where are the best places to go in amsterdam? What is amsterdam like? Whats legal in amsterdam? Whens the best time of the year to go and the cheapest time to go? Peace
Smoking pot or hash is officially "tolerated," although for courtesy it's best to smoke it in a coffee shop or in your hotel room. Mushrooms (Psilocybe) are also sold in what are called "smart shops," although you may want to take more than the seller recommends to get good visuals. Heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, etc., are deemed "hard drugs" and are explicitly ILLEGAL. There are street peddlers who will try to sell you some in the Red Light District, but they are scammers who may potentially be violent and who may steal your identification and money. They should be ignored. In Europe, especially in the big cities, there are many pickpockets. Keep your money in a safe spot or guardedly. Places to go: the canals, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (has Rembrandt and Vermeer), the Anne Frank Museum (altho I am not personally very interested in the subject of the Holocaust), Vondelpark, and there's a famous botanical garden in the city. I do suggest that Vondelpark be avoided at night, because I was almost mugged there. In daytime it's a great place to go.
Another detail, tho' very important: if it's possible, you may want to wait until the exchange rate between the dollar and the Euro is more favorable (if you are an American). Right now the dollar is very weak vs. the Euro, making a trip to Europe intolerable for many Americans, but making a trip to the U.S. enticing for many Europeans. You are not going to get many Euros for the dollars you give to the bank at this point in time. So, perhaps the best idea is to wait for the exchange rate to be more favorable. However, it may take a long time for that to happen, and there is the possibility of an economic meltdown in the U.S. given the fiscal mismanagement by American politicians.
Thanks for the info, I dunno when I am going to make it out there, but when I do I will be prepared to visit those places. Thanks for the money warning, I am broke already! I will work on getting some money together when I decide to visit Amsterdam!
