"Coffeeshops" - What a great concept! and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Local Custom Tips

Coffeeshops were definitely not the only reason we wanted to visit Amsterdam, but it is the thing we miss the most! Here's an important tip - Be sure to learn where your hotel is before visiting a coffeeshop! And at most of the coffeeshops we were very pleased with the product except at one - Basjoes. I have since read on this site that some just offer a selection but sell the same stuff, and what was supposed to be "Thai" looked like the same old crap we get at home. When smoking a dutch joint (and be sure to do that!) just be careful if you are not a smoker since they add tobacco to them. Don't try to take a big toke on those! My biggest suggestion is to try the "White Widow"! You will not regret it! (I wish I could run down to my corner coffeeshop right now!!!)

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After ordering water the first few times and being charged 2 euros, I decided I would have wine from then on for only 2.50 euros. A glass of Coke was about 4.50 euros (with no ice), and there are no free refills (or coffee "to-go" cups). We were often unsure if we were supposed to seat ourselves or be seated, and don't be surprised if you are practically seated with someone else if the restaurant is crowded. And for Americans traveling there for the first time - don't expect the same level of service. We were always treated friendly, but there mentality was not "gotta turn the table to get my next tip"! In fact, we were in a restaurant and they were having to turn customers away because it was so full, but we were just sitting there waiting on the check. We finally decided that they probably considered it rude to present it so quickly, (which was the case), but we were just not used to such a nonchalant attitude. But once we were used to this type of service, we actually liked it better. We definitely appreciate the slower pace of life there!
And you must try some of their baked items! (Especially when the coffeeshop "munchies" hit!) The one we frequented was Rene's, and everything we sampled was delicious!

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For the art lovers, a visit to Rembrandt's home is a must! It was so much better than we expected to be able to see the great Rembrandt's studio, and the home gave us a feel for Dutch life during his time. And we could not even begin to count how many Rembrandt works we saw there!

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Even if you just have a short time in Amsterdam, be sure to visit Ann Frank's house. I understand the lines can get long, but they are open until 9:00pm during the tourist season so I would suggest going in the evening. It is very moving to say the least.....

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It would be nearly impossible to visit Amsterdam without checking out the RLD since so many attractions, museums, etc. are basically in this area. And I can't imagine who would want to visit Amsterdam yet be offended by this area. If you are, don't turn on the TV either since they advertise on there too! What surprised us the most was how beautiful most of the women were! (There was one who looked just like Jessica Simpson.) And I imagine many men who would have never thought of paying for sex, quickly reconsider once they see these women! In fact, I heard one guy say, "It's just novelty sex! I'm in Amsterdam after all!" And for the most part, we felt safe walking in this area at most any time. Just watch out for the men who seem to hang around the "edges" who will come up and whisper "Cocaine?", etc. in your ear. I suggest just ignoring them, and they don't push any further. Surprisingly though, we never saw any policemen in this area.

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