"Amsterdam, the Netherlands" a Amsterdam Travel Page by stmlnyc

What I remember most about Amsterdam were the distinctive Dutch style rowhouses and the delightful canals-earning it the title of Venice of the North.

Even though Amsterdam is notorious for its red light district (look for the Old Church) and marijuana smokeshops (gives me the munchies just thinking about it), there is so much more than that.

The many museums, particularly Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House, and Anne Frank House are enjoyable and an excellent way to spend your days. Bicycles are the preferred method of getting around the city...and the best way for sightseeing.

There is also legal gambling in Amsterdam, the most popular being Holland Casino...there is a branch at the Schiphol Airport...a convenient way to donate your leftover Dutch guilders (now Euros) before a flight.

Amsterdam has legalized sex, drugs, and gambling...all the vices banned in most countries. This liberalism does attract some undesirables but for the most part, the visitors behave and enjoy openly what is often criminal in their home countries.