in the Inferno. I constantly got lost because that was the first European city I had ever visited, and didn't know the names of streets seem to change at every intersection.

I liked it, it was a trip going from a very car-oriented city where you have to drive everywhere and bicycles are a nuisance to one where you can ride in traffic and cars don't act like you are out of place.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I have been several times, there is plenty to do there:
I believe they have the most museums per capita of any city, It is a very easy city to get around in (pretty small and set up like 1/2 a circle, the center being the train station.

I think Camus described it as being laid out like the circles of hell in the Inferno. I constantly got lost because that was the first European city I had ever visited, and didn't know the names of streets seem to change at every intersection.

I liked it, it was a trip going from a very car-oriented city where you have to drive everywhere and bicycles are a nuisance to one where you can ride in traffic and cars don't act like you are out of place.

Yes, the bikes are everywhere, there is that 3-4 story bike "parking lot" at the train station...bikes everywhere, the road has auto lanes, tram lanes, bike lanes
and your right, even though it is a small city if you partake in the beer or other things the city offers... it can be a little disorienting

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:43:24 AM EDT

[#32]

You go to Belgium and Germany for the breweries. You go to Amsterdam for the prostitutes.

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:46:55 AM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
But I kind of like the music

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Been twice, it's awesome.

Posted: 10/26/2013 6:55:54 AM EDT

[#34]

My one trip there was more than adequate. Be careful not to trip over the homeless people shooting up in the public parks, and avoid falling into any of the polluted canals.

If you want good beer, lots of history and gorgeous scenery, go to Germany or Austria.

Posted: 10/26/2013 7:07:50 AM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
And the hookers sound pretty neat too.

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In that case, don't miss De Wallen. The oldest and largest of A'dam's red light districts, it lies along one of the canals inside the old city with architecture dating back to the fourteenth century. I don't know what it's like now, but twenty years ago, it was a spectacle.

Posted: 10/26/2013 7:11:46 AM EDT

[#36]

I hear they have really good truffles.

Posted: 10/26/2013 7:14:44 AM EDT

[#37]

Depending on your tastes... on the risque side - wander through the red district, the Banana Bar and Bulldog Cafe or more pedestrian side - the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum.

Belgium is close - about 1.5 hours away by train - Liege, Bruge, Antwerpe and Brussels were very nice.

Germany is also close, Cologne has some great sites to visit and lunch along the Rhine... braised pork shank with caraway seeds, garlic, mashed potatoes and a Kolsch.

Grab a rail pass and enjoy.

Posted: 10/26/2013 7:40:14 AM EDT

[#38]

My mother is directly from the Netherlands. I spent a number of vacations during my teens and early 20s taking public transport around the country with my cousins sampling the beers from the different regions of the Netherlands.

I've only gone once in the winter. Bring your skates... Every town has a rink.

The issue I see with going in the winter is you won't be able to sit on the sidewalks with your beer and people watch. To me that is one of the best parts of bar hopping the Netherlands. The best time to go is in the spring when the tulips are out.