Amsterdam - Much More Than Tulips

Amsterdam is city rich in heritage, and boasts a culture with a cosmic vibe. You'll feel the marked difference between the central and red-light districts and the windy streets and canals that branch off from them. Throughout the city, beautiful narrow terraced buildings line the streets and you'll encounter a populace made up of lovely gentle people. There is an electric buzz with a kitchy feel about the place that makes you feel you're a little bit in Berlin, a little bit in Salzburg.

Time to go: If you're looking to spend most of your time in coffee shops, anytime would work in Amsterdam. If, however, you want to see some of the outdoor scenery, springtime is best for the flowers. There are a number festivals around this time.

Family: Staying outside of the centre of town would be appropriate. Museums and the park, as well as wandering around canals or taking a boat trip along one of the canals, offer plenty of distraction. Certain parts of the city are for adults, but Amsterdam has enough to offer in the way of culture that your kids could enjoy staying for a couple of days.

Costs: There are quite a few reasonable hostels in Amsterdam so if you're looking to go on the cheap, you'll be sure to have plenty to choose from. Bike rentals don't cost much (see below) and should get you around the city quite quickly.

Loads of take-out cafes should give you plenty of choices for a quick lunch. You can grab some fries with gravy or mayo for about 3 Euros or sit down for a meal for no more than 10 Euros a head. There are mainstream restaurants--such as the Hard Rock Cafe--but these are tourist traps and quite overpriced.

Entrance fees are the same as most European cities: 5-10 Euros, depending on the museums. There are quite a few in Amsterdam to choose from, so be sure you get to a few. The Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest Van Gogh collection (see below) and is definitely worth the price of admission.

As always, I highly recommend the free option of wandering. Amsterdam is a beautifully built city and the Vondelpark is a perfect place to fill up a day with cheap entertainment.

Places to Stay

Hostels - The Flying Pig downtown is probably one of the craziest party places. If you're up for a wild time and want to meet people, this is the place to go. Dorm beds, 19 Euros. The City Hostel Stadsdoelen is less crazy but still has a social atmosphere. It's a good choice with a great location. They have a massive dorm room that fits about 20 people, but there are options for smaller rooms if you book far enough in advance. Dorm beds, 20 Euros. www.njhc.org

Mid-Range - Hotel Brian probably has the smallest rooms you will ever stay in; however, it's quiet enough, close to the train station and offers breakfast. Another bonus for backpackers is that there is a common room with a TV. It's a good place to veg out if you need a bit of a rest. Starting at 44 Euros per night. The Tulip Inn Dam Square also comes with good recommendations. How could you not love staying in a hotel in Amsterdam called the Tulip Inn? Starting at 55 Euros per night.

Expensive - If you really want to go all out and be in the heart of it, book yourself into NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam. http://www.hotel-bookings.nl/krasnapolsky.html It's opposite the Royal Palace and the Dam Square. For the luxury of living like a king, you'll pay through the nose. Starting at 230 Euros per night.

Another magnificent spot is Renaissance Amsterdam. It's centrally located close to the railway station, which has a direct train to and from Schiphol Airport. Starting at 219 Euros per night.

Top 5 Must-Dos

Rent a Bike - Amsterdam gives Venice a run for its money when it comes to canals. What better way to wind yourself around the lovely cobblestone streets that line the canals than on a bike? Everything is very narrow in the city and the streets are no exception. Being on a bike makes you more mobile than when driving a car and it's faster than walking. You'll be able to whiz by the famous Dam Square in no time. You can finish off with a beautiful trek around the Vondelpark, picnic beneath a tree and catch an afternoon nap in the sun. Rent a Bike Damstraat Dramstat 20-22, 7 Euros a day.
Van Gogh Museum - Paying homage to the man who died with one ear. This fantastic museum takes you through the many phases of the spectacular painter's life. His best-known piece, Sunflowers, is located here and it alone is worth the trip. You may have seen loads of prints of the famous piece, but even if you're not an art fan, it's a bit Mona-Lisa-esque to see the real thing. In the rest of the museum, colours pop out at you from room to room, offering an exciting and diverse experience.
Anne Frank Huis- Although most of your time in Amsterdam will be spent in leisure and relaxation, this haunting museum is a must-see. The museum itself was built within the house where the famous diarist Anne Frank and her family and friends hid out during the Second World War. Eerily in the same condition as when the refugees were discovered in 1944, the house certainly brings home the enormity what happened during this terrible time. If you've read the diary--which was published after the war by her father, the only surviving member of the family--you will be overcome with emotion while wandering through the silent rooms. Not to be missed.
Red Light District - You will not believe your eyes when you see all the women in windows, on display like puppies in a pet store. It's hard not to gawk as you walk past them, half in awe, half in curiosity. For the most part, if they recognize that you're a tourist they'll understand your instant interest; however, if you look too long, be prepared for angry stares and profanity. At the end of the day, these ladies have a job to do and perhaps it's best to let them get on with it. If nothing else, it's an enlightening experience to see the organisation of what is normally an illegal practice.
Coffee House - Weed. Pot. The green stuff. Whatever name you call it, this is the one place in the world where you are free to sit and relax with a special kind of smoke. Marijuana is legal in Amsterdam; however, there are various regulations so it's best to do what the tourists do and venture out to a "coffee bar." Take a look at the special "menu" and when you order your Earl Grey tea, be sure to get a spliff. I'm sure you'll find, it's the best Earl Grey you've EVER tasted....

Source
Lonely Planet