Amsterdam

recyclops

Try get over for King's day. Their national day brilliant atmosphere, imagine St patrick's day but more fun and less teenage drunks.

elefant

Dots1982 wrote: »

Anyone got any good apps for the city? Transport orientated...like where you enter one landmark/street and enter another as your destination and it tells you the tram etc to take?

9292.nl

arybvtcw0eolkf

I'm probably in a minority of one when I say I didn't like Amsterdam at all, in fact after two days there I couldn't get out quick enough.

I wouldn't go back.

Fav European city for me is Krakov.

Chrongen

aivilo wrote: »

I’m heading over next weekend. Any particularly good good places to eat not too expensive?
Also where’s a good music bars

Blauw Brug Cafe in the Waterlooplein. Great ribs.

gmisk

aivilo wrote: »

I’m heading over next weekend. Any particularly good good places to eat not too expensive?
Also where’s a good music bars

Tales and spirits for cocktails and food...very cool place

munchkin_utd

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

I'm probably in a minority of one when I say I didn't like Amsterdam at all, in fact after two days there I couldn't get out quick enough.

I wouldn't go back.

Fav European city for me is Krakov.

nah, youre not on your own, I was never a massive fan of the place either.

I dont do dope, and not a fan of Heineken so probably missing out on 2 of the main advantages of Amsterdam.
Yes the architecture is grand but I'd visit The Hague or Maastricht or Bruges or Leuven quicker (still have to get to Antwerp and Ghent) in the bigger scheme of things.

I have fond memories of Amsterdam but they're all from when I was in my 20s. I do smoke grass, but TBH you can get better gear in other parts of the country. Club scene is fun but I'm 'kinda' past that now (momentary lapses in judgment).

I wouldn't pick Amsterdam as a choice destination anymore. TBH I'd pick Munich as being a far better city. And getting something to smoke is rarely difficult in any European city.

gmisk

I'm surprised some people aren't fans, I think it's a beautiful place, lots of great bars and restaurants, maybe avoid the really touristy areas and the red light districts.
I would recommend yelp and definitely TripAdvisor for food and bars and things to do

gmisk

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

I'm probably in a minority of one when I say I didn't like Amsterdam at all, in fact after two days there I couldn't get out quick enough.

I wouldn't go back.

Fav European city for me is Krakov.

Each to their own but I wasnt a huge fan of Krakow. The main things I went to were all outside the city (like the salt mines, Auschwitz). Krakow I found pretty dull, the people weren't friendly and the food and bars were generally poor.
I should say bar the Jewish quarter which had some fun places (singer was brilliant!)

Grayson

gmisk wrote: »

Each to their own but I wasnt a huge fan of Krakow. The main things I went to were all outside the city (like the salt mines, Auschwitz). Krakow I found pretty dull, the people weren't friendly and the food and bars were generally poor.
I should say bar the Jewish quarter which had some fun places (singer was brilliant!)

I agree. Pretty place but it wasn't that friendly.

xzanti

Was there a few years ago for a weekend.

Great place. Very relaxed. Lots to see and do.

Would love to go back. It's an 'experience'. :pac:

arybvtcw0eolkf

gmisk wrote: »

Each to their own but I wasnt a huge fan of Krakow. The main things I went to were all outside the city (like the salt mines, Auschwitz). Krakow I found pretty dull, the people weren't friendly and the food and bars were generally poor.
I should say bar the Jewish quarter which had some fun places (singer was brilliant!)

Yes I agree on the bars, they weren't my fav part of Krakov but then if there were Irish or UK style bars we'd mock them for it.

I loved the food and ate steak tartar for the first time, and even raw (seasoned) horse meat.

I like that east Europeans aren't in your face friendly, I see it as them just minding their own business and keeping out of mine.

Amsterdam, well I'm too old for clubs (52 today) but the bars were grand however I found it difficult to find good food.

Done the canal boat tour, it was the dullest most boring couple of hours of my life.

Mister Vain

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

I'm probably in a minority of one when I say I didn't like Amsterdam at all, in fact after two days there I couldn't get out quick enough.

I wouldn't go back.

Fav European city for me is Krakov.

Krakow is lovely. I found the people to be fairly friendly but I speak a bit of Polish so that probably helped. The women are absolutely stunning too. I didn't really like Amsterdam either. I met some great people there but the city itself wouldn't be to my liking.

Chrongen

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

Yes I agree on the bars, they weren't my fav part of Krakov but then if there were Irish or UK style bars we'd mock them for it.

I loved the food and ate steak tartar for the first time, and even raw (seasoned) horse meat.

I like that east Europeans aren't in your face friendly, I see it as them just minding their own business and keeping out of mine.

Amsterdam, well I'm too old for clubs (52 today) but the bars were grand however I found it difficult to find good food.

Done the canal boat tour, it was the dullest most boring couple of hours of my life.

TBF Napoleon's legions, Adolf's Panzers and America's ICBMs have probably contributed to that feature of their attitude :pac:

the_syco

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

I'm probably in a minority of one when I say I didn't like Amsterdam at all, in fact after two days there I couldn't get out quick enough.

The RLD is good for the hookers, but that's about it. Also, many people who go don't seem to realize that weed and alcohol don't mix, and then get stupid. I avoided all pubs bar the Irish one under the White Tulip hostel I was staying in, to get some food. Most of the places that sold decent weed were on the outskirts of the RLD, or outside it completely.

Watching the barges turn and go by was very relaxing, and I can rarely relax doing nothing.

Sunny Elegant Streetcar wrote: »

Amsterdam, well I'm too old for clubs (52 today) but the bars were grand however I found it difficult to find good food.

Congrats! TBH, when in the Dam, I never went to any of the clubs; just got high, and chilled.

I'd recommend Nantes, in France (went there after Hellfest metal festival); lots of history (the castle is awesome), and lots of quaint little pubs scattered around the place. Enjoyed it more than the Dam (also, nicer history). If you get any agro from the locals in Nantes (or can't get a room at a hotel), ask if they speak Irelande, and you'll get a huge attitude change!

howyegettinon1

yeah great city, been 3 times. hard to get anything done when ya baked though
wouldnt advise going in winter - freezing and dark early
alot better durring the warmer brifghter months

PowerToWait

Brilliant city in Summer. Very easy to get lost but that's half the fun. Shed loads of 'stuff' going on. About 9 million different districts, all with their own vibe. Easy to get around. Good value. Tall people, great museums. Weed is ok but BCN has that now, better and cheaper. But still, a wonderful 3 day get away, especially in one of the better hotels.

buried

Would love to go to the Dekmantel Festival that happens over there, always seems to sell out in about 3 minutes though. Will get there one day. Such lineups

Capt'n Midnight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwWoGJXrPyk

A cautionary tale.

It took a lost weekend in a hotel in amsterdam
And double pneumonia in a single room
And the sickest joke was the price of the medicine
Are you laughing at me now may I please laugh along with you

Capt'n Midnight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0O-2oAvNTo

Happier Amsterdam earworm.

Dots1982

Is it just me or is there a strange lack of newsagent shops and chemists in this city?

Dots1982

The normal type of chemists

wakka12

PowerToWait wrote: »

Brilliant city in Summer. Very easy to get lost but that's half the fun. Shed loads of 'stuff' going on. About 9 million different districts, all with their own vibe. Easy to get around. Good value. Tall people, great museums. Weed is ok but BCN has that now, better and cheaper. But still, a wonderful 3 day get away, especially in one of the better hotels.

I agree its fun getting lost there, but I did find myself getting lost so much in amsterdam compared to most other cities Ive visited

aivilo

We are here at the moment and “love it. But yes no newsagents or chemists and so easy to get lost

ohnonotgmail

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0O-2oAvNTo

Happier Amsterdam earworm.

they dont write theme tunes like that any more.

thebull85

Does anyone know where you can get decent edibles in Amsterdam? not those space cakes they do be selling they are crap, they do nothing to ye.

asteroids over berlin

thebull85 wrote: »

Does anyone know where you can get decent edibles in Amsterdam? not those space cakes they do be selling they are crap, they do nothing to ye.

there are smart shops thete - they will sort you out

thebull85

Mr.S wrote: »

i thought Dublin had it bad with stag / hen parties, and then I went to Amsterdam :eek:

yeah.. best stick to going midweek you avoid all that nonsense, although you miss out on the club scene which is legendary.

asteroids over berlin

worked there evrry 2nd week, main city is nice, outskirts are a bit mdh. Dutch are ok/sound. Used to enjoy having a beer on a summers eve in the district looking at the stupid tourists. About 200 metres to the left of central has another square with more locals there, good spot. enjoy

thebull85

asteroids over berlin wrote: »

there are smart shops thete - they will sort you out

been in one or two of them over there but going back a couple of years, they seemed only have those rotten party pills, salvia and the like.

Im looking for edibles like sweets, gummy bears ala Joey Diaz.

dartboardio

Is Amsterdam as expensive as people make out, or are there plenty of reasonable places if you look properly? Suppose we don’t wanna be having fancy dinners out every night, and would rather keep some money for extra things to do, or nights out

What else do they sell in the coffee shops other than weed? I suppose myself and partner aren’t that interested in going smoking, I’m sick of weed, obviously will go once or twice to the shops just for the experience.

Grayson

thebull85 wrote: »

yeah.. best stick to going midweek you avoid all that nonsense, although you miss out on the club scene which is legendary.

Or just stay a little bit out of the centre. The transport is great there. You can be 10 minutes away by tram and be in a completely different environment.

wakka12

I don't remember it being any more or less expensive than any other touristy city in the EU. They're all just reasonably expensive, similar to Dublin, maybe a bit cheaper

aloyisious

Just remember to look to the RIGHT before crossing the street, bikes don't make noises like cars.

dartboardio

Is Amsterdam as expensive as people make out, or are there plenty of reasonable places if you look properly? Suppose we don’t wanna be having fancy dinners out every night, and would rather keep some money for extra things to do, or nights out

What else do they sell in the coffee shops other than weed?

Grayson

dartboardio wrote: »

Is Amsterdam as expensive as people make out, or are there plenty of reasonable places if you look properly? Suppose we don’t wanna be having fancy dinners out every night, and would rather keep some money for extra things to do, or nights out

What else do they sell in the coffee shops other than weed? I suppose myself and partner aren’t that interested in going smoking, I’m sick of weed, obviously will go once or twice to the shops just for the experience.

I found food etc to be pretty well priced. Accommodation in the centre is very expensive though. Last time I went I stayed outside Amsterdam in Haarlem. It's something like 10 minutes from there to the central station. Accommodation was a lot cheaper and the town is lovely. Loads of restaurants etc and apparently it has the best shopping in the Netherlands

Haven't been in a coffee shop in years. I think most will sell cookies/brownies. just be careful when eating them, if it's a higher dose you won't know for 30-60 minutes when it starts kicking in.

dartboardio

Booked a hotel about ten mins away from City Centre. Kings court?
I suppose I’m terrified of it being as expensive as Copenhagen. But I doubt that!

Suppose we will be more interested in eating food, drinking cocktails and seeing cool stuff while we’re there rather than getting stoned, but one or two evenings we might.

gmisk

dartboardio wrote: »

Booked a hotel about ten mins away from City Centre. Kings court?
I suppose I’m terrified of it being as expensive as Copenhagen. But I doubt that!

Suppose we will be more interested in eating food, drinking cocktails and seeing cool stuff while we’re there rather than getting stoned, but one or two evenings we might.

Its not as expensive as Copenhagen, i found it fairly similar to Dublin prices.
Heading next week myself staying at the fashion hotel its a bit out but near Vondelpark and handy on tram and has a pool.


For cocktails tales and spirits is terrific

Dramatik

Was over there in June of this year, I like the place, kind of like a better dublin, it's the one city where I almost feel like I haven't left dublin. You gotta have your witts about you at night around the rld though and in the day time with bikes. My friend and I play a game over there that every time you accidentally walk out on front of a bike without looking, you have to buy the other person a drink

I used to smoke it up over there when I was younger and always had a great laugh, I don't smoke anymore so I was kind of disappointed with how little I could tolerate the last time over there but it was still fun anyway. It definitely isn't for everyone but I like it, it's easy enough to just ignore the lady's in the windows if you want so I don't really see people's problem with them and anyways what do you expect if you're in the redlight.

wakka12

Thats funny because amsterdam also really reminded me of Dublin, don't know what it is about it

Dublin and all irish cities used to look exactly like dutch cities in the 1700s too before they were all demolished for georgian architecture

Street in Limerick

Waterford

It was a popular destination for me for years because of the coffeeshop element. I'd go to gigs in the city and just get flummoxed for a few days. That was in the 00s. In the 2010s, since I started going over with my current OH, I've a whole new love for the place which doesn't revolve around weed.

It's a fantastic city that you can walk around quite easily, never mind the good public transport on offer. Sure, the RLDistrict area is tacky, but every capital city has its tacky areas. The parks, the museums, the old architecture, the restaurants, the street-food, the markets, the friendly locals you meet at bars outside the busy city centre, there's just so much to do if you're into the city vibe.

Walking out of central train station and seeing the city before my eyes after traveling in from Schiphol airport, suitcase in tow, that's one of my happy places.

frozenfrozen

I'm going over for IBC in a couple of weeks with my boss. Will have to put the hookers on the company card

frozenfrozen

Jaysis I'm here now and for all the chat the red light district is very tame

Rubberchikken

If all a city can offer is 'weed' and silly men staring at sex workers im glad ive never gone there.
Give me paris any day. Classy.

JupiterKid

dartboardio wrote: »

Is Amsterdam as expensive as people make out, or are there plenty of reasonable places if you look properly? Suppose we don’t wanna be having fancy dinners out every night, and would rather keep some money for extra things to do, or nights out

What else do they sell in the coffee shops other than weed?

Amsterdam is nowhere near as expensive as Copenhagen. Accommodation in the Centre is pricey and taxis are very expensive but when over I always stay with my sister at her house 20 Km north of the city in a small town. You can eat out for pretty cheap, especially if you stay off the main tourist drag of Damrak/red light district. There are some great cafes and restaurants around the Leidesplein - this is where the Dutch go for eating out.

I’m off there on Tuesday!:D

Amsterdam has a LOT more to offer the tourist than coffee shops and hookers. There are great museums and antique shops. Do a canal boat tour. See the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank house. Going to Amsterdam and staying in the red light district is like going to Dublin and staying in Temple Bar all the time.

Cookie_Monster

Rubberchikken wrote: »

If all a city can offer is 'weed' and silly men staring at sex workers im glad ive never gone there.
Give me paris any day. Classy.

It's hardly all it can offer...
you can completely ignore the 'trashy' side of it and it's still one of the best cities in the world

wakka12

Rubberchikken wrote: »

If all a city can offer is 'weed' and silly men staring at sex workers im glad ive never gone there.
Give me paris any day. Classy.

Anyone who thinks thats all it has to offer has never seen amsterdam properly
Probably the same people who think all dublin has to offer is temple bar

Grayson

JupiterKid wrote: »

Amsterdam has a LOT more to offer the tourist than coffee shops and hookers. There are great museums and antique shops. Do a canal boat tour. See the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank house. Going to Amsterdam and staying in the red light district is like going to Dublin and staying in Temple Bar all the time.

I've been to the Van Gogh museum/gallery 3 times so far. Could easily go back a 4th.

Lying in the square right now outside grand hotel krasnapolsky in the sun with a joint...... I love Amsterdam

thebull85

Rubberchikken wrote: »

If all a city can offer is 'weed' and silly men staring at sex workers im glad ive never gone there.
Give me paris any day. Classy.

Paris is an absolute shi*ehole.