Reply #14: A few suggestions... [View All]

Don't buy drugs on the street. There are 'quasi-legit' "coffee shops" everywhere...some good...some not so. One of the best is "Rusland"

across the Amstel (near to a number of University of Amsterdam buildings, naturally). It's the oldest such establishment in the city, very quiet, good beverages and munchies upstairs. Bring your own lighter and/or pipe for the hash. The Moroccan Gold was purely delightful.

:smoke: :smoke: :smoke:

Cafe Luxembourg

has a very old feel and ambiance -- and a communal table upfront with Dutch newspapers on a rail. Nice croquettes. If you take the #1, 2 & 5 tram you'll go right past it at Spui station...but don't blink...it's easily missed. A perfect example of the Dutch "brown cafe," where years of smoke have turned the walls brown.

The Pancake Bakery is a short walk away from the Anne Frank House, and has an incredible menu -- and Hot Chocolate with Rum and Whipped Cream -- OMG it's good.

Don't miss the Rijksmuseum; mostly closed for renovation, they've kept open one section in the rear containing Masterworks, including the Night Watch. Also worth the visit is the Van Gogh Museum nearby.

And if you're going to be there any length of time, get an Amsterdam Pass -- they come in 24 hour, 28 hour and 72 hour versions. Transport pass and discounts.

For further reference: http://www.amsterdam.nl

On edit: critically important -- wear comfortable yet sturdy shoes. The entire central city is cobblestoned. Sneakers just won't do.
And for an Indonesian rijsttafel: Sampurna @ SINGEL 498