1. Must do’s: Get a good map with an index, rent a bike, visit a museum, take a canal boat cruise, see the Vondelpark, see a classical or jazz concert at the Concertgebouw, explore the Leidseplein’s many restaurants, pubs and music venues, have a beer at the Rembrandtplein and watch the passing show, check out the posters for events of interest, try some Indonesian food (or Dutch food if you prefer less spice). Take a walk through the Red Light District and see what they left out of that sex education class in junior high. If you’ve ever smoked marijuana, or always wanted to try, just visit any establishment that calls itself a coffeeshop (not a cafe), and ask to see the menu (hippies need not be reminded, that’s why they came!). Visit the countryside to see the farms, flowers, windmills and dikes.

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Display of Marijuana and Hashish at Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands’ tolerant approach to drug use is the source of much international debate. The Dutch are constantly having to defend their position on “illegal” drugs due to pressure from other countries especially France and the U.S. If only these other countries would adopt the Dutch attitude towards drugs, they would see their “drug problem” and most related crime evaporate overnight. The Dutch statistics bear this out. By decriminalizing the use of soft drugs, and treating even hard drug use as a disease, the Dutch have created the model that others should emulate. By dividing drugs into soft and hard categories, they can deal with every situation calmly, rationally and effectively.

The Dutch have a far greater problem with alcoholism (and tobacco) than with any “illegal” drug and they know this. By allowing people to purchase and consume marijuana in licensed coffeeshops, they not only remove the stigma of being a marijuana user, but they completely remove this as a “criminal activity”. Thus it becomes safe to purchase and use the drug without a criminal element involved (although they have cracked down on growing the plant in quantity, thanks to the aforementioned pressure from other nations). The fact is you can walk all over Holland and see marijuana plants growing in windows, on houseboats, in backyards, etc. Current law allows Dutch gardeners to grow 5 plants, but no lamps are allowed (only sunlight, a rare commodity). But there is NO FEAR, associated with marijuana, hence a true enjoyment of this magical herb that can heal, relax and enlighten.

See The Dutch Coffeeshop Scene for more about smoking cannabis in Holland.

As far as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin, the Dutch are firmly keeping these drugs illegal, but not prosecuting the users. There are many treatments available for those addicts seeking it. They go so far as to give these addicts their heroin or methadone to keep them from stealing to get it. Again it is seen as an illness and treated like one, not turning the addicts into criminals. Warning! Ecstasy is considered a hard drug in Holland!

Since the Dutch have the highest population density in the world, they also have the smallest cars in the world. These cars are so small and slow they are often seen in the bike lanes. Any vehicle under 55 hp is exempt from vehicle regulations and taxes.

Parking is a big problem in Amsterdam, and the government does what it can to discourage people from bringing cars into the city. Parking rates are sky high if you can find a spot. In Amsterdam you must find the ticket machine nearest your car (look for signs pointing towards the machine) and pay for the time you expect to be parked there. Then you put the ticket inside your windshield. In certain locations there are underground parking garages. Look for signs.

This is Central Station, where you can get the metro, a bus or tram around town or even a train to Paris or Berlin. The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) counters sell tickets to anywhere in Holland (as do the machines in the lobby) and other International destinations in Europe. In addition you’ll find such convenient services as travel agencies, newstands, bicycle rental, cafes, an Etos (drug store), a Ben and Jerry’s, and many other shops right in the station. In fact Centraal Station is now a decent shopping mall, and worth checking out if you have time.

Centraal Station marks the east/west center of the city and it’s a short walking distance to the Red Light District, the Dam Square or the Jordaan. It’s also the place to catch night buses after 12:30am since most other forms of transport, except taxis, are done for the day.

The street leading from Central Station is the Damrak and this takes you past restaurants, money changers, travel agents, ATM machines, a huge internet cafe (easyEverything), tour boats, department stores, and ends right at the Dam Square, so if you have any business or shopping to do, it’s only minutes away from Central Station. In fact the street paralleling the Damrak towards the west, the Nieuwendyke, is a mile long shopping street! Note: Be careful when transiting through the station as there are many pickpockets here.

Centraal Station is currently undergoing a number of construction projects including a new bus station and a new metro line that will go right down the Damrak to the Museumplein, ending at the RAI convention center.