Amsterdam Pocket Guide

The day I arrived is the last Queen's day, so the whole city is like a great party. Keukenhof is one of the reason to go there in spring.

Good times in Amsterdam

Museums, coffee shops and canals all round, no matter the demographic you'll probably have a good time in Amsterdam. Heaps to do around every corner, even if you're just walking you'll see heaps. The zoo is bigger than it looks.

Insider Tip:If you're a student remember to bring your student ID, even if it has expired you might as well give it a try. Also, look out for pub crawls, they are a good way to see a bit of the night life and you'll usually save heaps on free shots and drinks, good stuff.

Amsterdam

I only stopped off in Amsterdam for one night, and had a pleasant walk around the canals and look in a few shops. The canals were lovely to walk in the snow and locals were friendly although there is a lot of tourism mainly catering for people wanting to party hard. This attracts a few irregular characters, some amazing some shady and pretty difficult to spot the difference between someone who means well and wants to take advantage of someone on holiday. The prices are pretty high !

Insider Tip:If you are planning a long weekend for partying then go with friends. If you are going for a cultural visit, minus the hash bars and sex shops, then don't be tempted to stray from your organised itinerary. Amsterdam is a very loud, and busy city, with no skyscrapers, and one of the most liberal areas in Europe to visit. Banks are easy to withdraw cash from so walk with as little cash on you as possible, and even take a fake wallet with you, and carry the number of the police beforehand just in case.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a gorgeous, diverse, and pleasant city. I loved biking, cheese tasting, Amsterdam coffee shop chilling, canal cruising, museum visiting, partying and along many other things in Amsterdam. It is an awesome city.

Insider Tip:The Halland pass is a great value deal. I paid 68euro and got passes to 7 different things with 48 hours of free transportation.

City of Clichés

Amsterdam is a great city, everything is within walking distance and it has a ton of character. The canals are beautiful and the city is picturesque. Make sure you do all the clichéd activities, like smoking pot and going to the red light district. There's a ton to do but you can get a really good feel from the city in 2 days.

Insider Tip:Check out the risqué live sex show by Casa Rossa for something to tell your friends about back home.