parasko
Established
I love Europe for this reason alone! Much more civilised travelling by train rather than enduring the airport delays and security issues.
damien.murphy
Damien
Spent a great week between Amsterdam, Brugge and Brussels a few years ago and would go back to Amsterdam and Brugge in a heartbeat. Brussels had its nice spots, and cheap hotel breaks at the weekends, but Brugge and Amsterdam were the highlights for me from that trip. I think my week broke down to 4 days in Amsterdam, 2 in Brugge, and 2 in Brussels which seemed to work out quite well.
What I did find with Amsterdam, is that the city suffers from its reputation a little at the weekends, with a certain level of obnoxious and loud tourists/ lads groups there for the coffee shops/ red light district/ some stag party, which otherwise went against the cool, laid back, relaxing vibe of the city for me. That said, it was a weekend in July I was there, but in any case, something I would factor in when I go again.
In all, sounds like the makings of a great fortnight, and unless you find it easier to travel by plane, I would be tempted to travel by train between the stops on your trip, and incorporate that as part of the trip too with perhaps an overnight from Paris to your next destination.
What I did find with Amsterdam, is that the city suffers from its reputation a little at the weekends, with a certain level of obnoxious and loud tourists/ lads groups there for the coffee shops/ red light district/ some stag party, which otherwise went against the cool, laid back, relaxing vibe of the city for me. That said, it was a weekend in July I was there, but in any case, something I would factor in when I go again.
In all, sounds like the makings of a great fortnight, and unless you find it easier to travel by plane, I would be tempted to travel by train between the stops on your trip, and incorporate that as part of the trip too with perhaps an overnight from Paris to your next destination.
NeeZee
Well-known
Oh, and keep it in mind that it's also less than 3 hours from Amsterdam by train to Cologne or Düsseldorf in case you'd consider a day trip to Germany. Or 1-2 hours south from there along the Rhine if you want to go for the classic romantic Germany - Loreley and stuff - more touristy though i guess and requires decent weather of course.
Ronald_H
Don't call me Ron
This is sadly true. Still, Amsterdam is a great melting pot of people and cultures with a lot of history, beautiful architecture and many wonderful museums. Hmm, maybe I should start working for the tourist office ;-)
j j
Well-known
The leery tourists tend to be on a short leash in Amsterdam. Step a little way from Warmoesstraat and Leidseplein and there are few to be seen or heard. And Sunday morning can be very quiet even there (I wonder why that might be?).
damien.murphy
Damien
Oh, and if looking for things to add to your Amsterdam itinerary, I would definitely suggest the Heineken museum, which was very cool and very fun. One of the highlights of my time in Amsterdam! 
Oh, and as others said, the leery tourists are not so bad, just something to factor in and as suggested perhaps just plan for more weekdays than weekend days there, as I would not let it put me off Amsterdam in any fashion.
Oh, and the Indonesian food is great too!
Oh, and as others said, the leery tourists are not so bad, just something to factor in and as suggested perhaps just plan for more weekdays than weekend days there, as I would not let it put me off Amsterdam in any fashion.
Oh, and the Indonesian food is great too!
parasko
Established
As it happens I will be there on weekdays and leaving on the Saturday morning so no real issue re: the 'weekend tourists'.
I'm looking at staying in the Jordaan area at this stage but I'll have to research the districts a little more in depth before I book.
You have all been so helpful. Much appreciated.
I'm looking at staying in the Jordaan area at this stage but I'll have to research the districts a little more in depth before I book.
You have all been so helpful. Much appreciated.
skibeerr
Well-known
As an expat Belgian I would take Ghent over Brugge any Time for the reasons mentioned above. Antwerp, my home town, is also a good place to visit but Ghent has a more relaxed atmosphere while "Antwerpenaren" think they live in the center of the world. (I am allowed to say that, I am one of them)
parasko
Established
I forgot to ask...I usually only travel with a Leica M7+35mm summicron but I'm thinking of purchasing a 50mm summilux or 28mm summicron (if I can get my hands on either before I go, which seems unlikely in this current Leica-less market!!). Which one would be more useful for Amsterdam and Ghent?