Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a wonderful city filled with art, shopping, great food and - needless to say - an unbeatable night life. I was recently there for a week. The first two days we were there it rained. Since Amsterdam is such a great walking city it is far less enjoyable wet. I would suggest going during a dry time of year, be it winter or summer. Afterwords however, the weather was wonderful and we walked all over town from the red light district over to the museums. 

My favorite museum in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum. The entrance fee is 15 euros for adults and 2.50 for children (you can get there using the 2 tram). During our vistit we saw an exhibition they have going on at the moment called Nightlife. The exhibition focuses on expressionist paintings taking place at night or at twilight. You get a free guided tour and can learn a lot about Van Gogh's history and influences.

Another fun museum is the Hash Museum. It is a 7 euro entrance fee and is by the water, just pst the red light district. Upon entering the museum you are overwhealmed with the smell of cannabis and can look at certain types of plants they have growing as well as learing about the history of cannabis and its various uses. It is well worth the money (but don't forget to bring you camera!).

Along the same lines as the cannabis museum are two other museums, the Torture Museum and the Heineken Museum. The torture museum definately achieves the desired ambiance, with many sickening torture devices on display and a dark atmosphere, not for the weak of heart but really a terrifyingly captivating museum that should not be missed.

I am not really a big drinker so the Hieneken museum was not much of a draw for me, but if you are a fan of beer I have heard nothing but raving reviews of this mueum that guides you throught the history and making of the beer. You even get a tasting at the end. 

Now for the coffeeshops. We had read a lot online about all of the coffeeshops you just have to go to, but we just stuck around our neighborhood and had a great time. My favorite coffeeshops are the ones near the train station to the right of the red light district (coming from the train station). We spent a lot of time in one in particular called Lost in Amsterdam. It is a hookah-based coffeeshop that has 3 levels. The hookahs are pure and very strong, taking one for 2 or 3  people is a good idea, they only cost 8 euros per hookah and are worth the money. Then again, you could just roll your own joint. ^^

Hope is has been helpful. Enjoy you trip to Amsterdam!