Planning a trip to Amsterdam. Who's been there?

Planning a 10-14 day trip to Amsterdam this Apr/May. Will be going with my wife and another couple. While there, we are going to try to visit Antwerp/Brussel and perhaps Paris.

We are going to try to find an appt to rent for the duration that we are there. Anyone know of a good resource for doing this?
Also how easy/difficult is it to get a rental car and drive myself around? If we were to visit Belgium and France, initially the thought was to take a train. But I priced out some train tickets and for regular class, they seem to run $150-$300 round trip. I personally would much rather drive...but i'm not sure if this is a feasible idea...for example is parking availalbe in the big cities?

Anyhow if anyone's been, I would love to hear about cool things to do and visit.

Once in any of the cities I would much rather not have a car. there is fine metro in Paris and Amsterdam (have not been to the others). Take the train, have a bottle of wine or some beers on the way, and you are set.

I do not know how old you are but what you enjoy. I found Paris pretty basic. Visit the standard sights and got out of there. Amsterdam was super cool with much more to offer than dope and woman. Just a hip, kind of post-consumerism city.

as far as rentals go:

http://www.lovingamsterdam.com/
http://amsterdam.citymundo.com/
http://www.apartmentpaul.com/

renting an apartment is definitely the best way given that hotel prices in A-dam are really expensive.

in terms of driving within the city limits, there is no need to rent a car. bicycles are the main modes of transportation and makes city viewing much more pleasurable. tons of bike tours should you be interested.

anyways i believe there was a similar thread on this subject so try searching. if you want more details on the best coffeshops and current hot strains, try this website:

http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/

and who can forget about shopping:

http://www.theninestreets.com/ninestreetsguide.html

the shopping (clothes) is a lot more interesting in antwerp though. restrict your shopping in amsterdam to herb, stroop waffles, cheese and those mayo fries. really good stuff. seriously.

I'd take the train, I never drive in holland/belgium/france - the trains are very good. I've never rented an apartment in any of those places, but I would suggest that you really want to be downtown in all those cities. brussels is between amsterdam and paris, so you do amsterdam, brussels and then paris. you can find great food and museums in each city. any specific questions?

Take public transportation and get a rental bike or bring a folding bike.

Originally Posted by dizzhizz

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as far as rentals go:

http://www.lovingamsterdam.com/
http://amsterdam.citymundo.com/
http://www.apartmentpaul.com/

renting an apartment is definitely the best way given that hotel prices in A-dam are really expensive.

in terms of driving within the city limits, there is no need to rent a car. bicycles are the main modes of transportation and makes city viewing much more pleasurable. tons of bike tours should you be interested.

anyways i believe there was a similar thread on this subject so try searching. if you want more details on the best coffeshops and current hot strains, try this website:

http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/

and who can forget about shopping:

http://www.theninestreets.com/ninestreetsguide.html

the shopping (clothes) is a lot more interesting in antwerp though. restrict your shopping in amsterdam to herb, stroop waffles, cheese and those mayo fries. really good stuff. seriously.


Thanks for the links....especially the appt rental ones. Exactly what I was looking for. Did some quick price checks and it looks like you can get a nice place for 10 nights for under 1000 euros. I hope the euro stays weak against the dollar until my trip!

the euro raped ****** earlier this year but given the korean won is a **** currency...just go out and have fun!

the dutch are very very tall.

Dont rent a car, at first glance it might seem a good idea, but in reality it'll cost you a LOT more.. Trains are a lot more comfortable and get you into the city centre without parking troubles (ex. parking costs 5 euros an hour in amsterdam these days) With that, all cities you planned have a good public transportation system anyways...

I purchased a fixed gear bike from a local youth for 85 Euros. However, for the red light district, I highly recommend:

Originally Posted by andyw

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Take public transportation and get a rental bike or bring a folding bike.

I got an a tourist type card at the train station, like a red i am amsterdam thing. I don't know remember the exact name. Anyways, I used that and was able to see all the museums and a canal tour for damn near nothing. I highly recommend it.

I'd avoid renting a car. The train service is great, and Amsterdam is a fantastic city to see on foot.

Originally Posted by clubbyjones

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I got an a tourist type card at the train station, like a red i am amsterdam thing. I don't know remember the exact name. Anyways, I used that and was able to see all the museums and a canal tour for damn near nothing. I highly recommend it.

Thanks. I will definately look into that.

I also looked at places that rented scooters. Typical rate is about 50 euros per day. Has anyone ever rented one? Is it safe to ride around? I think this would be a cool way to get around.

Also do businesses/restaurants stay open late? Is it possible to go out at midnight to get a snack if i wanted to?

Walk to where you want or use the trams, on a scooter in amsterdam you are a riding bullseye for other traffic...trust me on this... Most shops are open till 6, bars stay open till 2 and clubs untill 4 or 6.. MIdnight snacks shut down with the bars/cubs in the vincinity..

Bike, walk, and tram are the only modes of transport you need in Amsterdam.

Renting a car for trips outside the city, particularly to smaller towns can be fun. There are a couple of places on the overtoom to pick up rentals (book online before).

I lived in Amsterdam for a number of years, so if you have specific questions drop me a pm. I'm too lazy to write a guide

K