I stayed right in the middle of the RLD earlier this year and never had any issues. Like most big cities after dark, keep an eye on money/wallets etc and don't be stupid! There are so many people about anyway it never bothered me.
@WillmoreTheRed - regards the RLD. If you go down there during the day you'll be safe as houses. At night, just keep your wits about you like you would any other place. Obviously the nature of the area means it attracts some dubious characters but don't act like a twat, ignore the street dealers and you'll be fine. Make sure you keep your missus close tho.
If it's not too cold then Vondelpark is a great place to enjoy a smoke. Be discreet with street smoking, a bench along a quiet canal is always a good option.
Be very discreet. In one night I saw the Police getting rough with two separate groups out in the streets.
anne frank's museum is an eye opener. don't visit, as my friends did, the morning after eating tons of mushrooms or you'll struggle.
opposite the grasshopper hotel (by the sex museum) there is a great chip and mayo kiosk for a snack. beware of bikes and trams and bikes stuck in tram lines.
keep your wits about you, if you get approached in the red light district, don't enter into a conversation with the drug pushers just keep walking or they will carry on pestering you.
try to get to see a band at Paradiso and maybe some comedy at boom chicago on the elisaplein (sp?!)
Talking about drug pushers when we first went there (1990) my wife was approached by a guy (while I was in the loo) he actually opened a brief case in front of her which had all sorts of drug parafenallia (sp) in it, as I came out the loo he closed the case and casually walked off, bizaar experience indeed.
Had week of work so spontaneously returned with a mate this week. Was still amazing even on second time... Went to Rotterdam as well this trip well worth a visit!
Had week of work so spontaneously returned with a mate this week. Was still amazing even on second time... Went to Rotterdam as well this trip well worth a visit!
I have to go to Rotterdam for work. There is no way I would ever leave Amsterdam to take a voluntary trip tio Rotterdam. Its like having a holiday in London and popping up to Birmingham for the 'vibe'.
Haven't got further than Rotterdam train station and have to say that was enough. I remember a lot of scowling right wing skinheads milling about and was glad to leave town. I'd stick to Dam.
Do a lot of work in Rotterdam and it's certainly not a tourist attraction. Very industrial and commercial. The Dutch call it Moroccodam for a very good reason. There again Amsterdam thrives on tourism.
My mate worked in Rotterdam about 10 years ago. We paid a weekend visit. He used to tell us how lovely it was where he lived. I though it was like Thamesmead.
It's a port city, historically these are run down and a bit dodgy but a lot of money has gone into Rotterdam recently. It wasn't too bad when we went 2 years ago, though probably only worth visiting if you have a definite reason to. There was one nice area on the waterfront with bars and that oddly shaped hostel, and walking to and from it was alright. De Kuip is a cool stadium.
Our HQ is in Rotterdam place is OK if you know where to go, plenty of good restaurants etc but it is not a weekend destination and agree the area around central station is a no go after 9 o'clock. Amsterdam is OK but I find it a bit dirty and scruffy these days. Would consider Antwerp you can get flights from London City and its a really nice city.
Amsterdam has a zoo, haven't been tho. Anne Frank's definitely for the history but be prepared to answer questions that your kids might not like the answers to.
Not in Amsterdam but a few miles north is Volendam. It's a nice old fishing village and you can get a boat across to Marken which is really peaceful. Not sure if it will suit the kids though, but different from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Be prepared to queue for Anne Frank's house. Whatever, hope you have a good trip.
If you plan on going to Anne Franks House, then book online before you go. You can then bypass the mile-long queue and go straight in. It's not a 'pleasant' experience, but very moving.
Vondelpark is good for families if the weather is nice. Artis Zoo would also be a good bet, haven't been myself though so no idea on how good/bad it is.
I love the canal trips, it's an excuse to sit back and put your feet up for a while. Doesn't cost very much and you get to view the city from a different perspective. Going under those low canal bridges is a bit scary, as it going out into the dock area, alongside massive cruise liners in a tiny little boat!
Comments
I stayed right in the middle of the RLD earlier this year and never had any issues. Like most big cities after dark, keep an eye on money/wallets etc and don't be stupid! There are so many people about anyway it never bothered me.
Just off Leidseplein square.
Safe to open at work.
http://www.waterhole.nl/
One eck of a stadium they've got there!
opposite the grasshopper hotel (by the sex museum) there is a great chip and mayo kiosk for a snack. beware of bikes and trams and bikes stuck in tram lines.
keep your wits about you, if you get approached in the red light district, don't enter into a conversation with the drug pushers just keep walking or they will carry on pestering you.
try to get to see a band at Paradiso and maybe some comedy at boom chicago on the elisaplein (sp?!)
Amsterdam was great, but Rotterdam no thanks.
Ta
Red leb if you spot any
The Iamsterdam website is really good: http://www.iamsterdam.com/
Vondelpark is good for families if the weather is nice. Artis Zoo would also be a good bet, haven't been myself though so no idea on how good/bad it is.
I love the canal trips, it's an excuse to sit back and put your feet up for a while. Doesn't cost very much and you get to view the city from a different perspective. Going under those low canal bridges is a bit scary, as it going out into the dock area, alongside massive cruise liners in a tiny little boat!
You can chain them up to the railings outside and watch them through the window
Child care for pot heads