h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I could spend years there but if I could go back for a city break I would. There are so many things to do. Of course the well known Coffee Houses are a must if you like that sort of thing. And when in Rome... Then the just as well known museums are some of the best in the world. If you are a Van Gogh fan you have to go, they have a museum of just his stuff there. I recommend Mike's Bike Tours, also if you are in Munich they have it there too. As far as the Coffee Shops go any of the Greenhouses are a good place to start. The Vondelpark is beautiful and the canals are a must see and a can't miss. There is a lot of cheap lodging there but bring a travel clock with alarm! Especially if you go to the Coffee Shops. And as far as the people go, there are none nicer in the world. I was told to be careful of being mugged which almost happened. An African fellow came up to me after I had just exchanged some traveler checks for the local currency (now Euros) and told me to give him my money! I laughed in his face and walked away. After just living a year in New York, no one was going to intimidate me into giving them anything. He had no Gun and I carry a knife larger than any he may have had, though he did not pull one. A lot of people who do that sort of thing rely on the typical scared tourist. He saw me and thought, ' hey easy target, scared white boy.' It did get my heart racing but scared? No, not scared. So just be smart use your head don't lose your head And your trip will be one for the books or the Guide.

AND DON'T FORGET YOUR TOWEL!!!

Hi!
We're going to Amsterdam for New Year....do you have any suggestions of where we should go....got the days planned, just need to sort out the nights especially New Year's Eve!!
Any contibutions gratefully received!

Hi Zuzu, tough question.
If you want to be outside at New Years Eve, the best places probably are the Dam, Leidse Plein or Rembrandsplein.

For other things to do you might go to the Tourist office as soon as you arrive. I don't get the impression from your page that you will be interested very much in coffeeshops, except maybe for real .

Is this your first visit to Amsterdam?

You might want to listen to Marjin. I have never been on New Years. I mostly spent time in Muesems and Coffee Shops, Artist type you know. But be sure to check out Mike's Bike Tour. All the guides are very informative. They might know more ways to spend your time.
Shoal Prexy

Hi ZUZU

I used to live in Amsterdam for some time. Dutch people celebrate New Year's eve on the street (restaurants are likely to be closed or open to a select group). For most cafes you will have to pay a fee to get in (or buy tickets in advance), so hopping from one to another is out of the question. There are several nice areas Amsterdam, but by far the best is the red light district. What most tourists do not know is that apart from strip clubs and the famous small street with red lights, there are many nice pubs around. Start from the Nieuwmarkt (the central square of this area).

Try the Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch snack only eaten around New Year's Eve.

Edward