Hi Bear.
I was just there a couple of days ago so can proffer a little bit of advice, perchance. I didn't get the coach but have heard that it's a looooong trip so be warned!
As for touristy stuff, the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank's house are both good. There's a fairly long line at the latter unless you go reasonably early. And you can do hour-long canal cruises for 6 euros which are pretty good value. There are a couple of stands near the station as you walk down the main drag. They go every hour or so.
And just walk around; it's a beautiful place. Everywhere outside the red light district is great, and there are coffee shops scattered about everywhere, though they're mostly in the red light district. As far as I know they're all pretty similar in terms of price and value, but some have different atmospheres. I went to the Bulldog (in the red light district) which was playing some excellent hard house so that suited me. And they have menus for hash and pot and give you free papers or lend you a bong if that's your preference. All easy and straight forward, so I didn't feel like too much of a tourist.
And there are some good bars and clubs around too. There are some cool ones a street or two behind the supermarket (turn right at Dam Square as you're walking down from the station. Can't remember any more specifically than that, and I was a bit pissed off that when the club shut at 5 there was nothing open in the whole damn city, on a Saturday night. Party town my arse.
As for hostels, none of them are that great compared to everywhere else I've been, and they're not cheap either, but if you just need somewhere to sleep when you're spannered, then no problem. Bob's Hostel is ok (turn right at Dam Square and walk through till you hit another main road and turn right down that and it's on your left). The Bulldog is ok too but the staff are fuckers (turn left at Dam Square and go till you hit the first canal then turn left and you'll see it (next to the coffee shop I mentioned). Can't be any more specific without a map unfortunately. I've heard that the Kabul is prettty good as well.
And if you're pushed for time, it's pretty easy to do all of the above in a day or two. Touristy stuff in the morning, coffee shop in the afternoon. Simple. And everyone speaks English too.
And take a frickin' rain coat and warm clothes. I couldn't wait to get back to England for some nice weather. No word of a lie. |
