RML said:
The city centre, where you'll be staying, is probably already more than you'll have time for. The red-light district is (in)famous but it actually is a really nice area to walk around. The Chinese district is just next to it. Check out streets like the Zeedijk, Warmoestraat, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, etc. If you're lucky you can drop by the Oude Kerk to see the World Press Photo exhibition. From there the current location of the Stedelijk Museum is not far, as is the harbour (good shooting on foggy mornings!).
The square I mentioned, Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein, are good places too, as are the areas around it. The canals (Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, etc.) are a must-see. They offer nice views, and the small alleyways in the district Jordaan are full of boutiques and small restaurants, and lots of photo ops.
The Vondelpark is a nice place, as is Artis Zoo and the area around it.
There's too much to mention, really. 😛
Ahhhh, those names stir up the memories...
I was in Amsterdam on a 5-day excursion with my wife - we were still free (no children yet!), and a bit younger than today (it was in 1998!)...
We had some spare money, and I was working like mad for the previous 6 months, so I decided it was time for a REAL break - booked an Amsterdam "City tour", we stayed at the Tulip Inn on Spuistraat... It was June...
We visited all those places... Vondelpark was perfect.
I did not succumb to the obscure temptations (read: coffee shops), but OTOH, I think I tried at least 30 kinds of beer
😀
(BTW, I liked the one called "Barbar"...)
For those who don't know what a "coffe shop" in Amsterdam is, it's a place where they sell joints and other hallucinogenic stuff legally.... Not a place to drop in for a cup of coffee, really
🙂
"Brown bars" are a different matter - quite similar to pubs.
On numerous occasions we were almost run over by bicycles - there are many of them, and people usually pedal quite frantically, ringing their bells, signalling you to move and let them pass...
I think I picked up my habit of smoking handrolled cigaretes there - "Samson" or "Drum" were a lot cheaper than usual cigarette packs...
After those 5 days, we just didn't want to go home... And we swore we'll get back some day.
Well, not much longer, I guess... Kids are growing up, and in a year or so they'll be ready for a trip to Amsterdam without too much hassle...
🙂
And, oh - I just loved those canal boat rides....
We liked the people there immensely! People are quite friendly and "uncomplicated"... They seem to know how to enjoy life, and are very out-going.. Reminded me very much of the Mediterranean types - friendly, warm and open...
Yes, I really envy you, Remy... Although I must admit Croatia also has its good sides - particularly in the summer
😀
Denis
