Nice place too much hype

We stayed at the Jolly Carlton Hotel which was just near the floating flower market. The hotel was 4* but would probably rate it 3* in England but clean, comfortable and tidy with friendly staff. The city is very clean and pleasant to walk around. The transport system is the best trams, bikes and canal buses being very popular to travel on. We walked most places though but did by a canal bus ticket which was fairly expensive but worth it as we spent nearly a full day just going up and down the different canals as they offer a different perspective on the city and you can take it on at your own pace rather than getting caught up in the pace of other tourists. The city has become extremely commercialised. The squares are much like Spain, in respect of the bars, like Irish bars etc. Not at all like Paris where they have not embraced the tourist but expected the tourist to embrace their city, which I personally preferred. The Red Light District is not at all what you would expect. Unless you go down the smaller side streets then perhaps this is where it all happens but as I was with my partner we did not do this we just stuck to the main streets where tourists were walking even with younger children in some groups so that shows how tame it actually is for some. There is a lot of pick pocketing signs so be careful with your money. Even though we were not a victim of this crime I can imagine it is quite common as at the busy markets there are a lot of people just pushing past you. Money - The exchange rate is ok for the UK and exchanging your £ to Euros in the UK is great too and free, but in Amsterdam the commission was around 8% which is 1% too much for me so we just drew money from the cash points I would suggest you do the same if your bank offers you this service for free like ours as it is rare for shops, bars etc to credit cards be it Visa or MasterCard etc, they like their cash only system it would seem. Also beware of early flights as check in times for hotels are 2pm like most but flights to Amsterdam tend to be early morning arrivals for connections. I would definitely recommend you visit Amsterdam as it is a nice place.

Great for: History/Culture

Last Visit: June 2005

1 July 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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You have to go!

A must when visiting Europe! A place where people accepts people with different cultures, preferences, tastes, etc. All in one place and having a great time. Loved the museums, bars, streets... well, the list goes on and on. Be sure to visit the red light district, be careful with persons selling drugs outside the bars.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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From a backpacker's perspective....

Alright, so first off the pot was incredible, and I loved being high and just wandering the city (lost a lot of the time). The coffee shops were so much fun. Red Light District is a definate sight to see. Although, fair warning because there are a lot of drug dealers on the street late at night at the R.L. district. But they're more annoying/strange than intimidating....but be forewarned. All that being said, don't spend your days so blazed that you are just retarded...go see some of the cultural sites (ex-Van Gogh museum). I personally stayed on a camp ground a few minutes outside of town and it really has a beautiful countryside with incredibly nice people. Bottom line, the place was great.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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i really want to go again and again

its wonderful place lovely food u can really go around the city and enjoy and alots of shpping chocolates candies and more alot

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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An adventure

We happened to take a train to Amsterdam during the Gay Pride Parade of 2004. There were no hotels straight out of the gate, once we got there it was hopping with people and fun!!! I had so much fun. We decided not to stay at the gay pride and hung out with some Polish street kids. Who took us to party with Suriname carnies. It's a very fluid place with lots of different kinds living together. I had the best Italian food ever there. Stayed in La Meridian which was pretty nice, very comfortable.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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why i like this website

i really likes this website but they need to let us go into see more of websites so that we can do some of our research for our class so i give them 4 stars!!!!!

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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I'd Give my Left Arm to Move There!

It is absolutly beautiful. The people are great adn it's one hell of a party town.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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AMAZING

amsterdam was nuts. The best place i have ever been to. It is so peaceful and clean and everyone is so nice. The buds are amazing and the food is great

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Chronic smokers!

Went there to experience the legal canibus sativa with friends. LOVED IT! Got burned out by second day.....pace yourself! Hotels very pricey(note-go with friends share cost)Must go to red-light, sex museum, hemp museum, and take a boat ride.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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fun and culture

fun fun fun every opened minded person should go at least once but go towards the end of your trip

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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