Planing my first trip to the Dam

[Styl Eli]

This is my first post here and have read many of the different threads pertaining to Amsterdam.

I am looking for information centered around my trip specifically and am sponge when it comes to suggestions. I will be traveling to Paris around the 20th of September for about 3 weeks and will be buying a train ticket to go to Amsterdam at least once(hopefully twice). I've done a lot of research and am looking for suggestions from people I can actually interact with as opposed to just reading comments. I really enjoy walking around but don't want to be too far away from the action.

My plan is to do this trip on a shoe string budget so that I can possibly return before I leave Paris. I plan on staying in Hostels and finding cheap places to eat. I can't wait to visit the coffeeshops but will also like to sight see throughout the city as well(and have a phat sack of izms along the way ). From what I gather staying in the heart of the red light district is the priciest, loudest, and too touristy. Not to say that I won't be spending a lot of time there but having cheaper alternatives will definitely help the bank account.

As for food I am a chef so I am very creative when i comes to making tasty meals. I love cheap street food as well as the finest places to eat(though this will not be part of this trip) so I am open to anything. I love food markets as you can find great food for lunch on the cheap. Breakfast is extremely important and is a must for me.

Probably the most import part of my trip is going to be smoking weed. I would love recommendations for the best places that are not tourist traps/fair prices. I plan on visiting many shops and would like to know what to look out for. As well I would love to know what else is there to do.

I love pictures so if you have them PLEASE post them.

I want to thank everyone before hand that can help me out with my preparations for my trip and can't wait to hear about the experiences good and bad that many of you have had.

thanks

[TwoCanucks]

You've come to the right place for those answers.

[Balou]

Answers to your questions can be found in the appropriate sub-forum. The RLD actually has some of the cheapest hostels in town. For food Albert Heijn, grocery store, is your best option for cheap eats.

Peace,
Balou

[Nimrod]

Hello and welcome!

Some areas to look at are de Pijp and the Oude West. To name some shop names - Katsu, de Graal, 1e Hulp, Hugo de Groot. It gets a bit less touristy outside Lijnbaansgracht / Singelgracht - the Centrum.

If you'll be in town around early/mid October, perhaps we can meet for a smoke.

Enjoy ACD and have a great trip.

[Styl Eli]

Thanks for the reply's. I have looked through many of the sub forums but thought this would be a good way to meet some of you and ask specific question in one place. I am consumed by this trip and want to make sure to do everything possible to make it perfect.

Thanks

[Balou]

Thanks for the reply's. I have looked through many of the sub forums but thought this would be a good way to meet some of you and ask specific question in one place. I am consumed by this trip and want to make sure to do everything possible to make it perfect.

Thanks

Don't over plan it, you'll take all the fun out of the trip. If you post more specifics you will get plenty of suggestions. By far the best way to get a feel for the city is to read the Travelogues.

Peace,
Balou

[Styl Eli]

Thanks for the reply's. I have looked through many of the sub forums but thought this would be a good way to meet some of you and ask specific question in one place. I am consumed by this trip and want to make sure to do everything possible to make it perfect.

Thanks

Don't over plan it, you'll take all the fun out of the trip. If you post more specifics you will get plenty of suggestions. By far the best way to get a feel for the city is to read the Travelogues.

Peace,
Balou

Really I just want to know before hand things like a good hostel to stay, a good place to eat, where to buy good weed. I want to make sure all the necessities are taken care of and the rest I will just wing it. Read a lot about bed bugs/ dirty facilities.

Thanks

[Balou]

For hotel/hostels try St. Christopher at the Winston, Durty Nelly's, Flying Pig Uptown, Camping Zeeburg, Stayokay, Old Nickel or Voyagers. All are relatively inexpensive, less than 60 euro. For food the best bet like I said earlier is Albert Heijn. They have a prepared foods sections and you can get a meal for a few euro. Shops to visit would be Paradox, Basjoe, Greenplace, Voyagers, Resin, 1e Hulp, Hill St. Blues, Club Media, Katsu, Rockerij and Damplring/Tweede Kamer. Grasshopper and the Bulldog are considered tourist traps, so avoid buying from there. Feel free to take your own smoke as their locations can't be beat. I don't know if you drink but either way have a stop as Nes. Smoker friendly and good prices. Also, check out the thread for favorite shops. It'll give you a bigger selection of shops to check out. Don't forget to look at the reviews for your short list. https://www.coffeeshopdirect.com/forum/viewt ... =5&t=16878 There is also http://www.coffeeshopmenus.org so you can do a little virtual shopping.

Peace,
Balou

[XANAX]

I really enjoy walking around but don't want to be too far away from the action.

My plan is to do this trip on a shoe string budget so that I can possibly return before I leave Paris. I plan on staying in Hostels and finding cheap places to eat. I can't wait to visit the coffeeshops but will also like to sight see throughout the city as well(and have a phat sack of izms along the way ). From what I gather staying in the heart of the red light district is the priciest, loudest, and too touristy. Not to say that I won't be spending a lot of time there but having cheaper alternatives will definitely help the bank account.

As for food I am a chef so I am very creative when i comes to making tasty meals. I love cheap street food as well as the finest places to eat(though this will not be part of this trip) so I am open to anything. I love food markets as you can find great food for lunch on the cheap. Breakfast is extremely important and is a must for me.

Probably the most import part of my trip is going to be smoking weed. I would love recommendations for the best places that are not tourist traps/fair prices. I plan on visiting many shops and would like to know what to look out for. As well I would love to know what else is there to do.

My first advice would be to rent a bicycle. This will make your time there more efficient and allow you to explore much more of Amsterdam than by foot or Tram. Amsterdam is not a large city and you can easily go from point to point in minutes by bicycle. Heres where Ive rented fro ma few times. Bikes are in good condition and dont have loud colors and advertisments on them. http://www.discountbikerental.nl/

Some cheap places to eat:

FEBO (coin-dispensed food)
Maoz (falafal)
Wok to Walk (chinese)
Albert Heijn (supermarket)

You dont need to stay in the center of Amsterdam. There are many fine options just outside the areas you mentioned. You should book early, though.

Since you're a chef, you'll find that Albert Heijn is a convenient place to shop. AH is all over Amsterdam and they have a typical supermarket selection to statisfy most culinary needs you may have.

You should try some herring too. Its popular with the Dutch. Its served on bread with pickles and chopped onions. You'll find herring stands scattered throughout the city. Also, be sure to try some fresh stroopwafel from the Albert Cuyp Market. The packaged stuff is good, but the ones where they make it in fromt of you fresh are outstanding. BTW, stroopwafel is a sweet wafel made with carmel-like syrup in the middle.

Most coffee shops are more than fine. I recommend Paradox for space cakes. They're the best in Amsterdam. Homemade and good THC content.

[FlyByNite]

First timers get my S G Collins recommendation
I think a read of this will maximize your efficiency once you get there.

How not to get hit by a bike and other stuff they forgot to tell you about Amsterdam.

Enjoy
FlyByNite

[Styl Eli]

I really enjoy walking around but don't want to be too far away from the action.

My plan is to do this trip on a shoe string budget so that I can possibly return before I leave Paris. I plan on staying in Hostels and finding cheap places to eat. I can't wait to visit the coffeeshops but will also like to sight see throughout the city as well(and have a phat sack of izms along the way ). From what I gather staying in the heart of the red light district is the priciest, loudest, and too touristy. Not to say that I won't be spending a lot of time there but having cheaper alternatives will definitely help the bank account.

As for food I am a chef so I am very creative when i comes to making tasty meals. I love cheap street food as well as the finest places to eat(though this will not be part of this trip) so I am open to anything. I love food markets as you can find great food for lunch on the cheap. Breakfast is extremely important and is a must for me.

Probably the most import part of my trip is going to be smoking weed. I would love recommendations for the best places that are not tourist traps/fair prices. I plan on visiting many shops and would like to know what to look out for. As well I would love to know what else is there to do.

My first advice would be to rent a bicycle. This will make your time there more efficient and allow you to explore much more of Amsterdam than by foot or Tram. Amsterdam is not a large city and you can easily go from point to point in minutes by bicycle. Heres where Ive rented fro ma few times. Bikes are in good condition and dont have loud colors and advertisments on them. http://www.discountbikerental.nl/

Some cheap places to eat:

FEBO (coin-dispensed food)
Maoz (falafal)
Wok to Walk (chinese)
Albert Heijn (supermarket)

You dont need to stay in the center of Amsterdam. There are many fine options just outside the areas you mentioned. You should book early, though.

Since you're a chef, you'll find that Albert Heijn is a convenient place to shop. AH is all over Amsterdam and they have a typical supermarket selection to statisfy most culinary needs you may have.

You should try some herring too. Its popular with the Dutch. Its served on bread with pickles and chopped onions. You'll find herring stands scattered throughout the city. Also, be sure to try some fresh stroopwafel from the Albert Cuyp Market. The packaged stuff is good, but the ones where they make it in fromt of you fresh are outstanding. BTW, stroopwafel is a sweet wafel made with carmel-like syrup in the middle.

Most coffee shops are more than fine. I recommend Paradox for space cakes. They're the best in Amsterdam. Homemade and good THC content.

Great idea, I never thought about renting a bike. Paradox, Space Cakes, Check. I read that it' is hard to find fresh, good quality cakes. I will definitely make sure to buy one for the trip home. Thanks.

[Styl Eli]

First timers get my S G Collins recommendation
I think a read of this will maximize your efficiency once you get there.

How not to get hit by a bike and other stuff they forgot to tell you about Amsterdam.

Enjoy
FlyByNite

Nice, reading right now.

[XANAX]

Here are some hotel/hostel/apartment booking sites:

http://www.weekendhotel.nl
http://www.venere.com
http://www.amsterdam.en.craigslist.org

I briefly mentioned the Albert Cuyp Market in my last post about the stroopwafels. This market is run daily, and has a lot of street snacks and fresh food and vegetables as well. You should definitely check it out, especially if youre a chef. You'll even find Dutch white asparagus. Also, you mentioned staying at a hostel. Hostels have shared beds and facilities and depending on cost, you can have your own studio apartment with a stove and refrigerator.

You should save a copy of the Coffeeshop map found on this website and store it in your phone.

If you have an iPhone or similiar device, download some APPs to use. I have free iphone apps on mine for offline maps and other thigns to do around the city.

Vondel Park is very nice to sit and have a smoke. You can reach it by bike.

You might also want to look into the Iamsterdam card.

http://www.iamsterdam.com

It discounts a lot of attractions. Check their website for more details.

[XANAX]

Re: Fast Food


I forgot to mention fries!

They are very popular in AMS and one of the best places to stop for some is Vlaamse Frites on Voetboogstraat.


Also, check out Burger Bar. http://www.burger-bar.nl/

[Styl Eli]

Re: Fast Food


I forgot to mention fries!

They are very popular in AMS and one of the best places to stop for some is Vlaamse Frites on Voetboogstraat.


Also, check out Burger Bar. http://www.burger-bar.nl/

The burger bar looks splifferific. There's nothing like a fresh ground medium well burger.

Have you ever stayed in any hostels?