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I have only been to Amsterdam once, I went last year over the Easter bank holiday weekend and minus a few nice coffeeshops and some great weed, it was pretty much a disaster.

After reading quite a few reports about all the fun people have had, it left me wondering if anyone has had any bad experiences in Amsterdam?

For me the weather was a major problem! Living in the UK I should be used to cold weather, but this weekend was just ridiculous. It was snowing most of the time I was there and was absolutley freezing! So cold that the rain/snow was freezing and forming icicles on the umbrella before it could even hit the ground. Waiting for the ferry to the Amstel Botel was also horrible in the snow and the wind.

The majority of people I encountered were pretty rude, maybe the weather didn't help (Londoners are pretty miserable during the winter months too so maybe it has the same affect on people in 'dam?). I also got pickpocketed in the RLD and lost my camera, probably my own fault for not being more careful and getting rid of the street dealer more swiftly.

Anyway my hopes for my next visit are high, hoping the weather will be nice in late May and I think I'll give the RLD a miss this time lol. Anyone else have any advice on how to make my next visit a trip to remember - for the right reasons!

Amsterdam has more hours of sunshine than in England but is colder at all times, even in the summer.

Dutch locals in general do not integrate much with tourists, much like at home in England, how much time do you spend chatting to tourists?

Also remember, you are stoned, a lot of people you meet are stoned, so there is bound to be a bit of unease and mis-interpretations too.

Just enjoy yourself, don't worry about the other people. As long as you are happy, that's all that counts

The world is your point of view, if you think an experience was negative, it was

I was there the same weekend. The weather was awful! Sorry to hear about your wallet etc.

You'll have a great time in May. My three favorite things to do there (apart from the obvious) are:

1. St Nicolaas Boat Trip. Very chilled smoker friendly boat trips on the canalshttp://amsterdamboatclub.com/

2.T'ij Brewery. http://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/eng/index.html

3. Post-Spliff-Munchies-Fest in any of the Argentinean Steak Houses.

morgie

I am sorry that you had a bad time.

I hope that your next visit is more pleasant.

The locals can seem rude, but if you are pleasant to them then, it can often elicit a better/more polite response from them.

Many people find that much of Europe is NOT as "service oriented" as where they are from, so if you are used to pleasantries from store clerks, horeca staff, and so on, then you might be out of luck. However, I find the people of Vancouver, in general, to be more rude than those in A'dam. Hence, I don't really notice the rudeness.

RE the pickpocketing: One thing to consider, is that if you were wandering around in your own local version of the RLD, whilst high/drunk, would you be a more likely target for pickpockets/muggers? Most likely, yes.

I would apply the same precautions I use at home, when I am abroad.

Come in springtime when the weather is good and staff are either new or more enthusiastic because of the weather.

I was there from Apr 10-13 and the weather was great except for one torrential thunderstorm that hit late at night while we were at Barney's Uptown. Our server, Woody, was a local guy that spent the night talking with us and giving tips on weed and the city. When he saw that we weren't dressed for the storm, he loaned us his own umbrella (which we returned the next evening). Everybody I met during the trip was exceptionally friendly. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but hopefully your next trip you'll encounter some of the wonderful folks I had the opportunity to meet. God, I miss that beautiful city!

Ive never had a bad experience. I love the dutch people and those who have relocated over there. Im sorry to hear you had such a bad experience.

Sorry to hear about your trip Nickaveli not being the best. I understand about the weather going bad since the last time I went was in late March thru early April and it was snowing, freezing rain and windy as could be but I took it with a grain of salt and made the best of my time and I've (always) been treated well by the dutch people (love em) and the kicker about the weather is I'm from Florida and to me its cold if it gets below 55F. Lol. Well put SoulRider. My next trip I'm waiting till May to arrive for my two weeks of bliss.
Peace

Well in general it seems that I'm the exception to the rule

I guess there's nothing that can be done about the weather, it just and made it hard to wander around and get to know the city in sub-zero conditions - hopefully this time will be much better.

I have to agree, I think I might be expecting too much from people in terms of customer service after living in London. There is always a 'please' or 'thank you' even when dealing with the worst of customers (I know having worked in retail!), and after travelling a little in Europe I noticed that it's not only in Amsterdam where that is missing. I'll take SoulRider's advice and not worry so much about others.

Regarding the pick-pocketing, I have walked around places worse than the RLD while drunk / high and managed to hold on to my belongings lol, I put the incident in 'dam down to not being cautious enough and not understanding how those gangs of guys operate.

Fingers crossed for my next trip, thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to report back