Amsterdam

[maunahaole]

Going there for summer vacation. Probably spend some time in the city as well as get a car and hit the country a little bit. Thinking Brugge and Maastricht as side trips. 7-8 Days. Suggestions on what to hit and what to miss? Mainemike input also required.

[corko]

Bet you don't get beyond beer, 'herbal' cigarettes and the 'windows'........

[joosttx]

There is one place to go in Amsterdam and that is an Italian restraurant, called la angeletto in the centeurbaum. Tiny place, so get there early, don't sit on the wrong side or order something special or ask for an extra knife because you will be ignored until you leave or make friends with a local who you get you re-instated. The food is inversely related to the potenial rudeness. And the fellas take their time. If you sit down at 6p good chance you will leave around 10:30 if you do it right. The risotto nero is mana. Best part late in the even the chef grabs the gut string and places sheet music on the of the deli display where squid and snapper and argula are displayed and begins to play while the crusty papa waiter sings opera, out of tune, red faced, neck vein popping, "Maria, Maria, Maria".

This is my last meal place, even though I am a southener.

You dont need a car. Trains and bikes will get you around. I love the arnhem to Urtrecht area to cycle. There are actually hills there.

[gearguywb]

Can I go? Pleeeeeeeaaaaaasssseeee?

[Eddie]

I had an awesome time in Brugge back in Sept.

Very much enjoyed dinner at De Vlaamsche Pot. Traditional Flemish fare and a more or less local spot. Grab a table outside. Also, I helped the owners close down a bar just outside town that's been in operation since the 1500's. Name escaping me, I'll look it up. Get some frites from the trailer on the south side of the Market (central square). Also, wandered in to a bar that exclusively serves liquors distilled by the proprietor - Jeneverlounge Crombé - definitely worth a stop. I recommend the forest root liquor.

[quickag]

Don't waste on a car. Much easier and cheaper to travel by bike/train/bus.

[Eddie]

Don't waste on a car. Much easier and cheaper to travel by bike/train/bus.

Truth. I rented a bike at the train station, tore all over town for a day and a half, rode it back, and got back on Thaly's. Supa-easy.

[jamesand]

Mauna, the Rijksmuseum is worth a visit.

Don't drink out of bottles on the streets. No glass.

Some of the best street food/vendors in the world!

I will echo what everyone else said; rent a bike and tear ass around. Maybe your visit will coincide with Critical Mass like mine.

[rabo]

Check the (pop) concert schedule of Paradiso, do the Melkweg one night, definitely a modern ballet downtown in the theater, and a concert (classical) in the concert gebouw. Modern Art Museum still closed but Rijks museum is open. Cafe's in AM and PM and clubbing at night. Read up a little about the history before you go, it makes you understand the lay out and appreciate the city more. no need to travel much, you can spend a month in any of the big European Cities and still not be bored. Bring good walking shoes.

[lavi]

I'll be there for one evening only on the night of Saturday July 16th if you want to help me find some mischief/trouble/good times.

[maunahaole]

damn. June for us.

[lavi]

Don't tear the city down. Leave some fun for me.

[maunahaole]

A month should give them time to restock the shelves with beer.

[lavi]

Ok. We're cool then. Leave some hash brownies for me too please.

[maunahaole]

No comment, no promises.

[lukasz]

I'm going to be there July 7-11 or so. I've been before and did all the typical Amsterdam stuff. This time I plan to keep my faculties and bike a lot. Plan to.

[Rich Beaudoin]

Forget the car and ride to Brugge via Delft. The border crossing is/was only a red and white wooden pole on a canal road like the kind that lower at railroad crossings in the US. No passports/guards. You can leisurely ride it in 3-4 days and take the train back. I took my in-laws all over the Netherlands on rented single speed city bikes when they were in their late 50s - and they are not cyclists. Still the trip they talk about all the time and they are constantly traveling. Just bring a duffle bag to strap on the rear rack.

[-HvA-]

If you go to Brugge, spend a day in Antwerps - it's my favorite city in the world. Beautiful architecture, amazing food, fashion, beer...

[armagh]

In Amsterdam, eat at least one meal at the Blue Parade. Right off the Dam Platz. The mussels are from another world. Wash 'em down with beer and top it off with an oud genever.

[madhatter]

First if all: Sorry for a first post without introduction...
I have been an avid cyclist for as long as I can remember, and although I left the Netherlands in '03 and ended up in Switzerland via New England, I am Dutch and lived there most of my life. Anyway...Amsterdam...am not from there but studied close by in Utrecht and visit a few times per year. Lot's to be seen/done in 7/8 days...for accommodation, I recommend Speciality of Amsterdam - Houseboats - Amsterdam Apartments It's not a hotel though, rather a website with many, many different houseboats, apartments and rooms in private homes for rent. Prices are similar to hotels, but in most cases you get so much more value and authenticity, if you don't mind self catering.... I stayed in one a few days recently and had a blast...
Definitely rent some bikes, but don't expect anything fancy, most that are available are singlespeed/upright type of bikes. Take a look at: Rent a Bike Damstraat they appear to have touring bikes as well, more suitable if you plan to get out of the city by bike. Another website that could be interesting is: Amsterdam (Netherlands) Local To Do Tips | Spotted by Locals Lot's of inside information by locals (as the name implies).
For breakfast/coffee time etc. take a look at: De Bakkerswinkel Nice fresh, home made bread, pastries, dutch apple pie etc, one of my favorites. For dining there are myriad options, but don't leave without having tried an indonesian ("indisch" we call it from the time indonesia was called Nederlands Indie) rijsttafel (lot's of different spicy dishes served with fried rice etc) for instance here: Sampurna Indonesisch Restaurant Another interesting restaurant is Restaurant en Kwekerij De Kas - Amsterdam - Interieur Never been there, but it's quite famous for it's home grown organic produce and innovative kitchen.

Hope this helps a bit...