"Three Days in Amsterdam" a Amsterdam Travel Page by richyoon

On my first visit to Europe in 1996, I designed a trip to see the most famous cities of Europe. In three weeks, I was able to see London, Paris, Rome, Florence, and Venice. This trip was all about being a tourist, and sightseeing my way through some of the most famous structures in the world. However, I did not check out the nightlife in any of these cities.

Only in 2000, during my one week trip to Spain, I realized how fun it was to check out how the locals live and party. Till this day, the one night in Barcelona will forever be a highlight in my life. From that moment on, my goal was to check out the biggest party cities in Europe (that I had yet to visit). Based on my research, the trip I planned was going to cover Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague. Unfortunately, life events kept me from ever making this trip.

But life often provides second chances. An opportunity came up where I needed to go on a business trip to Munich in Feb 2007. I seized this chance to go see Prague and Amsterdam. Can you believe it, but there's a good chance I'll be going to Berlin in June 2007?

It seems that everytime I mention that I was going to Amsterdam, I always got reaction/preconceived notion of Amsterdam - depending on the attitude/nature of the person, it would be wow, super cool to oh my, be careful. I too am guilty of this preconceived notion. It felt a little sinister that I was going to go to Amsterdam of all of the possible cities I could chose in Europe. However, I think because of this preconceived notion, I definitely wanted to experience Amsterdam on my own eyes.

Definitely, Amsterdam will mean different things to different people... especially based on their own ethics/beliefs. However, I simply saw a city that worked. It was clean, safe, and a fun place to visit. It had beautiful architecture, plenty of touristy activity, and an energy of fun and tolerance. Even the notorious red light district and infamous coffeeshops were just simply part of a wonderful city. Nothing shady, nothing outrageous. I liked Amsterdam because it was a mecca for young people simply looking to have a good time. I don't know a more traveller friendly city for 20 somethings to meet up and hang out together in a foreign country.