That puzzled me too, a Dutch client of mine told me they were "tourist traps" and that steak isn't exactly a hard meal to fuck up., it was the sheer amount of Argentinian Steakhouses which would be exactly the only kind of cuisine not welcome in the UK.
Yeah, definitely the most amazing surprise from my trip. I've been to plenty of breweries and of course fresh beer is good, but this shit is unbelievable. It's like drinking from the fountain of youth!Oh my god the Heineken and Amstel in Amsterdam tastes like nothing you can get in the UK. I suspect the shit they sell here is made here.
Thanks but the plans were changed to Dublin :/ So we saw Netherlands play in an "Irish Pub".Since I am currently living in Amsterdam I thought I'd chime in.
@Pasteton: what will be the nature of your visit? Me giving any advice on a romantic weekend with your girlfriend/wife will be very different from me advising you on a brilliant weekend away with friends. Also do you want the tourist rundown or something more local? Where are you from?
@Chris: first off I am going to presume you took care of accommodation already since you will be visiting soon. Second your are in luck this year since it is the world cup and all. I would recommend watching the Netherlands play on the Museumplein with your friends, free entry, beer and great atmosphere (you won't see the football to well but hey it is more about the party anyway). Third, to nurture your hangover(s) I would recommend you go to Amsterdam Roest (rent bikes or take a bus). This is a city beach in a semi-industrial part of the city centre and it is full of expats and hip people having craft brews and chilling in the sun. It is also not crazy busy which is a plus to me. When it comes to the drinking part you basically have two places in the city center to really get your drink on, Leidse Square (Leidseplein) and Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein). These areas are packed with tourist watering holes who will gladly cater to any of your stag party needs. Please be aware that the chances of you getting into any decent club with 28 guys are next to nothing, just so you know.
Let me know is there is anything more you want to know!
1) Don't remember the food I ate while there, but my favorite coffee shop was The Dolphins:The Dolphins Coffeeshop - Centrum - Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands | YelpIlum or anyone else - got sidetracked by other issues but now I am heading to Amsterdam - will be there tomorrow in fact!
My tentative plan is to get the iamsterdam card and do the following :
Day 1 - arrive around noon. Go to Ricktsmuseum and if time vangogh after. Dinner suggestions? Also looking for a good "coffee house" - any recommendations?
Hoping also to do red light district this night as its Saturday.
Day 2 - looking for a good bike tour - suggestions? Then what else today? Keep in mind it's Sunday
Day 3 - day trip somewhere - suggestions ? Zaanse? Edam? Evening - back to Amsterdam - wanted to do either some performance or a club - suggestions?
Day 4 - half day before flight - want to get some shopping done - where should I go?